OMG! What adventures! And you still are so upbeat!!!
You are an amazing woman!!!

Shellie

Oh Barbara,
When I was in ICU I watched this poor guy next to me go through that horrible procedure. It was right off TV. This very sick man was lying there listening to the teaching doctor teach and describe in great detail exactly what he was going to do. I think the patient fainted. My eyes were big as saucers. They closed off ICU to all guests and proceeded to extract the fluid and I know it wasn't pleasant. When the guy's wife and daughter came in, they just looked at me and asked, what on earth happened.

Three days later when I was for the first time planning on enjoying my breakfast, I was told to get up on a stretcher because I was going to have my lung drained. Soon my nurse came in and there was a big chit chat about who makes the decisions (my breakfast was getting cold mind you) and then the doctor came along and said he was going to try and treat me with magic pills. (Ever since my surgery I have been a real lover of pills, good ole pills.) I could have kissed him. I moved quicker than ever before getting off that stretcher and back to my breakfast!

I'm still shivering over what you just went through.....

You are doing all the right things but perhaps you'd better get back to work on your spirometer. It surprises me all to heck at all the post-op blips we are going through. Between us all we've pretty much covered enough material for another book for Adam.

You get some rest. You too are in my prayers. My prayer list grows and grows. Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Barbara,
It's going to get harder for you to stay quiet as each day passes, but I figure that you get so finally tuned to your body after what you have been through that you get smarter about when to stop and lie down. I enjoy reading yor progress - don't quit on us yet! We need you for a few weeks more...
warmest wishes
Penny

Hi Barbara
Jeeze you are a social butterfly. Where on earth did you ever find time to fit this surgery in? You are so fortunate to have such a mirad of special and caring friendships.

You are just going to heal one way or the other. Kudos.

Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Barbara
You're a city person, how nice to be able to walk to the bank, dr. etc. Do you own a car for when you are allowed to drive? Or do you take the MTA? Seems it goes everywhere. When we visited Brookline friends a couple of years ago, we all used it daily. I'm learning so much about post op healing. As Cheryl said need to listen to our bodies, not our minds. I will remember that for next month. Sounds like you've been getting some gourmet meals from wonderful friends!
Post when you can, love to read them.
Fran Zilko

Hi Barbara
I found it didn't take too much to put me on my back so do take care and TRY not to overdo it. You have lots of time. Your mind is telling you one thing but the body isn't cooperating. Listen to your body - your mind has it all wrong right now.

Great to get out, isn't it?

Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Barbara
Not fair that you should have such a great day then have to pay for it the next day. Easy, easy, rest more and good food.
Fran Zilko

Hi Barbara,
What exactly were you lifting??? Step away from the dumbbells! Seriously, do NOTHING. I can only imagine how frustrating that is but you know it's better taking one very slow step forward than 4 fast backwards. I give you permission to throw these words back to me anytime after next week...
Looking forward to the next 'slow forward' update.
Warmest wishes
Penny

Keep plugging along Barbara. I am confident that it is not easy.
Enjoy your log.
Doug

Guess the bottom line is, we need to listen to our bodies and what yours is apparently telling you is to take it easy and don't overdo. I'll have to remember those words for myself when my time comes in March. Rest, Rest, rest.
Fran Zilko

Assume it was a beautiful day in Beantown? Glad all went well. Keep healing.
Fran Zilko

Dear Barbara.
It was so great to see you yesterday. You looked fantastic, much better than I would have imagined. It is not surprising that you have so many people who care about you, because you are a great friend.

Hello to Violet.
Xo,

Stacey

Hi Cuz,
Happy to read you're on the road to
recovery! Has the Olympics been apart of your agenda? Jen keeps me posted about your progress,

Hugs/kisses,
Dona

Hey Barbara, I went out and bought my recliner on Sunday and it will be delivered tomorrow. Told Steve that he can test drive it for the weekend and after that its MINE. The hospital that I am going to next week for my op doesn't have heart cushions (well it is National Health even though I'm private!) so I am going shopping tomorrow for my hugging pillow. I have my front button PJs ready to pack and a poncho to get popped over my head if I get cold. How did you find the trip home from the hospital? We have a 10 hour drive home as I have been recommended not to fly, but I am still going to keep an open mind on that one and see how my recovery goes. I am staying in for an extra 3 days anyway because of the distance and the consultant won't discharge me until he is happy with my progress. I do appreciate your updates, it gives me a really good marker of what to expect. I haven't read of anyone with'cardiac depression' which I figure is the equivalent of baby blues but I do think that there is a lot of stuff that post ops don't share to spare our pre ops feelings!
Stay up there! Warmest wishes Penny (Scotland)

Hi Barbara
Good to see you on your journal. You are obviuosly getting better and on your feet. Weren't you looking to be back at work for spring? I think you might just make it. Cheryl, Ontario

Enjoyed reading about your "comfortable' chair...Dale has one of those and sleeps in it most of the time.....glad you are doing better and getting out a little bit. Did you watch the Westminster dog Show, or are you just into cats? I still remember Violet from way back when Barb T and I spent the week end with you.....Keep on truckin'
Susan and Dale.....

Hi, Barb - Sounds like you're doing really well - am waiting, though, for an updated photo!

These are the days to just snuggle up and read, or enjoy the Olympics. Have any hot cocoa?

Take care and keep mending!

Cous Jo Ann

Hi Barbara, I am having my Aortic valve replaced on 2 March and have organised to hire a recliner, I am all for minimizing pain! Did you get your heart cushion from the hospital? Take care.

Thalia Faunt

Thanks for the update. We own recliners and a split king adjustable bed, so plan to use the recliner during the day and the adjustable bed at night. The first few days after discharge we will be staying at my brother in law's home before flying home to FL. Thank goodness he has a recliner!! Grew up in Worcester and later, we lived in Chelmsford, so know about being a Baystater. Boston has always been one of my favorite big/little cities. Keep healing.
Fran Zilko

Glad to know that you are doing well Barbara.


Doug

Hi! Belated Happy Valentine's Day! So glad
to hear everything is coming along. It's
that determined attitude and positive
spirit. You continue to be in our thoughts
and prayers each day.

Love,
Jeff and Barbara

P.S. That email about Violet was almost
dangerously too fun for you to read. I
about peed my pants I was laughing sooo
hard.

Good to hear from you again and learn how well you have done. You are fortunate to have such a special friend to stay with you. Sounds like you have a great support system. Everything I read says to rest, rest, rest. Time heals and don;t push yourself too hard. I'll have to tell myself next month after my surgery. Post every now and then when you can.
Fran Zilko

Hi Barbara,

Happy Valentine's Day to you as well!!!

:)

All the best with your recovery!

Keep on tickin!
Adam Pick

Hi Barbara,
You are inspirational and my role new model. It's nail biting when we don't hear from you for a while - it's like what's happening, why the silence...my imagination runs riot. I would guess that you will be done with the journal really fast, but please drop in just now and again to let us know your continued progress. You are my bench marker!
Warmest wishes
Penny (Scotland)

Wow, you are inspiring me that it doesn't have to be that terrible. I have read so much ( I just finished Adam's book), and it made me rather fearful, after he described his pain, but you are the other side of coin. I guess everyone is different and I should probably base my recovery on some other surgeries I have experienced. I sure hope you continue at the rate you are going.
Happy Valentine's Day.
Linda S.

HI Barbara! I am so glad to hear how fast you are recovering! That's so wonderful! I am looking forward to see you in class real soon! Happy Valentine's Day you too!
Luis

hey poods! just a short note to say hello, and send our love your way, pood i hope you're resting and letting your body heal. i'm sorry about the discomfort you must be feeling. if there's anything i can do, let me know. tomorrow bugsee goes to california to see her friend lee, paul poodee had his surgery and biopsy tuesday---no results yet,but he's staying at bugsy's to rest and take care of the dogs.hopefully by next week i can blow this ridiculous cold off and come visit the recovering boo. i'll be in touch tommorrow pood to check in. sorry this message is sooo boooring. i'm suffering a major case of the winter blahs. love you lots pood. deb

Hi Babs,

I'm hopeful that you are feeling better.

You are in my thoughts.

xo
Dougie Lou

hey pood--i have a feeling your're lying low--i dont blame you. your body has gone through hell in a handbasket this past week. rubees sick again--choking a lot, cold, swollen right foot. as much as i wanted to see you tuesday, you would have definitely been the recipient of rubees germ's--ick! i did some glamorous things myself today (check to the IRS,rubee's laundry etc) i know you're in fabby hands with carmella,but if you need anything errand wise,please let me know if i can pick up anything at all for you. it would be my pleasure pood. i'll be in touch with you soon. love deb

boo--sorry you had such a tough night last night. healing can be really tough. by all means get the perc perscription if needed,it will help your bod relax enough to heal more quickly.i still have my cold so have low keyed it a bit myself today. tomorrow's supposed to bring a pile of snow our way. i'm glad you'll be in and under the expert care and supervision of carmella. boo,if you're getting a bit restless and want to check out a really cool,interesting website, checkout cookstr.com. this site has unbelievable photographs,recipes and suggestions on all aspects of food and cooking . recipes etc are broken down into categories such as ethnic foods, specific chefs, regional dishes,dietary concerns etc. though its your turn to relax, not cook and rest this site may get you creative juices going for when your up and at 'em and returning the gift of cary's post surgery lamb sandwhich with a culinary creation of your own. get a good night's rest pood. i'll call you tommorrow. love deb

There is no place like home; just click your ruby slippers every now and then. We are glad you are up and about, walking is so good, but dont over do....I know you are a good patient and will do what the doctor/nurse tell you to do......
love, dale and susan

Hi Barbara
Don't be a hero, as Duane would say. Keep a few pain meds going, elsewise you mightn't get the walking done. I found getting in and out of bed the big stresser and thank goodness I had my husband who was strong enough to take hold and get me sitting without bending anything. Continued success. Keep cheery. Cheryl, Ontario

Glad to hear that you are on the road to recovery. It has been a nightmare, I can only imagine.
E/mail me you tel. #. I had to get a new phone and they couldnt transfer numbers.
Love,
Doug

Ouch! and then some. But it will pass...the sooner the better, right?

Couz Jo Ann

Hi Barbara,

So happy you are doing great! I wish I were as far along as you. Waiting is the worst.
You're experience is an inspiration to me.

Linda

Glad you're doing so well. I assume you had minimally invasive surgery and not a sternal incision?? Everyone who has that (which is what I will have) says they feel like they've been run over by a truck!! In any event,a am sure the relaxation and imagery tapes will help.
Fran Zilko (FL)

POOD--great reading your encouraging update and talking this a.m. on the phone. i'm in awe of your positive energy and attitude. as soon as rube's cold and accompanying cooties are over i'll be visiting with a care package from mom and i. in the meantime boo,try to rest a bit and send my thanks to cary and carmella for taking such fine care of our beloved boo. talk to you soon. love,deb

Hi Barbara,

So glad to hear that you are home. I guess you set the BI land speed record for getting sprung after surgery! You are an inspiration and we are very happy to know that everything went so well!

p.s. I was in p-town today and did a unit 9 check. All is fine there.

Much love,
Renny & Shellie

Well, you made it. Nothing like home, I'm sure. Wishing you a speeddy and full recovery.
Fran Zilko (FL)

Hi Barbara
Really gald to hear you're home, safe and sound. It does feel good to sleep in your own bed and be surrounded by your own things. Good luck on your next journey of recovery. Cheryl, Ontario

Welcome Home Barbara! We're so happy it
went so smoothly. Cary's descriptions and
updates were great. We just saw you working the crowd there at the hospital!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Pat and Kay

Glad that Violet's mommy is home and well! You sound great....do obey the doctor's orders so that you are back on track in record time!

Babs, Jr

Welcome home, Barbara!
We really enjoyed your picture from the hospital. It was a true Valentine card with your special "Red Heart" !
Please take your time to recover from this ordeal.
Nori

There's no place like home!! Glad you are feeling pretty good. Can't wait to see you!
Love, Marian

Welcome Home. I hope this finds you well. Cary gets an A+ for journal entries and hospital companion.


XO,

Stacey

Looooooo. hope you Are Home as type. wishing you speedy recovery & lots of Love & Well Wishes.. Lew

Hola La Reina De Boston, so you managed to upset everyone at the hospital so they can D/C you to home? and now you are back at your palace, welcome back where you belong sweetie. Now you know what nurses do at work every single day right? Glad u r feeling better and ready to hit the gym again. Lovitos JR.

Hope the jail break is happening as I write this.

Justin's post heart surgery jail break kept getting postponed. They insisted he gain weight 3 days in a row. Up 2, down 1 for over a week!! They finally let him out with the condition to see the doc 3x a week. (Mostly to get rid of the pain in the ass parents!!)

Good thing those neonatal ICU rules don't apply to adults, especially with hospital food.

There's no place like home.. There's no place like home...

Shellie & Renny

Hi! You'll probably read this after you are back in your "home sweet home"! Your own bed and pillow never felt so good,huh. How very important those little things in life are. So pleased to hear how well you are progressing--but why doesn't that surprise me. Take care. Will keep in touch.
Hugs and kisses,
Jeff & Barbara

Posh-pootie, I knew you'd kick medical ass. The hospital is no place for a gal with your class and style. Now if the Four Seasons had a medical wing ... hum, afternoon tea and scones... sorry I wandered off. Sooooo glad you did so well and are going home. Congrats on your quick recover (and great blog, Go Cary.) Can't wait to see and the other Boston pooties. xoxoxo Cosmo-pootie (aka Stephanie)