Susan Smith posted a note for Dan that says: Great going Dan. Love the Grouper sandwiches. I went Christmas Shopping this morning and I must confess our weather was lousy today. Gray and misty, but the temp. was 77 so shouldn't complain. Keep up the great recovery and as I move forward, I will keep your words in mind.

Jim Jones posted a note for Dan that says: Hey Dan
Nothing we would enjoy more. Let's see what the future holds. The best deal would be the Rays and Red Sox playing in January of course,

Jim Jones posted a note for Dan that says: Dan
I don't hate you because you live in Florida. (we had a bit of snow on the ground). I hate you because you are not a Red Sox and Pats fan! (just kidding- we are rabid fans.)
I was thinking of you folks today and your great weather. I hope at some point in the future to be as fortunate. Great walk and great sandwich. I love grouper sandwiches. Continued healing, Dan. And hi to Mary!

Cydne B posted a note for Dan that says: I'm happy to read your surgery is over and that you are recovering.

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Dan that says: Went to rehab today. She said they want to keep my heart rate between 100 and 130. The highest I got Tuesday was 123. Forgot to ask her today, but she did say I was at 112 after about 30 minutes on the treadmill. She says the Labetelol I take will keep my heart from going too fast. She says I'm doing really well and since I've been going to the gym on my off days, she's thinking about kicking me out after next week.

Jim Jones posted a note for Dan that says: Danny boy
You are the bionic man. Good for you. I am glad you are doing so well. Keep up the good work!

Susan Smith posted a note for Dan that says: Dan you are doing great. Keep it going. We are blessed to be living in Florida and can do the walking outside our homes. There are so many of our Community that can't do that. I just learned that I am not moderate to severe, but just severe with a little Mital Value reguritation. So I know the next visit to cardio will probably be more test and then the surgeon. Do take care.

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Dan that says: They've got me doing 17 minute miles in rehab and they've just now started to increase the incline. I'm 12 weeks post op.

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Dan that says: Whoa! It's not a race here. Don't worry so much about speed as distance and the amount of time exercising in the beginning. Then increase the speed gradually as you go.

Glad you are feeling well. Keep up the good healing.

Kevin Woodard posted a note for Dan that says: Great to hear how well you are doing. Keep up the good work!

Jim LeMaster posted a note for Dan that says: Glad to hear your are doing so well. I started following you because we had the same surgeon. You are 100% right, he IS the man! I had MItral repair and bypass about a year ago. Never felt as good as I do now. I am up to 1/2-2 hrs. of cardio 3 days a week and strength training 2 days a week. I am 62 and could never have done that prior to surgery. Your 15 min pace is fantastic for this point after surgery. Best of luck in the future - fighting heart disease and winning!
Jim in WV

Carol Jackson posted a note for Dan that says: They said I could drive at 4 weeks but I waited until 5 weeks ( even then my chest hurt with turning the steering wheel and turning body to back out of a parking space. )
I put a pillow between my chest and seat belt for about 2 weeks when driving to take pressure off that area.
That "driving Miss Daisy " drove me nuts too...all my friends who would come and pick me up and usually had to clean out their back seats!!!!

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Dan that says: I think I got the OK for driving at week 4 or 5 post op. Never had much sternum pain, so didn't have any problems driving. But, I haven't ridden my motorcycle yet. You need to walk anyway.

Deb Ziegler posted a note for Dan that says: I broke the no driving rule at 3 1/2 weeks out, and I have to say, I was surprised at how much it hurt to turn the steering wheel. I only went a few miles, but the next day I really paid for it. I waited til the full six week mark after that, and I was fine. ( my discharge instructions said no driving for six weeks.). I went nuts too. It's really hard asking for a ride all the time! You'll be driving yourself to rehab in no time, so don't be in too big a rush.

Sandy Wummer posted a note for Dan that says: the driving was my biggest complaint too. i waited 2 weeks after my first valve and 4 after my second. (family very unhappy with the 2 week choice) but i had minimal invasive surgery the first time so i could drive quicker. Frankly the minimal invasive didnt hurt any less than the full sternotomy so im not sure what the difference was. I didnt ride in the back seat at all but was sure nervous about air bags for a few months! best to you!!!

Anne Shannon posted a note for Dan that says: Hey Dan,

I think the eight week wait to drive was for people who have had the full sternotomy - you didn't. I went to CCF and had a minimally invasive aortic replacement and - don't mention it - but I started driving about 2 1/2 weeks. I wasn't on pain medications, felt great and didn't have the big incision to worry about. We do live in a rural area. The cardiologist and my PCP had never seen this type of surgery and weren't really sure what I should be doing.
Interestingly, the last time I saw the cardiologist, he told me the surgeons in his practice had been in touch with Cleveland to learn about MIS. It makes a huge difference as far as recovery. Cleveland is a wonderful facility!

Linda H and Elsie posted a note for Dan that says: Not to burst your bubble or anything but the answer is NO I had to wait for eight weeks and then I still had to use the pillow for protection. That was fun, so I didn't like driving to much, just little trips for a short while. Time will fly you are doing really good.

Michael LeBlanc posted a note for Dan that says: Dan
Stay impatient but compliant. I think that is a good mix.
By the way as a lifetime Saints fan, I thought the game sucked.

Jim Jones posted a note for Dan that says: Hey Ms. Daisy, my guy said 4 weeks which isn't too terrible. Lise threatened to drop me off on the side of the road today when I did my back seat driver routine. I said, "no problem", I was within 15 minutes of home. She let me stay in the car.

Stephen K. posted a note for Dan that says: Hi Dan..Appreciate your updates...since you offered, I'd appreciate answers to some questions if you feel they are appropriate..I would guess others would also appreciate your experiences........do you still have pain? Are you still on prescription pain relievers or have you switched to over the counter analgesics? Do you feel like you can drive yet? Do you feel you can begin running again soon? Do you have weight gain or loss now since before surgery? thanks so much!!!

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Dan that says: Should be a good game tonight. I might have a beer, too.

Susan Smith,patiently waiting. posted a note for Dan that says: Dan, I think you were saying that your dog kept you at slower pace....and you want to go faster. If so,great.. Unfortunately on the east side of Florida it is raining and it has been raining all day. Glad you are in good recovery mode. Go for it with moderation. Have a great day.

Stephen K. posted a note for Dan that says: Hi Dan…I've been reading your journal and it is amazing how well you are doing! I am also going to have valve surgery myself soon and you are helping me with what to expect..thank you. Dan, I am curious: do they still do a full body shave before surgery? Also, were you required to have your hair cut short before surgery (or do they cover your head during surgery?). I hope you are ok with these questions :)

Jim Jones posted a note for Dan that says: Hey Dan
I enjoyed reading your post about the first days at CCF. It is interesting how hospitals differ. Sorry about the food. The food at Mt. Sinai for me was great. Bizarre, as Lise would look at the food and be turned off and I would be counting the hours to my next meal. I ate everything. They had me on a heart healthy diet. The private room sounds great and your first few days uneventful. That is all good!

Deb Ziegler posted a note for Dan that says: Hi Dan,

Reading your blow by blow made me flashback to my own time in step down at CCF. You could have been writing for me, as our experiences were almost identical. I think we might have even had the same room.......I stared at some sort of lounge too (I always wondered if they could see into my room cuz I hated having the the blinds closed.). Were you in J1-16? I, too, very much enjoyed the new drugs and the quiet. I think I hated the food a lot more than you though. I swear the best meal I had during my whole stay was Cheerios. ( I really liked the Italian Ice for dessert too:).
Glad to hear your recovery has been going so well. Having it behind you makes the holidays pretty darn special, doesn't it? At least that's the way I feel, and I hope I never lose that perspective.

Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
God Bless,

Susan Smith, taking it all in posted a note for Dan that says: Dan, the story continues. I believe you are going to have to get over "red" food. Thanks for the good post. Continue when you can. Glad you had a great thanksgiving. Keep up the good work.

Randy posted a note for Dan that says: Hi Dan...I'm sure it was one of your best Thanksgivings ever! I want to thank you for all you are giving to the community, and your posts of the days following your surgery are invaluable for those of us who are anxiously awaiting our turns. Thank you again.

Aubrey Elmo Jones posted a note for Dan that says: Happy Thanksgiving to you guys. Hope the flight home went easy. Sounds like your doing well. Keep up the walking and slow increases. The increases in stamina get pretty rapid about week 4 or so and you can tell big differences until about week 9 where it continues to get better but it is in weights and strength, more than stamina. Keep us posted.

Jim Jones posted a note for Dan that says: Danny boy
Happy thanksgiving to the Sinclair clan. You folks have a wonderful day. As an extra bonus, NFL football for those so inclined. Enjoy.

Carol Jackson posted a note for Dan that says: Dan,
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. That pot roast looks yummy!

Susan Smith, a grateful HVP posted a note for Dan that says: Dan, just a note to wish you and yours a blessed Thanksgiving Day. We all have much to be thankful for. Waiting for further chapters on the Adventures in Hospital Land. Have a great day and continue the healing.

Jim Jones posted a note for Dan that says: Dan
Hey, that is nothing. I was able to do that with iced water! It came back so quickly that is was still cold. My nurse was helpful. I vomited 3 times. She gave a blow by blow description of each event. Water, water, bile. I thought the bile would have won a stuffed animal for me.
Dan, what flavor did you have?

Randy posted a note for Dan that says: Hey Dan....awesome to get out and walk! Out of curiosity.....do you feel that you could go to a gym and walk a treadmill there, or is that too much? Very happy fo you and your awesome progress, and really appreciate your posts!

Susan Smith on the east coast posted a note for Dan that says: Dan, not quite a 4 minute mile, but your on the way. Sun's out and the wind is up. I will probably skip the football and go out to takes of photo shots. I am a shutterbug. The wind surfers will be out and the pelicans will be gliding over the water. Have a great great day.

Jim Jones posted a note for Dan that says: Dan
Love your new photo! You actually remind me of a familiar cartoon character. It isn't quite coming to me...must be the drugs.

Lynn Ennis posted a note for Dan that says: Glad you are home Dan! Doesn't it feel great to walk in your front door? take it easy now, don't over extend.

jeff o posted a note for Dan that says: Hey we aren't all snowbirds?!!? If we all left for the winter there'd be no cheese for your burgers.

Jim Jones posted a note for Dan that says: Dan
So glad you are home! Enjoy football, the pool and continued healing. Take it easy.

Susan Smith, a former Connecticut girl posted a note for Dan that says: Yes, there is nothing like "home sweet home", however humble it may be. Today was just beautiful in Florida and quite warm. Dan take it easy and enjoy. Hey the rest of you in this Community, "come on down". Ya'll are welcome.

jeff o posted a note for Dan that says: Getting home is the best. Soak up some of that Florida sun for us Wisconsinites! Remember the better you feel the more you need to think about how much you do. Heal fast, go at an appropriate speed for your condition at the moment and don't do nothing dumb (like some un-named others).

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Dan that says: I think maybe your porn name should be Woody Bushwacker.

Take it slow, you are doing great. Opposite arching will happen soon enough. Well maybe not SOON enough, but you are an old fart and need to take it easy. You're not as flexible as you used to be. :) Continued healing.

Hi Mary.

Cheryl & Rob posted a note for Dan that says: Welcome home…and to that warm sunshiny day you requested! We will be heading to WV today but we are happy to hear how well you are doing…I told Rob that you are doing more exercise than I am:( But I'll be fixing that upon our return.
Happy Turkey day…we'll call you!

Debbie Lynch posted a note for Dan that says: I am so happy for your success. I am a yr. post surgery (11/19), and am doing fantastic. For some reason I was drawn to your site, and have followed you on your journey. Your are truly good at writing and telling your story and, obviously, I can relate. I believe you will only continue to be amazed at how much this experience will shape your thoughts and future. I have had a newfound love of life post-surgery, appreciation for my surgeon and cardiologist (on Maui), and my awesome husband. My experience has been that the little things that used to upset me just don't bother me anymore. Enjoy your journey to a fully-healed body. Please keep up the inspirational writing. Aloha, Debbie

Susan Smith, from the east coast of Florida posted a note for Dan that says: Dan and Mary, you are an inspiration. Homeward bound to sunny Florida. I am sure all our northern friends are a little jealous . Keep up the good recovery and let us know when you land and how you are doing.

Jim Jones posted a note for Dan that says: Dan and Mary
Safe travels home. So glad you got to the museum today. Now get home where there are things called the sun, heat, the pool, beverages...you get the idea.
So pleased you are doing well, Dan!

Angelo Varrone posted a note for Dan that says: Man, you and Jim remember way more than I do about the OR. I guess I was mostly out when I got there. Those memories will fade very fast over the coming weeks, at least the uncomfortable ones. Good luck with the rest of your recovery, Dan.

Carol Jackson posted a note for Dan that says: I just read your entry to Aubrey. I had the chills especially jist before bedtime and then I would get the night sweats which were terrible. I was told that it is normal after surgery, especially heart surgery.

You are doing great with the exercising on the treadmill!

Aubrey posted a note for Dan that says: Dan, forgot to reply with this thought. You should rest well before the flight Sat. Also, when given a choice to ride in a cart or wheel chair in the airport, take it. You will be away from the real ability to rest for a number of hours. It is doable and your in good shape but take advantage of every opportunity to not expend energy and to ride or rest as possible. We look back face down in the airport. I don't think I would mind the passing out, it would the waking up part with about 50 people I don't know staring down at me, lol. Also, make sure you do not let your pain meds run out so take them on a tight schedule, before you need them. You got this

Carol Jackson posted a note for Dan that says: Dan,
I think I was already under by the time they rolled me into the OR. I remember talking to the anesthesiologist in the holding area only.
i do remember the OR when I had my angiogram 2 weeks before surgery.

It is so interesting what we do and don't remember of our experience.

Jim Jones posted a note for Dan that says: Great, great post, Dan! Enjoyed reading it all the way thru. I visualized the scenes you described. Thanks for sharing. I did not get a pain pump for some reason but my pain wasn't bad. I enjoyed seeing the differences in our experience. I think they treated my like a Kentucky Derby horse and dosed me accordingly! Heal well. Still in Cleveland?