jeff o posted a note for Dan that says: Dan you are so right about the OR cold as could be and I'm a person who likes it cold. It was like walking into a refrigerator. As you said the technology was neat and I took the pre-op time to discuss it with the medical staff in the OR. I think they sedated me to get me to shut-up.

Susan Smith, It is 80 degrees where I am posted a note for Dan that says: Brrrrrrr your description of the cold OR just makes me shiver. I think us Florida people are as they say our "blood is thin". That is why when it turns 60 we pull out our Long Johns. LOL . The ladies wear Cuddles. I am also glad you are not a fighter or a yeller or a talker, so this must mean you are a lover. Glad you and the surgi team made through everything together. I am still laughing on the "naked river" description of how cold is was. Each person has their own story. Still laughing. Thanks for making me smile. Have a great day.

Adam Pick posted a note for Dan that says: Mary,

Thanks for the kind words about this project.

If you and Dan are ever in Los Angeles, please let me know. I'd love to play some backgammon with you guys!

Keep on tickin!

Susan Smith, a friend posted a note for Dan that says: Mary, caregivers are special people and you are definitely the Queen of caregivers. Dan is blessed to have such a wonderful life partner as you. Take and God bless.

Susan Smith, Florida is waiting and warm posted a note for Dan that says: That is the way to do it. Make the most of the unusual vacation.... oops did I say vacation. Well turn it into one now. I knew you would find a way to go the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. LOL. Enjoy, don't over do and keep us posted. Amazing bunch of "bull".

Q.O.F.E. aka Cheryl posted a note for Dan that says: YES I DID like that Dan:)
What I like even more is hearing about all the fun it sounds like you two are having and taking full advantage of that time together for just the two of you:)
Hugs to you both and thanks for the plug!

Jim Jones posted a note for Dan that says: Dan
You are doing wonderfully. Good for you! I would have enjoyed both sides of the market for sure. Enjoy your next few days in Cleveland. I am delighted that you are doing so well. Hi to your wife. Best!

Jessica, posted a note for Dan that says: Hi Dan:

You are amazing for going on treadmill after one week of surgery. It surprised me but am so happy for your progress. All the good news from you will encourage me to overcome the challenge on the coming days. I will be on surgery table tomorrow in Toronto.

God blessed you and with you all the time during your recovery process.

jeff o posted a note for Dan that says: Know what you mean, I spent a lot of time "shopping", actually walking in stores, because I needed an occasion change in scenery.

jeff o posted a note for Dan that says: Treadmill so soon after ohs? Dan you are one tough dude.

Cheryl & Rob posted a note for Dan that says: I can see it now…
Dan's new quote…
"Me strong like BULL"!

And if you know Dan…that leaves the door open for a whole lot of "bull-crap":)

Congrats…we love you and are so thrilled with your amazing progress!!!
Hugs & Kisses

Brian Walsh posted a note for Dan that says: That is fantastic! Nothing wrong with hitting the treadmill right away, as long as you are not doing hills or intervals :) Take it slow and you'll be fine. And yes you should be impressed! That is great progress

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Dan that says: You and Bushwacker look good walking on the treadmill. Congrats. I've got cardiac rehab today, so me and Toro will be doing some treadmill too.

You're doing great.

Susan Smith, a fellow Floridian and waiting my turn. posted a note for Dan that says: The photos are terrific and pretty much tell the story. You are amazing. I am inspired. Keep it up please do not over do.

Jim Jones posted a note for Dan that says: Dear Cleveland rocks
Well good for you! I hope you have another good day today, Dan.
BTW, is that a Tampa Bay shirt you have on? AL EAST, correct? Could you please give us David Price? Just for a few seasons. Best.

Randy posted a note for Dan that says: Dan...that is really unbelievable!....very impresssive to say the least! Great job to you and all of your medical staff!! How is sleeping at the hotel? Are you in a bed, or recliner? Are you able to get yourself out of bed, out of a chair, or is help needed? And, thanks so much for posting your journey!

Deb Ziegler posted a note for Dan that says: Wow......way to go Dan! I'm VERY impressed......don't think I could have done that one week out. Keep up the good work!

Godspeed and God Bless,

Carol Jackson posted a note for Dan that says: Well, well on your way to being discharged from the hospital. Glad to hear you are doing well! Will look forward to reading your post when you are home.

Linda H and Elsie posted a note for Dan that says: Bushwacker is cute. Does he know Toro yet. Maybe Elsie and Bushwacker will have to meet. lol

Jim Jones posted a note for Dan that says: Dan
Impressive. My feeling is your valve, your call. Although I do not believe that you have heard the last from Linda and Elsie on this topic! Real glad you are doing so well. Keep 'er up!

Linda H and Elsie posted a note for Dan that says: I hope guys know that these are called cow valves, and a cow is a girl lol.

Good luck on your recovery. Hope you got to enjoy the snow showers.

Jeff V. posted a note for Dan that says: Dan,
I have been following your journal with great interest because I will be facing a similar surgery in the near future. I am 50 and have been under the care of a CCF cardiologist for the last three years. I will also have my AVR done in Cleveland. If you could be so kind to share some info. on the kind of valve you had installed and why, it would be most appreciated. Given your young age, I am curious how Dr. Gillinov approached the valve selection process. At the moment, I do not want a mechanical valve but the thought of a resurgery in 10-15 years is of concern. Your approach and recovery has been impressive and I am very happy for you and your family!!

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Dan that says: Yo DanSinc!!!

Saw your pictures and you look good with your heart on. Happy to be in recovery mode now I see.

Take it slow to heal quickly. Use the hell out of your spirometer! And take your pain meds regularly. For me it was every 4 hours. It's OK if you need one 15 to 30 minutes early.

Healing is priority one for you now. Sleeping, eating, walking, burping, farting, and pooping helps you get there. :)

Glad to hear you are doing well and in good spirits. Say hi to your wife for me. She's a trooper.

jeff o posted a note for Dan that says: If you are staying out of town be sure to allow for city traffic on your return to CCF.

jeff o posted a note for Dan that says: Dan, good to hear you're being released. Staying a few extra days in Cleveland is a good idea. You'll rest easier knowing you are close by. What a place, huh? One more suggestion, have your wife at your post op check up at Cleveland. I didn't and though I was feeling pretty good, I didn't ask all my questions or remember all my instructions. Ended up scheduling a phone call to re-review everything from home.

Susan Smith, a fellow Floridian posted a note for Dan that says: I read the good advise being given to you and certainly can not add a thing, except to tell you it is warm, warm and almost hot in Florida. Keep up the good work and do what the experts say. Can't wait to see the picture.

Aubrey Elmo Jones posted a note for Dan that says: Keep holding the pillow. And use it religiously to keep from picking up things or grabbing to pull up or down. I used it for weeks afterwards and slept with it on my chest at night. Take your meds to stay pain free and ramp the activity up SLOWLY. Do whatever it takes to get a good nights sleep every night. Fatigue is bad bro. When you get home, space out the activities, shower, rest, eat, rest, walk, rest, etc... You got this.

Kathy Snodgrass posted a note for Dan that says: At this point I think you're further north than I am, but if you need a place to stop on the way home, we're here! Keep up the good work!

Susan Smith posted a note for Dan that says: Hang onto that pillow. Last time I went to the cardiologist,there was Patient in the waiting room holding a heart pillow.. Now I know why she hung on to it. No one said aw
word about it. They knew. She was doing fine.

Jim Jones posted a note for Dan that says: Hey Dan
Checking in with you. Hope you are having a good day of recovery. I am cheering for you from here in MA. Keep it up. I can tell you that each day gets better. All the best, my Florida brother.

Cheryl posted a note for Dan that says: Never dreamed I see Dan holding a heart shaped pillow…what else did they do while they were in there?!…lol
You never looked better Dan…red is your color:) Keep up the great progress…florida can't wait to see you again!

Randy posted a note for Dan that says: Awesome to hear you are doing well Dan....and thanks for encouraging those who are in line that we can do it!

Kathy Snodgrass posted a note for Dan that says: You look fantastic, Dan! And I love the pillow!

jeff o posted a note for Dan that says: Dan's Portrait is not as beautiful as the photos from Maui. Yes I'm still jealous. Keep moving, slowly.

Fat fingered previous message.

Jim Jones posted a note for Dan that says: Danny boy
You look terrific! Great pillow. Keep it up, Dan. Hi to Miss Mary.

Barb Brooks posted a note for Dan that says: Dan... you're looking great!! Take it slow, and keep taking the meds. It does get better!

jeff o posted a note for Dan that says: Dan great to hear you're doing well.

Rebecca s posted a note for Dan that says: Good news, Dan! Keep it up.

Susan Smith, still warm in Florida posted a note for Dan that says: Short and sweet or long and sassy, doesn't make any difference, just glad to here from you and know you are improving. Hour by hour and day by day. Go for it...... that is.... a nap !

Jim Jones posted a note for Dan that says: Hey, Danny Boy, it is GREAT to hear from you. Mary did a great job keeping us up to date post-op. Real glad to hear your confidence so soon after the op. Have a solid day of recovery, Dan.

Susan Smith, in warm Florida posted a note for Dan that says: Well looks like you have been promoted to Feature Patient or maybe it recognition of how good you and Mary and kept everyone in the know of how you are doing. Keep smiling cause you are moving in the right direction..... out and home sweet home.

Lynn Ennis posted a note for Dan that says: Hi Mary and Dan,
I hope you are over the hump,now and that every day gets a bit easier. It was heaven to get rid of those CT tubes , central line in neck, A line in wrist. Makes for a very colorful recovery! They will boot you out soon, thank goodness!

Jim Jones posted a note for Dan that says: Hey Dan
Hope you are better this morning. The first few days are work. At least they were for me. You have a great hospital and team. Thinking of you as you heal. My best to Mary, the children and the featured patient.

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Dan that says: Damn! Deb is cracking the whip. But she's right. Walk when you can. Also, it's more comfortable in the recliner rather than staying in the hospital bed all day, so when you can, sit in the recliner. It's easier to get up to go for a walk from the recliner, and it's easier to eat in the recliner, too.

Deb Ziegler posted a note for Dan that says: Yay Dan……you made it to the other side! Isn't it nice to have the chest tubes out???? I hope you get a nice room with a view in step-down. If not, it will still be a much nicer place than ICU. Kinda noisy in there.
I hope your pain is being managed well. Take care and start walking!

Jim Jones posted a note for Dan that says: Mary
This is all wonderful news. Please tell Dan I say hi and am with him 100%. Let's make this a great day of recovery. Please also take care of yourself, Mary. This can be exhausting at times for caregivers as we all know. Best.

Linda H and Elsie posted a note for Dan that says: HI Dan, Welcome to the zipper club and being on the other side of the mountain. Its great over here and the grazing is pretty good to. I knew you would rock this. Now the real work begins. The road is long but everyday will be a better one. Good luck to you.

Cheryl posted a note for Dan that says: Keep all that positive news coming our way…not that we ever counted on anything less from the two of you:) Sounds like choosing Cleveland was like moving in with extended "family" and you couldn't get more blessed than that!!!
Hugs and Kisses coming your way…Cheryl

Susan Smith, waiting posted a note for Dan that says: Dan and Mary, things are moving right along for you folks and that is what we all want to hear. Every time I hear that the tubes are removed I flinch a little but know that mean progress....good progress. Cant wait to hear the next report.

Joy Slaven posted a note for Dan that says: This is a cool site! Wish I had known about it earlier...had a lot to catch up on. So glad it's done, but probably not half as glad as ya'll.

Anyway, best wishes for a speedy recovery! You'll be back at Harry's before you know it!