On July 23, 2011...
Have been following your journal. I will keep you close in my prayers so the heartrate becomes regular and slower and Inge starts to make strides towards going home. Will also keep hubby in my prayers because you boys are so dear to our hearts and know this is hard on you also. Mary Ann Hanson
On July 23, 2011...
So very happy too hear that my grandma is doing much better now ;) She needs too come home, we all miss her very very much!!!!
On July 23, 2011...
Hi Bob, Hang in there, Gary and I are keeping you and Inge in our heart and mind. This seems a slow recovery process but sounds normal considering this kid of heart surgery. Sitting, watching and waiting make it seem longer. Give Inge our best and a hug. You take care of yourself too.
Hugs, Joyce and Gary T
On July 22, 2011...
Yes this happens more often than not. It takes time for the body to adjust. It is scary while it is happening. Medical Science is wonderful and improving every day. Hang in there Inge, the hardest part is over. Tomorrow is a new blessed day. Know we are thinking of you and a speedy recovery.
Hugs, Joyce T
On July 22, 2011...
Hang in there Unge, this is not uncommon at all- feels terrible but they can get it under control. Holding you in prayer.




emilyrae helfen
On July 22, 2011...
Thanks Lisa for the updates. You are a wonderful daughter and I know it made all the difference of you being there as to how well Mom is responding. Now it's your turn to take care of yourself and get some rest. I am sure Mom will need you when she gets home soon. Take care, Janet
On July 22, 2011...
Hi Inge, This journal is wonderful. I've been following you closely and keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. A special thanks to your daughter for keeping us up to date on your progress. I'm looking forward to seeing you when you are back home and up to company.
Love, Marilyn Satterwhite
On July 21, 2011...
Inge, So happy all is going as well as could be expected at this stage of the game. Can't wait till you're able to write. Have so many questions for you. I ansiously await all the update posts. Will be watching for the next one hopefully tomorrow.
Melissa
On July 21, 2011...
wtg inga you go girl
ty 2 daughter who kept us up to date
hand in builder bob i luv u both
your winter texan
carol
On July 21, 2011...
Great news! Gotta get her go'en to keep her go'en :-)
You are a terrific daughter, Inga is blessed to have you. Thank you for the updates.
Hugs, Joyce T
On July 20, 2011...
Lisa,
This is your mom's friend, Jennifer Klein. Thank you so much for keeping us all posted.

Does your mom have a pillow under her knees? Sometimes that really helps to relieve back pain if she is laying flat.

Please tell her that I am still praying for her and all of you. She will get better every day!
Inge Colby  yes she did, they tried different things, but she just couldnt get comfortable
On July 20, 2011...
Yes! All sounds good. Getting up being the hardest. Inge will be more comfortable once she is in her own room. Thanks for the update. Tell your Mom we are thinking of her and sending hugs.
Joyce T
On July 20, 2011...
I just want to let Inge know we have her in our thoughts and prayers at the Assessment Center at DACC. We are so happy to hear she went through the surgery so well and is doing great. Thank you for the updates.
Sarah, Suzie, Lisa, Angie, Jan'et
On July 20, 2011...
Great news, now prayers for a fast recovery and back home to her family and all the things she loves. Thanks for keeping me updated. Janet
On July 19, 2011...
YeeHaw! The long wait is over. When you first see your Mom in recovery don't be shocked. She will look better tomorrow.

What a long day for you and yours!

Relax w/a nice evening meal.

You will sleep good tonight!

God Bless, Joyce T
Inge Colby  yes we were a little shocked, and it was hard seeing our mother like that, but she will feel much bet ... Read more
On July 19, 2011...
AWESOME!!
On July 19, 2011...
I am so happy to hear that you are doing good grandma! That is a big relief! I knew my strong willed grandma could do it & she would be just fine! You will be a whole new woman when you come out! I love you very much! & i will see u very soon!

Love your Great~Grandaughter, Blair
On July 19, 2011...
Thank God- and thank you for the updates.
Much appreciated.
Hugs, Joyce
On July 19, 2011...
Hang in there Lisa! She is lucky to have you all to help out! "Bobby" and I are diligently checking out Inge's journal and wish to have continual updates and let us know if you need anything!
Love Jules and "Bobby"

On July 19, 2011...
Inge, "Bobby" and I are hoping everything goes well for you. Sounds like you are in good hands!! Wanting to let you know that if you guys need anything to call us and let us know!! (We mean it!) Let us know when you are up for visitors.
Love ya!
Jules and "Bobby"
On July 19, 2011...
I have been diligently waiting on updates. Thank you so much for the heads up. Waiting I know can be very stressful where you are sitting. Hang in there! Hugs to you all.
Joyce
Inge Colby  i am sorry it took me song long to update, but yes the waiting is very stressful
On July 19, 2011...
Go Inge GO! You can do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

Christy
On July 18, 2011...
Hi Inge;
It was great to speak with you. Best wishes for a quick recovery. I look forward to hearing from the new and improved Inge.
God Bless;
Inga
On July 18, 2011...
Hi Inge, Know that you will be in our thoughts and prayers tomorrow. Will be waiting for the good news after your surgery. I also hope that Bob is doing well and will think of him as he waits for you to get all fixed up. Take care, Bernie
Inge Colby  Thank you, Bernie. Bob is hanging in there, I will have to email you later about him.
On July 18, 2011...
Hi Inge. Looking forward to reading your recovery posts! God bless. Jon Farmer
Inge Colby  Thank you Jon.
On July 18, 2011...
You go girl ! We are all with you in heart, mind and body. You have a busy day today, keep focused and stay positive. It will be over before you know it and you will be good as new.
Hugs, Joyce
Inge Colby  Thanks Joyce. I will be so glad when its over. But I must say I am a lot calmer than I thought I woul ... Read more
On July 18, 2011...
hey inga
just want you to know it will be a piece of cake
go in get the job done . if your like me there is too much going on to spend much time with silly things like heart surgery .
from someone whos been there
gerry geenen
Inge Colby  Well thank you, I hope its a piece of cake. And yes I do have much to do, and don't really have time ... Read more
On July 17, 2011...
Hi Girlfriend,
Sounds like you are well prepared for your surgery day. You have always been an organized woman. Know I will be with you in mind and heart Tuesday. Get plenty of rest and try to relax before your big day.
God Bless and Hugs to you.
Joyce
Inge Colby  Thank you so much, Joyce. I appreciate all your prayers.
On July 16, 2011...
Hi Inge - I'm about a month behind you re surgery so I'm following your path closely.

Best of Luck

Rob Fairchild
Inge Colby  Thank you, Rob.
On July 15, 2011...
To the best grandma in the world, the one that has ALWAYS been there for me. I love you so much, you're not only my grandma but my best friend. I'm so happy that you have decided to get this surgery done. You are a strong person & all of your family is gonna be right there by your side. Everything is going to be just fine. The doctor is going to come tell us that you did great in surgery. You are going to come out a whole new person & I'm sure feel much better! I know that you're scared... but who wouldn't be? It'll be okay, I promise. It will all be worth it when it's done & over with. Looking forward to spending the day/night with you tomorrow! :) LOVE YOU SOOOOOOOO MUCH!
-♥ Stacie Danielle McGee
Inge Colby  Thank you honey. You are my best friend too, and I love you so much. Grandma
On July 14, 2011...
I think it takes a while for each of us to wrap our head around it. You are brave and have the love of a good man and many friends. Peace -- DVB
On July 14, 2011...
Inge, Don't worry about a thing. The surgeons are good at what they do and you aren't the first person they've done it to.
If it helps, my surgeon told me that males my age (29) have much more pain that a woman in her 50's-80's because women have less active nerves and muscle. And with the pain medication you barely feel any pain. Just stay ahead of the pain and knock it back for it comes.
Travis
Inge Colby  Thank you so much, Travis. Every little bit of information help tremendously. Inge
On July 14, 2011...
I'm so glad you're feeling better about your decision. There is nothing wrong with fear..only how you handle it. Fear is a natural thing. I would be worried if you weren't afraid....I love you and I know everything will be just fine. You're on many prayer lists here in Springfield! Penny
Inge Colby  Thanks to you, my wonderful friend. You, Lisa and Bob really made me realize I needed to do it, but e ... Read more
On July 14, 2011...
Inge,
I know you are nervous ~ anyone having surgery is. But you will do fine. You have such a great disposition on life and you have many people praying for you! I'm glad you made the choice to just do it and get it over with. Like with any surgery ~ every day will be better! Sending you hugs, prayers and all our love!
Kristy, Mike & girls (and Gabriel)
Inge Colby  Thank you, Kristy. I am so grateful Lisa has you for a friend. I know she is also having a hard time ... Read more
On July 13, 2011...
Hi Inge,
I've never heard of a heart valve journal but I think it is a neat idea. That was a smart idea to cook some meals ahead and freeze them--one less thing to worry about when you get home after the surgery. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers. Marilyn
Inge Colby  Thank you so much, Marilyn. I will be very glad when this is over with. I am thankful I found this pl ... Read more
On July 13, 2011...
Inge, I am so glad your surgery is scheduled and this time next week you'll be walking around and in physical therapy. I think you'll be amazed at how well you'll you'll do and how much better you'll feel. I'm so glad you made the decision to to go ahead with this and NOT wait around for other opinions. You've had the same heart doctor for 10 years.....you know him; you trust him!! You're an important person in my life and have been for many years. So glad to know you'll be around to see your grandchildre and greats grow up. Love you bunches!!!!! See you on Mon/Tues. Penny
Inge Colby  Thanks to your great advise and getting me out of my fog, I am in a much better mood and looking forw ... Read more
On July 11, 2011...
I love you so very much grandma & i'm going too right there with you when you get your surgery done. Everything is going too go just fine and when everything is all said and done, you will be so much better and stronger ;) Make sure u call me the day u find out when u have too go in so i can make sure i have all my things packed and ready too go with mommy. I'm gonna go to springfield and stay with mom and stacie for 3 days because i want too be there when you come out.

I love you and miss you so much! ;)

Love your grandaughter, Blair
Inge Colby  Thank you so much, Blair. I love you so much too. See you soon. Grandma
On July 11, 2011...
Inge:
It sounds like you are doing the right thing by getting all information up front. We are praying for a complete repair and recovery.

Judy and Jerry
Inge Colby  Thanks Judy.
On July 11, 2011...
Hi Inge,
Wow, I bet that was a shocker when they told you it's time for surgery. Hang in there, we are all pulling for you!

Wishing you all the best,
David & Family.
Inge Colby  Thank you, David. I am now beginning to accept it, and looking forward to the surgery and get it over ... Read more
On July 10, 2011...
i am wishing you the best and think of you
hugs
your southern friend in texas
carol
Inge Colby  Thanks so much, Carol. keep following my journal. Inge
On July 9, 2011...
I definitely recommend a second opinion, especially when dealing with something as important as your heart. And research your doctor and the potential hospital you will be at. My 2nd opinion determined that I was worse than expected. Bittersweet thoughts on that one.
I'm adding you to the journals I follow so I can see how your upcoming visits go. We are all so much stronger than we give ourselves credit for. Just another chapter in your book called Inge's Life.

Sending thoughts and prayers your way!
Melissa Murphy
Fayetteville, AR
Inge Colby  Thank you so much, Melissa. You are so right about being stronger than we even realize. I have receiv ... Read more
On July 8, 2011...
Silly of me to sign my message only Inge - but I Am your penfriend and I can assure you my thuoghts are with you dear Inge, waiting for good news across the atlantic. Love Inge (jarlbæk)
Inge Colby  LOL, I saw the name and didn't even connect it to you. I just thought someone just added my name to t ... Read more
On July 8, 2011...
Inge, sorry that last lost was mine
Emilyrae Helfen
On July 8, 2011...
Inge, yes, if you read the last entry of my journal, you will see that I had my family donate blood for me. I'm in the process right now of making sure it gets here even thought it was donated in ample time. There was something on the news within the last 2 months about blood under 21 days old being better; they don't know why. I didn't know this until my daughter-in-law toldme that Red Cross told her that blood donated for a particular person must be 12.5; whereas regular blood doners only had to have 10.5 --
maybe that is one of the reasons, who knows - the blood is richer on designated doner blood. Who knows I just know I feel more comfortable with it even though I hope and pray I don't need it but knowing I know where my blood is coming from makes me more comfortable.









On July 8, 2011...
Inge,

Getting a 2nd opinion is a super thing to do, maybe even a 3rd or so is good. I can tell you if I had just listened to the first surgeon consult I was referred to by my cardiologist, I would have had an archaic (sp?) surgery in terms of current technology and knowledge, and I would not be fretting, intimidated by my 12 mile training run with freakin' hillls and un-godly heat tomorrow morning. That's my biggest problem since my March 11th minimally invasive mitral valve repair done at Cleveland Clinic, probably the best teams of surgeons and caregivers for this stuff on the planet. Check their stats and see for yourself. Yeah, I've had some other difficulties, too. I came in dead last on my first post surgery triathlon on April 17th and at the 5 K Albuquerque Run for the Zoo my time was 35:37, and I got 2nd place in my age group at another 5 K a couple weeks ago...won't bore you with any of the other. Again, I give full credit for minimal trauma to my body and being able to bounce back, not with the same performance as before, yet, but to bounce back the credit goes to CC, for sure....Barry on the mtn in New Mexico.
On July 8, 2011...
Inge, sounds like you have a very loving family and that is so important. I too have very supportative family - 4 children and 10 grandchildren. I was very impressed with your granddaughter's comments - that was sweet.

If you are still looking for a surgeon and hospital I would suggest you look into Cleveland Clinic. I saw that you are in Illinois but am not sure how far Danville is from Cleveland Ohio, but CCF has been the number one heart hospital for the last 16 years. I came from Virginia Beach, VA for my mitral valve repair surgery on 12 July. This is not my first time here either; you could read my journal and you may find it informative and helpful. GOD bless.
Emilyrae Helfen
Inge Colby  Thank you so much, I will do that.
On July 8, 2011...
Hello Inge,
I just read your message and I will keep you and your family in my prayers. I know God can do all things and He can bring you through this. Keep your faith and you will be back to perfect health soon. Talk to you next week.

Sarah
Inge Colby  Thank so much, Sarah.
On July 8, 2011...
Hi Inge!

Well, what a journey you are encountering! You have an amazing and honest awareness of yourself and a wonderful positive attitude. I am inspired by you, I love you, and you are in my thoughts and prayers!!!
:)
Rita
Inge Colby  Thank you, Rita.
On July 8, 2011...
Grandma~

Everything is going too be just fine. We all promise you that! Remember, once u get this surgery done, you are truly going too be a much stronger woman! You are going too come out feeling much better & that's what we all want for you. You are the strongest grandma in the world that i know & you always will be! =) Nothing will EVER take you away from any of us!! You will get through it & we will all be there by your side the whole way through! (Even if we are really sick)!
Me, mom, stacie, & Grandpa! We are all there for you and always remember that! I love you very much grandma!
Inge Colby  Thank you so much honey, but please stay home if you are really sick. Ha ha, I know what you meant.
On July 8, 2011...
Mom i know you are very scared to get this done, but we will all be there with you during and after the procedure, and god will be looking after you, just remember we love you very very much, and things will work out just fine, your daughter Lisa
Inge Colby  Thank you so much sweetie, and I appreciate you so very much. . I couldn't have a better daughter. Lo ... Read more
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