Cheryl Shute Walter posted a note for Jim that says: Jim, I was right. You are a character. It sounds like nothing is going to stop you! I read your entire journal and requested notice of future postings. Thanks for the advice about not being in intimidated. Now I can pay back my husband for all of his boisterous burps and farts, lol. I look forward to following your continued escapades and recovery.

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Jim that says: Yo Jimbo, where'd you go? You've been slacking in the posting area. I guess I have too, but I don't really have anything new or interesting to post. I'm doing well and feeling great--- even better than before surgery, so I'm happy about that. Hope you are doing well and healing like the wind.

Lawson posted a note for Jim that says: Hi Jim,

This is Lawson, Rachel's partner. I wanted to write to you firstly say how glad I am to hear that your recovery is going so well (2.5hours per day sounds incredible!) and also to offer my heartfelt thanks for all of the support you've shown to Rachel, her family and myself. Bless you for including this too in your own journal entry.

You too are in our thoughts. As Rach is now pretty much wide awake, we're sharing some of the stories of those which have become kindred heart valve surgery spirits and tell Rachel that you're doing well. Your story is a real source of inspiration that life can get back to being pretty good once the ice days are over with.

Best wishes,

Carol Jackson posted a note for Jim that says: All the recovery programs are so different. I did not have a visiting nurse, OT or PT. they just told me to walk a lot, do 10 upper body exercises everyday. Also to get a check Up With family Dr. After 2 weeks and meet with my cardiologist at 6 weeks. Oh, and my insurance co. had a nurse call me twice to see inow I was doing. (weird) Of coarse they suggested cardio rehab. My Mayo surgeon also contacted me at 8 weeks to ask follow up questions.

Thanks Jim. Sue Gardner and I connected!

Sue Gardner posted a note for Jim that says: You are welcome.

Sue Zgardner posted a note for Jim that says: I read that over and autocorrect must have really been working overtime. Sorry.

Sue Zgardner posted a note for Jim that says: Hi Jim...I did not do PT or OT and am doing great. My balance is perfect. Don't worry about it. You ate doing so gret that she probably felt CR would do ll of those things. It worked for me.

Tracy Aranda posted a note for Jim that says: I felt like my visiting nurse bit was haphazard. She would call the day of, and ask if she could come in half hour. Then last week, on her last day, she noticed they had put in for some PT and OT, but I didn't know about it. She's like, "You don't really need it, do you?" Hell's if I know! After reading your post I'm annoyed, because I feel like I missed out. Should try calling them and finding out if it's too late.

Aubrey Elmo Jones posted a note for Jim that says: Really good progress my friend. 4 weeks is the beginning of the feeling more normal for many and you seem to be right there as well.

What I noticed was that I found everything easier to do starting at about 6 weeks, which is two weeks after rehabs started and I had been walking thirty min a day for a while by then, outside. I never felt bad but found I had been working way too herd to do normal things,but never realized the difficulty, to me it was normal.

Keep up the,progress,with no rushing and therefore no backsliding. Keep healing.

Sue Gardner posted a note for Jim that says: Are you going to Mass General for rehab? I noticed that you are from Wellesley. My cardiologists are at Mass General and they highly recommended their program.

I would like to follow how you do in the program.

I brought my Kindle and read on the treadmill as well as the riding bike. I looked forward to it.

Sue Gardner posted a note for Jim that says: Hi Jim...I wrote to Carol. I just peek occasionally on this site and this is interesting for me.

You will have many more healthier years of running, Jim. Oh, I did the maximum number of weeks and "graduated" from Cardiac Rehab. I feel that played an important role in my recovery. I think I kept gaining more and more confidence to push myself.

Carol Jackson posted a note for Jim that says: Jim,
Sue just wrote to you. I see she had surgery at Mayo. Can you ask her to respond to my Guestbook? She didn't leave her last name but I would like to visit with her about Mayo and who her surgeon was. Thanks

Sue posted a note for Jim that says: I had open heart surgery at Mayo 17 months ago and am walking about 6 miles a day now. I search for hills to hike and just got home from 7 weeks in India, Nepal, Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia.

Sue posted a note for Jim that says: Wait until you finish Cardio Rehab. You are going to feel stronger than ever and it will all be uphill from there.

Carol Jackson posted a note for Jim that says: Way to go Jim! What kind of energy are you going to have next week! You are on a roll. I'm inpressed by the total
2 1/2 hour exercise program.
I think you will like cardio rehab but I'm sure they will want to kick you out after so many sessions like they did me! I got a call from my Mayo surgeon today and he was happy to hear how well I was doing. He said I could do any exercise I felt I could do 2 months after surgery.( I think I will still be scared to do planks!)

Susan Smith posted a note for Jim that says: Wow! This has not only been a week of transition for you but a week of being discharged from a bunch of medical stuff. Congratulations. Jim I wondered how work went and now I know. Keep on keeping on. I am almost jealous as I am in the pre-op waiting.

Tom posted a note for Jim that says: Yo, Jim, have been enjoying your Journal entries!
Thought of you Sunday DURING that Walter's Run 5K that you and I and several club members did for several years. And guess I channeled you so much that I ended up running the EXACT SAME TIME you ran it in 2010 - 25:16! I think that was for you a PW (pers worst) and same for me Sunday! You had a really good excuse of course, but mine just a lack of speedwork. Keep up the good healing work! Whatever you're doing, it seems to be working!!

Lynn Ennis posted a note for Jim that says: Hey Jim,
Congrats on hitting the 5 week mark...mine is tomorrow . I am in something of a slump...progress is slow. I think I am just tired of it all now! All my energy, physical and psychic, is going towards healing. That was a mother of a controlled trauma!!! I am happy to be 5 weeks out! All the best,

Sarah Doucette posted a note for Jim that says: Hello, my name is Sarah, I just came across you site, and it was great to hear your storey and others, I wish you and everyone the best through their own journeys. I am going to go through every post to find out everything I can.
I live in Canada close to Toronto, I went to emergency last wednesday at my local hospital and found out I have serious heart failure, i just turned 35, I have to have surgery soon to repair or replace the mitral valve, I just don't know when, I don't think I'll be home for Christmas.. your journal has inspired me, well at least helped calm my nerves a bit and know what to expect from surgery and the healing process after. I haven't wanted to think about it.. But now I see how much I should know, and what to expect. I'm feeling anxious just want it all over.

Lynn Ennis posted a note for Jim that says: I hope your career as a mall rat is short lived! Glad to hear all is going well- I think we are over the hump now. I am in freezing Sacramento with Steve. He arrived back from a week in South Africa this morning and is running the California International Marathon tommorrow. Sleeping in a hotel bed is not great- I brought my wedge pillow. I am just tagging along:) Steve is running in honor of Nelson Mandela . Amazing that he happened to be in Joburg when Mandiba passed. We lived there for 10 years a long time ago...

Gabi x posted a note for Jim that says: Wow Sonny Jim! You have come far in a short time since 5th Nov! Going back to work hi ho hi ho! I'll bet Lise has mixed feelings - like sending your baby to big school for the first time! Don't get slack with your journaling now that you are in executive mode! We all need you! My very best wishes to you returning to work!
You will be welcomed back I feel very sure!

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Jim that says: You're doing me proud. Taking things at a good pace. Being careful. That Dan Sinclair, on the other hand. I had to get on him for pushing things too quickly. And Carlos Lueck, too. This ain't no race. I don't think my Mom will ever want me to ride in the car with her driving, so I can totally relate to you. Hey, if they were better drivers, we wouldn't have to bitch about their driving!

Susan Smith posted a note for Jim that says: Made a "typo" Lift Loungers. Ooops!

Susan Smith posted a note for Jim that says: Jim, are you a writer by profession? Love to read your take on this special journey. I bet Lise will be happy when you are given permission to "run like the wind" again. That will come. I have found a place that rents "life loungers" locally and so I making ready. 37 pounds and still losing. You are doing great and enjoy the part time work.

Joseph Kusiak posted a note for Jim that says: Hi Jim,
So glad to hear you are still doing well. This race is an ultra-marathon so continue pacing yourself. You are only a few weeks away from a "huge" improvement. Stay strong.

love Me posted a note for Jim that says: Jim, before I read this I emailed Lise about 1/2 hr ago and ask her if you were getting to the point of being restless in needing something to do...your journal just answered that!!!!
When you start work next week I am going to BET you won't hold out physically as long as you think now.
Mom's know about these thin gs!

Louise posted a note for Jim that says: Jim, Once you've found someplace comfortable to rest you must remember as you do that the healing process takes time. As soon as Bill walks in the door he heads for the recliner.

I can totally sympathize with Lise - cousins must stick together. After chauffeuring for the better part of five months I was ecstatic when the surgeon told Bill he could drive. We need to comment more often on the silly things you do when you drive and we have been quiet about for as long as we've known you! Wives make much better passengers than husbands.

Our problem as caregivers is that we know you and are afraid to let you out of our sight fearing that you will attempt to do something that your body isn't ready for yet.

Next week will be better if you going to the office and interacting with people who talk your lingo. Enjoy those few hours and it will give you some peace.

Take care,

jeff o posted a note for Jim that says: Jim I never realized how bumpy and jerky my wife and daughter drove until after surgery. But with constant coaching from me I have been able to improve their driving over the last 18 weeks. I have to admit it was hard on me with all their threats and complaining about my loving coaching and constructive criticism. But I persevered. Oddly they now never want to drive when we go anywhere.

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Jim that says: Get a room you two!

Lise Jones posted a note for Jim that says: Jim--So glad you were able to get out to the Mall today and that you even enjoyed buying your annual Sees chocolates and a waive from Santa !:) Next time I promise you can have your picture taken with him! I was so pleased with your comment that you have felt like you have had more energy in the past 2 days- Remember that both Wendy and Zelia have told you it takes time and not to rush your recovery! Keep up those exercises , and you will soon have to join Mall Walkers of America ! So proud of you, Little Buddy, on the progress you have made. I am thrilled that I am able to witness your daily accomplishments, as, yes, it has been a long road!!:) love, moi xoxo

Louise and Bill posted a note for Jim that says: Happy to hear that you are able to get out - the mall was you first outing? I avoid them at all cost!

Backing off of meds and getting back into bed are two big things that make you feel like you are over the hump and are on the road to "normalcy".

Keep up the good work.

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Jim that says: I never did my post op summary like you. I wanted to jot it all down on notes to get things straight before I posted it, but never got around to it. You might have known about the possibility of a hydrocele had I posted earlier like I should have. I'll have to do a summary soon so the new patients can know what I did/experienced pre and post op.

Jimbo,you da man!!

Good healing!

Barb Brooks posted a note for Jim that says: Hey Jim! Glad to see you're doing so well! I've enjoyed reading your journal. It's amazing how many people go through the surgery. Seems most people who have been posting recently are new. Recovery can be slow, so don't rush it. I've learned that lesson. I also visited the mall, on Saturday, felt good to get out! Take care!

Lynn Ennis posted a note for Jim that says: I also totally agree! Pack a bag but leave it in the car! I used the hospital gown and socks. The only personal things I used were a fleecy bathrobe, nice bed socks, toothbrush, hairbrush, face cream. Nothing else! I came home and took a very long hot shower, put my own pj's on, got into the recliner and felt 100% better! I made a terrific playlist on my iPod that I am only listening to now, 4 weeks later, on my long walks!
So glad to hear your progress Jim; I am ditching my spirometer and vitals now too!
I am starting to pick up my life in bits and pieces...it feels good.

Tracy Aranda posted a note for Jim that says: I agree wholeheartedly with your packing list post! My mom went and got me 5 gowns, 2 light robes, 1 fleecy robe, and slippers. During my stay at Mt. Sinai I lived in my hospital gown and socks. Once I was mobile I used the light robes to hide the humongously swollen hips I developed. I didn't have the mental fortitude to read the book I brought. Once I was on 6 west, my husband would bring my phone and tablet each day then take it with him. I didn't have the energy to focus on them for too long. It wasn't till the day before discharge that I had the energy or focus to work on a crochet project I brought.

On the other hand, I am propped on my wedge pillow as I type. The shower stool got used daily till yesterday. And the scale you suggested has shown me I gained a pound during Thanksgiving (guess my appetite is back).

Take care, Jim!

Sharon Madden posted a note for Jim that says: I picked up my airplane pillow (made of memory foam, oooh ahhh) and my wedge. I know those will come in handy. I am really thankful for your posts.

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Jim that says: I think they gave me ice cream once or twice. They had good food at my hospital. I just wish I wasn't so bloated feeling all the time, so I could've eaten more of it.

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Jim that says: I told you you wouldn't need the condoms or the ice cream maker at the hospital, but you wouldn't listen to me. The clown nose came in handy for me and was multi-functional, but I'm not so sure it would have worked for you.

Mary posted a note for Jim that says: Hi Jim and Lise, Happy Thanksgiving from our house to you. I wanted to thank you for sharing your story and for your encouragement. During our stay last week in Cleveland I re-read your posts. Lots of free time as Dan rested in our hotel room post surgery. I am so grateful for the time you took to document recovery. It is very helpful for those patients and caretakers who follow in your footsteps! We are so happy for your great progress. Keep on posting! Warm regards,

Chris K posted a note for Jim that says: Yes--I remember how nice it was to get my first shower!
I had forgotten how hectic my discharge was.
They actually gave me a choice to stay a day longer, because of the fluid on the lung that they had removed, but I said "No". The cardiologist overseeing my care was leaving on a cruise and I thought I was prepared to manage at home (thanks to this website). That made it even more rushed. But I was ready to go home and it all worked out!

Carol Jackson posted a note for Jim that says: Same here! I was mentally ready to be out of there... Even if it was 10pm!!

Carol Jackson posted a note for Jim that says: Jim,
Oh my gosh your description of your discharge day sounded like mine! I was rushed from 1 test to another and every step of the way they weren't sure whether I'd be able to leave that day or not. I was finally discharged at 7 pm.

Good description of your days.

Vicki, sister of rach posted a note for Jim that says: Hi Jim,

It's Rachel's sister Vicki here. I just wanted to think you for your messages of support. I have been reading a little of your story and finding it very encouraging. I like to think that rach will find it helpful to wake up to news of your discharge and can follow your recovery too. Hopefully she will catch up with you eventually :-)

Take care and enjoy the build up to Christmas with your family.

Lise Jones posted a note for Jim that says: Jim- I can't believe the surgery was just over 3 weeks ago, and you were able to make a such a great contribution to our memorable Thanksgiving together- folks loved the picture of you - aka "the Stuffing chef"!You continue to make progress ..though you might consider it slow! But give me a break, after all, it's only been over 3 weeks, since we were making our way to the hospital at 5:00 AM!!! I do think the cardiac rehab will play a major role in your continued progress, and I was glad NWH has such a terrific program!! Remember, as Peggy said, "patience is a virtue". Remain positive, as always, Little Buddy, and those 5k's will be a reality in no time :) ! I am very proud of you!!! Much love, moi xoxo

Susan Smith, a grateful member of this Community posted a note for Jim that says: Jim, is this the last chapter regarding the surgery and hospital action? You have done an outstanding reporting job and as one who has not experienced OHS yet, greatly appreciated. Thanks for even the most gripping of details. As you said, everyone must have events and stories to tell. I do believe I am pretty well prepared for my time, when it comes and I will be thinking of you and Dan.... yes even Ernie (who makes me laugh with his wit and witticism). Do keep me and the rest of us posted on your recovery. OHS is truly a miracle with the pre-op condition and the amazing post-op results. Thanks again and again.

Aubrey Elmo Jones posted a note for Jim that says: Happy thanksgiving to you guys too. Gray to hear about the good report from the doctor. Rehab is well worth it and stay the whole course. The weights and later stages with the core work really made a difference for me.

Lynn Ennis posted a note for Jim that says: Happy Thanksgiving to you and Lise! When I scheduled my AVR for 11/7 I never gave this holiday a thought- but now I can think of nothing else but thanks for all that has gone well. I celebrate everyone's success and recovery with a special,prayer to Rach who has a longer climb to make.
I am enjoying a quiet morning watching the Macy's Day Parade with my girls and the snoring P dog!

Lynn Ennis posted a note for Jim that says: Hey Jim!
Wonderful news! Hooray!! It's a long road...the healing and molding is slow...my doc told me in my case (valve replacements) that there is a low grade rejection going on as well. Our poor bodies probably don't know what to,do,first! But we keep going...it's amazing.
I am well...my darling girl arrived from UO,last night...better than Percocet that one..house is full of her singing and laughing and chatting :) she is doing the cooking and baking for tomorrow ...wish me luck....I hope I get thru 5 hours of Turkey Day with 27 really loud people who all talk at once! The pug stays home:(
Happiest Thanksgiving to you and Lise.

Susan Sevier posted a note for Jim that says: What a wonderful thanksgiving present. Just continue all the good work you are doing and keep your spirits up...the view from 10 weeks out is great but don't push yourself...just let the blessings unroll before you. And Happy Thanksgiving!

Chris K posted a note for Jim that says: Your story is a good reminder of all the things that can happen with surgery.

As a women, I guess I should be glad that that all I had to worry about was fluid on the lungs that they had to remove using a needle!