love momma posted a note for Jim that says: Jim, sounds like a very good Dr report.
we are all grateful surgery is over and recovery is on track. Someone told me once "patience is a virtue" but sometimes it's hard to wait...take it easy and enjoy your Thanksgiving day w/ chef Lise, watch a ball game and rest.

Tom posted a note for Jim that says: Jim, great news!! Hey, go with the "anticlimactic"! Love it.
Just curious, why does the whole body react as if it's "been hit by a truck" after this type of surgery? Is that because the heart had that 6-hour downtime during surgery? Or something else?

Susan Smith, a grateful HVP posted a note for Jim that says: Jim this latest chapter in the book of HVS is certain different, but I appreciate the candid approach. Unfortunately I was at work (reading on my smartphone) and could only chuckle at your sense of humor. Life in the Hospital is a whole of everything. The good, the bad and the ugly. Glad you survived and made it home to tell another tale. I am waiting for the next chapter. Please you and Mary have blessed Thanksgiving with many more to come.

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Jim that says: OK. Truth be told, I did go back a couple weeks after surgery when all the swelling in the scrotum was gone, gave them a free peep show, and they said, " Nope. Still looks small."

Son-of-a......

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Jim that says: Yep. You made me proud. Especially since I had the exact same thing happen to me. Only they didn't wheel me away to test me. Urologist called for an ultrasound, so a lady showed up in my room with the machine to do the test. Now I hadn't had anybody show up in my room for about an hour, but as soon as I drop my trousers and she starts doing the ultrasound, there must have been 5 or 6 people came by the room. Nurse comes in with my breakfast, sees what's going on and says."Oops, sorry. I'll be back later." 5 minutes later a nurse comes in to take my blood pressure, sees what's going on and says."Oops, sorry. I'll be back later." 5 minutes later the physical therapist shows up, she sees what's going on and says."Oops, sorry. I'll be back later." After the 5th or so person walks in on us, I tell the lady doing the ultrasound there hadn't been anybody in my room for over an hour and now EVERYBODY shows up while I'm laying here naked getting an ultrasound of my scrotum. She said that inevitably happens every time. I think each nurse sent in another one every 5 minutes or so to get a free peep show. I should have charged. They did the test to make sure I didn't have an infection, because they definitely don't want you to get an infection anywhere in your body while you are recuperating from open heart surgery. The said I had a HYDROCELE, which was basically a build up of fluid in the scrotum. You did the right thing by telling someone about it. But at least you didn't give half the hospital a free peep show like I did. Only problem was, when your scrotum is swollen that big, it makes your penis look small in comparison. Now that there is no scrotum swelling, I may have to go back and give them a free show so they know it was just a matter of proportion.

Good healing Jim, and have a happy Thanksgiving.

Lynn Ennis posted a note for Jim that says: Holy diuretic Batman! 80 mg of lasix?? I guess they really wanted to dry you out!

I was +9 lbs. post up and -5 lbs. on discharge. I had IV lasix which really got me moving in and out of bed! I was on 20 mg until last week- off it now and down another 6 lbs.

I don't know why they have to load us up with so much fluid...

Glad they wrung you out like a sponge. I am feeling a bit stronger everyday ...just returned from a shop at Whole Foods- manic in there so now I am resting. I do not see myself out in crushing Xmas crowds anytime soon....yay Internet shopping! Go well Jim!

Dan Sinclair posted a note for Jim that says: Let me reiterate, we both had Open Heart Surgery, and did we ever have different...experiences. I am so glad that you can infuse your humor into your what I expect are not so fun experiences.

I just hit my pre surgery weight this morning, tomorrow will be 2 weeks since my surgery. Actually went into the office for a couple of hours this AM. Cannot wait until Ernie responds to your latest post........

Take Care, continue to Heal Brother!

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Jim that says: Happy three week anniversary. You're doing great. I know you're feeling good, but you better talk to your doctor before you start taking that little blue pill! You're only three weeks post surgery. The only thing that should be getting stiff on your body right now is your sternum!

Happy healing and have a good Thanksgiving.

You watch that guy, Lise! I know he can be! ;)

P.S. Let's see a photo of that zipper on your chest.

momma posted a note for Jim that says: Jim, your journal will be very helpful to other b/c your description makes clear many things that can happpen. Keep up the good work and let me know Wed after Dr appt.

Susan Smith, getting ready for work posted a note for Jim that says: Jim, three weeks and moving forward. Keep going and keep moving, but with caution. Have a super great day.

Carlos posted a note for Jim that says: Hey, its good to hear that you're doing so well after 3 weeks. I just got released today at noon and am feeling good. I hope all goes well with you and things continue to improve. Thanks for all your help and support.

Ann Jackson posted a note for Jim that says: Jim,
I so enjoy reading your journal-- you have such descriptive writing. Brings back memories of my AVR 2 1/2 yrs ago.
Speeds up my heart rate just thinking about it!!
I have felt a new lease on life that will never be taken for granted.
You are doing so well. Glad you are not trying to rush recovery-- your body needs to heal on its own time.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family. We have so much to be grateful for.
Ann

Dan Sinclair posted a note for Jim that says: A very cool 72 degrees at the moment, and yes, I do not wish to be anywhere else! Going to enjoy a little Monday Night Football.

Dan Sinclair posted a note for Jim that says: Jim,
Your team found a way last night, congratulations. That was a tough match up!

Take Care

Tracy Aranda posted a note for Jim that says: I'm up to a pathetic 1500 from 1000. Gotta work on that more. Your specific guidelines are helpful. I have my cardiologist visit tomorrow.

Lynn ennis posted a note for Jim that says: HeyJim
Where does the time go? How can it already be 3 weeks? I am so glad you are also doing well....you are a master on the spirometer ...still,we have a long road in front of us. I feel good but very fragile. We just do what we are supposed to everyday and not look back.Keep up the good progress....it is working for you!

Tracy Aranda posted a note for Jim that says: Hey Jim! It is surreal to think it has been a few weeks. I have a question about the spyrometer. You use it 10 times each hour? As in: 6pm = 10 times in a row. I never quite got the frequency of use with the wording, and the VN said my lower lobes are diminished. I can wrap my head around a certain number of reps each hour.

Chris K posted a note for Jim that says: Thanks for sharing. I didn't make any notes during my hospital stay and it is now all a blur. But you brought back memories--the whiteboard, the monitors, and the constant interruptions, day and night of staff coming in to monitor me, give me meds, etc. Their visits were reassuring. Fortunately I didn't have your fear of infection--just a worry that I might pull apart my incision. I was unimpressed with the hospital food--especially because I had nausea for the first few days. But, I thought they could do better than the bland, processed food they served me.
Regardless, the care I got was great!

Carol Jackson posted a note for Jim that says: Jim,
Wow! All of those hospital discriptions come back to me now. I, for one, had never been hospitalized so many of the things you decribed were new to me too.
I too was busy writing in my journal as I was making the 31/2 hour ride home in the back seat one week after surgery.

Sounds like you are really doing well. Keep on doing what you are doing.

Dan Sinclair posted a note for Jim that says: Great Read Jim!
Thanks again for sharing, it is so interesting reading Yours and Living mine.
Although we both had OHS that would seem to be where the similarities end, especially with the Jello. Will post more on that later.....

love momma posted a note for Jim that says: Good descriptions Jim. Others will know what things may occur and feel free to discuss with their Dr. After your Dad had been home for some time (not sure how many weeks) he developed fever, trouble breathing etc. At the Dr's office he discovered a fluid build up around the sac sourrounding the heart, Condition called pericordities.Medicine took care of it all.

Susan Smith, Pre-op and waiting posted a note for Jim that says: Jim, thanks for the narrative and the great description of it all. Is there another chapter? Hope so. Keep on track and have a great day.

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Jim that says: Sister Mary is a Washington fan and Sister Theresa is a Dolphins fan. They are both pissy because their teams are losing, so they're no fun to watch the games with.

You watch out for Aubrey. He's Mr. Competitive, so you just take things at YOUR pace. They need to start testing for drugs. I think Aubrey's been taking some sort of performance enhancers. He is the Lance Armstrong of heart valve recovery.

I'm going to tell you what I tell my dog every time I take her out for a walk---"Heal, damn you! Heal!!"

anna penido posted a note for Jim that says: Jim my east coast Nov 5th friend, here I am! I am astounded by your strength! Seriously! I have no idea how you have been typing so much! Just read some of your postings. YOU ARE A DETERMINED ONE FOR SURE. Nothing will defeat you. I want to tell you about Bemer. It's an electromagnetic mat to increase microcirculation and it was developped by scientists in Germany, being officially used in hospitals to reduce post-surgery recovery time. It has also been used by the Olympic Swiss team as it makes people heal faster. http://www.bemer.co.za/joupapers_generalres.html
My friend Michelle who is an acquachiropractor and representative here in the west coast just brought me the mat and applicator so I can speed my healing. Read the articles and if it makes sense to you I can ask Michelle if there's a way to get you one. Yes, we have to be patient with healing time, nevertheless why not use all that technology offers? that's why I share useful information. Jim, you are a winner. And I am too. Yes, the blues hit occasionally. You become dependent of everybody, your body seems slow to recognize how your mind feels. I have been taking all that spare time to gently thank my heart for allowing the surgery to happen. Yes, surgery creates a bit of inner confusion I suppose, but the body has its own intelligence. The heart being the central intelligence headquarters has to re-organize its command over all other organs, tissues etc.. But I tell my heart: You've been noble to sacrifice going through this change - but not only you are benefitting all other organs to get full irrigation, but you will also not have to make this huge effort you were doing to get things going. Life will be easier pal! You deserve easier life and I deserve an easier life. We are one and we will get to a full beautiful functioning you have never dreamed of!
Talk to your heart, Jim.
And congratulations! Keep visualizing the future, all the good things you see yourself doing!

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Jim that says: Where the hell did my guestbook post go to? I know I posted one just a day or two ago. I must have hit close instead of submit. I wish I could remember what I wrote. Oh well.

JIM!! Continue healing like the monster you are. One day you too will be in the same league as Aubrey and I.

Actually Aubrey and I are both horrible liars and neither one of us is in good health at all. We both have one foot in the grave at this point, but we want to encourage everybody, so we're making up stories about how well our
recoveries are going. Damned Aubrey has to be a "one-ups-man" and claim that he's jetsetting all around the world already. That's alright. Next week I'm going to claim I'm starting training for a marathon and I'm already doing six 8 minute miles. And that's just warm up.
I'll also claim I'm having trouble sleeping. Mainly because my super-model girlfriend (and her girlfriend) are keeping me up all night.
Truth be told, Aubrey and I are both in wheel chairs and have to have oxygen and an IV to keep us going. We are actually jealous of how well you are recovering.

So, continued good healing and keep the updates coming.

Hi Lise.

Tom posted a note for Jim that says: Jim, love the blow-by-blow. Maybe more step by step, though, eh? One thing you have over the rest of us, Jim, is that you're probably making more progress every day than any of us! This is all amazing to read, and should be a huge help for anyone about to go through the same thing. Am assuming you're keeping right to the schedule too. Looking forward to the next "read'!

Selma posted a note for Jim that says: Tree was my second ICU nurse. We shall not discuss the first. I keep hoping she was a paranoid delusion but I am assured by my family she was all too real. Speaking of delusions, how about all those beeps and books and buzzers? In my morphine crazed haze, I turned them into the most bizarre auditory hallucination. They became positively symphonic, and I was convinced there was a choir in the ICU. MInd you, I was also convinced that some hot shot doctors kid was in the bed across from me (there was no bed across from me) and the entire staff was fussing over her and ignoring me. I can't believe there are people who want to take those drugs on purpose!!!!! Loving reading your recollections.

Lynn enn posted a note for Jim that says: Great post Jim! Very informative and helpful for those behind us. Its interesting for me to read how it went for you. thanks.

Stefanie Gray posted a note for Jim that says: Dear Jim,
I am reading your posts and am so happy you are starting to regain your strength and humor. I send you the best wishes for a timely recovery (I know maybe not 5mph but maybe 10-15 mph). Continue to be a good patient and enjoy some quiet time while you can.

Angelo Varrone posted a note for Jim that says: Jim, Way to hang in there. Progress is slow, just be patient with it. The water weight and swelling will disappear; it just takes a little time. I remember one day, about 2 weeks post-op I lost 5 lbs. Crazy. But, the more you walk, the more that stuff will go away. Just don't overdue the walking, you'll need 30-60 days to get back to somewhere close to normal. I'm 14 weeks post-op and don't even feel like I had surgery at all. But it took nearly 3 months to get to feel that way. You were in good physical shape to begin with, so it's just a matter of time for you.

walsh.briang@gmail.com posted a note for Jim that says: Wow, you remember way more than I do. I remember CICU, initial wake up freezing, then the occasional site of Tree, tube out, ice chips, oh yes glorious ice chips, crazy therapist, then off to step down. I think I was only in CICU Thurs and part of Friday, so I didn't spend too long there thankfully. Glad to see you are doing well on recovery. Keep it up!

Aubrey posted a note for Jim that says: Everything is great and you will get to the same point.

Aubrey posted a note for Jim that says: Great posts Jim. Your doing very well. Keep pacing it slowly and this will be such a good recovery, you'll look back and go wow, we did it and have more stamina than you can remember.

Dan Sinclair posted a note for Jim that says: "The colors I saw were fluorescent. Greens, purples, etc. strong drugs."

OMG they do have way better drugs in NYC than they do in Cleveland.

Jim, you are an incredibly gifted writer, we are all enjoying your accurate discriptions of the events that unfold before our eyes during this life altering event. Thanks for sharing! Looking forward to the next entry!

Carol Jackson posted a note for Jim that says: Jim,
I really don't remember much of my ICU time. I do remember my right tube gave me terrible pain and muscle spasms. I also remember doing a thumbs up to my family when I opened my eyes and had my oxygen mask on. I also remember ice chips...boy did I love those ice chips.

Like you I'm usually an 80 mph person and as of 6 weeks post op I'm probably a 45 mph person. Looking forward to getting back to my old self!

Susan Smith, waiting the next chapter posted a note for Jim that says: Jim I can't wait for the next chapter. Between you and Dan, your adventures in OHS are vitally interesting. Even though it is not an easy process, your stories show that it is possible, no matter what age or stage of life a patient is in. The real stories are what prepares us all for this life changing event. Thanks and have a super great day.

Heather St.Pierre posted a note for Jim that says: Hi Jim.

Sounds like you are handling things like a champ! I loved the comment about getting used to going from 80mph to 30! That's what I am concerned about because I only have one speed too!! Lol
Thinking of you. Keep positive and win the battle back to 80mph!!

Gabi x posted a note for Jim that says: Oh Jim you are a Superman! I am enthused by your energy! If you can do so much so soon surely I can get my arse into gear and get back on the recovery train. Thanks!

Carlos posted a note for Jim that says: Great to hear you're doing great Jim. And thanks for all the info. I go in again this Friday. Keep up the good work! Carlos

Tom Abbott posted a note for Jim that says: Wow, Jim, these just about hourly postings are really interesting. And I love the one where you say you notice a definite difference in breathing! This is all quite something - and incredible when you think of it that we're living in this day and age! Hope you left the Pats game early enough to miss the ending! I'll be reading this now that I've found it, and be a more active rooter for your progress. Keep on truckin', big guy!

Lynn Ennis posted a note for Jim that says: Hey,
This pain med game is a mystery. I don't feel huge pain-it's tightness, bruising, incisional but hardly extreme. But when I stop the pain med, 6 hours later I really feel bad all,over. I spoke to my cardio today and he told me to keep,taking it for a while..I am almost 2 weeks post op. I realize the sooner imstopmthe better I will be but it's not quite happening that way yet!he gave me a script for sleep so I won't be taking pain med to sleep...I think that's a good idea (shades of Aubrey here).otherwise I am content. Lets see what tomorrow brings. Already Wednesday!

Lise posted a note for Jim that says: Jim - what remarkable progress in such a short period of time! You should be very encouraged!!! Just keep in mind, as your medical folks have told us, that the progress is not measured by a steady trajectory as you so want it to be!! You should appreciate any little improvement, as it means a day closer to lacing those running shoes and heading to Morses Pond!! Hang in there, Little Buddy - remember, you are the optimistic one!! Love, moi xoxo

Lynn Ennis posted a note for Jim that says: Hey Jim,

You remember much more about ICU than I do! Very informative for others stepping up. I will add my two cents later.
I am very tired today. The maids came, i went to pick something up, popped into the grocery store and then a friend visited! I can say all together that was too much! Tomorrow will be a rest day. I started to wean off Percocet but took it this afternoon and evening- not ready to quit 100% yet. Stay well.

Selma Kaplan posted a note for Jim that says: Hi,
I've been away from the forum for a while but came back just in time to read about your experiences at Mt. Sinai with Dr. Adams. It's so weird reading someone else writing about all the things I experienced back in May of 2012. Tree was the absolute best nurse I ever had. What an amazingly caring guy. When I could finally talk, he asked me if there was anything I wanted. I said, 'ice chips and a room with a view of Central Park.' He actually got me the room -- unfortunately it was only for one night but hey, beggars can't be choosers. Hope you'll check out my diary
Selma Kaplan

Steve Thomson posted a note for Jim that says: Jim- Loved your entry today as the whole breathing tube thing has been one of the things I am most anxious about. Your entry is very comforting to me! That and the other tubes coming out of your belly. Glad to hear all went well ansdwe will work out our communication post surgery.

Steve

Susan Smith, being a patient patient posted a note for Jim that says: Yes, Value Surgery 101 is a great name for your journaling. I too am taking notes and really appreciate the first hand account. Your doing just great. Have a good one.

sharon madden posted a note for Jim that says: Thank's so much for VALVE SURGERY 101 I have been taking copious notes. I'm trying to figure out how to have my husband communicate with me. I am sure he will be amused that I am asking for hand gestures. Keep healing. God Bless.

Brian Walsh posted a note for Jim that says: Nice entry, I think Tree was the same one that took care of me (I only recall snapshots too like little photo memories), and then a lady after that. 100% agree on communication and what you want to know when you wake up. I remember waking up freezing, they were afraid I was going to pull the tube out, but all I wanted was a blanket. Then I remember after the tube was out some PT person came in while I was all drugged up had me up and moving and wondering why I was so wobbly...uh drugs have that effect on you. Sounds like you handled it very calmly great for others to read, keep posting!

G x posted a note for Jim that says: Very good point Jim about the sign language. However, would you REALLY want to know at that stage if there was a hitch? Dunno! Sorry I still a bit on the depressive side! Don't take any notice! I will pick up soon enough!

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Jim that says: JIM!!!!!