On February 16, 2010...
Thanks for your updates. I am following your progress to learn more of what to expect for my March surgery where I will get aortic and mitral valves, both tissue. Dr Gillinov's nurse tells me when I need replacements, years from now, they will be done as you said, without heart surgery, yeah. Guess what I've learned from everyone is rest, rest, rest!! Keep posting.
Fran Zilko
On February 16, 2010...
Hi Joe,

Did they tell you not to eat salt? re: swelling? also no hidden salt i.e. canned soup etc

Still it sounds really reassuring. Re: fatigue- I remember the surgeon telling me- you can get up, get showered, get dressed and suddenly feel like you have to lie down- "do it", he said, "pushing yourself just makes recovery slower". All us Type A's - it's hard to just rest- but rest when you need to and push when you feel like it is the motto of the day.

So glad to hear you're coming along!

Margot
On February 15, 2010...
Hi Joe,

Am so glad to read that you're home. Leave it to you to go to Australia with that DX- Oy!
I've been thinking about you and look forward to these updates.
Again if you need anything done here please let me know and I'll share this with the group= have al;so sent them all the link
All good thoughts
Margot
MArgot
On February 15, 2010...
Joe,

We know you are a chronic overachiever, but we think Cheryl from Ontario had some good advice for you Saturday – slow and steady. We are so glad to have seen you, and to have seen you in such remarkable condition under these circumstances! Although the ride home Saturday may have been an exception, or at least the several minutes directly thereafter, we still think you are the poster child for valve replacement recovery. Keep up the great work! We’re only a phone call or quick flight away if you need anything.

Julie & Pat
On February 14, 2010...
Great News!! Wondered who your ghost writer was. He did a great job. Hope the rest of your recovery goes well.
Fran Zilko
On February 14, 2010...
Hey Joe,

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

Sooooooooo thrilled you are out of the hospital with, what sounds like, an excellent result!

All the best during your recovery!

Keep on tickin!
Adam Pick
On February 14, 2010...
Hi Joe, you don't know me but I was reading your journal. Thanks for posting the journal and I'm glad things are going good for you.

I'm facing similiar surgery in the next couple of years as my bi-cuspid aortic valve is starting to fail. U of P is probably where I'll be going. Can you post how you choose the Dr to do your replacement from there or was one just assigned to your case. What DR did your valve replacement, from the sounds of things he did a good job.
Thanks
Jerry
On February 14, 2010...
Hi Joe!
Welcome home! You'll be back on your feet in no time with your Ma's good cooking! Make sure you listen to both the doc and your folks! Can't beleive only a few days after surgery and you're home!
Thank your Dad for us all! He may have just started himself a new career..!
huuugs lolov
WestPoint Jean :)
On February 14, 2010...
Hi Joe,
Welcome back - you were hardly gone though - what a fast recovery! Look forward to the more intimate details although your Dad did a vital job in keeping the journal going, thank you!
Warmest wishes
Penny
On February 13, 2010...
Joe - behave yourself. Listen to your folks, and rest up! Congratulations on your speedy recovery thus far.

Steven in Calgary
On February 13, 2010...
Thank you!! Mr. Minnucci for being Joe's ghostwriter, updating his progress and for keeping us informed throughout his recovery :)

I can't imagine this week without the updates and how much they've meant to us

Thank you!!
On February 13, 2010...
Glad you were released!

Cindy
On February 13, 2010...
Welcome home Joey. All sounds good now so
listen to nurse Judi, you know how us Mothers can be. When you feel up to a visit
I'll stop to see you, if nurse Judi will
allow me. Good job Joey, Aunt Sally
On February 13, 2010...
Wow! - home already!! Such good news :) I feel much better knowing you're with family and have your mom close by :)

Take it easy and recover well!
I'm so grateful you had this opportunity!
xxoo
your Virgina family
On February 13, 2010...
Hi Joe
Double therapy, eh? So how did that work for you? Take some well-spent time and read some of these journals to see what most of us are saying - slow and steady. This recovery thing takes time so be careful to not do yourself damage by trying to do too much too fast. Enjoy being home and let yourself be pampered a little. Really happy to see you have been sprung. Keep in touch. Cheryl, Ontario
On February 12, 2010...
Hey Joe,

Glad to hear from you and be able to participate in your recovery progress. You are making progress and doing good, hope you get to go home tomorrow! Take care and take it easy and fill us in when you feel up to it.

Best,
Joanna
On February 12, 2010...
Hi Joe,

Still progressing--great news. But, tell me, how do you adjust your breathing? What do you have to do? And what does your body signal you? The whole idea that you can change how you breathe intrigues me.
I hope you are able to go home tomorrow--What kind of bad behavior could you get into anyhow.
It seems to me your recovery has been remarkably fast. That is really terrific.
See you soon,
Colleen
On February 12, 2010...
Great news, am sure you'll do your best to be on your very best behavior!! Continue to recover and do well.
Fran Zilko
On February 12, 2010...
Hi, so glad to hear that everyday you are feeling better :) Love T
On February 12, 2010...

Wow, I never knew your "heartfelt" secret. Glad the hard part is over and you're now tube-free. Hope everything gets better and better each day (exponential curve and stuff). ;-)

- Terry W.
On February 11, 2010...
Amazing! Absolutely amazing. We're glad you''re doing so well and continue to think about you nearly every minute :).

We're grateful for the doctors as well!

Out love and peace,
Your VA family
On February 11, 2010...
Thanks for the update, sounds like each day is better than the previous.Keep positive.
Fran Zilko
On February 11, 2010...
Hi Joe
Another day passes as you inch your way through recovery. Your surgery was a little more complex so your recovery naturally would be a little slower. Just try and keep your thoughts positive ones. There's a certain amount of mental as well as physical adjustment that seems to come with heart surgery. There are new feelings inside to adjust to. At least I found it that way. It takes time to relax with how you are ticking now as opposed to how you beat (I was going to say, ticked but that didn't flow right!) before. How's the food? Are you eating yet? Cheryl, Ontario
On February 10, 2010...
Sounds like you're doing great! Will be thinking of you as you recover and wish you a speedy return to normal activity.

Amy, Raleigh, NC
On February 10, 2010...
Great news, continue the great recovery.
Fran Zilko
On February 10, 2010...
Hi Joe
Good to hear of your improvements. I didn't find the removal of the tubes bothersome at all. I'm surprised they said anything. The freedom of getting rid of the gadgets is worth it. Hang in there. Cheryl, Ontario
On February 10, 2010...
P.S. Did you even know how well loved and well thought of you are...i mean geez 14 pages of guest postings!!

HUuuugs
Jean (K. West Point Pa)
On February 10, 2010...
Look at all the incredible snow that is greeting your successful surgery! The angels are jumping so much with joy, they musta lost all their feathers.... :)
Thanks for keeping 'us' all updated.
HUuugs Jean
On February 10, 2010...
Keep up the good work and thank you for keeping us updated with what we have to look forward to.

captain Bill
On February 10, 2010...
Glad you're doing so well. Am following all the post op info from our "club", so I'll be more prepared for my surgery next month. Keep up the good work!
Fran Zilko
On February 10, 2010...
Hi Joey, everything sounds good, keep up the
good work. We will keep praying for you and
hope all continues to go well. Love Aunt Sally.
On February 10, 2010...
Good Morning Joe,
Glad you are better,but don't tell the doctors and nurses what to do. Just heard New York is having a blizzard. Aren't you glad your in Phili with just a storm.At least I get a day off. Hang in there, and you will get well.

Auntie
On February 10, 2010...
Good Morning. So glad to hear that you are feeling a little better. :)
On February 9, 2010...
Hi Joe!
So great to hear you were able to eat a little today, and even walk a little. One step at a time, one day at a time! :)

Light and Love, so glad they are treating you so well, and that you're being such a good patient. :)
Jean
On February 9, 2010...
Hi Joe,
Hope you are feeling human today. I know it takes a long time.

You are not missing any good trading days yet. I look forward to working with you again.

Let me know if I can do anything for you.

All the best,
Colleen
On February 9, 2010...
Hi Joseph
Great news. I don't believe any of the others have written that the ventilator was in so long. Couldn't have been pleasant. We appreciate your assistant keeping us informed. Take care. Cheryl, Ontario
On February 9, 2010...
Hi Joe:
You can't stay away from the computer can you! Auntie could not believe you were back on the computer until I showed her you entries. She said to tell you she will be up with you recivery basket. Who knows what that will be. Worrying is over time to move forward with your life.
Love, Auntie & Uncle Bob
On February 9, 2010...
Updates from yesterday and today have been written by Joe's Dad. I'm guessing Joe will let you know when he is back at the keyboard.

Julie Minnucci (S-I-L)

P.S. We love you, Joe!!!
On February 9, 2010...
Hi, Joe,

Glad it's over and you are doing well!!!

Love,

Pat
On February 9, 2010...
Great news, am still wondering who is writing your updates for you? How bad was it when the ventilator was removed? Hoping your recovery is smooth and uncomplicated. Keep posting.
Fran Zilko
On February 9, 2010...
Glad things went well. :0) Michele
On February 9, 2010...
Wow Joe, super fast recovery and back at your keyboard - I am so impressed. You must have great jeans - oops should be genes!! It is such a relief to read about you and Barbara, after the complications that Duane and Richard had. You have lifted my gloomy pre op cloud, thank you!
Warmest wishes
Penny (Scotland)
On February 9, 2010...
Hey, great news....I will continue to pray for you....I'm sure you'll have a speedy recovery.....Love T
On February 9, 2010...
Way to go!!! Hope you have a speedy recovery.
On February 9, 2010...
Glad your surgery went well and look forward to hearing you are back on your feet.

Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

Cindy, Don & Ms. Kat
On February 9, 2010...
Joe, good choice in valve replacement. I had AVR on 12/01/09 with a Carpentier-Edwards bovine pericardial aortic valve as replacement. The doctors at the Cleveland Clinin tell me the valve should last between 15 and 20 years,
On February 9, 2010...
Jo, congratulations on making your decision, and having a successful surgery! Just wanted to let you know am thinking of you and sending Light and Love! HUuugs, Jean
On February 9, 2010...
re: D DAY

Ventilator? Good Lord!! I wasn't expecting that. wow.

I'm glad you're out of surgery. SO GLAD!!!

Our Love and Hugs!!!!

On February 8, 2010...
Hi, We are praying for you. We are friends of your mom and dad. Hope all goes well.
We hope to meet you soon.
fondly, Edie & Sam Newman
On February 8, 2010...
Joe,
An excellent choice on the heart valve. When you wrote "life time of taking blood thinners" I figured you'd opt for the alternative. Sound like you're doing very well. Looking forward to talking to you when you feel up to it.

Mike
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