Joseph Kusiak posted a note for Lynn that says: Lynn,
Yes recovery is up and down but the further out you go the fewer the bumps. You weathered the storm rather nicely. Hope you continue to feel better and stronger each day.

Gabi x posted a note for Lynn that says: Me tinks Steve needs more aggressive bouncer action. It is very hard to resist getting excited with visitors but then we suffer afterwards. We want patience NOW! Just b r e a t h e Lynn!

sharon madden posted a note for Lynn that says: Please take it easy. Being an active person like you I know that is really a difficult order. My son has threatened to duct tape me to a chair so I don't overdo after my surgery. Healing thoughts are headed your way.

Karin Baloian posted a note for Lynn that says: Hi Lynn: Quite literally I breathed a sigh of relief along with you! So glad your symptoms lessened and there was no need to head towards the hospital.

Please know that I am still praying for you and still very much enjoy your posts. It occurred to me the other day that if your surgery date was not November 7th I would not have been following the posts so closely.
I was introduced to Rachel and of course she has become a major prayer concern. Keep posting and stay your strong sensible self!!

Jim Jones posted a note for Lynn that says: That is smart, Lynn. I think the first 4 weeks are the key weeks to really do 1/2 of what you want to do so our bodies can heal. My mother and sister are out of state and won't visit me until Dec. when I feel up to it. We have had a few visitors that I have spent 5 min with. It is odd but the body really needs its time to heal. All the best.

Jim Jones posted a note for Lynn that says: Lynn
I know exactly what you are talking about. My Monday was really high activity. I felt great. Tuesday I thought I was sick and that something was really warm. It was just too much too soon. I am trying to slow down and cut everything in 1/2 until my body heals. Good luck and find your zen!

Jim E. posted a note for Lynn that says: Hi, Ty :)

Outstanding job on the walks! I hope each day gets a little easier. I am so thankful to have you on the mend. The family and friends are doing a wonderful job. I'm very proud of them.

Your journal has inspired me to think differently about recovering from illness.
Recliners definitely rule :) Please take it slowly, Ty. You're doing great!

Love and Cheers,
Jimmy and Bob :)

Aubrey posted a note for Lynn that says: Lynn, your doing so well. The process is best when approached with calmness, like your doing. You will enjoy this Thanksgiving I am sure. Just take it easy. Ramp up the walking slowly and take whatever pain meds work for your. More if you need it. There is no medal for heroism here, just for continued healing for yourself and your family.

It is so good to see you doing so well. Let us know if there is anything we can help with.

Gabi x posted a note for Lynn that says: Lynn, how loved and appreciated you must feel with your friends arriving bearing gifts of gourmet food! I think your appetite will return when you are more active once again. Please continue gaining strength and resting when you need to.

Jim Jones posted a note for Lynn that says: Hey Lynn
Great post! Thanks so much for sharing. Please send the food my way! My appetite returned in the hospital and I was counting the hours between meals. Bizarre. Lise found not believe I liked the food. Your Thanksgiving sounds wonderful. Keep healing, my friend.

Nancy Scott posted a note for Lynn that says: Hi Lynn,
Thanks for keeping us posted. It sounds like you are doing really well and normal. It might help to write about the ICU experiences and get perspective from others who have been thru it.
Take care and have a terrific holiday!

Philippa posted a note for Lynn that says: Great to read all your updates Lynn.Sorry I haven't been in touch for a while...going through my own traumas at the moment but enjoyed a nice break away to London and Newcastle respectively to touch base with some Ex KL pals so that was refreshing.
Tina Turner at your bedside eh? Now that would be novel! Lol....drugs are wonderful aren't they? ....the prescribed ones I mean.
Emotionally....no doubt you are on a bit of a roller coaster....some days run over by a truck....other days thinking..."Well I am improving"......don't forget my old favourite......say to yourself every morning as you step out of bed...or off your recliner.....ready....after 3.....1....2...3. "EVery day AND in EVERY WAY I am getting better and BETTER!" Xxxxxxxoooooo love n hugs Philippa aka Your good friend and fellow FLO !

Sharon Madden posted a note for Lynn that says: I am so thankful for your entries and I am glad you are feeling better. I am definitely with Susan on the Jim and Lynn to do list. Take Care and God Bless.

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Lynn that says: Lynn, thanks for the advice. I think I'll try a day without the sports bra and see how I do. My incision is much bigger, but no real pain, so I think it will go well.

DVB posted a note for Lynn that says: Hey Lynn, keep it up with those walks. You'll be running in those 3 months. Just bump up your distance a bit each time. One day you'll just try jogging a few steps and never look back! -- DVB

Carol Jackson posted a note for Lynn that says: Lynn,
Glad to hear you are doing so well 11 days post op and on the way to full recovery. The recliner is great. Soon you will be sleeping all night in bed. Even though the walks make you tired it really will help in the recovery.

Susan Smith, a lady in waiting - pre-op posted a note for Lynn that says: Lynn, you are an angel with all the details and tips involving post op. I have add them to the "Jims To Do List" and I have official changed the title to: "Jim's and Lynn's To Do list". Thanks.

You are really progressing along and with each post I see the improvements. It is encouraging. Keep it up a gold star is headed your way.

Judy posted a note for Lynn that says: Your comments are great! Nothing like first-hand experience to help those of us in waiting to truly be prepared.

Mahalo!

Jim Jones posted a note for Lynn that says: Lynn
Every little bit of this sounds good! Congrats. Smooth recovery are two desirable words. I purchased a pillow wedge that I like from Amazon. Do you have one?

Have you tried a glass of wine for the pug? Or a beer? Or dropping her off a Ernie's? Just three top of mind ideas for you to consider! Cheers!

Joannie Semitekol posted a note for Lynn that says: Afternoon naps! I found post op they were such a wonderful thing that I vowed to never stop the practice. Ah, but post-post op set in and I no longer find it possible. So, on one count, embrace the naps; they are a luxury. Taking it slow in the beginning makes for a much better result long term.
My thoughts are with you and your whole crew!

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Lynn that says: What he said X2.

Aubrey Elmo Jones posted a note for Lynn that says: Your right about the pace. It is slower and the best thing is to check out and let the house run around you. Your full time job is to walk a few times a day, starting slowly and ramping up a minute or two every day or so. Keep taking the pain meds. My doctors office insisted to not ramp it down too slowly but I found that one every 3 to 4 hours kept me mostly pain free and then I used a Xannax and a pain tab to go to sleep and used another pain tab four hours later to go back to sleep since I got into the routine in hosp for 3 am checks. Read, eat, shower, walk, nap, watch Criminal Minds on Ion channel, nap, walk, eat, etc... After a few more days, you should go for a SHORT lunch out if someone is available to drive. Go early and you can get in and out quickly, then take another nap. Biggest thing is to avoid the frustration that can lead to depression. Try your best to enjoy the opportunity to slow down. In a way it is a gift in its own way. You got this.

Nancy Scott posted a note for Lynn that says: Lynn,
As others have said, you will be up and down for several weeks. Do as much as you feel like and get outside as much as you can. Just sit in the sun and smile that you are here and doing well!

Joseph Kusiak posted a note for Lynn that says: You are doing great and the feelings are normal.
You have your great support group with you. You do not have to deal at this point just do your walking, use your spirometer and rest.
Your only job at this point is to heal. It will take time and there will be minor setbacks but you will get better and feel better week after week.

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Lynn that says: P.S. Let me know if I need to buy you a shock collar for the pug and your address where I should send it.

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Lynn that says: Yep. Welcome to the roller coaster that is recovery. Some good days, some bad days. Be consistent when you take your pain meds and it should help even things out. Be sure and walk and use your spirometer.

Ann posted a note for Lynn that says: Lynn,
Everything you are experiencing sounds so familiar. My surgery was over 2 yrs ago. Two days after I got home I thought I was in bad shape with a racing heart, but went for EKG and it was normal. We have lost the pericardial sac (? I think !) which normally cushions some of that pounding feeling. The first night I tried to do a load of laundry and paid for it dearly with deep chest pains for a long time.
Our system has been through a huge shock and it takes a long time to heal. Our emotions have been a roller coaster and so just give yourself time, and ask someone to intervene until you feel more like visitors. My first month was pretty tough , then improved very quickly. ( but you are very fit and may improve sooner)
I increased my daily walk by only about 5 minutes each day.
The sternum takes a good 6 weeks
Take care of yourself.
Many people are praying for you.
Ann

Susan Smith, waiting posted a note for Lynn that says: Feel better Lynn, It may all be due to medication. I love when you described how you were feeling as "being in a pugs life". Our pets are certainly more than just pets, aren't they. Take it easy and stay close.

Karin Baloian posted a note for Lynn that says: Dear Lynn (without that "e" I tend to add:

If I was asked to pick one word to describe my first days (and then some) at home it would be "vulnerable". Taking the last heart monitor off and getting in our car was a bit ominous. Sometimes I wasn't sure what I felt and what caused it. And I still remember the first time I walked off of our culdesac. My husband went with me around that corner!! Perhaps the word for the next stage could be "adventure"!!

Whatever it is I am confident you will process and articulate your progress.
It will help you and all the others.

Also want to let you know that I still am praying for you.

Jim Jones posted a note for Lynn that says: Oh Lynn, I am so sorry you are not feeling well. I do not know what to recommend to you to do but I sure want you to feel better soon. Since you had a gentle massage would it help you to consume some water to flush any toxins out of your system? Please take care of yourself and feel well soon.

Jim E. posted a note for Lynn that says: Hi, Ty :)

Sorry to hear about the pain. I hope that it lessens soon. You're doing great! We are super proud of you. Please rest as much as possible, Ty.
Love and Cheers,
Jimmy and Bob :)

Sharon Madden posted a note for Lynn that says: Hang in there Lynn. Just take it one day at a time.

Jim Jones posted a note for Lynn that says: Hey, Lynn, good morning to you! Is it time for us to go on a run? How are you feeling? This is my second full day home in MA. I am taking 2mg of hydromorphone every 4 hours so it could actually be 30 days home. And I may not be in MA. And I may not really be Jim Jones!
We find ourselves in an unfamiliar place. For me, as an example, Since a teen I have been driven by activity, deadlines, speed and performance. Now I am sitting in a recliner trying to get back into Wolf Hall. Our days are starting to settle into a pattern. BTW, I saw Steve in an Oregon shirt. What is the connection? And how is your world today? Seeing some improvement? Be well today.

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Lynn that says: LYNN!!!!!!!!

Hope you are doing well. I start cardio rehab today. Yay!!

I was stumped at first with my new digital thermometer also. After the third try, and it still didn't work, I dug the directions out of the trash. Turns out it wasn't a rectal thermometer at all.

Looked at your photos. Had a hard time at first figuring out which one was your husband and which one was the pug.

Continued good healing!

Susan Smith, also known as Smitty posted a note for Lynn that says: Lynn, sounds like recovery is really exhausting. You have pugs that skype and I have a cat that likes to walk on you and make bread anytime of day or night. Rest and walk . Keep up the good stuff and get rid of the bad stuff. Progress is not always easy, but it is good.

Karin Baloian posted a note for Lynn that says: Greetings to "at home" Lynne!! So glad you are dealing with all the post surgery stuff rather than pre surgery items!!

Every stage has its adventures.
I am blessed with a very wise mother in law who over her 92 years has battled many health issues. Cancer in her 40's started it. She told me "Do too much too soon and pay for it in the long run."
Since she had earned the right to speak I listened. Your email impressed me with all you are able to do and all you are selecting to let go of. My mother in law and I are both proud of you!!

Jim Jones posted a note for Lynn that says: Lynn
That sounds wonderful. I get the no visitors feeling also. I don't have that type of energy to converse with guests right now. It would be such an energy mismatch. (re: skyping, I am surprised the pug skypes, that is all that I will say about the pug right now)
It is 230am, calm, quiet, and dark here in living room. Lise is on couch-I have a leather presidential recliner. Could not be more comfortable. Get well, my friend.

Jim Jones posted a note for Lynn that says: Lynn
Thanks for the progress report. I am fine right now. Tell the pug, uncle Jim is a bit upset about his poor behavior. And uncle Jim knows how to have pugs take extended time outs. (french foreign legion...) So glad you are doing well! Keep it up, cardiac buddy!

Higgy posted a note for Lynn that says: Welcome home! I are right when you said that you can't truely recover in the hospital. Best of luck and continued prayers.

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Lynn that says: Eat lots of protein for healing. Get plenty of sleep if you can. Take it slow to heal quickly.

Bob Howard posted a note for Lynn that says: What kind of valve did you pick? I have my surgery next Wednesday
How are you feeling

Carol Jackson posted a note for Lynn that says: Great to hear you are home. Good luck in your recovery. Yes, it does make a difference when a person exercises and is in good shape before surgery, after surgery and when one starts rehab. Enjoy the quiet nights at home.

Dan Sinclair posted a note for Lynn that says: No Trumpets Blowing, Damn it Lynn,
So Good to hear that you are Home Sweet Home. Enjoy, Stay Healthy, Keep up the hard work!

Take Care

Susan Smith, a sister in the valvehood posted a note for Lynn that says: Wow! You are terrific. Home is sweet home and your own bed. Yes, the orange tree and pool sound just fine. Keep moving and keep us in the know. A gold star for you.

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Lynn that says: Yay!!! Your Kung Fu is strong!

Jim E. posted a note for Lynn that says: Hi, Ty :)
You really sound like you are doing better each day. Thank you for being so strong and keeping a hopeful and optimistic attitude. Please give our love to Steve and the kids. Everyone is pulling together as one. I hope the pain lessens so you can achieve more freedom. Bravo!

Love and Cheers,
Jimmy and Bob. :)

Barb Brooks posted a note for Lynn that says: Glad you're home Lynn! The best place to recover. I still don't have much of an appetite. Just make sure you don't get dehydrated. Have a safe and speedy recovery!

Jim Jones posted a note for Lynn that says: Lynn
All good news!!! BTW, Tina was with me last night. Drugs befuddle. Could it have been Ike? Sleep well, kiddo.

Gabi x posted a note for Lynn that says: Welcome Home Lynn! Take the time to heal now darling!

Judy posted a note for Lynn that says: Hi Lynn, You have certainly had a fantastic recovery so far. My very best wishes for a continuing speedy return to normal.