Hope you had a pain free and wonderful anniversary. How did you celebrate? Hope to talk to you tomorrow! Love, Theresa and Vern

Hi Mary Ann

Good for you for being so persistent in getting what you needed to tide you over. You can't recover if you are being beaten up with the pain. We are all different and while you will get some great suggestions and lots of help here, in the end you have to weigh it up and take the information that pertains to you. Your journal entry sounded really good so I was delighted thinking you were progressing. Thinking of you and saying lots of prayers.

Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Mary Ann,
I'm sorry that you are having all these painful experiences. I hope that you get it under control and that each day will be better. And go ahead and WHINE if you want. You have been through major surgery.

We are currently down at our condo in Mexico with our two grandsons. They are enjoying it. Paid a fortune to take them out on a big fishing boat (spending their parent's inheritance) and Cam (the 20 year old) landed a sail fish...about 6 feet long. That was the only bite we got so Gabe (age 13) was disappointed that he didn't get a bite but took it well. We go home Friday. Hopefully before any hurricanes hit the Atlantic side. One hit down in Guatamala a few days ago but didn't bother us on this side.

Take care. Love and prayers. Jeanie K

Thank you Mary Ann for stopping by and signing my guestbook with your words of encouragement. It means a lot to me.
I'm glad that you got pain meds to help with your discomfort until Tuesday. Pain management is so important to our recovery. And I've learned so much on this website that will absolutely help me with my recovery.
I wish you all the best and you will be in my thoughts and prayers, too.

Diana

Thank God for friends! Glad you relaxed as best you could yesterday. You've been through a lot and your body is reacting. With time things will get better, maybe slower than you would want, but it will happen, trust me. Prayers continue for your recovery.
Fran Z

Isn't "home" a lovely word? So relieved you're finally on the mend. You were a "cute little old woman" even at age 18!!

Take care and a big "Thanks" to Gene.
Love, mary t.

Mary Ann,
I don't consider some venting and getting your feelings out "whining" at all. You have gone through so much. I find myself scared now(my surgery is in 4 days) and it is not of the surgery but the pain on the other side. I feel like everyone else is so positive and something must be wrong with me for being so nervous. That being said, repeating what the others said, get some pain medicine that works for you. It will help you to relax and start to heal faster.
I hope you are soon pain free and your recovery smooths out.
You can say whatever you want on here,that's what all these wonderful people are here for.
Kimberly S.

Mary Ann,

Regarding your pain, don't be a hero!! There are too many downsides to being in pain:

1. Being in pain! There are too many great drugs out there that will take care of the aches.

2. You will be less likely to get up and walk, move, and breathe deeply. All things that are vital to your recovery.

3. When part of you is in pain, there is a tendency to favor it and then you get your entire body out of whack (and alignment),

4. You'll be a better and happier wife :)

5. Did I mention being in pain is awful??

So, Mary Ann, this is no time to be a hero. Take the painkillers now and taper off when you're feeling better. You can worry about Betty Ford later.

Also, recognize how great you've done and how far you've come. You ARE kicking booty in your recovery!! I am no stranger to the ICU and when I'd get depressed about how badly I felt, I'd look back at the early days and realize how far I've come. It helped.

xxoo,
Amanda

PS I hope this isn't inappropriate for the Valve Journal website but your husband looks like a movie star. You two make a beautiful couple.

Mary Ann,

This is the second entry for me, but I don't think my first entry went through because I forgot to submit it!

When we were driving back from Woodlawn, where we deocrated Mark's (our son) memorial stone, I saw your beautiful hanging basket with soft pink geraniums. I think there were some beautiful iris nearby. In the language of flowers, I think they were telling you how much they cared, as with all your friends and kin.

Carolyn

Mary Ann
You are a strong lady and as Cheryl said, you can voice any concerns and trust me, we all understand. And, what's wrong with a little whining anyway? We women, I believe are the ones that hold it in to be strong and it's good to get those "oh my" feelings out and move on. You're doing well especially in lieu of all you've been through.I continue to pray for your recovery.
Fran Z

Hi Mary Ann

Feel confident this is the one place you can come to and voice your thoughts and receive full support and understanding from those who have been there. Your honesty in sharing what is going on with you is a reminder to those of us who have been there about the ups and downs faced by our other dear friends here.

As for your sense of timing I believe our pre-op days are all wrapped up in how much longer and what has to be done and post-op is counting our recovery process and measuring one day against another. Selfishly, little else counts. I remember not being ready for birthdays and anniversaries and so on and that is so not me. I had cards bought in advance and a few gifts but as the dates approached and I was reminded, I found I had totally lost track of time. Thank goodness for my daughter-in-law who just pitched in and took over.

Your days will eventually get better. I hate to use Fran's dreadful experiences as a measuring tool, but look, she is finally getting ready for rehab - a big forward step.

If you find you are experiencing acute pain still, then by all means, don't be a hero and go without because you won't be able to push yourself as you should be. Get what you need and go to work on your walking and breathing exercises.

I continue to keep you in my prayers and pray that soon you'll begin to see the fruits of your labor.

Stay strong.

Cheryl, Ontario

Mary Ann,

I know how the pain can be, but trust me, each week it will be better. I will continue to pray for you.

Melany

Mary Ann,
So glad to hear you are back home...what a journey you have had. I felt really bad for you setback...but you really are a tough woman. Feel better real soon...I am thinking of you.
Theresa Callanan

Good Morning Mary Ann
So good to hear the good news of your return home and recovery. I read somewhere that you are a nurse (I am too) and we are a tough breed. All those years of telling our patients what to do and now we have to tell ourselves. I'm just getting into rehab (March 18th surgery). You, apparently have been given the okay earlier. Continue to heal and do well.
Fran Z

Hi Mary Ann

My toes were curling just reading the detailed description of your last journey. You are made of good stuff to even be able to sit down and write. Keep that in mind. It is over finally. I hope you were reassured to hear the doctor up your life expectancy although these past few weeks have had to have left you with doubts. Try not to anticipate depression though but I have to admire you that you are taking the necessary steps to prepare yourself just in case. You're made of good stuff. Praying you are NOW on the road to recovery. Hope you enjoyed your treat.

Cheryl, Ontario

Hello,
Thanks Gene for keeping us updated. Sure hope that the creek did NOT rise and you are on your way home. Travel safely--stay out of the wind!
Hope you are feeling a little stronger, MaryAnn. Take it easy and we will keep in touch. We never did finish our last phone conversation. Lot of love and best wishes,
Theresa and Vern

Hi Mary Ann

Hope you are back on track. Keeping you in my prayers.

Cheryl, Ontario

Mary Ann, I didn't see the message I
wrote today. I said that flowers, friends, and fun are the best way to get well. Gene did a splendid job of keeping up the journal for you.

Carolyn

Hooray! I'm so glad you're coming home. Tell the rookie that he did a splentdid job of keeping us updated while you had the repair procedure. Traveling in itself is a drain, so know you'll feel better when you get home. There's nothing like flowers, friends, and fun when your recovering.

Carolyn

Gene and Mary Ann
Safe travels home and you can gently slam the door on your way out of Mayo! Gene, thanks for filling us in and keeping us up to date on your bride's progress. My husband was (and still is) my rock during my March surgery and recovery. Prayers for both of you.
Fran Z

I think about you both all the time!! I'm sending you all of my positive :) Maybe you can rest a little easier knowing that Curly Max is in good hands. I think my dad secretly misses him when you are home.

Love you,
Ann Marie

Hello,
We are so glad that surgery is over and hopefully MaryAnn is on the mend! We hope that the pain will be gone soon. Thanks Gene for keeping us updated. Love, Theresa and Vern

Good job, Gene, hope she whined enough that he made sure you won't have to go bac again, how is she feeling today, love, kathy

Hi Mary Ann and Gene

Glad to hear Mary Ann's surgery was successful and hopefully this one does the trick. It's good she's got you there Gene because she certainly needs a steady shoulder to lean on. Sending my prayers.

Cheryl, Ontario

Good Morning Gene and Mary Ann
Thanks for the update. Glad all went well and the extra reinforcement should do the trick. Was Mary Ann given a heart pillow to hold on her chest whenever she coughs or sneezes? If not, please ask for one as it will be her buddy for the next few weeks. Safe travels tomorrow.
Fran Z

So sorry you had to go through all this but am grateful that the results are looking good. Gene, we'll have to figure out how to "make up" for your birthday--a surprise, maybe????Will continue to keep both of you in our prayers. Love, Marleen

So sory you had to make that trip again. Sometimes "two's a charm". Will be thinking of you tomorrow, sending prayers your way until we hear from Gene.
love, mary T

Hi MaryAnn! I tried calling you Monday afternoon after working the 3 night wkend. Remember changing in the locker room and how glad we were when Monday mornings finally came! :) Couldn't reach you by phone and thought you and Gene must really be partying! Then Laurie Mc. updated us at the nsy. mtg. Tue. what happened. I will pray for a continued recovery, and look so forward to a visit. I love playing rummy, too. :) love, Renae S.

Prayers, prayers, prayers!!! I'm sending you all the good karma I can from Colorado.

Love to you both. Tell Gene Happy Belated Birthday!

Love,
Tasha

Hopin' all goes well for you...be saying prayers.
chris & bob

Hi Mary Ann

I was really worried about you and am so glad to hear you have something that is going to be readily repaired. What a huge relief. You must have a strong heart though my dear because the worry didn't cause a heart attack!!! Bless you for holding up so well. I'm praying that you return home quickly and really ready to heal. Good luck.

Cheryl, Ontario

Dear Mary Ann,

We are prayaing and hoping this surgery will fix everything. You are in good hands.
Happy Birthday Gene! Hope you celebrate big when you get back to Sioux Falls! Love, Theresa and Vern

Dear Mary Ann:

You will be in my thoughts this morning! Happy birthday to Gene!

Love and Prayers
Connie

Keep thinking positive, Maryann. You are going to surgery riding on all our prayers.
Love, Jeanie K

Sorry you have to wait for the surgery, but getting this "skinned knee" repaired will be worth it so you can get back to healing. Prayers for you as you have this surgery and recovery.
Fran Z

Mary Ann and Gene,
Well I don't think this is quite what you signed up for, but then again, we don't get to choose. I am thankful to hear that all is well with your heart function and fully believe that you will be "all fixed up" and enjoying summer back in Sioux Falls soon. Prayers are with you,
Angie O.

Hi Mary Ann,

We're thinking good thoughts for you as you get your lung repaired. Happy Birthday Gene.

Love,
Bob and Betsy

Mary Ann,

I will say a prayer for your speedy recovery to this minor setback! I know you will be giving us a great report of relief and better health come tomorrow night.

Just got done with reading your entire story. You're doing great and have come so far. Keep it up!!

Amanda

PS I know what a greenhouse is, haha, it's just a pretty uncommonly used term here and I just figured out why: we don't need them :)

Hey Mom, Imma and Montse send their best wishes. Wish we were there to hold your hand. Love, Stephanie et al.

Sending you strength and positive energy tomorrow. happy birthday Gene!....kathi

Hi Mary Ann,

I am so happy to hear about you finally, thanks to Carolyn G.at the bookgroup potluck.

I hope this second surgery goes smoothly and you will be home again soon.

Thinking about you, Marj Hanson

Mary Ann - Kay and I have been keeping up with your progress and set back. You are in our prayers daily. Hope tomorrow brings relief. Love
Nick & Kay

Hope your day with the Dr. was successful. Prayers and best wishes with you.
Mary C.

So sorry to hear about your set back. I think it's one of those catch 22 things. If they had kept you in the hospital a little longer, they may have prevented it. But then you might have been exposed to infection. At any rate, know that we are praying.

Love you,
Flo

Sorry to hear about the complications!!!!
Hope things get better soon!! Barb

That is a bummer. But thank goodness you went to see the doctor right away. I'm glad you are going back to Mayo to let them take care of you. Keep us updated. Love, Jeanie

Hi Mary Ann

Sorry to hear of the set-back and just want to wish you good luck, safe trip and sending you my prayers. I wish I could offer some insight.

Cheryl, Ontario

What horrible luck you're having BUT it does sound like the new heart is working just fine. "Too much fluid"? So why did they leave too much in there in the first place?

Knowing you are faithful and strong I think you'll be on the mend again soon.
love, mary t

Mary Ann,
I also am not familiar with this type of setback, and am so sorry to hear that you will need to go back for more repair work. But I know the strength of your optimistic and loving heart and have an idea how many prayers are being heard right now to carry you safely through what is ahead. Know you are loved. Sending healing thoughts, energy and prayers from SC.
love, Kay Raheja

Praying for you---hoping all the best. Come visit us us when you are all healed up. We are in Paradise Valley this weekend for some r and r. You would like this place. Take care! We want to hear good news!
Love and prayers,
Bernie and George