On June 9, 2011...
Mikeyy!

Hallur! Krista and I woke up like 30 minutes ago. Haha:) we stayed up a tad late and have a funny story to tell you.
We hope your third night was better sleepin on da couch instead of the chair! We've had a lot of fun hanging out with you the past 2 days! Glad we could make thee feel betterr! :) just text us when you need your two nurses! Haha! Rest up! We luhh you!

From Krista & Chloe<3

On June 9, 2011...
Hi Michael,
As your Aunt and a nurse, I totally can understand where your coming from sweetie! Our bodies weren't meant to go thru such a thing! It is a painful process and the only thing that will make you all better is a lot of time!!! Every day that passes you will be one day closer to "back to normal" and no pain! Hang in there hon!! You are tough! Lindsey just returned from her 2 1/2 day college orientation! Wow....I can't believe you two are already done with high school!!! Time goes by fast.....remember that as you are recovering!! :) Love you!!! Aunt Susie
On June 8, 2011...
Michael, ...just read your journal today about the "....sugar coat..." stuff. Yep, we all have varing degrees of what you described. Seems like you have a good attitude about it, the discomfort/annoying stuff. I got all over the heart surgery related stuff, but still can't sleep on my left side without being careful about position because of a left shoulder rotator cuff (infraspinatus muscle) injury from the day in January 2010 I did four all out 25 meter swim intervals because it felt so good to try to go as fast as I could....a dumb thing for the old(er) guy to do. Jerry H had some good stuff to say. I'd like to add, when the time comes, be sure you do a cardiac rehabilitation program. I've never seen someone your age at the rehab I've attended, even the college/university age interns working there are a little older than you, but, none-the-less, it will help deal with some of the annoying issues that accompany cardiac surgery. I'm at least 50 years older than you and had my valve job repair on March 11th this year. If I was doing any better I'd probably be twins. The cardiac rehab program I attend now has a lot to do with how well I am doing. One of my heart surgery hero people is Ellen Charnley who had her atrial wall repaired in March 2010 and 8 1/2 months later completed Ironman Arizona, a 2.4 mile swim, followed by a 112 mile road bike ride, and finished with a Marathon, 26.2 mile run. Now, that is ultimate rehab in my book. She had several issues develop between the surgery and her Ironman event, and worked through them all. .....Barry on the mtn in New Mexico
On June 8, 2011...
Michael,

I was just on here checking out things and saw your post. I had an AVR replaced on August 31 last year after coming down with endocarditis a year ago today. I'm 20 years older then you but I can tell you with complete certainty what you are going through will pass and you know what Chief it does suck sometimes. What seems endless will in a few months seem like a hundred years ago and you will get through this in no time.

As for the pain I have been there and it blows. Im sure your Docs told you it is especially bad for younger guys. The pain is pretty intense because your nerve endings haven't died off yet. That's why old women sail through this stuff. Your comments about sleep and waking up sweaty or cold really reminded me of that first week at home. I am not sure if you tried this but get every pillow you can and try putting them in a semicircle around you in the bed. This allowed me to rest my arms and actually sleep on my side with some support. As for the back pain that for me was the worst. Again it might sound silly but get someone to massage those knots out and if that doesn't help ask your doctor for a muscle relaxer. The pain meds are not the same thing. Obviously use some discretion with them but they will work with a lortab or what ever you are on.

Finally hang in there man and make sure you get outside in the sun some and use that sprirometer thing. It will really help with coughing and lung capacity.

Best of Luck
Jerry H
Louisville, KY
On June 8, 2011...
You're doing great Michael. Everyone goes through adjustments after the surgery.Your body has been voilated! You had your sternum that was made in one piece broken and split wide open.

The pain meds in general are good but they put me out of my mind. I would take them in the hospital on a regular schedule--whenever the nurse brought them--and I would be asleep in a few minutes. I would have terrible dreams and would scare my wife as I would start getting violent and fighting with people (who were not in my room) in my sleep. When I finally woke up I was wet like I stepped out of the shower.

At the hospital and after I got home the only visitors I had was family. I was kind of disappointed that I didn't have company but on the other hand it allowed me to rest when my body said it was time.

When I got home I only took a couple more pain pills--mainly at night--and then slept in our bed with my pillow on top of a couple of blanets rolled up.

Give it time--it will get better!

Tim
Greensboro NC
On June 8, 2011...
you are a superstar ! no one knows how hard it is to sleep in a chair and try to ignore the whole BODY YAWN!!
On June 8, 2011...
You sweet boy! Auntie Di has worked with many patients over the years and sometimes the recovery is difficult and comfort is difficult to attain. Everyday will become a little easier, I promise but you need to hold your incision and cough, laugh or do what you need to do to keep your lungs working. I was always a tryant to my patients post op to make sure they didn't get pneumonia. What is the pain medication? If you are not getting enough relief maybe the doc's can change the schedule the more comfortable you are the more you will move about. Don't be too hard on yourself you are amazing and recovering every minute of the day. Hang in there. I wish I could be there to nurse you back to recovery, but I am pushy. Your mom is the best and she is tough just like you! Love you sweetie!
On June 8, 2011...
What a blessing (and birthday present to your father!) to have you home so soon!! You are an inspiration to so many and we will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers as you heal your way back to iron man!! God bless you and your family!
On June 8, 2011...
Happy Birthday Jim!!!!
Jenn Heller
On June 8, 2011...
Happy Birthday Jim. The best gift ever is that Michael is back home and doing well Such a Blessing for everyone! Have a good day Michael.

Auntie Di
On June 8, 2011...
Good morning Michael,

Your aunt Karen sent me this link yesterday and the first news I receive is that you are home in the comfort of your new chair. When we were in Ohio, we followed the progress with the Hoppe's and it is amazing the progress you made in just this short time. You wanted to be home for your dad's birthday (today) and you made it!!!!! Rest up and your grandmother will also be there soon to help in your recovery (she will spoil you, you know). Michael, so many prayers for you and the skill of your surgeon allow you to be were you are today. We are all so very thankful and keep the wonderful progress reports coming. Love, Aunt Cindy and Uncle Dick
On June 7, 2011...
Dear Michael,
I am just thrilled for you and your folks to know that you are home again and recovering so well. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers daily.
Many Blessings!
Mary Anne Christensen
On June 7, 2011...
Half the time in surgery, half the time in the hospital. I will sign off now and leave room for friends and family. But, please know that you will continue to be in my prayers for half the time for a full recovery. All my best and God's blessings for you and your family.....Tobe'
On June 7, 2011...
Michael,

Congratulations on your remarkable success and quick exit from the hospital. We wish you a speedy recovery, and also please give our best to your wonderful parents who deserve a major "atta boy & girl!" Hope to see you soon when you are more mobile.

Scott & Robin
On June 7, 2011...
I'm so glad my prayers for poop worked! I'm taking full credit for that!! LOL .... Enjoy your lazyboy! Jenn Heller
On June 7, 2011...
Michael,
I am soo happy that you are ok and u r at home!! You are in my prayers and in my thoughts. My friends and family are praying. I miss seeing u at the club. I hope that I get to c u soon. I hope we can some how keep in touch!! Love U!! :) Email me! :)
~Mollie
On June 7, 2011...
Hey you!
Glad you got to sleep good last night even though you already told me thsi! Haha! I'm done with exams for the day and I'm headed home. Yay! Well hope to hear from yoy soon! :) love you!

Chloe
On June 7, 2011...
Soooo glad you get to come home.
Maybe we can set a time up to come see you soon. I'm sure you will miss the hospital food.
Continue to improve and soon this whole ordeal will be lots of great stories and a good scar as proof that some stories are true. Ha Ha
Hope to see you soon.
The Blakes
On June 7, 2011...
Can't believe you are home, good job on pooping you are special. Make sure mom spoils you and I'll keep the prayers coming your way. Love seeing you in the photos getting stronger everyday and that SMILE!1

Keep moving and pooping.

Love, Auntie Di
On June 6, 2011...
Hi Michael,
Bob and I have been following your progress and are glad to hear you are going home. No one likes being in the Hospital - and I work in them. Just try to remember the hardest part is over. Enjoy the special attention while you can. I am sure some good Reggae tunes will cheer you up - Jah Rastafari!. Best Wishes - Mary and Bob
On June 6, 2011...
Uncle,
I can not wait until we go to Florida. I miss you so much. I always think about you and how you are doing.I wish I could of come and seen you before your surgery. I am so exited to come and see you. I cannot imagine how much you have been through.I also miss you to lala and papa I can't wait to go to lala camp.
I love you all so much,Love Isabelle
On June 6, 2011...
Bet you never thought you would look forward to some of the little things in life we do all the time......Hopefully everything will be working like before really, really soon! It seems hard to believe that you are actually getting close to going home already!! Wow!!! Keep it up Michael! :) Love, Aunt Susie and familiy PS Linsdey is at NMU for orientation today, tomorrow and Wednesday! Can you believe it?? I can't either!!!
On June 6, 2011...
Wow, going home already...that is great! There is no place like home to help you get better faster. You can rest and have all of your favorite things and people around you. I guess I better tell Mr Felker to hurry up and get that car back in your driveway.
Love, The Felkers
On June 6, 2011...
Go Michael, go! There is no stopping you. I know the Great Physician is leading your awesome team of healthcare providers. You're own bed will never fel any better.

Teresa
On June 6, 2011...
Just a brief note to say that you are in our thoughts and prayers as you begin your journey of recovery.May God bless you daily with strength,and knowing that you have an army of praying people behind you.

In His Hands,
Gary and Linda Parks
(friends of Linda Shirley)
Jacksonville, Florida
On June 6, 2011...
Awesome news!! The Power of Prayers!!!
Safe trip home.. Lv, Ms. Betsy
On June 6, 2011...
AMAZING LITTLE BAM IS HEADING HOME ALREADY!!!!!!!!! I WANT TO SEND A SPECIAL THANKS TO THE DOCTORS AND ALL THE WONDERFUL CAREGIVERS THAT YOU GUYS WERE SO LUCKY TO HAVE.JOB WELL DONE ABSOLUTELY UNBELIEVABLE !!!!! TALK TO YOU GUYS SOON MJ YOU GOT ER DUN DICK AND CHRIS
On June 6, 2011...
WOOOOHOOOOO!!!!!!!!!! You're coming homeeee!!!!!!!! And like a bagillion days early of course!! Well, you do prefer things speedy hahahahaaa:)))) can't wait ta see you! And maybe be helpin take care of you lol:)
<3Krista:)
On June 6, 2011...
Omggg!!! Your coming home! :)) yayyyy!! We're (me krista erin all of us!!) Are sooo happy and excited! We're soo proud of your amazing improvement! Keep woprking hard!
So does this mean he's coming home today or tomorrow?? We can't wait to see you when your alll settled and have a good routine! We love you Mikeyy!!

From a happy chicka!

Chloe :]
On June 6, 2011...
I hope all the prayers have helped the poop. Walk alot to awake those bowls.
Just think, when that is done you can GO HOME

Sandy Meyers
On June 6, 2011...
Tell him keep eatin the peaches!
On June 6, 2011...
Mikey man I'm so psyched that you're recovering so well! Leeanne and I have been praying for you every day and I know that all our prayers are helping by the speed your recovering at! Keep it up bro, and we'll hang as soon as you're out of the hospital.
On June 6, 2011...
Goodmorning Mikey, Mom and Dad!
I'll definitely have to agree with Ms. Jenn...it will also be my first time praying for bowl movement! But you need that so you can come home! :) I hope your night was good and it's great to here the walking is getting better! Yall will be home before you know it! I just finished my first 2 exams and then it's off the lunch and more studying.. Can't wait be to be done with everything. Love you guysss! Hope the next update is the final one in the hospital!

With love while sitting in school ;),

Chloe
On June 6, 2011...
This will be my first time EVER praying for poop, but for you guys, I'll do it!! Hugs to you all, Jenn Heller
On June 6, 2011...
Michael is going to shoot you for last last update!! Tell him that the more he walks the sooner it will come!!!......Tobe'
On June 6, 2011...
HI Michael, We continue to pray for your successful proceedures and a return to normal activities. You are a couragious young man and a great example for many. Your mom and dad are blessed to be your parents!
Lisa and I remember your baptism and what a good baby you were. You continue to be an amazing individual with great attitude for even a bigger and brighter future for yourself. Know that we will continue to pray and keep you in our thoughts. Bob&Lisa Heiderman
On June 6, 2011...
Good morning Michael, Mom & Dad! Hope you all had a good night. New day, new energy, new challenges, new progress! Michael sweetie, we know you are working so hard. It's harder sometimes than people understand. When it hurts it's hard to be patient. It's hard to see how far you've come. Take each day, take this day, and fight the battle. One day closer to home! You're doing it! God bless you and give you strength anew each day! XXXOOO
The Rawles
On June 5, 2011...
dear uncle,
I hope you feel better. I can't believe it has been so long. I wish I could come and visit you. I want to play guitar aand play dance dance revolution with you. I miss watching all the movies with you. And going in the pool and me going on your shoulders with Olivia on mine, also when you mad all the waves. When I come up we are going to go to the beach and dig a huge hole and talk.
Love You,Isabelle
On June 5, 2011...
Mikey, Momma and Daddy!
Wow! 6 laps?? That's awesome! Good work bud :) I'm sorry today was hard but it's only going to get better! You're doing sooo well. Just please stay positive and keep that smile on your face! :) you're such an inspiration Mikey. You have no idea. All your friends and family love you to pieces and we can't wait to see you home in your Lazy Boy chair! ;) a guys best friend! Rest up so that strength of yours can get to work and get you all better!
Well I'm going to head bed soon I gotta be able to do well on my exams! And thank you soo much for the encouragement. That meant a lot! :) Goodnight to you guys and sleep well!

I'll ttyl!
Love Chloe

P.S. Erin and I are planning something awesome for you Mikey ;)
On June 5, 2011...
Hey Michael, Jim and Linda,
It w!as 84 degrees in Michigan today, I couldn't help but think of Florida and of course you guys!! Soooooo Happpy that things are going so well.....Michael is a good patient!!! Keep doing eveything that your sweet nurses and wonderful doctors ask of you!! It might hurt but it is for your best!!! Get good rest when you need it and you will be going home soon! I'm sure of it!!!! You take care sweetie! Linda and Jim, I am sure you two are exhausted. Hang in there and you too will be home soon!! Love you guys!!! Susie
On June 5, 2011...
Michael, I have great parents but your parents absolutely win the grand prize. I can only hope to be half as wonderful as them in my life! Love the Rogers' family!!!

Jim, Pam called me today because she was getting calls from people wondering how Michael was doing and our email server doesn't let us open attachments in our emails if we are not at the office. (long, goofy story) ... but, I let her know how GREAT Michael was doing and she was so happy and was passing on the word to everyone. Everyone at PV Club Realty is thinking of you guys and sending lots of love!

Michael, keep up the good work. We are all so incredibly impressed with your strength & courage. I took up roller blading today so you may have to save a space for me in the room next to you as I get used to these crazy skates! Soon you will be back at the beach desk laughing at me as I skate by on the Blvd!!!! lol....

Peace & love,
Jennifer Heller

On June 5, 2011...
You have Great parents. My prayers are with you. You are going to get thru this, and be home soon..Jonathan wants to play golf and the beach. You have to be home soon to help a soldier have fun.

Sandy Meyers
On June 5, 2011...
I am so happy you are doing well. All my prayer friends have been asking. Sent a message on Friday, but forgot to sign. Go figure. Stay focused and work hard, you are going to do fine. I love you. Auntie Di
On June 5, 2011...
Hey Mikey!
Haven't seen any updates so I hope all is well and that your just sleepin all day! I've been studying since 11 something this morning.... I'm finishing up now and then I'm stopping!! Haha my brain needs a rest! Anyways hope to hear something from you all soon :)

Chloe
Michael Rogers  Hey Chloe,
Yes, Mikey had a rough day, his mood is certainly not as up as yesterday and we saw that ... Read more
On June 5, 2011...
Hi Michael! Sorry I could not visit you yesterday when Bob came by. I've been looking at the pictures of you and your beautiful smile tells me that you are doing GREAT and on the mend! Can't wait to visit you and your Mom and Dad in your new home very soon. We have so much to celebrate...Much Love xoxoxo Val
On June 5, 2011...
The service was good this morning and they honored Jeremy, and the other graduates. Grampa wants to know when you can have venison steak? That will cure whatever ails you! We are getting ready to go to Jeremy's baccalaurate ceremony at 3:00. Auntie Karen just came home from the hospital where Rachel had surgery today. Every thing went as well as it could have. We are thinking about you alot and praying for you. We pray you are having a great day. Keep up the good work. We all love you. Talk to you soon.
Grama and Grandpa
On June 5, 2011...
Hey Rogers!!
So glad to read that everything is going well, can't wait to see you guys and hear more about it! Our prayers are with you all and we're so sooo glad you're doing so well Michael!! Still holdin down the fort for you guys on this end, Cocoa and Ozzy send their love! :) God Bless!!
Owen
On June 5, 2011...
Good morning guyz.... sounds like Michael is moving right along! I know you all are exhausted and can't wait to be back in your new home... hopefully tomorrow!!!

Talk soon... bv
On June 5, 2011...
Hey there Michael, less tubes and monitors, more good food! All great news. So so glad to hear you keep making progress. We know those smiles aren't always easy! Graduation was a fun day. Wish you were with us to celebrate but we'll just have to do it again when you get home! Stay strong through the tough parts. Every day "less pain more gain". We're thinking of you all the time, sending thoughts and prayers for healing. Love you lots young man,
The Rawles
On June 5, 2011...
Goodmorning guys! :)
Well I'm glad you guys had a good resftful night and that you got to have different food! That's always a happy feeling :) haha.
Yay movie day! Movies are the best when your down for the count. But that's just me lol. It's good to hear the doctors want to focus on walking and workin on the lungs. My mom says that's a very good sign (she used to be a respitory therapist back in the day) so she knows exactly what's goin on. Do well Mikey :)
Well I gotta go study for those exams now all day! We'll talk to you soon! Love you guys!

From Chloee
next