Thanks for your note. Believe me, it was an honor for me to meet Duane in person. He and Peggy are dear people who live their fath. Duane suggested a prayer before they left and the 4 of us held hands and he said a beautiful prayer of healing. As for posting, was waiting until after I see my cardiologist tomorrow. Hope he has some answers for me about a couple of things. Have a great day.
Fran Z

Hey Penny! I agree - the scar is a badge of honor! We should design clothing that shows it off without being indecent.
And I loved the pics of your darling dogs! How precious is that!? I'm sure they were so happy to have you back home.
Keep up the good work & progress!
Blessings!
BTW--- no full bagpipes for another 3 weeks, but I have gotten out my practice chanter.
Blessings!
Kathy Jamison-Patnode

Wow, do you look fabulous at 5 weeks post op! I'd never believe you have been through all that you have from looking at your picture! You rock!!

And what a scar. You make me feel so guilty that I have only a 3-inch itty bitty scar in the lower part of my right breast that doesn't even show. You have the greatest attitude and a beautiful smile to go with it. Hope your recovery continues on a forward path and look forward to hearing of your progress.

I played eighteen holes of golf today. I had no idea if I'd be able to swing a club, but I had no problems at all. Matthew was a little surprised. I didn't play well, but that's okay--it was my first time out since last fall.

Thanks for sharing the wonderful pics. You take care of yourself, and we'll be looking for your next post.

Amy in Raleigh

Penny:

Thanks for your note! Here's hoping we both stay in sinus...I'll let you know about mine in about 22 more days when no more drugs.

Jim in Tucson

Hey girl, looking good. Do you have some swelling at the top of your incision? I had a large hematoma in the hospital and it's now about half the size.Maybe the size of a ping pong ball. Will take awhile for the blood to be reabsorbed. Hope your weather is getting warmer.
Fran Z

My nephew is a sonographer in Denver, and he tells me he does a lot of echoes on former heart patients. He says after 2 years, you have to look hard to see the scar!

Curious about how they treated your a-fib. They gave me a drip of amioderone for 48 hours, and I went back into sinus in about the first 12 hours. Then they put me on oral amioderone for the next 28 days, along with coumadin. Hoping that after the 28 days, I will be OK for good?
If you have time to drop me a note, I'd appreciater it!

Jim Patrick in Tucson

5 weeks and progressing well-at least you can try the driving but when the weather improves will be great to get out and about. All the best,bill

Thanks for the update. We know everyone's post op period is not completely smooth and they did tell me that in the hospital. Overall, each day is a little better than the day before and feel if I could get a decent nights sleep that I would do better. Our weather here is beautiful and do get outside twice a day for a walk with Pete. Every day I go further down the street. Still having difficulty getting rid of the weight I gained in the hospital. They did double my diuretic and I see my cardio next Tues, so may have a chest xray then.Only you could find no heat romantic. Have had poor circulation for years and have been on coumadin also. That combination says I don't do well with the cold. Finally looked up where in Scotland Alford is located--way up there. Found out your area is famous for Alford Oatmeal and the Angus Aberdeen cattle. How long is your summer and what's the average temps during the summer. You and I are blessed with wonderful husbands and if you read Michelle's latest post she says he's moved out, but she does call him the love of her life. She deserves so much better. Maybe she can now heal and rest.By the way where is Papworth? is that in GB or is that the name of the hospital in GB? Well, bye for now, will post after my first cardio visit since my discharge. Stay warm. assume you are walking inside?
Fran z

Hi Penny

Been in touch with steve and he let me know how you were doing. We didnt knowuntil about 2 weeks ago.
Anyway now getting regular updates on the web and glad to hear you are doing much better now.
We are all fine and very busy as normal.
Will catch up with you sometime when passing strathdon.
Love
Andy, Susie, Cameron & Fiona

God Morning Penny
Just about the time we were leaving FL for OH got Georgie's post about the ambulance ride--how scary. Catching up on you journal posts I see you are doing so much better. Didn't have a thyroid problem with my surgery but my pancreas decided not to produce enough insulin, so got insulin for a couple of days and all is back to normal.I was discharged weighing 15 lbs more than my admission weight and after Dr Gillinov's nurse practicioner agreed to double the dose of my diuretic on Monday, I have lost 5 lbs and can breathe easier. Thank God. Will get to see Duane and Peggy later today as they are vacationing in this part of FL. It will be super to meet him in person. Thanks for your encouraging notes to me.
Fran Z

Hi Penny

Hope this finds you well on the road to recovery this time and feeling pretty sure of yourself. How are the lungs holding up? You were saying you will soon be having a follow-up back in Papworth - are you driving or flying? That's quite a trip. Sending you lots of well wishes.

Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Penny, sorry to hear about your setbacks with the INR, irritation, etc. Man, everyone of the Heart valvers has something, for the most part. Only a handful seem to sail right through it all, and of course, I am happy that they do. I guess, you have likely heard a million times and coutning that it takes time and alot of you all have had some of the same concerns and setbacks like you, Duane, Richard, etc., but they are all as time goes by having more postive and progressive things to say. Again, sorry it has been slower and unpleasant. The pleasant part is that you ARE getting better and with humor. Richard read your journal before I did and I have to say the only thing he mentioned to me was that you are "going to take a picture as soon as you can figure out how not to over exposure yourslef." I guess he thought that was pretty funny and shared that with me. I commented in the journals that I too, like Fran, think a reunion would be awesome, but I did say what would the "group picture" be like - a picture with all of your incisions? So hurry and figure it out because there are lots of women for this group picture (ha-ha).
Take care and stay warm - New England isn't much better, we had some snow Friday and although sunny6 yesterday - cold!
How I envy those Floridians!
Richard's wife, Susan

Hi Penny,
Thank you for signing my guestbook...It is great hearing from you. I am waiting to see my surgeon on April 7, before I start cardio rehab. I am hoping to be able to drive by then. So I will update by journal by then. I hope you are progressing nicely!
Theresa Callanan
Howell NJ

Hi Penny!

Dawn's message below is KILLING me! LOL! Is that really true in Britain?

Thank you for your guestbook entry. It's nice to see your humor and good will shining through. You've been through a lot, competing with me a bit, I'd say. I totally get what you say about any more invasive (or non-invasive medical procedures). By now I expected to be having a monthly or quarterly cardiologist check-up and nothing else. But that's not how it is, so I'm just jumping one hurdle at a time and moving forward as best I can.

All these medical appointments have major time demands, so while yes, I am fully back to work, it certainly has an impact. Fortunately my work as a pastor affords me considerable flexibility (you pay for it in other ways) and I work out of a home office, since our church has no building. We own some land and currently have services in the cafeteria of a nearby Elementary School.

Admittedly my concentration levels are somewhat scattered. I do have some trouble with focus. I can't tell if I can pin that on the surgeries, on the perpetual medical balancing act, or if it's just my attention deficit disorder!!

Penny, you are just the best. I can't wait to read of you feeling completely well and energetic! Take care, and hi to Steve and Georgie.

Duane

Penny,

Just been reading your comments on 23rd March - want to know when you are aloud to reintroduce 'sex'. How many weeks is the British advice - given we only are supposed to do it once a year, when do they advise, which month.

I am suprised you have said it is still cold with you. Must be warmer for those living in the lowlands. Progress is obviously tsking time, would imagine the body would need some real recovery time to get over such a mighty process. Know you will be providing it with all the necessary support it needs. If you need anything let me know.

Love again Dawn

Dear Penny,

You have been in our thoughts often. I am so glad to hear that you are home. Are you up to visitors yet and also can you remind me of which telephone number is best to use to ring you (if you are up to taking calls that is).

At least you must be seeing green grass by now and hopefully seeing some spring flowers appearing in your garden. Do you have time to watch nature about its busy tasks?.

Rufus sends his love and thoughts from far off Malaysia. Love to both your Steve and your daughter too as they must have been a great support to you through all this.

Your picture looks great on the site. Am amazed by this way of connecting with people all over the world in a similar situation to yourself. Must be very helpful to be getting support and really good advice from those dealing with similar issues to yourself.

Anyway will sign off, sending love and thoughs. Hope to see you both soon.

Love always Dawn

Hi Penny i am sorry to say i have been out of touch for a few days but back now, and wow
you have been putting everyone through their paces. However i am glad to see you are now feeling and working a little better. Slowly
slowly, i know its not your style but its a
must.Your day nurses Steve and Georgie must
be glad to have you home.
We are experiencing
some strange weather here had snow again two
weeks ago , nothing like yours though, and
today it is warm sunny but humid with mist coming in off the sea, quite eerie realy. All
quiet at C.M.2 but expect a few people out for April 8th.
Will love you and leave you now as Ged is due back fromt he dentists and i need to put my sympathy head on, he makes me laugh last time he had work done on the left side and to drink or talk he tipped his
head in the opposite direction ...like that
would make a difference ahh well here goes
i will try not to laugh if he does it today.

LOVE TO YOU ALL
KEEP GETTING HEALTHIER PENNY.
LESLEY

Hi Penny

Thanks for the note. It was really heartening to hear from you so you must be feeling somewhat better. No doubt you will be setting a lot of store on your April meeting in Papworth so you can find out more about how things are going. Will you have to drive there or fly? That is such a long trip.

You are on some pretty strong stuff so no wonder you are tired. Besides, it takes a long time to get all the surgery drugs out of your body.

I'm still on only 1/2 pill of the Beta Blocker and it still makes me lethargic. I'm told my body will get used to it eventually. I have only experienced a few episodes of palpitations so at least that is showing some improvement.

Take it real easy doing the exercise just yet. Don't be rushing it and doing anything too aggressive. You have lots of time to recover. Hi to Georgie and Steve. Hopefully everyone is starting to settle down there a bit. Take care Penny. You are in my prayers. Hugs.

Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Penny!

It's always good to get an update from you. I wish they were all only positive, but, coming from me, that sounds hypocritical. We both had some bumps, but hey, we're survivors. By the grace of God, we carry on! I have also been on amiodarone but am not aware of any issues. I've also been on Celebrex to deal with pericardial effusion. Hopefully that's all cleared up now. I have a cardiologist appointment tomorrow. He hasn't put me on cardiac rehab yet, so I'm going to be asking. Peggy and I walk about 3 miles every day, but I need to reinstill more confidence to get my heart rate up and resume running and working out. Just a bit sheepish about that right now. Thankfully, I haven't had AF for about a month.

Penny, you are just a jewel. I do wish we could all hang out together. I think we'd have a lot of fun. Keep up your positive attitude and keep pushing! We'll keep you in our prayers.

Duane

BTW, what's up with the weather in Scotland? Doesn't Scotland know the calendar says "spring?" Hope the weather improves for you. Our weather in Florida has warmed up, but it's still cooler than normal. Lots of love!

Penny,

I just wanted to say good luck with your continue recovery. I am recovering at a good pace, and hope to start cardio rehab soon.
Theresa Callanan
Howell NJ

Hi there Penny! I think it's a great idea to consider it day one again. The bad weather is a bummer, but hopefully with the bike you'll be able to get moving again.

Matthew says to tell you hello. He's always asking me how "his girl" is doing. He's become quite fond of you through our journals!

Take care and give Steve and Georgie our best. I really hope the weeks start getting lots better for you and that spring gets there soon!

Amy and Matthew

Just popped in for some tea... or beer...

How are you doing? Are Steve and Georgie still treating you right?

Steven in Calgary

Hi Penny
Dropping by to say hi and hope this finds you are getting stronger and feeling much better. Take care and be kind to yourself. Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Penny,
Ahh, "just one of those things" how true a statement that is. These setbacks that so many of you heart valvers, like my husband, have had are just that "one of those things" and nothing that you did or anyone else as you so wisely state - it just happens. Glad to hear you got a little walk in and are just up and at em again! and moving forward. Takes time, time, time - can't emphasize it enough as I must keep doing to Richard - he wants to be further along than he is and it is difficult for him to realize (but he is beginning to) just how long it takes.
Keep getting better,
Richard's wife, Susan

Penny,

Now why did you have to go and repeat some of my stupid tricks? Trying to compete with me for the complications championship? Seriously, though, WELCOME BACK HOME! There's no place like home. They've had fun keeping my INR stable too; I'm also on Amiodarone; I too have had fluid issues but am hoping that's behind me. It was only slight on my last echo. Hoping spring has sprung in Scotland, and I'm guessing spring green is amazingly beautiful where you live. Continued prayers, love and support from your central Florida friends.

Duane & Peggy

Yay...your back...was so excited when I followed my morning routine and found a posting from you....So sorry you have had a bumpy ride but hopefully it will be downhill to good recovery from now on...Take care...Love and hugs to you all. Sharlene

Welcome back! Glad to hear you are going forward again! You hit one of those bumps in the road that we all encounter but you sound as if you are bouncing back nicely!
Sending prayers your way that the bumps have passed & you will go forward with your recovery.
Kathy Jamison-Patnode

Penny,
Glad to hear you are back on the road to recovery. I am so glad you are back from the hospital.

Good luck,
Theresa Callanan

YAY!!!

Steven in Calgary

Hi Penny,

Welcome back! Glad to hear that you are doing so much better -- I was starting to get worried!

Now let's hope that from here on, you'll have the most boring heart surgery recovery imaginable.

All the best,
Susan Murphy (KS)

Hi Penny,

So glad to hear you are home from the hospital. I have been thinking about you and praying that you would be better soon.
Take care,
Melissa Boardman

Hi Penny
I was so glad to get your note just now saying you are okay. Thank you. Your head has to be spinning with everything you've been through just now so let's hope this is over with and things are turning around in the right direction. You have now joined another elite group - the one with detours. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Take care Penny. Cheryl, Ontario

PS - Hi to Steve and Georgie who each must be living on the edge. Have faith.

Thanks for the update - I was beginning to wonder if something had gone awry.

Julie xx

Welcome Hoooooooooooooome Penny!

Please take it easy.

My thoughts and prayers remain with you.

Keep on tickin!

Adam

Hi Penny
Gee, it's been a while since we've heard from Georgie so thought I'd write and just say you are in my thoughts and prayers. You've had a pretty scary time of it and I pray that is over and you are finally getting your sea legs back. That's a good line for Capt'n Bill who had surgery yesterday. Fran is in today. Do take it easy Penny and be real kind to yourself. Will look forward to the day you are strong enough to post. Take care. Cheryl, Ontario

Sorry to hear about the setbacks. Oh it must have been scary for you all and disappointing for Penny. Some of you Heart Valve patients like Richard and Duane and you now have had some unexpected problems, but by the Grace of God have gotten better. Penny, I wish I was smart enough to give you great words of wisdom, but all I can say is don't let the setbacks get you down. So many of us are thinking and praying for you to just keep getting better!
Richard's wife, Susan

Penny, just wanted you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers every day. I do hope you are doing better.

Wishing you lots of sunshine and big smiles!

Hugs,

Amy Machtay

Penny,

Who gave you permission to slack off? Get with the program young lady and start improving in health. You have a bunch of us worried over on this side of the pond.

Steven in Calgary

Hi Penny,
Sorry to hear you are back in the hospital. Take care. I will be thinking of you. Hope are able to return home soon.

Melissa Boardman
Los Osos, CA USA

Penny, hopefully this hospital visit will be your last for a while. We have our fingers crossed that your next update will be a positive one.

Georgie, we do find in the US that there are limited services available over the weekend. I had my surgery on a Friday, but they kept me in ICU until Sunday night so I would get the care I needed. They told me that I would have been moved on day 1 had it been a weekday.

We're praying for a good week for Penny and renewed strength for Georgie and Steve.

Amy and Matthew Machtay

Hi Penny, you must be frustrated, but hope you are feeling better and able to get home soon ! Axxx

Hi Penny

Sure this is just a little set back and you will soon be out of hospital, back home and on the mend once again. You have a great support team in Georgie and Steve and lots of friends keen to see you back to full strength. Be patient, take it slow and steady and before you know it you will be racing about as usual.

Love and best wishes
Maureen

Thinking of you all....Penny hang in there...we are all praying for you so that you will soon be feeling well again and back on the right road of recovery.....

Love and hugs
Sharlene

Hang in there Penny! Yes, hospitals do the bare minimum on weekends. That's why I chose to have my surgey on a Monday so I would not have to deal with poor weekend staff.
Will pray for you Penny!
Kathy Jamsion-Patnode

Hi Georgie, Penny and Steve
I'm really sorry to hear Penny is having some issues with her recovery and hope your next posting is saying she is much approved.
Tell Penny to keep her spirits high - this is one of those confounded blips. Thinking of you all. Cheryl, Ontario

Penny, Steve & Georgie,

I was glad to see an update, but not glad to read it! Do I ever get the roller coaster ride analogy!! When recovering from surgery, going up the hills is great, but the drops really stink! I'm so sorry you've had some hill thrills. We will be praying that Penny is soon back home and back on track. Lots of love.

Duane & Peggy

Georgie
Thanks for thr updste, sorry the news is not the happiest. But Penny is a spunky lady, so it will work out. Tell her thanks for the thoughts, she will get updates, but she needs to concentrate on herself.
Fran Zilko

Hi Penny, sorry to hear you're back in the hospital, but sometimes it's a good and safe place to be, except maybe on the weekends. Hopefully come Monday you'll get the answers you have been waiting for.

My mitral valve replacement was on Jan 4th and I have learned not to do too much and rest (take long naps) when my body tells me to. I am doing physio 3x a week and I think that has been the greatest part of my recovery.

I send you warm healing thoughts and will look forward to your next (or Georgie's) post. Take good care!
Lori Sobrero
Hood River, OR

Thinking of you often. Try not to get frustrated - like the hare and the tortoise story, slow but sure, steady progress wins out in the end. By the way, a sign spring is here - our hens have started laying!! If there is anything we can do to help, just shout. Jac & Alanxx

Glad you are home and making progress with a few energy sapping activities. Take care,bill