Hi, Ricki,

I'm so glad to hear you're doing so well. It's been great to get updates on your progress. Good to hear your mom is there, too. It sounds like you'll soon be out and outside enjoying spring!

Cindy

Hi again Ricki,
Its reassuring to know that its not all that bad. You must tell me what to expect with the breathing tube. I'm so terrified of that, you have no idea. But, I think if I know up front what exacting to expect, will let me prepare myself ahead of time, and hopefully will make the experience more bearable.
You are an amazing person and I appreciate you sharing your experiences. Like I said before, if I sail through just like you, I will have it made in the shade.
Keep up the terrific work.
Diana

Ricki,

I am amazed at your progress! Keep up the good work. By the way, do you wear your pedometer to the bathroom to see if you are getting your 10,000 steps in? (kidding)

Carol L

Hi Ricki! I'm so glad you're recovering so quickly. You are very brave and I know you're happy the worst is over. The breathing tube would definitely scare the you-know-what out of me. I would be gagging constantly. Keep up the good work! Regards to your mom - maybe she remembers me!
Love and hugs,
Barb

Hey Ricki!

Sounds like you are doing great! You'll be climbing our "hill" in no time! Oh, and what is a spirometer???

Oatmeal for breakfast - where are the grits??? That would really make you feel great.

See you soon!!

Wini Del

Hey there Ricki,
You are doing wonderful. That's is really good to hear. If I do half as good as you, I'll be a happy camper. It's all uphill from here, kiddo.
Diana

So good to hear from YOU again, although Ron did a great job.
Wonderful to hear you're feeling good.
Keep up the messages!!
Emily

Hi Ricki

Nice to hear you are doing so well. Take care and keep up the good work. You are doing everything right.

Cheryl, Ontario

Way to go Ricki...

I was in J6 23 just a week ago so we are pratically belated neighbors.. Glad to hear all is going well..

Is your sense of taste very metallic? It lasted 10 days for me..

Mark
Keller, TX

Rickala,
What is a spirometer anyway??!! Sounds a little kinky!!

So glad you're doing amazing. You'll be home before you know it.

TTY soon.

<3 Sus

Well, you are doing so well.Seems like you have your appetite. Do you know how much weight you gained between admission and now? They sure pump you full of fluids, don't they? Does Mom live near Cleveland? How wonderful you can be with her if you are discharged before Ron returns. Keep up the great work.
Fran Z

Sounds like you are over the worst of it, great to read your entry! Talked to your mom
last night too. Talk to you soon!
Love,
Rhonda and Johnny

Hi Ricki,

I have been following your surgery progress.
So glad to hear you are doing so well. Looks like you will be discharged in a few days.

You're in my thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery.

Elaine

Hi Ricki,
The worst part is behind you! Thanks Ron for updating...there is a special kinship between all of us on HVJ and have been checking the updates since Thursday. Have been praying for you and re-living my experience at CC five weeks ago. Keep walking as much as possible and using your trusty spirometer.
Thanking God for such great progess!
Carla H.

Hi Ricki,
So glad to hear you are doing so well. I agree the absolute worse experience for me was the breathing tube. Once that was out I felt I could handle anything.. So glad you are on the road to recovery.
Theresa Callanan

Hi Ricki,
So glad to hear you are doing so well and to see you back at the computer! Ron did a great job of keeping us informed:) Sounds like things are going so good for you. Hoping your recovery continues to go smoothly and you are home soon!
Kimberly S.

Hi Ricki,

You are on the other side of it now. Glad you are in step down. Are you on the 6th floor? Isn't the food great, just kidding. Keep walking and using the spirometer. I figure they will release you on Monday or Tuesday. Are you going to stay at the hotel for a few days before going home?

Keep up the good work.

Sandy

How great is this? You are in your own room, breathing on your own, and feeling good! Way to go!
Carol L

So glad to hear from you personally! I've been thinking about you and praying for you each day! I'm very happy to hear you aren't in a lot of pain! Get well soon... the parties just aren't the same without you! :)

Ricki,

We're thrilled to hear your voice and to hear such wonderful news! Keep up the rapid progress, and come back home soon! Bill and Sue

Hi Ricki,
It so good to read you are doing so well. Please let me know what I can do for you before you arrive home. Let me know what you need in your house as far as food and supplies so you can be stocked.

Tell Ron we will see him tonight.

Love ya,
Ellen

Hey Ricki,
Sounds like your doing really well. That is really wonderful. That's the main thing that I really worry about, the breathing tube. The other tubes and wires I'm not too concerned about.
Keep up the good work, and it won't be long before you will be out of there and in your own bed and home.
Diana

Hi Ron

Give Ricki my best. These next few days are critical in getting Ricki on her feet. Hope she's using her spirometer and you are there for her to lean on as she gets her walks in. You look after you as well because Ricki will really need you once she gets home. Keeping you both in my prayers.

Cheryl, Ontario

I know what you mean about the Michelin Man. I gained 15#. Add to that the fact that I have lousy veins to begin with, it took 3 people trying for 1 hour before they brought in Rudolfo "the expert". He did the job in 5 minutes. Since they change the site every 5 days, Ricki will most likely be discharged before it needs to be done again. She's doing well, how are you doing Ron? The worst is behind you now.Prayers for a great recovery.
Fran Z

Ricki...Sounds like everything is going along well. Thanks for allowing me to come along. How long are you going to be in the clinic. Where can we send a card......Hang in there. Much love to you and Ron from me and Norm....If there's anything I can do., don't hesitate......Love..BJ & Norman

Hoping Ricki is moved to her new room and is doing leaps and bounds. She is in my thoughts and prayers. Keep up the great work, Ricki.

Diana

Go Ricki GO!!! As soon as she is in the step down unit, she will celebrate as they remove each of the tubes. I'm two weeks out from my aortic valve replacement. I'm a 48 year old woman. If Ricki does her breathing exercises, walks when they tell her to and moves her legs with the exercises they give her, she will be home in no time. My surgery was on a Friday and they discharged me on a Tuesday.

Make sure they control her pain. Many many heart surgery patients do not get adequate pain control. Be insistent. You can't do the work unless the pain is controlled.

My very best wishes to you and your family.

Hi Aunt Ricki and Uncle Ron,
Glad your surgery went well!
We had a good time at outdoor ed.
We love you lots!
Love,
Evan and Jason

hi Ricki & Ron
Trust me, the step down unit will be heaven for both of you. The CC has all private rooms, so you can stay as long as you want and it'll be quieter for Ricki. There's always too much going on in the CICU 24/7 as there should be. All good news.
Fran Z

Hi Ron

Great comparison (Back of your computer). Glad things are going well there. Keeping you guys in my prayers.

Cheryl, Ontario

Excellent news! This journal is a wonderful tool for keeping Ricki's fans posted.

Ellen Barker

Ron and Ricki,

I am so glad to hear that your recovery is going so well. I hope that you get some rest too, Ron!

Take care.

Kerry Ruff

Ron and Ricki, we are thinking of you. Glad the recovery is going so well.

Take care,
Richard and Sheryl

Thank God for your good news. My love to both of you.

Beth

Wow, what great news. I've been thinking of her continuously. Let her know that even tho I'm not in the hospital, yet, we can still have that PJ party. She'll know what I'm talking about. ;) Thanks for the update and look forward to many more. My best to the both of you.
Diana

Hi Ron,

We have been thinking about you both lots.

So glad the surgery is over and that all is going so well.

Tell that girl of yours to HEAL WELL!

With love,

Carole and Jack

Wonderful news, Ron! Get as much rest as you can.

Cindy

Hi Ron

I know the feeling of relief you must be feeling now that the worst is over for Ricki. I'm curious about the removal of a rib - did Ricki have a mini sternotomy and there wasn't quite enough room to work? Today is going to be a huge day for you all as she adjusts to the pain meds and with any luck at all, hopefully the removal of a tube or two. Like Fran, I was asking to be removed from pain meds on the third day but we aren't all the same. I hope you slept well enough last night and if not, maybe the two of you will be caught napping this afternoon! Sending lots of prayers.

Cheryl, Ontario

Ron: THANK YOU for the running commentary! Get some sleep, p-l-e-a-s-e!!
Emily

Hi Ricki! So glad to read that all is going well. When I got up at 6 this morning I faced northeast and sent lots of positive energy your way--wasn't too far "off" timing wise. I look forward to reading more good news!! Love, Emily

Can't tell you how happy I am that everything went so well! I've been thinking ofyou both today and wishing for the best.

Ron, I hope you get some good rest tonight and tomorrow!

Carol Lamb

Ron
You've done a great job, now you need to rest and be ready to see Ricki again tomorrow. It's a terrific strain on love ones who have to sit and wait and feel somewhat helpless. Don't worry about the "third day" theory. My third day wasn't anything unusual. I was up and walking and improving. Prayers for both of you.
Fran Z

Ron,
Great news...you are past the surgery...now on to recovery. I will be saying a prayer for you both.
Theresa Callanan

Ron,

Thanks for the excellent news about Ricki! I'm glad all went beautifully and I hope you can get the well deserved rest you need.

Lori

Great news for you both... Next few hours are not a lot of fun, but it does get better so very quickly over the next two days.. Hang in there..

Mark

That is really good news. I've been thinking of her all day. The hard part is done, its all up hill from here. Please let her know that my thoughts and prayers are with her.
Thats so much for keeping us up to date.

All my best,
Diana

Ron,
Thanks so much for the updates. So glad the surgery went well! Hope you can get some rest soon and she is lucky to have you there:)
My thoughts and prayers are with ya'll.
Kimberly S.

Thanks for the good news! Let her know that the Friday lunch group here at Iowa State will all be toasting to her speedy healing. Pat Miller

Great to hear good news--both of you are in our thoughts and prayers. Bill and Sue Lasser

Ron,
My husband said the hardest part was waiting for the surgeon to tell him it was over and I was ok. Good luck to you both...we are saying our prayers for you.
Theresa Callanan