Ginger posted a note for Steven A that says: Popeye,
Do not despair! You are not the only person in this Heart Family who does not like to exercise. I have had trouble with exercise ever since I had the head/brain injury. So often when I tried to do something I ended up back in bed with problems that went back to the injury. Too much negative reinforcement. And I used to be a swimmer, ride my bike all over the place, and as my kids arrived take them with me on the bike or to the pool. They are both young adults now and life continually changes.

So I need to stay close to home, or if too hot out, in my home to get my walks in. I have found that the company of an audiobook on a compact player entertains me and seems to make the walking shorter. And since my heart's condition was pretty bad before surgery, I am finding that my legs are toning up and I am enjoying it more. I start cardiac rehab on October 13, and am starting to look forward to it. I am ready to be healthier again. For me it has been four years...a long time.

So you may try something like the book idea or a radio or something to keep your mind thinking about more than just the exercise.

And have a great Birthday! It will be your first one with your new heart valve, and you have lots to look forward to!

Love and hugs,
Ginger

Terrie Syvertsen posted a note for Steven A that says: Popeye! Brother Steven. Haven't heard much from you or read posts since forever so do us a favor and update us when you are not working out(or chasing the nurses? during your therapy/work out sessions! I miss reading how you are doing and want to know how you are! Eating well. Meds working alright for you and is the pain you were having now under control or gone? Drop us a line or I will mail you a can of spinach! Love you. Terrie

Good evening Brother. Thinking of you and sending good wishes your way. I hope you are gaining some more strength. When you get a minute, let us know that you're OK. Love ya Popeye....keep healing. Karen

Mary Myers posted a note for Steven A that says: Hello brother Steve! How are you doing? When you feel up to it please drop me a note. Miss you. Remember I am your sister checking up on you! Hugs Mia

Mary Myers posted a note for Steven A that says: Steve,brother Popeye,
Love,love,love, is happening constantly in our heart family. Its so good to hear from you. I start rehab next week! Now I am in for a real workout!!! I still get tired easy. Am working part time and if I work over six hours then I am ready to go home. My breathing is good. We will see how it goes in cardiac rehab, and when they stop my rhythm meds and beta blockers. Steve rest when you can. Glad your off the pain meds. I felt so much better once I stopped them. From time to time I will take Tylenol.
Wishing you a good nights sleep and healing magic!!! Love,Sister Mia

Mary Myers posted a note for Steven A that says: Hello brother Steve! Hope you are getting stronger everyday. Miss you on the site. I start rehab next week. Its been seven weeks since my surgery. I am working part time and feel so much better than before the surgery. Time sure does fly!

If you want to write directly to my email it is kidsjunction@gmail.com
Have a wonderful day! Looking forward to hearing from you my heart brother. Your heart sister Mia☺

Adam Pick posted a note for Steven A that says: Steve, I want you to know that soooooooo many people in our community are thinking very healthy, heart-pumping thoughts for you. As you continue your early recovery, please take it one step at a time. There is no need to rush anything. As Robyn, my wife, helped me understand during the recovery... Sometimes it is best not to hurry the healing process. My thoughts are with you. Keep on tickin! Adam Pick (patient & website founder)

Mary Myers posted a note for Steven A that says: Hello brother Steve, I am looking forward to hearing from you. Each day you will get stronger. For awhile I took a nap whenever I was tired. Make sure you rest. That is great you have physical therapy at home, and a visiting nurse. You will be better than new before you know it! Write when you feel up to it, as all your heart family misses you! Butterfly kisses and big hugs to you. Your sister Mia

Hi Steve,

I'm so happy to see you posted something on you Journal. I hope you are managing the pain without too much trouble. Please know that I continue to keep you in my prayers as you continue with your journey to wellness. I'm so happy to know that you are moving forward and have the surgery behind you.

Love,
Your Heart Sister Karen

Eleanor R posted a note for Steven A that says: Hi, Steve, just checking on you to know how you are settling back into your home. It is sweet to be able to nap whenever you like, right? And, to not be awakened at night by tests and vitals. You become the captain of your own ship once again. I was glad to see you have a visiting nurse and physical therapist coming to your home, that was very comforting to me, too. I'm now in week 9 and ready to start cardiac rehab, and can drive again! I feel so much stronger than in the first weeks, but still get tired more frequently, and it comes on kind of suddenly. Nothing major, just a feeling of "that's enough of that, let's sit down". I don't nap, just rest, and try to remember from time to time to put my feet up as my own discharge papers advised. Let us know how you're doing, and continue to recover well. Eleanor

Ruth Valenzuela posted a note for Steven A that says: I'm so happy to hear of your progress. The good Lord has brought you through this hardship and know that He'll continue to bring you through recovery. I know fear is not easy to deal with but my prayer is that God's strength will fill you each day until your find yourself totally victorious over any fear. I'll keep you in prayer continuously.
Ruth Valenzuela

tigger55630@aol.com posted a note for Steven A that says: Hi Steve! It is sooooo very good to hear from you. We have been praying for you and I am so very happy that you have come through this very important time in your life as a hero would. It so good to see that you are healthy enough to be home on your own. Scary? You bet it is! I am sure many of us that have made this journey have looked that day in the face with some fear, but fear is just False Information Appearing Real. You are strong my heart brother. You can and will thrive. A leagion of angels has been summoned to surround you and protect you. Each day we have is a gift. That is why it is called the present! It is just waiting for us to unwrap it. Go out and unwrap your gift. It's just for you and no one else. We will keep surrounding you in prayer.
Your heart sister,
Robin

Mary Myers posted a note for Steven A that says: Brother Popeye! Welcome home. I am so happy that you posted. I left you lots of messages during your time away. You must feel so much better after the surgery! Hope you sleep well tonight. I did not sleep well until I was off the pain meds. Be sure to eat some yogurt or graham crackers and milk with your pain pills. It will keep your stomach from getting upset. All your heart family has missed you. We are all so blessed to have each other.
Look forward to hearing from you. Love your sister Mia (Mary)
P.S. It will take you a while to get used to the new format on the website.

Terrie posted a note for Steven A that says: Hello Popeye. Sister Terrie here. Going to see if you are out as you thought you would be Tues. so if we don't see a post I will track you back to rehab to see what is up and how things are going. Otherwise I am hoping you get out and start catching up with us here on the outside who are waiting for the news of your surgery and beginning of your recovery. Talk with you soon. Love, Terrie

Well Popeye, here's hoping that you are coming home tomorrow as planned. I am soooooooo excited that you will be back here telling us all about your experience. But mostly, I am happy that now we will see how much better you feel each day that passes. I can't wait to hear you say that you bent down to put your shoes on and you were able to breathe at the same time. Or walk outside without losing your breath. Little by little you will see all of the changes take place and how much better you will feel. I am so very happy for you. You are very special and I think it's wonderful that you no longer have to worry about if and when you should have surgery and what type of valve to get or where you will go to recover. You are on the good side now, you made it. You conquered your fears and added many years to your life and you should be very happy and proud of yourself.

Don't forget, you may call me if you need to talk, feel lonely, frustrated or just plain bored.

Welcome Home Popeye.

Karen

Mary Myers posted a note for Steven A that says: Hello my brother Steve, I am so excited that you are doing well and will be home soon. Everyone has missed you on the site/

It is a nice feeling to have the surgery behind us. I am doing well. Should start cardiac rehab soon. Have a stress tests on the 10th of September. If all goes well I then can start cardiac rehab. I started back to work a few short days a week. I have a twenty pounds weight restriction. Some times I forget .
Once you get settled please write,!

Miss you my big brother. Am very thankful for you and all the heart family we have.
Love, Mia

Butterfly kisses from my heart to your new healthy heart.😃😃😃😃😃😃

Well Brother Steve, it was so nice to hear your voice again. You sound great. Can't wait to see you back here. I hope Tuesday goes as planned. You have been missed very much. Congratulations on a job well done. Love you my brother. Hugs and well wishes from your heart sister, Karen. :-)

Terrie Syvertsen posted a note for Steven A that says: Ok My Dear Brother Popeye! No messing around anymore! I am making it my mission to track you down somewhere where I can send you a card and we can all have a chance to catch up and see how your are progressing. This is your heart Sister Terrie and all of your other Sisters and Brothers are thinking about you and hoping your surgery went well and you are off in re-hab getting a good start on your recovery. Sending Love, Prayers and gentle Hugs and of course any flurry of butterflies and dragonflies is obviously something let loose by Mia! Take care! Terrie

Mary Myers posted a note for Steven A that says: Hello Popeye!

Hope you are recovering well. All of your heart sisters and brothers are waiting for you to be back online journaling again. We miss you, and look forward to your homecoming. Love your sis! Mia

Eleanor R posted a note for Steven A that says: If I am counting right, it must be day 10 for you Steve, after your surgery. I hope this finds you recovering, walking around and feeling better. We miss you, you can see that from your messages. We know you must be in the rehab center getting stronger, but look forward to hearing from you first hand about how you're doing. Best wishes for a speedy recovery. Eleanor

M Ratchford posted a note for Steven A that says: Hi Steven aka Popeye - have been worrying about you and hoping your surgery went well and you are now in recovery. you have many friends here on adam's site and we are all sending you lots of positive thoughts for a happy and healthy future. love m in cornwall

Eleanor R posted a note for Steven A that says: Hi, Steven. I imagine you are in the rehab center by now, I hope so. I know you won't be able to read this until later, but I want you to know that I am thinking about you, remembering you and hoping that you are doing well. Let us know how the surgery went, what adventures you had, and how you are doing. Best wishes, Eleanor

Ruth Valenzuela posted a note for Steven A that says: Popeye, I've been really thinking about you and just hope you are without complications from your surgery. You continue to be in my prayers and I'll be excited to hear how you're doing? Best wishes....

Ruth Valenzuela

Oh Brother Popeye, the community isn't the same without you. I hope you are recovering well with no complications and that you are making friends with the nurses. Something tells me the nurses are enjoying your stay with them. You are such an appreciative person with a kind heart (one that is actually pumping oxygenated blood now) so I'm sure they will be sorry to see you leave the hospital. But we out here in the community will be glad to have you back.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery. Hugs and love to you!!!!

Karen Pineda

Mary Myers posted a note for Steven A that says: Hello brother Popeye,

Oh where oh where is my brother at? Oh where could he possibly be? He's in rehab you see and his sisters and brothers are anxious to reunite! Missed you brother. Keep healing and before you know it you will be home. I was released to drive. I do a stress test on the 10th of Sept and should be cleared for cardiac rehab.
I will keep checking to see when your back online.

Hugs from your sis!
Mary (mia)

Mary Myers posted a note for Steven A that says: Hello Popeye!

I know your not online yet. I wanted to.post anyways. Happy Monday! I am guess ing you will be on your way to the rehab center soon.
I am sure you feel so much better to be done with the surgery.

I am doing well. Dr. said that I could drive again. So I did, it felt odd to be behind the wheel and at the same time pretty darn good.

I go to cardiologist today, hope to start cardiac rehab. This will restore my confidence to know that I can work out at the fitness club. Especially water aerobics. I love it.

Remember to rest, nap, drink lots ofk water and relax. Keep walking and you will be home sweet home very sn.
Love you my big brother. I also love your latest picture.
Healthy hug from me to you!
Mia

Eleanor R posted a note for Steven A that says: Hi, Steven. I know that you're in the hospital and will then go to a rehab facility before getting home to read this, but I want you to know that I am thinking of you and hoping all is going well for you. I sent you a get well card in the hospital, but on this site I can write more, and wish you well. You can be so proud of yourself, for you quickly moved from being scared (literally, scared to death, thinking you could not garner the courage to do the surgery), moving quickly to see a cardiologist then a surgeon. Now, you're done! You are over the hump, and can focus on getting back your strength. Once you are home, I think you will see that time flies, and each day brings some new advancement, either you can balance better, or walk more, or able to cough without holding your chest. I wish you the very best and can't wait to hear from you. Your DC neighbor, Eleanor

Robin Szymanski posted a note for Steven A that says: Hi Steven,

Hope things went well with your surgery. Sending love and prayers your way, with abundant blessings that you will be better, home and back with your heart valve brothers and sisters soon.

Get well soon,
Robin Szymanski

Hi Steve! Thinking of you and hoping you're doing well !! Hugs,Lynn

Thinking of you Brother Steve. I hope you'll be able to get online soon and see and feel all of the love out here. I've missed seeing you online. Hopefully you will be back soon. Just think, all of those scary decisions are behind you. Which valve to get or even whether or not to have the surgery. All done....behind you. Hooray!!!!!!

Prayers for you continue daily. Feel better soon.

Love you Popeye!!

Karen Pineda

MiaXoxoxo posted a note for Steven A that says: Good morning brother Steve,

I am thinking of you and am confident you are doing well.

Wrire as soon as your up to it. Sister Terrie had her surgery and is recovering and beginning the healing.

Build your strength up. Before you know it you will be in the rehab center, and then home sweet home!
Butterfly kisses and Eskimo hugs ccoming.your way.

Eleanor posted a note for Steven A that says: Hello Steve, this is a beautiful Wednesday morning in DC, close to you home, sort of. I hope your surgery went well yesterday, and that by now you have fewer tubes in you and have been helped up to sit in the recliner, or maybe to even walk a few steps. We won't know about your progress until you feel well enough to type, but please know that we are thinking about you, praying for you, and hoping that each day brings you more strength and healing. God bless you.

Mia posted a note for Steven A that says: Hello brother,
By this time you will be getting up and walking around. Hope you are sleeping well.

I know you.will.not be texting yet, but wanted to stop and say hello.

It will be great once your back too
texting.

I am day 22 since surgery. Time flies. Thinking off sister Terrie and our new sister Nancy, as they are having surgery while I write.

Have a great Wednesday. Your whole heart village is praying for a quick .recovery.

Will write later and am looking for a post.with all your good news.

Love your little sis,
Mia

Maron Faulkner posted a note for Steven A that says: Hi Steve - Didn't get a chance to write you before your surgery because I was up in Seattle getting a CT scan - another pre-op thing.

But anyway, please know that you are in my prayers and I can't wait till you're out of there and letting us know how you're doing.

Thinking of you!!

Ruth posted a note for Steven A that says: Popeye,
Last night and this morning much prayer went up for you. You are probably in surgery as I write. I'm so glad to see so many of us are joining in prayer. The more the better for you! I'll be waiting patiently to hear how you are doing. Love, Ruth

Terrie posted a note for Steven A that says: Popeye. Hopefully you are on your way or in surgery where I will join you soon in recovery. Love you Brother. Be strong and know we are all praying for you today. Love, Terrie

Lynn posted a note for Steven A that says: Thinking of you on your new heart day Steve !! Praying all is going smoothly and you're getting the best care ! We're all there with you with our love and support! Looking forward to hearing about your new journey ! Hugs and love, your heart sister

Eleanor posted a note for Steven A that says: Hi, Steve. This morning you will already be in the hospital, I hope - providing they didn't have to reschedule. We are all with you - it is a really crowded place, Steve with all of us there with you, but spirits don't take up much room. Be strong, ask for meds when you need them, and do what the nurses ask, even if you don't really feel like it, you will make yourself well quicker. Know that you have a whole community of heart souls with you.

Geri posted a note for Steven A that says: Hi Steve
don't know where my previous postings disappeared to, wishing you God's blessings and good luck with your surgery; it was such a wonderful loving experience sharing with my "ticking" brothers and sisters
think positively and be patient with yourself
best wishes

MiaXoxoxo posted a note for Steven A that says: My dearest Popeye,

It is so amazing how you have become so important to me. You are my big brother and am so happy that you are.

I saw Jackie wrote you yesterday.She is a sweetheart. Her and my niece have adopted you too!

I just know all is going well while you are snoozing

Once I hear your in Ccu I will rejoice.

Try to rest, take the pain meds before you actually need. Once you start eating have them give you stool softeners.

I found that eating a graham cracker with milk, yogurt, ice cream with pills made it easier on my stomach.

Donot be surprised if you have no appetite. I really did not eat much for three days.

I found during the night that listening to music helped me to sleep.

By the time you read my oist we can all celebrate your victory. Your village of brothers and sisters are waiting to welcome you back!

Terrie is going to try to get reports on how the surgery is going.

I hope you like ice cream because your heart sisters will have an ice cream social by skype once everyone is ready. My favorite ice cream is chocolate, butter pecan is next.

Well brother I slept from 1200 until almost 800 am in by bed. This is 21 days post op for me.

My brother popeye I am looking forward to hearing from you and texting again daily.

Talk to.you soon! Love you so much.

Hugs and kisses from my healthy heart to your new healthier heart!

Xoxoxo

Karen Pineda posted a note for Steven A that says: Popeye,

Best of luck to you today. You will be OK. We will be praying for you and God will see you through this. Try and relax and think good thoughts and how better you will feel when you can walk and breathe at the same time again. Or put your shoes on without struggling to breathe. So much to look forward to. And you are adding YEARS to your life by having this surgery done.

Love and hugs to you Steve.

Be well.

Robin Szymanski posted a note for Steven A that says: Hi Steve,
I know you can do this! with your God (my God) going with you, behind you and all around you, you can not fail! I know it is scary. That's ok! It was and is for all of us. You will be in our prayers, and I will be looking forward to seeing your post saying It's over, and I did great! My love , prayers and support will be going with you. God bless you Steve,
Robin

mis posted a note for Steven A that says: Hello brother Popeye,

Just got up couldnot sleep. Hope you jave settled in , you have a big day ahead of you tomorrow.

I am happy that you will try to borrow a lap top or tablet. That will keep you connected
with your heart sisters and brothers.

Hope you can text before you go to hospital. If not good luck, you will be fine.
Our heavenly Father is watching over you!
Talk to you my brother. I am so happy you are my brother. Big hugs and well wishes from your sis. Night!

Jackie posted a note for Steven A that says: Steve
Well the day is almost here! Soon you will be joining the ranks of all your heart brothers and sisters,that have taken this journey before you. Rest well during your procedure,as after your healing begins, you will be a busy guy, helping to reassure other heart brothers and sisters.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you-all the way from Michigan!
Hugs and kisses to you our friend!
Jackie and Danielle (Mia's family)

Susan posted a note for Steven A that says: I don't know you but have had this surgery before and lived to tell ! I'm now facing it again, 12 years later and I have the same fears that I had the first time. It's understandable to be afraid. We do need to keep reminding ourselves that these are professionals ,know what they are doing and they do it very well. It's hard for many of us to give up control, but in this case, we have to know they are all there to help us. Speedy recovery !

Meredith Bray posted a note for Steven A that says: Oh My Gosh I Am So Excited For You! This is gonna be GREAT! I hope that in 6 months you can look back and think to yourself, "The waiting was the worst part!"

Don't get too comfortable in the hospital (yeah right!) or your rehab center. You'll be home before you know it.

I missed driving, too, I was a back-seat passenger for 4 weeks.

If I could figure out a way to be there for you, I would. You'll have to settle for prayers being beamed at you from Florida.

I can't wait to hear what you have to say about your surgery and recovery. What is something you're looking forward to doing once you come home? Sky-diving? Swimming with the sharks? Bungee jumping? :)

Go in tomorrow morning with the attitude that you KNOW you'll be home soon!
Love, Meredith

Dora posted a note for Steven A that says: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything through prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God, and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus". Dear Steven, from the moment I stepped out of my car for aortic valve replacement 6 months ago, to the moment (and beyond)when I got back in my car to come home, I literally felt as if God was carrying me through this whole journey. Give Him your worries and fears, He's right by your side to carry you though. You're not alone.

Mia posted a note for Steven A that says: Brother Steve,

I know you are scared, like I mentioned before I was too. Just try to relax and think of how much better you will feel. In two weeks you will have this all behind you. I am three weeks post op tomorrow.

I am so glad that I had the surgery done. Now I am able to focus on a healthy life again. My plans are to start cardiac rehab as soon as my cardiologist says. I will be monitored and that way will feel more comfortable exercising knowing that the professionals are monitoring.

As far as down the road, I will be right with you to have a valve replaced then too. By then it will probably a real simple procedure.

Focus on healing, and beginning to live your life again. You can do it my brother!
We all the sisters and brothers of our community are behind you, we are praying for you and thinking of you as you begin this journey.

Try to rest tonight. I had a hard time the night before, but got five hours of sleep during the procedure.

Remember you have Terrie, Ginger, and me as your heart sisters, Eleanor and many more.

Sending many hugs your way with healthy wishes for your fast recovery.

Write me later if you want. Remember my email is kidsjunction@gmail.com
Feel free to write anytime.

Love from your sis in Michigan!
Mia
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Lynn Q posted a note for Steven A that says: Well Steve!! I'm so glad your surgery won't be postponed... Truly the waiting is so hard!! I feel all our heart brothers and sisters have pretty much said it all! Please don't stress about pain! Just let them know and always take something before it gets bad and you'll be fine . Mostly you'll be tired so Sleep Sleep Sleep as much as you can!! Remember when you're sleeping, even for a bit, your body does it's most healing because it's not working on anything else . I know you'll be fine!!! My prayers are with you!! I will look forward to hear about you're journey!! May it be smooth !!! Love!

Eleanor posted a note for Steven A that says: Yay! Tomorrow is the day, the first day of an improved heart. You will be in my thoughts and prayers, not just tomorrow but for many days in the future, as you recover and get back on your feet, with a new, healthier you. Best wishes and know that you are not alone.