Teri:
My sympathies to you and Tom. Has he tried sleeping in a recliner (if you have one)? The suggestion about the bed wedges (below) is excellent. Wish you had an adjustable bed! Tom was let out of the hospital awfully early and started back full steam. Most of us couldn't do what he's doing. Best wishes to both of you for a smoother recovery.
Terry C.

Hi Teri and Tom,

Happy Holidays, and good to hear that Tom's recovery is continuing to move forward. I had AVR surgery earlier this year in May at 49, and like most of us on hear had bumps along the way. My recovery was quick, and I was back at work at 6 weeks.

You do have to be patient as everyone progresses a little differntly. Each day is not just a matter of doing more than the day before, but look at your progress from one Monday till the next Monday. Get rest, be practical and keep using your spirometer for at least four weeks post op.

To help rest you may visit a hospital supply store and pick up a couple of memory foam bed wedges. My first two weeks home I used two 9 inch wedges stacked to sleep at an incline, then one wedge for a few more weeks before back to a flat bed.

Just remember it is not a race, recovery will come and sometimes you move back for a day or two before you start moving forward again. Best wishes as you keep working.

Kind regards,

Mark
Keller, TX

Hi Tom,
I am 3 weeks post op and I hear you!! The nights are tough; it's hard to find a comfortable sleeping position. I must hav had 10 pillows an 2 big fluffy comforters mounded up on my bed to try to find the right incline and support. I also had small pillows tucked in here and there for my arms or under my hip or whatever. Have a loved one help you get tucked in at night; maybe that will help.
Getting up in the mornings is still tough; hard to roll out of bed....takes a little planning and strategizing. Once I'm up, I'm very stiff and need a little time to loosen up, but it seems to be getting better each day. You've been through something major, so give yourself time and take the pain meds that you are able to take (and the stool softener!!!)
Looking forward to hearing of better days for you.
I couldn't agree more with you about your observations on taking care of yourself before the procedure. I walked everyday before my procedure to help my circulation, lung capacity, and leg strength and it did make a big difference with my breathing and getting out of bed that first time; my legs were shaky but nothing like some of the other people. and I was able to conquer the spirometer right off the bat. I felt very sorry for people who have abused their bodies all this time. I have a lot of family members who need to be scared straight and I thought this would do it, but doesn't look that way......so sad!!
Take care and keep at it---
Merry Christmas & Happy, Healthy New Year!
Nancy H.

Holy cow, Tom: You are some strong guy. You got home just the 3rd day from surgery which really is counted as 2 days after surgery. Then you went to mass and stood up through it. I'm surprised you didn't keel over!
Most of us were still in the hospital at the stage you were standing up at mass, so give yourself a break.
Don't overdo. Your heart will heal on its own, but it needs time to do so. REST! You'll feel better faster if you do. If you overdo one day, you pay for it the next.
In 2 months you'll feel almost like a new man, and in 3 months you'll be acting like you never had surgery, but not if you overdo it now!!! And that's when you have to take painkillers. My prayers are with you.
God bless you for your spirit. Have a very merry Christmas. AND REST! You'll get better faster.
Terry C

Tom,

Glad you are on the road to recovery. For back pain, use the spirometer frequently. It helped me a lot.

Anne Shannon

Been thinking of you lots! Thanks for helping to support the Pharma industry . . .
Blazer
PS: Brand name or generic?????

Best of luck to Tom and his family. He's young and healthy. These first few days are toughest. Keep us all posted on his progress.
Terry C

Hi Terri glad it's over? you may have to run to catch up with now!!!! Hi Tom glad you are doing so well good luck with recovery.
luv Gina

Hi Tom,

You are now on the road to recovery and I promise it gets better each week and every day. Congrats and Happy Holidays!

Thomas Deakins
Farragut, TN.
AVR 12/15/09

Woo Hoo Tommy Boy! You Da Man! You look awesome! Just follow orders and get well soon! Gwen et al

Teri -- I know how much you want to stay by his side and do all the little things for him, but remember that he will soon be coming home and you need to stay fully rested and strong for that time. I'm sure he's in good hands for you to go home and rest in your own bed at least one night before he comes home. Bottom line -- thrilled to hear Tom is doing so well! Keep up the good work! Beth and Tony

Hi Tom,
You look great! Enjoy the down time and take care. We'll be thinking of you and of course praying for you. That was quite a Christmas present eh:-)

Love
Rita & John

Hi Tom and Terry,

I just saw that you have had heart surgery. We weren't aware that you were having problems but hopefully this will put you "back in business" with flying colors!!!
We miss seeing you all and hope and pray that you will have a happy Christmas and be on the road to recovery in the New Year.
We send our prayers and love, Mary Louise & George

Tom,
Good talking to you this morning. The voice was a little raspy, but you certainly are the most spirited ICU patient I have ever encountered! Maybe you can try to get some sleep now if you stay off your work email!!
Love you,
Cathy

So glad you made it through the surgery with flying colors! Wishing you a somewhat painless recovery!! Listen to Nurse Teri, she knows what is best! :) You really are going to live to 100 and be a burden on each and every one of your children, aren't you!?!
Lots of love,
Megan

Tom...so glad to hear everything went well! Now take it easy and have a good recovery...we will talk with you soon!
Mike and Dorothy Serban

Tom
So glad to hear you came through ok. We'll be keeping you & yours in our prayers.
When is a good time to stop in?
Jeff & Debbie

You did great there, Champ! Now be nice to the Wife. Love Ya! Good job today. Linda

Hi Mr. Molz! Glad to hear that your surgery went well. I will be praying for a speedy recovery and that God will strengthen you during this time. Hope the rest of the family is doing well. Merry Christmas and God Bless :)

Kelley Snyder-Polito

Hey uncle Tom!!! I didn't even know about this!!! I am sorry you had to go through it!!! Take you time healing, and get lots of rest!!! You are in great hands! And just think, if youre getting the mechanical valve put it...it will drive aunt terri crazy at night =)I know a few people that have had this surgery and the clicking is loud! So, maybe you can find the humor in it =) Love ya!!! Samantha and family!

Just heard the news, Tom... You're a trooper. Love and God Bless.
Tom and Michelle Farrell

Nice legs Tom! We pray the rest of you will look that wonderful soon, and that the surgery will give you more pep and longevity.
We hope to see you sometime soon! Pat & Blaise

I'm glad to see you doing well. See ya soon! Love, Brian

I never had a doubt you are a trooper! Prayers and blessings for the healing process. Thanks for taking such good care of yourself you are a great example and brother in law!

Love ya loads! Billi

Hey, Molzie! Glad to hear surgery went well, and you are officially on the road to recovery! The nurse in me chuckled as I read the comment about wanting the breathing tube out NOW! Step by step! Know Tony and I are thinking of you and wishing you a speedy and uneventful recovery. Will keep checking the blog. Love ya! Beth and Tony

^^ love, Adelle H

Hey Mr. Molz!
Also had no idea you were having the surgery... but from Mrs. Molz's updates, it looks like you are doing okay after the fact! Way to go! Stay strong :-) keeping you in our prayers!

Hi Tom I had know Idea you were having this surgery, so good luck with your recovery we are going to need you for the next poker night.Jules,

Tom - We're always thinking about you and your lovely family. We pray that all goes well. Jon

You are in our prayers Tom. "many are the afflictions of the righteous;but the Lord delivers them out of them all." -Psalm 34. May you be fortified in Christ.

Gregg

Not quite sure what is going on in Warrington, but I gather that Tom is having a heart valve replaced. Hmm...doesn't he sell heart valves? Guess now he will be living proof of how good they work! Best of luck Buddy! The Neses will be praying for you. Hope your recovery is speedy like you! Hugs! Gwen et al

We will be thinking about you tomorrow and praying for a successful surgery! Here's to a quick recovery!!
Lots of love,
Megan, Matt and Ryan

Hey Tom, You soooo got this. We know your a tough guy But please know that a couple of us from the youth group and our family will spend some time in adoration praying that God will guide the surgeons hands to a more than successful surgery and give you strength for your recovery... Lord knows your princess will need some prayers too..
God bless you...
Theresa

Tom...we are thinking of you and will be tomorrow during the surgery. We are here if you all need anything.
Love, The Serbans

So tomorrow's the big day. My thoughts and prayers are with you. You've done everything you can to help yourself with the surgery. I look forward to hearing that everything went well.