Joel's Heart Valve Journal

Well, it doesn't seem possible that six months ago I was posting my Pre-Operation fears and jitters. My surgery was October 28, 2009, so next Wednesday will be my 6 months anniversary. What a difference six months makes!

I can truly say that I feel better than I've felt in years! I have been back to work since February first, and have grown steadily stronger. While I still get tired by the end of the day, there isn't really anything that I would be afraid to do. Yesterday I worked in my garden and dug footings to put in some rain barrels under the deck. Who would have thought I could use a pick and shovel after only six months? I have sore muscles this morning, but my chest didn't hurt, and I didn't have shortness of breath. It feels GOOD to work as hard as I want without worrying about my heart.

It's spring in Iowa, the flowers are blooming, the robins are singing and it's good to be alive!

Joel

Well, it doesn't seem possible that six months ago I was posting my Pre-Operation fears and jitters. My surgery was October 28, 2009, so next Wednesday will be my 6 months anniversary. What a difference six months makes!

I can truly say that I feel better than I've felt in years! I have been back to work since February first, and have grown steadily stronger. While I still get tired by the end of the day, there isn't really anything that I would be afraid to do. Yesterday I worked in my garden and dug footings to put in some rain barrels under the deck. Who would have thought I could use a pick and shovel after only six months? I have sore muscles this morning, but my chest didn't hurt, and I didn't have shortness of breath. It feels GOOD to work as hard as I want without worrying about my heart.

It's spring in Iowa, the flowers are blooming, the robins are singing and it's good to be alive!

Joel

Several people have asked how I was doing since returning to work, so I thought I'd write a report. I returned to work full time on February first. The first week was fairly slow, with sales considerably below normal. Even so, I found myself getting really tired by the end of each day. The second week, sales were much stronger, (apparently my selling skills haven't suffered from surgery) and consequently I found it much more difficult to get all the physical work done. I've always been one to keep myself positive, but honestly it was a struggle just to keep going. I guess after being off work for four months, I've gotten pretty soft! I can see in my head what I want to accomplish, but my body can't quite deliver. I guess I shouldn't be discouraged by this, since Dr. Hockmuth warned me that it could take a full year to recover all my strength. Anyway, I'll keep plugging away, and I'm sure that in time, I'll be back 100%.

Thanks to all who have asked,

Joel

Well, that went well! I was pleasantly surprised at how well I felt today as I got back in the swing at work. I didn't have any major difficulties, although I was getting pretty tired by noon, and feeling ready to hang it up by 4:30!

But I didn't hit any roadblocks with lifting or moving pallets. Pat (who has worked my territory while I was away) worked with me today, and we were able to call on 8 stores. That's a pretty good days work even if Pat did a little more than his fair share. :-)

If I'm not too sore to get out of bed in the morning, I think I'll do it again tomorrow.

Thanks to all for your thoughtful comments,

Joel