Kim's Heart Valve Journal

It seems so long ago and far away that we both found all of the kind souls here on Adam's Heart Valve Journal. Frank is fully recovered and 100% plus. We both do check in from time to time and read and pray for those who are about to begin their valve replacement surgery. As promised I am sending along our daughters wedding photo's. Frank was a proud father on July 31st as he walked his daughter down the aisle on her wedding day. As his surgery was totally unexpected we hung onto the thoughts of our daughters wedding day to push through and press on during his recovery. Our hearts go out to you all who are just beginning this process. here is the link to our joyous day. http://www.thebrandstudio.com/slideshows/colosimoalbum/
turn up your volume there is music too!!!

It's been a couple weeks since I posted. Surgery was 5 weeks ago yesterday already. Seems so long ago.

Things are going well. The incision is still uncomfortable. A burning, itching, stinging feeling. The seatbelt in the car is uncomfortable. I have to hold it away from my chest. Other than that I have been feeling well. Walking daily, up to 1.25 mile. There are a couple slight grades along the way that are breathtaking (lol) but other than that I make it relatively easily.

Kim and I spent most of Thursday in Pittsburgh. I had an echocardiogram, chest x-ray, EKG, and then a consultation with the surgeon. All results were good and Dr. Wei was pleased. He removed my 5 lb. lifting restriction, gave me the go ahead to drive (made Kim happy, I had to drive home) and to start cardiac rehab. I have my orientation for that on Tuesday afternoon. I'll update the journal again once I see what all that will entail. I'm looking forward to it.

Well, 3 weeks ago this time I was in surgery. Seems like it was a lot longer ago than that. Feeling good with the exception of the chest healing. I can't say it's painful, but certainly uncormfortable. I have limited my pain medication to extra strength tylenol. Walking everyday, getting close to a mile each time would be my guess. It's difficult getting up the slight grade in front of the house to the flat part of the street, but once on the flat my stamina seems pretty good.

I had my first doctor's appt on Wednesday, with my primary care physician. She was very pleased with my progress. She said I looked good being less than 3 weeks out at that time, "wound" is healing well, heart and lungs sounded good. Next stop will be to the surgeon in 2 weeks.

One thing that is a little unsettling to me, I can "feel" my heart beating pretty stongly now, especially when all is quiet. Not sure if this is usual, pcp didn't seem concerned. I did get a mechanical valve. Has anyone that has a mechanical valve experienced the same thing? I can hear it clicking sometimes too. I do know that is common. It's really kinda cool to hear it.

Thanks to all for your support over the last few weeks. It helped more than you could ever imagine.

Frank

While entering my last journal entry I saw the mailman pass by the front window. In the mail was a get well note from GEORGE BUSH, the 41st President !!! How cool is that !!! My brother George has gotten to be friends with forty-one and Barbara in the last few years.

Frank