Michael's Posts

A year ago tonight, I was preparing for the visit to the hospital in the morning that many on this site are dealing with today. Anticipation is much worse than reality. I spent my one year out celebration having a picnic with my wife and daughter and hiking in the beautiful hills of Tennessee. Other than the scar on my chest, the monthly pt checks, and the ticking when it's quiet, I have no reminders I'm a heart valve patient. I feel great and God has blessed me for no known reason to myself! Thanks to those who were there through it all! Best wishes for God's healing for those who are facing it now! Sincerely, Mike

Finally reached the number that unlocks the hospital door. My daughter pulled in the driveway just in time for me to catch the weekly trash pick-up. To her amazement, the trash receptacle doesn't magically deliver itself to the curb on Thursday night and return itself on Friday after I get off work. She thought that this occurred in the same way the grass automatically resets to 4" once a week between spring and fall. It's a good feeling that not all goes normally when you're not there. Have to go back in a couple of weeks for another ECG and surgical drainage may still be necessary. Guess that's part of it. I felt guilty being so healthy in C.O.U. when those around me were so soon out of surgery. Wishing everyone God's healing! Mike

It's bad enough being in the hospital when you're recovering after surgery, but, it's worse when you now feel fine and they won't let you go. I've already been here longer than the week I had my valve replaced. My INR is still at 1.4 and Dr. Briggs says the risk of a pulmonary embolism is too great to take me off of heparin IV. I've been visiting my neighbors who are just now recovering after surgery to help pass the time. My next door neighbor had the same procedure as me at 82. He looks great for the day after, but, no wonder as he had Dr. Briggs as well. Maybe Friday wll bring the number I need. Mike