Tom's Posts

Tom had been working during both hospital stays and between them as well. Tuesday, Jan. 4th Dr. Singer gave him the OK to drive so Tom has been back at work ever since. He went back into his "non physical" job 21 days from date of surgery and 8 days from the date of his procedure to remove 590cc's from his paracardial sac. Dr. Singer told us that the accumulation of fluid after surgery is something of a mystery as it occurs in less than 1% of the people who have their valves replaced. I was glad to hear that it wasn't something that Tom did to bring it on. The doctor is now thinking that he may leave the chest tubes in his patient's longer because of this. Tom says he feels a little tired around 5pm, he has a 25 minute drive to and from work he is up at 6:30am and returns home between 5:30-6:00 and he was calling this taking "quarter days at work" he has not taken a nap since Monday, Jan. 3rd, he stays up till 10pm each night. He is doing what he feels is comfortable for him and that is what the doctor said would be his guide. The Wife of a Bionic Man, Teri

Tuesday, Jan. 4th Tom saw his surgeon, Dr. R. Singer in Allentown, PA. This guy was terrific he spent time with us telling us his thoughts and sharing a video of Tom's valve just prior to the surgery. Tom's valve was in pretty bad shape, and he was asymptomatic! Maybe having this surgery will give him more energy....more energy, my oh my! Thanks be to God that Tom is here with us celebrating 2011! Tom told the doctor that he had been working from home for sometime and wondered when he could actually go into the office again. The doctor told Tom he just answered his own question. Tom drove the hour back home even went to the gym last night and had a glass of red wine, he would have used the hot tub but it wasn't working. He was told to avoid caffeine at all cost (he said everyone should!) alcohol in moderation and yes he may use the hot tub once again. He also mentioned that Tom's heart condition is hereditary and that all family members should get an echo cardiogram. All of our children have been seen by a cardiologist and have had their testing done. So it is up to Tom's siblings to get checked out before they get a warning sign. Remember Tom never had any warning signs, he just wanted to get more his life insurance. So please let Tom's heart surgery be the only warning sign you need and search for a cardiologist today and book your appointment in 2011! Thanks so much for all the notes, letters, cards, gifts,visits, thoughts and time spent reading about Tom! Love to all, Teri PS. Tom hasn't had a pain pill since Dec. 28 or 29th which is about 13 days since surgery!