Charlie's Guestbook

It has been a while since I\'ve posted on Charlie\'s page. It has been 3months since he had his surgery. He has done extremely well. As you prepare and research for the procedure you will find the major post operatives complications will be death of course not good...., stroke, bleeding, atrial fibrillation, pericarfitis and infection. Charlie has overcome the big ones:))He has grown stronger everyday and is well on his way to a full recovery. I\'d say the biggest things that helped were continuing to walk and remain active even when there were days he felt he couldn\'t. Also using the incentive spirometer minimally 10X a day was instrumental. I hope that this helps if you are in recovery now. I came from an ICU background and never appreciated the recovery to the extent I do now. It\'s a lot of work but you can do it!!!! I will leave you with a poem that I hope will keep you strong that is dedicated to Charlie.. It kept me strong as Charlie was going through his surgery. I hope it will do the same for you Love to all of you and stay string one day at a time you will make it;)) Melissa To everything there is a season And a time to every purpose A time to be born, A time to plant, and pluck up that which is planted A time to be in disrepair and a time to heal A time to breakdown, and a time to build up A time to weep, and a time to laugh A time to mourn a change, and a time to dance and embrace the change A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing A time to get, and a time to lose A time to mend, and a time to sew A time to speak, and a time to keep silence A time of peace and a time of war But most of all a time for love, to have loved and to be loved

I had my bi-cuspid aortic valve replaced March 17 2013. I knew I would need the surgery from childhood but did not expect to be admitted to the hospital directly from my routine appt on 3/17/12. It all went well and I feel better now at 50, then I have felt in many years. Cardiac rehab was very helpful for me, both emotionally and physically. Good support is such a blessing. Onward!! Julie

Hey Charlie Hope you are recovering fast and that you will be able to quickly enjoy your daily routines again. Can\'t wait to read more on your journal. Lots of love and thoughts to you, Melisa and all your family and supporters :) John Staub

Hey Charlie! Glad to hear the great news! I just worked on a documentary this week about patients recovering from heart \"surgery\". Attitude is so important, as well as the love and help from those around you. Sounds like you\'ve got a wonderful team of helpers. Never a fun experience, but sometimes a gentle reminder to smell the roses and love and live a little more thoroughly..... best, Chris C.

As expected....\"nothing but net!\" I even watched Dr. Murphy\'s presentation on YouTube. So, so glad his skill, along with his colleagues, was available to make you well again, Charlie.Your place in the Stud Man Hall of Fame is assured, and here\'s to the continuation of a long, long- and healthy- life. L\'chaim! Kirk D.