Guestbook of don frantz

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don frantzgot a new guestbook post

4937 days ago

Great news, Don. It\'s what you suspected and most importantly, not your valve. You\'ll keep that stent open and functioning with your exercise program (and ...Read more

Great news, Don. It\'s what you suspected and most importantly, not your valve. You\'ll keep that stent open and functioning with your exercise program (and Plavix). Now you can put the scary episodes of angina behind you and live!! Take care. Prayers do work. Fran

don frantz Hi Fran!

I knew you'd be the first to respond. Thank you for the encouragement.
Don

don frantzgot a new guestbook post

4971 days ago

Hi Don! Thank you for keeping everyone up to date. I am wishing you the best! I was thinking of you on my road ride tonight when the winds were nearly blowing ...Read more

Hi Don! Thank you for keeping everyone up to date. I am wishing you the best! I was thinking of you on my road ride tonight when the winds were nearly blowing me over. I thought about how you are a far better athlete than me even after heart surgery and a \"few\" years older. That gave me the incentive to finish my ride instead of being a big baby and quiting!! You are always an inspiration! Katey (at Hammer in Whitefish)

don frantz Thanks, Katey! You are a sweetheart.

Maybe we can ride together someday. I'd really like that.

See ... Read more

don frantz Thanks, Katey! You are a sweetheart.

Maybe we can ride together someday. I'd really like that.

See you the next time we come to WF.

Don

don frantzgot a new guestbook post

4979 days ago

Hi Don Hang in there. Tough that you have to wait so long for the test. Doesn\'t the medical system see it as an emergency? I\'d be totally frustrated. Will ...Read more

Hi Don Hang in there. Tough that you have to wait so long for the test. Doesn\'t the medical system see it as an emergency? I\'d be totally frustrated. Will keep you in my prayers. Fran

don frantz Thanks, Fran! You are one of my most consistent supporters!

don frantzgot a new guestbook post

4988 days ago

Don, You may be correct in that it could be a blockage, however they typically look very closely for any signs of that prior to surgery. That way they can ...Read more

Don, You may be correct in that it could be a blockage, however they typically look very closely for any signs of that prior to surgery. That way they can do a bypass at the same time. As they look for that, also make sure they look to see if any scar tissue is invading the new valve and that the new valve is still operating properly. Those were items that my surgeon talked with me about prior to my surgery as possible negative outcomes. Prayers & positive thoughts coming your way. Chuck Holmgreen 3/20 AVR

don frantz Chuck, Thanks for the comment. I hadn't been told about the possibility of scar tissue. The echo-card ... Read more

don frantz Chuck, Thanks for the comment. I hadn't been told about the possibility of scar tissue. The echo-cardiogram a year ago showed no problem, but there could have been a change. As far as coronary artery blockage: That's what I suspect. While I was open for the valve replacement, the surgeon bypassed a coronary artery that we knew from the angiogram was 70% blocked. I suspect that there is a problem with that bypass.

Thanks for your prayers!

Don

don frantzgot a new guestbook post

4990 days ago

Hi Don Very unexpected, I\'m sure. Maybe your heart itself is fine but you have some coronary artery blockage and if so, a stent will solve your problem. Praying ...Read more

Hi Don Very unexpected, I\'m sure. Maybe your heart itself is fine but you have some coronary artery blockage and if so, a stent will solve your problem. Praying for the best for you and will wait for your next post. Fran

don frantz Hi Fran!
Good to hear from you.
Coronary artery blockage is what I suspect, as well. Thank you for p ... Read more

don frantz Hi Fran!
Good to hear from you.
Coronary artery blockage is what I suspect, as well. Thank you for praying.

don frantzgot a new guestbook post

4990 days ago

Hi Don Sorry to hear you are experiencing some difficulties and definitely will keep you in my prayers for favorable test results. Repeat performances weren\'t ...Read more

Hi Don Sorry to hear you are experiencing some difficulties and definitely will keep you in my prayers for favorable test results. Repeat performances weren\'t part of our original plans but try to keep an open mind until you know for sure what is going on. Cheryl, Ontario

don frantz Thanks, Cheryl.

don frantzgot a new guestbook post

5105 days ago

Hi Don How nice to hear from you. I am glad you are doing so well. Sounds like you are back into your presurgery workouts. It is great that you are focusing ...Read more

Hi Don How nice to hear from you. I am glad you are doing so well. Sounds like you are back into your presurgery workouts. It is great that you are focusing on what you can do, running is not all that great anyway for your joints. I quit years ago and enjoy wallking just as much. And yes CoQ10 everyday, after I use up the pill form I will get the liquid. I know what you mean about so many meds. Take care and glad to hear from you!

don frantzgot a new guestbook post

5201 days ago

Hi Don, 77 is the year of happiness in my culture. I am truely amazed that you run, swim and bike. What you do inspire me. Mizuki

don frantzgot a new guestbook post

5207 days ago

Hi Don Congrats on your milestone of one year. I remember your anguish of having to wait for your surgery and wondering if you should have it done in another ...Read more

Hi Don Congrats on your milestone of one year. I remember your anguish of having to wait for your surgery and wondering if you should have it done in another country (and maybe even another continent?). You are amazing to have done as well as you have, after all you are 77, as you say, but obviously a very young 77. Adjusting one\'s goals is not always want we want, but you are accomplishing other goals. Stay healthy. Fran

don frantzgot a new guestbook post

5207 days ago

Don: We did have surgery the same day. So grateful to have had the surgery. Best of luck and continued improvement.

don frantzgot a new guestbook post

5207 days ago

Don, We are so thankful to our God for your well-being and doing so well. Love you darlin\', Peggy

don frantzgot a new guestbook post

5417 days ago

Don, You could still swim and run laps around me my friend! You are very inspiring. I hope you find the balance and happiness with running and fitness aspect ...Read more

Don, You could still swim and run laps around me my friend! You are very inspiring. I hope you find the balance and happiness with running and fitness aspect of this. But overall, I am so glad you are healthy and well!

don frantzgot a new guestbook post

5417 days ago

Thanks for putting in the PS. I had been feeling a bit guilty for \"chastising\" you, but glad you took it in the spirit in which it was given. We are \"pros\" ...Read more

Thanks for putting in the PS. I had been feeling a bit guilty for \"chastising\" you, but glad you took it in the spirit in which it was given. We are \"pros\" at this but there are a lot of new people coming along. Good luck with your endeavors. Fran

don frantzgot a new guestbook post

5418 days ago

Hi Don Good to hear from you and learn how you\'re doing. I am wondering if you cut your beta blocker in half with your doctor\'s permission, or on your own? ...Read more

Hi Don Good to hear from you and learn how you\'re doing. I am wondering if you cut your beta blocker in half with your doctor\'s permission, or on your own? You got the result you wanted (a higher heart rate), but taking half the dose without medical approval is not advised (I am an RN). I wouldn\'t want anyone on the HVJ who is in the same situation to follow your steps without medical advice. Let\'s all be careful about what we write, please. Fran

don frantz Thanks for the good advice, Fran. Never occurred to me that someone might copy me!

I have added a P ... Read more

don frantz Thanks for the good advice, Fran. Never occurred to me that someone might copy me!

I have added a PS to the original entry.

don frantzgot a new guestbook post

5481 days ago

Whoops, forgot to sign the 6:44pm note Jack and Jo

don frantzgot a new guestbook post

5481 days ago

So good, Don, to see your continued progress and improvement! God has given you a strong body and you are taking very good care of it. Our grandson Aidan has ...Read more

So good, Don, to see your continued progress and improvement! God has given you a strong body and you are taking very good care of it. Our grandson Aidan has gone through three brain surgeries in the last two weeks of November and was totally paralysed on his right side as a result. Now he is working HARD to get some movement back into his limbs. Check his story here http://aidansupdate.blogspot.com

don frantzgot a new guestbook post

5481 days ago

Amen Don. Praise The Lord. Peggy/Jerry

don frantzgot a new guestbook post

5481 days ago

This is wonderful news, Don. I know what you\'re talking about re losing muscle tone so quickly - you have to work harder at our age to keep it :-) . Wishing ...Read more

This is wonderful news, Don. I know what you\'re talking about re losing muscle tone so quickly - you have to work harder at our age to keep it :-) . Wishing you and Patty the very best for Christmas and the New Year! Roger & Susan

don frantzgot a new guestbook post

5481 days ago

Don: To my co-surgery-date-sharer: Congratulations on the great progress. Merry Crhistmas and Happy New Year. Terry C.

don frantzgot a new guestbook post

5481 days ago

Hi Don Wow, what great news. Your recovery is amazing. Be sure to tell us when you enter those triathalons. Yes, God is good. Merry Christmas and all the best ...Read more

Hi Don Wow, what great news. Your recovery is amazing. Be sure to tell us when you enter those triathalons. Yes, God is good. Merry Christmas and all the best in 2011. Fran

don frantzgot a new guestbook post

5490 days ago

Hi Don, hope you are doing well. Thank you for your note and concern. I reread your last entry. I also wonder about beta blockers, I have cut my Zebata dose ...Read more

Hi Don, hope you are doing well. Thank you for your note and concern. I reread your last entry. I also wonder about beta blockers, I have cut my Zebata dose in 1/4 per day. My heart rate never really decreases but BP does when I take 1/2 daily. And yes my Dr says the same less stress on heart long term with beta blockers. Sleeping has more of an issue with me since surgery, not to mention the arm pain issue. I am determined that with PT and rehab that I will have range of motion of L arm and strength back in a few months. Seems as time passes energy level for longer periods of time increases, but then as Diana described boom a day of inactivity is on the agenda. Keep in touch Susan V NC

don frantzgot a new guestbook post

5504 days ago

Hi Don. It\'s good to read that your recovery is going so well. I too had trouble sleeping, especially when I first came home from the hospital. For me, the ...Read more

Hi Don. It\'s good to read that your recovery is going so well. I too had trouble sleeping, especially when I first came home from the hospital. For me, the answer was to avoid naps during the day & to ensure that my nervous system was calmed down enough to let me relax & sleep. I used relaxation tapes to accomplish the calming part. I\'m a yoga teacher so I tend to use yoga techniques & what I used was a guided relaxation method called Yoga Nidra. The idea is to relax your system, layer by layer. Yoga, particularly gentle yoga, is helpful in transitioning from the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight) to the parasympathetic nervous system (rest/digest). Once I was physically up to it, I just went back to a more physical yoga practice & that did the trick too. Hope your recovery continues on track! Take care, Joy Vera

don frantzgot a new guestbook post

5505 days ago

Don: To answer your questons: I\'ve known I had a murmur since I was pregnant--52 years ago, but I gave it no thought. I may have had it all my life, I just ...Read more

Don: To answer your questons: I\'ve known I had a murmur since I was pregnant--52 years ago, but I gave it no thought. I may have had it all my life, I just don\'t know. When I was a kid, the only time we went to the doctor was if we had measles or something. The attitude about going to doctors was different in those days. I\'ve been monitored by a cardiologist with a stress test and echocardiogram every year for the past 10 years. We knew about the developing aortic stenosis, but it remained stable for many years. It only crossed the \"need to have surgery\" point this year. (and I found out that the weight training I\'d been doing was not advisable for someone who had valve problems--I probably made it worse by choosing that type of exercise.) From the time I found out surgery was advisable to the day I had the valve replaced was 10 days. I really appreciated reading your story and admire the \"guts\" it took for you to do all that research all over the world to see where else you might have the surgery. It\'s a remarkable story. Adam does us all a wonderful service with this web site. It helps to hear what other people are going through and to know that many of the symptoms we have are shared by most others. Oh, by the way, my back pain is between my shoulder blades. Terry C.

don frantzgot a new guestbook post

5505 days ago

Don: We pretty much ALL get upper back pain after we\'ve had our ribs spread like that. It does pass, but I still have a problem with back pain when I drive. ...Read more

Don: We pretty much ALL get upper back pain after we\'ve had our ribs spread like that. It does pass, but I still have a problem with back pain when I drive. And I\'m the one who had the surgery the same day as you. Terry C

don frantzgot a new guestbook post

5507 days ago

Don: We had surgery the same day! I admire your courage in exploring all the possible places you could go for surgery, and I\'m so glad that it worked out ...Read more

Don: We had surgery the same day! I admire your courage in exploring all the possible places you could go for surgery, and I\'m so glad that it worked out for you in Canada. Since you\'re an athlete, you may be expecting too much too soon. Having had other life-impacting surgeries, I\'ve found that the body heals on its own schedule, and no matter what, even if you feel fantastic after 3 months, you still feel better after 6 months, a year, 2 years, etc. Very best wishes for your complete recovery. Terry Chase (another septegenarian who exercised--but not as much as you!)