Ed's Guestbook

Hi Ed- Just a quick note to let you know that I've been thinking about you. From what I've read, it seems like your recovery is progressing nicely, though I can only imagine how overwhelming it has felt at times. Please know that you're in my thoughts... Dino

Dear Ed, Hang in there! This is the hard part, but you are doing great. I think getting the meds right, and weathering the depression are tough challenges. Stay wary, vigilant and proactive about identifiying bad drug interactions. Depression is normal. There's lots of us who are praying for you. Jeff

Hi Ed, I hope your recovery is progressing well today. I thought you might enjoy this link to an article ranking hospital food. (-: Thanks, Joe http://www.huffingtonpost.com/joel-kahn-md/ranking-hospital-food-the_b_9178416.html?

Congratulations Ed on sucessful surgery. Glad to hear recovery has started already. As we spoke previously you know it is going to be a spectacular recovery!! Many prayers and well wishes and healing energy being sent to you from me, Dr. Nina

Ed: Hope and pray that your surgery went well today and that you have an easy night ahead of you and get some rest. Looking forward to reading a post that tells us all here in the community that you're beginning your recovery! Be well Heart Brother and know we are all sending you our thoughts and prayers on this important and life changing day!

Dear Ed, It is is nice to know you are ensconced and have done the dry run. We are praying for you and for Sandy, too. Will Sandy do the blog tomorrow, Friday? Love--Jeff, Julie and Grace.

Hi, Surgery is going to go spectacularly and you are going to do spectacularly as well. Many prayers and well wishes will be with you for Friday morning.

Great! I couldn't remember the name of the Mended Hearts group, glad you did. Oh, and I meant breathe from your stomach, not your chest. (I'd stupidly put "not your lungs!" ha ha ha.) Best, Artie

Hi Ed, I'd recommend the following two things to help ease your anxiety. (1) Remember that your operation has one of the very, very lowest mortality rates of any procedure. I've read anywhere from a high of 2 percent to 1.7 or less percent (and these were largely patients who were elderly and/or had other health problems). (2) I'm not sure how near your town is to a good-sized city but, as much as possible, be in touch with people who have had heart surgery. Our energy is so warm and life-affirming (as you can tell by this website). I think you'll start to see your surgery as a very positive thing--and a miracle that we have this surgery available. It works, it's super-low mortality, and you'll get to meet some very wonderful people, patients and caregivers alike. Oh and (3) Don't forget to keep breathing steadily and deeply, and from your stomach, not your lungs. Whenever you feel particularly anxious, just sit or lie down and do the breathing. Don't try to talk yourself out of feeling anxious--"whatever we resist, persists." Acknowledge you're feeling that way and do the breathing. Your anxiety may well dissipate right there. All the best for Feb. 5 and your terrific recovery. Artie (aortic valve replacement; mitral valve repair; full open-heart surgery, Aug. 2015--and I feel GREAT!)