Dan Sinclair posted a note for Ernie that says:
Happy Re-Birthday Man!
Glad to hear you are doing well. Four Freaking Years Already? My fourth is coming up fast and I hadn't thought of it till I saw your post. Got to plan something for that. I guess we will see how your Cowboys do this year without your boy Romo. I am doing well also, but picking up some unwanted weight. I have got to get back to my walking regiment again. Take Care Brother!
Dan Sinclair 2013
Ernie Keen Dan Sinc!! Glad you are doing well. I too need to get back into a good exercise regimen and lose some weight. Easier said than done. I'm loving Dak Prescott!
On September 12, 2017...
Jeanette King posted a note for Ernie that says:
Happy birthday, Ernie!! I'm glad you are still alive!
Ernie Keen Thanks Jeanette. You always know just what to say! :)
On September 12, 2017...
Tim Hodge posted a note for Ernie that says:
Always great to hear your updates! Glad your good days outnumber your bad, I suspect that you'll outlive us all!
Barb Brooks posted a note for Ernie that says:
Hi Ernie! 3 years already... hard to believe time can go by that fast! Glad to hear you're doing well... take care!
Christine Kline posted a note for Ernie that says:
Hi Ernie: Glad to know you are still doing great. Thanks for the update. Happy 3rd-re-Birthday. From a fellow grad who is also doing well 3 years post surgery!
teresa posted a note for Ernie that says:
Hi Ernie,
Happy to hear you feel like a cannibal and are doing well. Happy 3rd re-Birthday
Lots of love
Teresa & Tim
Carol Foster posted a note for Ernie that says:
Congrats Ernie! Glad to see you are doing so well :-) Mine is coming up later this month too! Feeling great, back to the gym, lost 10 lbs! Take care! XO
Dan Sinclair posted a note for Ernie that says:
What's up Ernie,
I was thinking about you today when your Cowboys were defeated by the lowly Buccaneers, Heard your boy Tony might be back next week......
I didn't see the game. Damned Cowboys, letting me down again, and I had high hopes for them at the beginning of the season. We'll see what happens when Romo gets back, but I don't have high hopes.
Speaking of hopes, I hope you are doing well.
I had my 2nd rebirthday anniversary in September, and I'm feeling well. Not exercising like I should, and I weigh too much, but heart feels good. I have a cardiologist appointment on Tuesday, and I haven't seen him in over a year. We'll see what he thinks.
Maybe after I see the cardiologist, I'll do a 2 year post-op post here.
Take care brother!!
On October 27, 2014...
Dan Sinclair posted a note for Ernie that says:
Hey Ernie,
Hope all is well. Watching your cowboys on MNF, halftime and they are winning!
Take Care Brother!
Lynn Ennis posted a note for Ernie that says:
Hey Ernie!
Has it really been a year for you? You kept me laughing all thru mine ( my anniversary is early November) and I am glad to hear you are doing so well. Whats a little sparkle and pain? This was the major leagues!
Ernie Keen You sound like girlfriend. Somebody's got get that whip away from her. Still having trouble doing naked Twister too, but I think that has more to do with me ... Read more
Ernie Keen You sound like girlfriend. Somebody's got get that whip away from her. Still having trouble doing naked Twister too, but I think that has more to do with me being old and inflexible. Glad to hear from you. Hope you are happy, healthy and all is well with you.
Linda H and Elsie posted a note for Ernie that says:
Hey Ernie, Elsie and I say congrats on the first year. Like you I still have some pain. My doctor said it is most likely the wires. I have a new puppy that likes to maul me and it feels like a bristle brush there. That is what made me think of that and someone else had mentioned on the sight also. If it gets to bad I just take a Tramadol and I am ok. He said some people just have that and you will get use to it. Not a whole lot you can do. Im not going to get opened up again just for that so I will get use to it. You and Toro take care.
Ernie Keen Linda and Elsie!! Moo Moo! Damned wires. Causing us both pains. I guess we can just consider it a fence to contain Elsie and Toro. Good to hear from you. Happy grazing. ---E
On September 12, 2014...
Renee posted a note for Ernie that says:
Ernie!!! Been a long time!?! So happy to see you are doing well. I fell off the exercise wagon too, ugh!! Trying to get back on. Life is certainly much better with a good heart huh!?! I am at 13 months and I still can't believe I went through it. Hang in there and thanks for the update. Take good care of yourself!!!
Ernie Keen Thanks Renee. Great hearing from you. It's been a crazy ride, huh? But totally worth it. Stay healthy. --E
On September 12, 2014...
Dan Sinclair posted a note for Ernie that says:
Ernie,
Congratulations on the one year man. Sounds like you are doing great and that is good news. I want to thank you for helping our group get through this together. No matter how I was feeling you were able to put a smile on my face with your posts. I am coming up on my one year soon, trying to decide how to celebrate it. I'm thinking one bourbon one scotch and one beer....after a nice long walk along some waterfront. Take Care Bud and stay in touch!
Ernie Keen Dan!! Cowboys suck even worse thanks to Romo and Jerry Jones! I remember when they were "America's Team" and now they are America's laughing stock.
Ernie Keen Dan!! Cowboys suck even worse thanks to Romo and Jerry Jones! I remember when they were "America's Team" and now they are America's laughing stock.
Glad I was able to entertain you with my journal during recovery. Hope you and the family are doing well. Keep walking. You da man!!---E
On April 3, 2014...
Dan Sinclair posted a note for Ernie that says:
Ernie,
How the hell are you doing? I was out west last week visiting my middle daughter in Portland, and was thinking about my surgery and wondering how you were doing. I hope all is well ! I am feeling great. Did you make it back to the gym?
Let me know.
Della Carvajal posted a note for Ernie that says:
Hi Ernie, glad to hear you are doing good, except for the sternum pain. I would definitely mention that to the Dr. Keeping you in prayer, so you may continue to do much better day by day. Love the pic of our reunion with all those lovely ladies! Take care,Della
Ernie Keen Thanks Della. I miss my beautiful Texas ladies. Gotta make a trip back one of these days. Take care.
Ernie A.S.
On March 15, 2014...
Jim Jones posted a note for Ernie that says:
Hey Ern-dog:
Six months already? Congrats!
Glad that almost everything seems to be ok. I do think that your ritual of sneezing, twisting and throwing your head back each time you take pills seems a bit excessive. I tried that this morning and threw my back out! (Did I misread that?)
I hope the next months are great ones for you big guy. Don't forget, you and I are both looking to run 5Ks this year. All the best.
Ernie Keen Thanks Jim. I've gotta get back to walking before I can get to jogging again. Definitely still planning on getting a 5k in sometime this year.
Hope you are doing well.
Ernie A.S.
On March 14, 2014...
Lori/ lorilovestiki posted a note for Ernie that says:
Hi Ernie,
I'm glad you're doing well but am sad you aren't sending your humorous posts out anymore. If your pain persists I'd definitely get it checked by a doctor, just to be safe. Continue to feel well!
Ernie Keen Saw a doctor. We haven't figured it out yet. Thanks for checking in on me, Lori (not my sister).
Ernie A.S.
On March 14, 2014...
Debbie Cross posted a note for Ernie that says:
Happy to hear you are doing well.I hope the discomfort in your chest/sternum is short-lived. I vote you write a humorous book about the HVS.experience! To be read after Adam's of course! Take care. Hope your Mom is doing well. Debbie
Ernie Keen Mo's doing well, thanks Debbie. I hope all is well with you.
Still have sternum pain. Cardiologist thought it might be trouble with my sternum wires. Did a ... Read more
Ernie Keen Mo's doing well, thanks Debbie. I hope all is well with you.
Still have sternum pain. Cardiologist thought it might be trouble with my sternum wires. Did a chest x-ray and saw my regular doctor. He couldn't really tell if anything was wrong by the chest x-ray. The cardiologist said it's not always easy to tell by chest x-ray and we may have to do a cat scan. The pin in my chest is a pain in the ass!
Not sure about doing a humorous hear valve surgery book. Who knows.
Thanks Debbie. Be healthy.
Ernie A.S.
On March 13, 2014...
Christina Nicolulis posted a note for Ernie that says:
Hi Ernie!
It was so great to see an update! I sure do miss your regular posts, but since that means that things are much better then I can handle it. :) Sorry to hear about your rotator cuff issues. Those definitely aren't fun and I'm going through the same thing myself actually. My doctor gave me a whole bunch of exercises to do that she said is the same as what you would get at physical therapy. They really seem to be helping too. I would be happy to scan them for you and send them in an email. You could PM me your email address and I would be happy to do that! Maybe that will help with the pain in your sternum too. I don't want you using the dumbbells and then the next time I see you you look like that "Pumped up Buzzy" pinup picture that you gave him! :) Thanks again for the update! I hope to see you soon!!
Ernie Keen Thanks Zaya. I'll take whatever help I can get with the rotator cuff problem. I sent you an email. I'll send you a PM on TC.
Lotsa love----Ernie A.S.
On February 20, 2014...
Ruth posted a note for Ernie that says:
I was feeling a little down thinking about having to go through this darn surgery but all the humor you put into journal had me laughing in tears. Made my day. I hope you continue to get better and better. OMG, YOU ARE SO DARN FUNNY.... LOL
Ruth Valenzuela
Ernie Keen Thanks Ruth. If I entertained you and made you laugh, then I've done my job. Yay. Glad you like my journal entries.
I feel great after my heart valve surgery. ... Read more
Ernie Keen Thanks Ruth. If I entertained you and made you laugh, then I've done my job. Yay. Glad you like my journal entries.
I feel great after my heart valve surgery. I have more energy and I don't get tired quickly doing physical stuff like I did before surgery. You'll be glad you did it once you've recovered. Middle of March will be 6 months post-op for me.
Good luck.
Ernie A.S.
On February 12, 2014...
Peter Willard posted a note for Ernie that says:
Ernie I have been asking if any one knows what kind of aortic valve John Fox got,it might help some to understand what is the best valve.Ithink the Ross last longer but I did not know of this operation until after I had my bovine valve.
I don't know what type of valve John Fox received. I'm not sure how long the Ross procedure supposedly lasts. A good question for Adam Pick. I think ... Read more
I don't know what type of valve John Fox received. I'm not sure how long the Ross procedure supposedly lasts. A good question for Adam Pick. I think there are fewer surgeons that do the Ross procedure and it requires a skilled and experienced surgeon to do it right. I got a bovine valve because with modern technology they seem to be lasting longer than before, and hopefully by the time this one gives out and needs to be replaced the TAVR will be a common method for valve replacement. At top right of the page is a search function, and you will find that Adam has written about types of valves and their longevity several times in the past in his blog.
Ernie A.S.
On January 17, 2014...
Ernie A.S. posted a note for Ernie that says:
Doing well, but had a strained calf, so haven't been walking the last several days. My next journal post will be my last post until the 6 month mark, so I'm going to write a summary of the experience.
Dan Sinclair posted a note for Ernie that says:
Ernie,
Spent the weekend with chest pain, got a hold of my cardiologist on Sunday morning he thought it was my pericarditis acting up again (which it was sort of) only it was more painful this time. Went to Cardiologist today, echocardiogram and electrocardiogram diagnosis - everything looks good probably dressler's syndrome, the only thing is when I read up on it says it is usually accompanied with a fever. I did not have any fever. Did you have a fever?
Hope all is well with you.
Take Care!
Sorry I'm late getting back to you. Wasn't notified somebody signed my guestbook until today.
I didn't have a fever either when I got Dresslers. Just had pain in the chest a smidge left of the sternum. It was harder breathing and I tired really quickly trying to walk. Frustrating part of recovery. Good luck.
Ernie A.S.
On January 9, 2014...
Leslie Holtzclaw posted a note for Ernie that says:
Ernie,
Glad to hear you are doing GREAT! I love reading your journal, you sure brighten my day with your odd humor. LOL I'm looking forward to cardio rehab, start next week. Keep truckin'!! Leslie
Ernie Keen Cardiac rehab will be great. Good luck with that. I've been out of cardiac rehab, but hitting the gym pretty well. I had gained 10 lbs. over the holidays, but ... Read more
Ernie Keen Cardiac rehab will be great. Good luck with that. I've been out of cardiac rehab, but hitting the gym pretty well. I had gained 10 lbs. over the holidays, but I've managed to drop 6 lbs. so far since Jan. 1. Glad to hear you are doing well. Keep it up. It just gets better.
Ernie A.S.
On January 5, 2014...
Walter Zintz posted a note for Ernie that says:
No, Ernie, no! Don't drop us now!
Keep us informed about your choice of your next vocation, new or old, of how you fare job hunting, and how your next employment works out. Let us know the results of your increased treadmilling and your all-beer diet. Keep your opinions coming about Jerry, Jason and the Cowboys defense.
Ernie Keen This a HEART VALVE journal, not a blog. None of the other heart valve people want to hear my personal BS, they just want to hear the heart-valve-related stuff. ... Read more
Ernie Keen This a HEART VALVE journal, not a blog. None of the other heart valve people want to hear my personal BS, they just want to hear the heart-valve-related stuff. If I ever start a facebook page, you can check out my BS there. But thanks for checking up on me.
Ernie A.S.
On January 4, 2014...
Susan Smith, not an alias posted a note for Ernie that says:
Ernie, Glad you are doing well. Just wanted you to know that I consider you, Jim and Dan, the 3 Musketeers of the Heart Valve Community. No I didn't say the Three Stooges. You guys have shared a great deal through all the stories and whacky descriptions of events, which have made for much needed humor. Thanks again for all the good advise and even for the bad advise as well. Do drop in every once in a while to keep us posted on your progress with your health and your job search. May God continue to bless you each and every day. Your friend
Ernie Keen No, I think the Three Stooges was a bit more apt.
Summary coming soon.
Thanks Susan. Take care.
Ernie A.S.
On January 2, 2014...
Peter willard posted a note for Ernie that says:
Ernie I had a bovine valve put in Feb 2010 what kind of valve did you get and how long do they last?What kind of valve did John Fox get?
Ernie Keen I have a bovine valve also. "Toro" They are supposed to last 10 to 15 years, but with technology getting better and better, some are lasting 20 years or more. ... Read more
Ernie Keen I have a bovine valve also. "Toro" They are supposed to last 10 to 15 years, but with technology getting better and better, some are lasting 20 years or more. Of course, if you eat a lot of crap and don't exercise, I would think that would tend to lessen it's durability.
I have no idea what kind of valve John Fox received.
Good luck and good health.
Ernie A.S.
On January 1, 2014...
Higgy posted a note for Ernie that says:
Ernie!
Dude, Happy New Year! 2013 was a bitch. Here's to a prosperous and healthy 2014!
Thank you very much. Good luck and good health to you and your family. Let me know if ya'll are coming back to L.A. anytime and we can meet up and compare scars. Take care.
Ernie A.S.
On January 1, 2014...
Jim Jones posted a note for Ernie that says:
Ernie:
Happy New Year!
Here's to a great 2014 for you.
This is to include great employment, superlative health and, damn it, just all around well being!
Ernie Keen Thanks Jim. Now if you could just talk to your brother, Jerry about fixing his Cowboys team in 2014, you'd make Ernie and plenty of others very happy.
Ernie A.S.
On December 27, 2013...
Walter Zintz posted a note for Ernie that says:
Well, Ernie, now that your favorite Cowboys punching bag, Tony Romo, is gone for the rest of the season, who will you blame for any and all further fiascos?
Ernie Keen Same here. Doesn't bode well for the game against the Eagles next Sunday, because Eagles kicked butt this weekend.
Just heard about Romo being out and back ... Read more
Ernie Keen Same here. Doesn't bode well for the game against the Eagles next Sunday, because Eagles kicked butt this weekend.
Just heard about Romo being out and back up quarterback Kyle Orton will start against the Eagles. That's convenient that they have an excuse if they lose in the last game before playoffs yet again.
Ernie A.S.
On December 21, 2013...
Stephen & Julia posted a note for Ernie that says:
Happy Holidays, Caveman! It's been a helluva year but you've come through fantastically. You make all neanderthal more gooder!
Ernie Keen Thanks Stephen and Julia. Love ya both. See you soon. Happy holidays.
Ernie A.S.
On December 21, 2013...
Susan Smith posted a note for Ernie that says:
Ernie, good news, now I am waiting for the job report as well. Chocolate is a real buzz word for me too. Since I am in the weight losing mode..... no chocolate for me, but their are ways around the chocolate craving, such as frosting on a graham cracker.... well it doesn't replace chocolate, but it satisfies my sweet tooth. Hey I am not really into football, so no comment on that, just keep a pillow in your hands and let it go. Merry Christmas
Carol Jackson posted a note for Ernie that says:
3 1/2 months? How time flies! Isn't it amazing how our body heals?! I know, as time goes on there is not as much to write about....I guess that is good.
Take care.
Ernie Keen 3 1/2 months go by quickly when you're in a drunken stupor most of the time. Makes the surgery feel like it was just a bad dream.
Thanks for checking in on me Carol. Take care.
Ur-knee A.S.
On December 17, 2013...
Barb Brooks posted a note for Ernie that says:
Ernie!!! I still have 'floaters' in my vision... thought I was going crazy, and if I am, you're coming with me! I'm happy not to be the only one with them. Anyway, just wanted to say "hi"!
Ernie Keen I've checked the website and plenty of others have had floaters and fireflies. So, we're not insane. Well, at least not for seeing floaters or sparks.
Ernie Keen I've checked the website and plenty of others have had floaters and fireflies. So, we're not insane. Well, at least not for seeing floaters or sparks.
You're recovery is going great. Keep it up.
Ernie A.S.
On December 17, 2013...
Walter Zintz posted a note for Ernie that says:
Ernie, Jim; I'm a member of the club, too: December 23rd doctor's appointment. Mine is for a fairly bad case of renal colic. (I hadn't heard of it before either.) It's severe but doesn't last too long; mine includes a kidney stone.
A gold star to either of you who will walk into your doctor's office and say "Don't try to hide the truth, doc. Give it to me straight! Do I have renal colic?"
Ernie Keen Gotta start drinking more H2O Walter. Kidney stones are no fun at all.
Ernie A.S.
On December 17, 2013...
Gabi x posted a note for Ernie that says:
Ernie, have no idea about Dallas Cowboys and your disappointment with Romo! However, Roger Staubach is my vintage and I will put my name to the petition to get him back on the job! Glad you can kick back and enjoy these games, this is all part of healing! Whatever works for YOU!
Jim Jones posted a note for Ernie that says:
Hard to believe it has been 3 and a half months. It seems like yesterday. Outstanding that you are feeling well. I also have a doctor's appt. on Dec. 23rd. We can compare notes. Keep it up!
Ernie Keen Thanks JJ. You keep up the good healing too.
Ernie A.S.
On December 17, 2013...
Susan Smith posted a note for Ernie that says:
Ernie, you are an inspiration... you leave me speechless. Keep up the healing and good luck with the job hunting. Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year.
Lawson posted a note for Ernie that says:
Hi Ernie,
This is Lawson, Rachel's partner. Now that things are on the up, we can relax a bit more and the first thing I wanted to do is write back to all of those people who have been so kind in extending their support to rach and us all. It's incredibly touching to receive messages of support given what everyone else is going through.
I'm very pleased to hear that your own recovery is looking good Ernie and want you to know that Rachel's family and I also hold you in our thoughts as you continue your fight for fitness!
I know you've already hit your target but I've subscribed to your journal to add to the proof that you can overachieve on your goals. Getting a job will be done before you know it.
Thank you Lawson for taking the time to respond on my guestbook. You guys are showing so much grace and courage during a difficult time. Proud of all of you. Looking forward to hearing of a good outcome for everybody. Stay strong and positive. Sending much love and encouragement to Rachel.
Ernie A.S.
On December 13, 2013...
Walter Zintz posted a note for Ernie that says:
Yes, back to the old job search for Ernie.
Since you've already told us that hand drawn animation is dead in America, and 2-D animation "sucks", you really should find a 3-D job, and we should cheer you on to do. I'll contribute the first cheer:
Ernie, Ernie, he's our man!
If he can't do 3-D, nobody can!
Ernie Keen Thanks Walter. Not sure what's going to happen career-wise. Maybe it's time to change professions. Playboy photographer sounds pretty good.
Ernie A.S.
On December 13, 2013...
Jim Jones posted a note for Ernie that says:
Hey Ernie
This is terrific, graduate! Sounds like you are really doing well. Good luck with the job search. Keep us all up to date on your progress and keep serving up the humor!
Serving up the humor? The only thing funny about me is my looks.
Continued good healing.
Ernie A.S.
On December 13, 2013...
Aunt Betty posted a note for Ernie that says:
Sounds like you are doing great, and good luck on the job search and keep up the walking. Keep posting as I had thought this morning I had not seen anything. Guess your mom is doing okay back in Tennessee.
Uploading your photo!
Glad to hear you are doing well. Four Freaking Years Already? My fourth is coming up fast and I hadn't thought of it till I saw your post. Got to plan something for that. I guess we will see how your Cowboys do this year without your boy Romo. I am doing well also, but picking up some unwanted weight. I have got to get back to my walking regiment again. Take Care Brother!
Dan Sinclair 2013