Ernie's Heart Valve Journal

Derek posted a note for Ernie that says: Go Ernie Go! Miss you my friend! Glad yer feelin groovy!

teresa posted a note for Ernie that says: Happy 5th year! So glad you are doing well. hugs & kisses

MadDog posted a note for Ernie that says: ERNIE!!!!! Glad to hear you are going well!

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

Jeanette King posted a note for Ernie that says: Happy birthday, Ernie!! I'm glad you are still alive!

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!

MadDog posted a note for Ernie that says: Good to see you're still alive and kickin' MOOOO!!!

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

Squid posted a note for Ernie that says: Happy Rebirthday Grog! Miss ya. Say hi to Dan the welding man!

Stephen posted a note for Ernie that says: Glad to hear you're doing great, Ernie! Sounds like you enjoyed your day. Happy Birthday from both of us!

Stephen & Julia

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......

Hope all is well with you and Toro.

Take Care Brother!

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!

Gabi x posted a note for Ernie that says: Gr8 pic Ernie! Your zipper is pretty impressive.

Linda H and Elsie posted a note for Ernie that says: LOL never thought of it quite that way but a good thought.

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.

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!!!

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!

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.

Take Care Bud!

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

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.

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!

:-)
Lori
(lorilovestiki, not your sister, LOL)

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

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!!

Lots of love,

Zaya xxx x ooo o xxx x ooo o

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

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.

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!

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

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.

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

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?

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!

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!

Keep the humor flowing, Ern-dog!

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?

Sandra Todd posted a note for Ernie that says: Merry Christmas, Ernie!
I'm happy to hear I'm not the only one with a sweet tooth!
Sand & Zach
xxooxx

Cheryl Smith posted a note for Ernie that says: Glad to hear the good news from the Dr! Merry Christmas to you and your family, cousin Ernie!

Dan S posted a note for Ernie that says: That was a little closer than I expected Boys vs Skins

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!

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.

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"!

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?"

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!

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.

Best wishes,