Hi Gabrielle. Thank you for your note.
I just finished reading your journal entries - I really enjoyed them. That kind of sounds strange, because this ...Read more
Hi Gabrielle. Thank you for your note.
I just finished reading your journal entries - I really enjoyed them. That kind of sounds strange, because this is such an emotional journey, but I really enjoy your sense of humor and zest for life. You are an inspiration. :) I am four months post now, almost 5. What a ride we are having! Glad to hear you had an excellent recovery. It is not an easy recovery, no matter what age one is. Take care. :)
Gabi so good to hear from you and it was really nice of you to think of me today. It was a bit of a funny day today but I managed ok. I was at work(!!) so ...Read more
Gabi so good to hear from you and it was really nice of you to think of me today. It was a bit of a funny day today but I managed ok. I was at work(!!) so the girls on my team kept me distracted. I work a couple of half days a week and hope to build up a bit more. Laws is fine but no dog or house just yet! Turns out trying to buy a house is a pain in the bum! Never mind though we'll sort it eventually. I was thinking of you on Remembrance Sunday wondering if you were having Anzac biscuits :) I hope you are well, any more Zumba? I've got back to the gym, I'm enjoying it so far xx
Gabrielle Stinson Dear little Rach, Thank you for your prompt reply, and good to know you & Lawson are travelling OK. ... Read more
Gabrielle Stinson Dear little Rach, Thank you for your prompt reply, and good to know you & Lawson are travelling OK. Thanks for the thought on Remembrance Sunday, we as a nation observe a minutes silence at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. THEN we have a public holiday on the 25th April (Anzac Day) and that is when we enjoy the Anzac biscuits! No more Zumba for me I am enjoying International Folk Dancing once a week, and go on my treadmill the other days. Sending love to you, Lawson and the Shelley Family. Gabi x
Hello Gabi.
Enjoyed your recent post and glad to know you had the nerve and energy to even attempt dancing of such claim to your "energy".
I couldn't do it ...Read more
Hello Gabi.
Enjoyed your recent post and glad to know you had the nerve and energy to even attempt dancing of such claim to your "energy".
I couldn't do it before the symptoms appeared and you won't catch my Happy ---! trying it after I have a new valve, chuckle. By the way, I am going to be happy getting back to kayaking, swimming and biking outdoors! I will leave the Zumba for another lifetime!
I wrote in my journal today however that you were instrumental in my getting back on my recumbent bike and biking 6 miles today so I wanted to tell you thank you and that you made me laugh and smile more than I had in a week! So keep on going and doing all that your heart desires!!!
Susan Smith posted a note for Gabrielle that says:
You are one crazy broad...Zumba..wow! What were you thinking? Exercise is okay, but Zumba. Well rest up and start over with a less strenuous program....really. ...Read more
You are one crazy broad...Zumba..wow! What were you thinking? Exercise is okay, but Zumba. Well rest up and start over with a less strenuous program....really. Of course I am still struggling with fluid in the lung which slows a person down. Hopefully today I get rid of it and can start feeling better, but you my dear are wild and wooley for sure. I know you think you are "wonder woman" and maybe you are, but really Zumba. I see it on TV and it is wicked for sure. Please take it easy and work up to a good cardiac program. LOL with your description of yourself dancing wildly. Lots of love you wild woman from one who wishes she could even think about do it.
Gabrielle Stinson Hi Susan, I am not getting notifications of entries in my guest book. However, I did receive a note ... Read more
Gabrielle Stinson Hi Susan, I am not getting notifications of entries in my guest book. However, I did receive a note to say you left a message for me but I cant find it anyplace. BTW the note came through in my junk mail. I replied to that email address after answering the security ??'s Would you kindly check in your junk mail for a message from this biddy! Gabi x
Oh Gabby, you are so funny! I've thought about a Zumba class but it's only gone that far. Trying to be consistent on my elliptical but not succeeding. I've ...Read more
Oh Gabby, you are so funny! I've thought about a Zumba class but it's only gone that far. Trying to be consistent on my elliptical but not succeeding. I've looked at pics of myself from 2009 and 2010 and I get all caught up in not liking what I see now. Of course it doesn't help when my hubby says I look fine.
You must be in great shape to have done so well in the class! Take care of yourself, Lady. And keep in touch.
Rebecca S
Paul R (ZZ club co president - with Gabi) posted a note for Gabrielle that says:
LOL Gabi :)) adding another Z to the repertoire ! congrats on your anniversary, mine was 2 on the 13th and I did not post but went out for a 5 mile (8K) run ...Read more
LOL Gabi :)) adding another Z to the repertoire ! congrats on your anniversary, mine was 2 on the 13th and I did not post but went out for a 5 mile (8K) run in 28c - nuts I know. I started a couch to 5K running program and it has made an amazing difference:)) BP 100/77 and resting heart rate ow down into the mid 50's, EF up from 47 to 60%. No drugs and all restraints taken off by the cardiologists - one happy camper.
How is the Afib behaving? Not too frequent I hope.
All the best
Hi Charlie thanks for catching up! I am taking part in a study at the Neuroscience Research Australia looking into dizziness in older people. I spent several ...Read more
Hi Charlie thanks for catching up! I am taking part in a study at the Neuroscience Research Australia looking into dizziness in older people. I spent several hours at the hospital in Randwick taking all sorts of tests. They found something but wont reveal the findings until after the study. I am keeping a diary of my 'episodes' for the six months. Are you still free of dizziness? Are you still doing Brandt-Daroff exercises? Wishing you good health Charlie!
Susan Smith, a day and a half and counting till mysurgery posted a note for Gabrielle that says:
Gabi as a part of the sisterhood, this might be small potatoes compared to OHS, but it is still a surgical procedure. You will do fine and so I will send prayer ...Read more
Gabi as a part of the sisterhood, this might be small potatoes compared to OHS, but it is still a surgical procedure. You will do fine and so I will send prayer your way. I think Jim Jones described is quite well. Maintenance! I hope this will take care of issue and that will be that. Have a great day.
Gabrielle Stinson Darling Susan you are so thoughtful to offer prayers for me, with your own surgery so close. Just th ... Read more
Gabrielle Stinson Darling Susan you are so thoughtful to offer prayers for me, with your own surgery so close. Just think this time next week it will all be over. Will Jeff or your sister keep us informed of your progress? I will storm heaven to send Supreme Guidance to your surgeon, for the staff who will care for you, and everyone involved to assist and serve you. My blessings dear Susan you can so do this.
Gabi
This maintenance procedure will seem like an routine oil change to you after the main event "replace the car engine" OHS! Glad to see that you are doing ...Read more
Gabi
This maintenance procedure will seem like an routine oil change to you after the main event "replace the car engine" OHS! Glad to see that you are doing well. Keep living life with your great Aussie humor!
All the best.
Gabrielle Stinson Yeah Jim, maybe like a decoke and valve grind without the valve grind I hope! LOL! Sending good vibe ... Read more
Gabrielle Stinson Yeah Jim, maybe like a decoke and valve grind without the valve grind I hope! LOL! Sending good vibes to you and Lise.
Ok Gabi, is this one upmanship Ausie style. adding entry criteria for the club that no man can accomplish! .. Only kidding, hope all goes well for you.
Gabrielle Stinson Hey Paul, yeah sorry don't think you would make the cut for membership! You could however, become an ... Read more
Gabrielle Stinson Hey Paul, yeah sorry don't think you would make the cut for membership! You could however, become an assoc member, your experience with the zipper and the zapper gives you some cred! You still got rhythm man?
Gabi, good to hear you are doing well. I opted for the tissue mitral valve so I wouldn't have to deal with the warfarin issues. That's great you are being allowed ...Read more
Gabi, good to hear you are doing well. I opted for the tissue mitral valve so I wouldn't have to deal with the warfarin issues. That's great you are being allowed to take the Xarelto. I hope it works. I still want to see Australia, but now with retirement, I don't know if that will ever happen. May just have to settle for seeing it through your eyes!
Take care.
Gabrielle Stinson Hi Becca, I will ALWAYS be grateful to you for your concise instructions on the putting on and gettin ... Read more
Gabrielle Stinson Hi Becca, I will ALWAYS be grateful to you for your concise instructions on the putting on and getting off of them surgical stockings. LOL! You would be most welcome to Aussie land but I guess you have slotted into retirement and that is a good thing. Enjoy it all!
Susan Smith posted a note for Gabrielle that says:
Dearest Gabi, I think Jim is right, along with human nature to be optimistic about life in general. we all keep trying to go forward. Sometimes we make ...Read more
Dearest Gabi, I think Jim is right, along with human nature to be optimistic about life in general. we all keep trying to go forward. Sometimes we make it and sometimes we don't. Don't stop trying. Well yesterday was birthday day and besides going to work, I spent my time on the phone with calls from a cousin, then my son and then my sister. So it was nice. Everyone is waiting with me for the next visit with the cardio to see what is next. More test and surgery or waiting 6 more months. Do take care and don't stop trying. Love u biddy friend.
Gabrielle Stinson Birthday wishes to you darling Biddy! Glad you enjoyed your day. Waiting,waiting,waiting is the pit ... Read more
Gabrielle Stinson Birthday wishes to you darling Biddy! Glad you enjoyed your day. Waiting,waiting,waiting is the pits. That is the reason I did not tell family and friends until I had a definite date. Its like the last few days of pregnancy when everyone is like 'are you still waiting when is that baby coming?' As if we can answer that question! Duh! 'Everything will be alright in the end, and if its not alright its not the end'! Did you see that movie? Judi Dench in 'The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel' Love U 2 my Biddy Buddy.
Hey Gabi
Glad to see you are doing well!
And, if we did not push ourselves we would not be human. Or be interested in belonging to this site. We are the overachievers ...Read more
Hey Gabi
Glad to see you are doing well!
And, if we did not push ourselves we would not be human. Or be interested in belonging to this site. We are the overachievers in my opinion!
Keep living and enjoying my good friend!
Gabrielle Stinson Oh overachievers sounds very honourable! Here was me thinking I was a compulsive obsessive try hard! ... Read more
Gabrielle Stinson Oh overachievers sounds very honourable! Here was me thinking I was a compulsive obsessive try hard! I am learning as I go and it is getting easier for sure. Hi to you and Lise!
Tom in Missouri posted a note for Gabrielle that says:
At 3 plus weeks I find myself trying to do 'easy' things-at least things that were easy before surgery. So my mission for this week is to send that out as ...Read more
At 3 plus weeks I find myself trying to do 'easy' things-at least things that were easy before surgery. So my mission for this week is to send that out as reminders. Did the mood issues start early on or later? Just curious.
Note: 2 of my coworkers and their wife's have been on vacation/cruise in Austraila & New Zealand. Looking forward to hearing about their trip once I get back. They left the states the day I got out of the hospital (jan 1st).
Gabrielle Stinson Thanks for stopping by Tom. My mood was fabulous after surgery, I think because of the adrenaline th ... Read more
Gabrielle Stinson Thanks for stopping by Tom. My mood was fabulous after surgery, I think because of the adrenaline that I had survived and that the procedure went so well. The low mood slipped in under the radar at about 3 mths post op. Very interesting about your coworkers visiting NZ and down under. A cruise would be just lovely and relaxing. Take your time to heal quickly Tom!
Gabi. So good to hear from you. That's great your moods are improving. Thankfully I didn't have that part of post surgery. I do still have pain on both sides ...Read more
Gabi. So good to hear from you. That's great your moods are improving. Thankfully I didn't have that part of post surgery. I do still have pain on both sides of my incision - the top half. Can't sleep on my left side... or my right side for very long.
Almost through my first week of retirement.
Gabrielle Stinson Happy Retirement Rebecca! What a load off that you don't have to front up for work now! It took me ... Read more
Gabrielle Stinson Happy Retirement Rebecca! What a load off that you don't have to front up for work now! It took me ages to wind down when I retired. Now I don't know how I found time to work! LOL!
Susan Smith posted a note for Gabrielle that says:
Gabi, how are you doing? I am still waiting and trying to be patient... not always easy for me. Another birthday is rolling around and so whether I like ...Read more
Gabi, how are you doing? I am still waiting and trying to be patient... not always easy for me. Another birthday is rolling around and so whether I like it or not I will be another year older.......Do let me know how you fairing.
Gabrielle Stinson Dear Susan, Thanks for checking in on me. I am learning to live with AF and have been up and down wi ... Read more
Gabrielle Stinson Dear Susan, Thanks for checking in on me. I am learning to live with AF and have been up and down with it. e.g. one day I am UP and I think ok I am better now this is how it is going to be from now on. THEN I have a DOWN day and again I cant help thinking ok this is how I am gunna be forever!!! So my lesson is not to see days as black or white but notice gradual progress. It is a bummer for you with the waiting. I am sorry. Thinking of you for your birthday. Please keep in touch Susan Biddy Darling. x
Vicki (Sister of Rach) posted a note for Gabrielle that says:
Hey Gabi,
I just wanted to thank you again for your messages. We are all doing our best to keep up with the checklist you gave us for looking after ourselves. ...Read more
Hey Gabi,
I just wanted to thank you again for your messages. We are all doing our best to keep up with the checklist you gave us for looking after ourselves. I've read your last two journals out to Rach and they made her smile. You might want to check her journal for today when you get back to a computer - written by someone very special! Hope you enjoy your travels and take care of yourself.
Gabrielle Stinson Vickie darling, wonderful news for you all. I have never stopped praying and thinking of you all. A ... Read more
Gabrielle Stinson Vickie darling, wonderful news for you all. I have never stopped praying and thinking of you all. ATM I am rejoicing and giving thanks for the gift of the fully functioning new heart gifted to your sister. Praise God in the Highest!
Susan Smith, the other biddie posted a note for Gabrielle that says:
Gabi, your note in my journal, says I need to let you know what is going on with me. This coming Wednesday (Jan1st) will 2 weeks since seeing the Gastro ...Read more
Gabi, your note in my journal, says I need to let you know what is going on with me. This coming Wednesday (Jan1st) will 2 weeks since seeing the Gastro and I will need to report to him the results of cutting out all dairy products. So far I am much better with still a small amount of digestive trouble. I am so grateful. You have some grand twins coming to see Gramma. What do they call you Nana, Gramma or Mimi? I am just plain gramma or to my youngs grand daughter I am known as Gma on my facebook page. I don't like facebook, but one must keep up with these things in order to stay in touch with the family. Have a wonder visit with your daughter and hope you are feeling well. Happy New Year.
Gabrielle Stinson Thank you dear Susan and a Happy New Year to my dearest biddy friend. Do you like soy milk and soy p ... Read more
Gabrielle Stinson Thank you dear Susan and a Happy New Year to my dearest biddy friend. Do you like soy milk and soy products? I think we can adjust to almost anything. I am off salt and processed food atm as I have some fluid retention. My aussie grandkids call me Grandma or Grammi and my grandchildren in Marlofstein call me Grandma or Gross Muttie when speaking in German. Such wonderful news with Rachel getting a new heart it has lifted my spirits considerably. Keep on tickin' dear girlfriend!
Gabi, so good to hear from you again.
You couldn't have said it better. It's awesome to have all these friends and the comraderie.
Have a blessed Christmas ...Read more
Gabi, so good to hear from you again.
You couldn't have said it better. It's awesome to have all these friends and the comraderie.
Have a blessed Christmas and awesome New Year.
Did you see I am quitting my job? So it will really be a new year for me.
Been working close to 30 years. Now it's time for fun!
Gabrielle Stinson Wooo hooo Rebecca! Congratulations for valuing yourself enough to ditch that job that really was not ... Read more
Gabrielle Stinson Wooo hooo Rebecca! Congratulations for valuing yourself enough to ditch that job that really was not serving you! I see fun, fun, fun 4 U in 2014! Love and Blessings to you and family! Will catch up again in New Year! OK?
Susan Smith, just one of many seeking posted a note for Gabrielle that says:
Dearest Gabi, I am a Beatle fan and still have several of their albums (you remember records) Yes those word were written years ago, they are pertinent today ...Read more
Dearest Gabi, I am a Beatle fan and still have several of their albums (you remember records) Yes those word were written years ago, they are pertinent today and every year. This is a time to be grateful and appreciative of all the kindnesses shared in this Community of hearts and souls. I often think about what a pilot says as he reports to the airtower in a time of trouble. " We have 78 Souls aboard". He doesn't say people, he says souls. That is what I feel when I read each journal and each response. We are all souls aboard the same plane seeking an answer to our situation and finding kindness, caring, and yes love as well. Gabi keep sharing your Soul shines bright for us all.
Gabrielle Stinson Really Susan? I went to see the Beatles many moons ago, 47 actually when they came to Sydney. They ... Read more
Gabrielle Stinson Really Susan? I went to see the Beatles many moons ago, 47 actually when they came to Sydney. They were very unique at the time. Thanks for the pilot story, my meditation teacher encourages me to think of Everyone as a soul, including myself. So no matter what happens to us in this lifetime as long as our soul is OK we will be alright!
Upcoming Surgeries
Brandie Shea
Mitral Regurgitation
October 21, 2025
I am from: Thirroul, Australia
