Jerry's Guestbook

Hi Jerry, Nice to meet you, and welcome. I am heading into surgery 9/29. I can tell you I have had a RANGE of emotions PRIOR to surgery - anger, fear, anxiety, sadness. 2 good days, 5 bad days. I was getting worried about myself. I generally have a really good handle on life.... This site has helped a lot. I took a trip to Kripalu, in Lenox MA, to dive into meditation and yoga, as I was desperate to quiet my mind. And after three days, the impact was HUGE for me. But you have to keep at it even if it's two days a week. What they did tell me there was to feel all the feelings, anger, whatever...get it out, and than meditate. Some gentle yoga, hatha yoga is great to, you find what works for you, what your needs are, when you can start moving more. I am sure I will be very frustrated and impatient myself post surgery, maybe even scared....and this site will be huge for me. Glad you found this site. Sorry to hear about the dry cough, that's hard. You are very competitive, as am I. Maybe hard on yourself, as am I. Your feelings are normal, as you are hearing from those post surgery ( I have already had major surgery at 16, but for something else). You will be sending an email to us a year from now telling us which mountain you climbed. :) Great to hear your recovery is coming along well, it seems like everyone has different setbacks.

Hi Jerry I also was surprised my recovery from AVR didn't go faster, surgery went very well, hardly any pain or problems I am now 9 weeks post op and waiting to begin cardiac rehab early October, I walk every day without a problem, uphill, etc., but I want to return to fitness equipment, cardiologist said to wait for cardio rehab, though post surgery 1 week at rehab hospital they put me on a bike and had me pedal, I think there are several doctors involved in my treatment and hesitate to clear me for at least exercise bike where My arms will not be used, only my legs I guess I can contact the physical therapist to ask if I can stretch with arms overhead which I love to due and miss , so many people involved yet only see them when necessary and no decision what I can and cannot do. wishing you the best of luck and much patience, my son lives in Denver and I considered having the surgery there but decided to stay with hospitals in my area

Hi Jerry, Welcome to our community! Great to hear your recovery is coming along even though you have experienced a few setbacks along the way. I can relate. That said, I'm hopeful this website and the very caring people who use it, will help you -- as you continue the healing process. Fyi, I'm thrilled to hear you are already in cardiac rehab. Entering that program was the major turning point in my recovery. Keep on tickin! Adam Pick (patient & website founder)