Paul's Guestbook

Paul Howarth  How did you do. I'm shocked how busy they keep us and how tired I get just from simple walking. Doing some tests today to verify I can go home. I hope your doing as well or better than me. My chest hurts but in general I have improved so much in 4 days. I'm so happy I finally had the surgery and everything is all fixed.
Wishing you great success 😊

Debbie Moriarty  Thank you, and Paul, sounds like things are going great for you! I agrree, they work us hard! First day felt great,
today... not so much.!
And I also agree about the chest! Only complaint I have - this awful cough and not being to shake it!?

Keep l. keepinf on! 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼

Debbie Moriarty  Hey Paul or anyone - I am really struggling with coughing. Any ideas how long that’s supposed to last? And any suggestions on how to get some relief? I have a tiny cough pearl I take, but it offers no relief especially at night. And all of us on this side knows how coughing feels on that wired sternum!!😳

Paul Howarth  Hi
I'm not sure
I have not been coughing very much.
And when I do I hug the crap out of that pillow
Are you taking walks in the cold.
I'm a runner and that happens to me after I run to long in the cold.
I had a sneezing attack one day. So I understand what you mean. Sorry couldn't be of more help.

Dan Baltazor  We are thinking of you too! You got this. You’ll be on our minds tomorrow and sending prayers for a swift surgery and we’ll be looking for your post op update!

Paul Howarth  Hi
My surgery was last Monday. 12pm
At some point I gave up the fear and placed my life with my gifted medical team. Sunday night I did take a .25 anti anexity pill around 10pm
Said some prayers and turned over my anexiety and fear to god and the medical team.
Monday morning I took my son to school, told him I loved him and would see him soon. Then I got a call the procedure was going to start early, could I be at hostip in next half hour.
I'm not sure why or how but I was very calm, told some good jokes and didn't try to control what I can't.
I don't remember Waiking up after the surgery. Do not remember the air tube coming out at all.
My memory of waking up starts about 4 hours after they woke me up.
Felt fine, surgery meds mask all pain.
Went very well.
First night I did t sleep at all but was comfortable. They sat me up that first night and I walked in place for about 2 minutes.
Day 1 after went well
Night 2 I had a set back, my lungs collapsed, they had a code something to my room with about 9 people running in with in seconds.
They got my surging out of bed, and all was fixed over the next two hours.
It scared the life out of my wife who was sleeping in s chair next to me.
Then things just started to get better every couple hours.
Today is Friday and they say I may go home early, I feel like I can.
Brings tears to my eyes, I'm so happy I finally did this and it's past me now.
If you get one thing from my words, I found it be be easier and much less painful than my fears were prior.
Good luck to everyone. Ask me questions if you want to. I really want to help others feel better about what your about to go through. Bless you all who helped me prior. God bless your medical teams if your coming up soon. You can kick this surgery's ass if you put your mind to it!

Kathy Aurora  I can only imagine you anxiety at this point!!! My date is December 3rd and I am ready to jump out of my own skin! God bless you and a speedy recovery to you!!

Paul Howarth  Your mind will prep you for worse case. In my case and many others here, it didn't even get close to being as bad as I thought it would be. It was a nice surprise.
I'm willing to talk to you on the phone so you can reprogram for what it will really be like.
I'm happy to help you if you want it.
I can tell you, 4 days after, I'm so glad I had the procedure and it's over with.😊

Paul Howarth  Hi
Had the procedure
It was not as bad as I thought it would be. I'm day three and feel pretty good.

Paul Howarth  my day was postponed the night before. so, new date the 26th and the clock starts ticking. i have to have the procedure this year because i have already maxed out my out of pocket payments for the insurance. thank god i have good insurance through my employer. one less thing to worry about

Debbie Moriarty  You and I will have our big day together on November 26!!!
I’m pretty anxious but perhaps I will get more confidence!! I always do from this community!!

Paul Howarth  i do also. i wish you the best also, the 26th will be a lucky day for us. i can feel it! it feels better being busy at work, keeping my mind off it helps. not as easy as it sounds.

Debbie Moriarty  Hah!! Same! I try to stay busy!! It def helps me!! And then I looked the calendar today and gasped, “10 days out!”

Dan Baltazor  Good luck tomorrow Paul. Wish you a safe surgery tomorrow. Hope you are able to find Peace today.
I've been up and down. Lost my bearings a couple times but am doing ok with it.

Paul Howarth  Hi everyone, my procedure was postponed. i got bumped for a more serious case. have a new date of the 26th. Sunday was nerve racking, i got the call by my Doc at 6pm the night before. Grrrr

Paul Howarth  lets Do it! i was very OK up until the morning before the big day when i realized it was my last day. based on my experience, pack a bag, get your bills all paid 2-3 days before because i was very mentally checked out the day before.

Sara Moyce  I am overwhelmed with depression, fear and dread. Not just the surgery nightmare, but also post-opt worrying about complications, having titanium wires live in my chest, the scar....it goes on and on!!! So sorry yours was postponed - can’t imagine that stress on top of everything else!!

Paul Howarth  Hi
I'm praying for you
Your husband posted. It gets better fast I promise. I'm two days ahead of you. I'll keep you posted. I'm going home tomorrow and will be able to chat with you more.
Night two was the hardest
You just want the tube to come out asap. Be quick on the pain meds

Paul Howarth  Hi
I'm praying for you
Your husband posted. It gets better fast I promise. I'm two days ahead of you. I'll keep you posted. I'm going home tomorrow and will be able to chat with you more.
Night two was the hardest
You just want the tube to come out asap. Be quick on the pain meds
But my staff for the most part was really on it

Paul Howarth  Surgery on Monday at noon, it's now Friday and the DR.'s want to do some final tests to see if I can go home today. I don't feel like doing kart wheels but I feel much better every day. I have tear in my eyes with the thought of going home today. I'm so happy to start phase two recovery at home: I know what your going through, were with you. It's going to get better very soon :) best to you paul