Richard's Heart Valve Journal

Linda & Richard Crane posted a note for Richard that says: Yes it has been challenging. Also Rochester Strong Memorial hospital is 90 min away from Buffalo. I help out with my other grandson 7 yrs. old from the same parent, when I can plus going to see the baby when possible. My daughter and husband are holding up pretty well as can be expected. Plus we're taking care of my Mothers needs especially when the aides don't show up. In between Richard and I do our own work schedule. We take it one day at a time.

Linda & Richard Crane posted a note for Richard that says: Hi Rick just wanted to give you a personal update of our latest experiences. My 7 week old grandson had open heart by pass surgery Jan. 21st at Strong Memorial Hospital, in the Golisano Children's wing in Rochester NY. He has been improving and now today was taken out of pediatric intensive care. Happy to read of your progress as well. I'm continuing my healing work, and you're included.

Mary Sue posted a note for Richard that says: I'm proud of you.

Linda & Richard Crane posted a note for Richard that says: We send all the best for you Rick, in recovering and going home soon.

Carol Burton posted a note for Richard that says: So glad you are watching your energy level, and taking it slow for now. We look forward to you getting stronger every week!

Carol Burton posted a note for Richard that says: I am so sorry to hear of your health complications, Rick. Art and I are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. We look forward to seeing you healthy and well. Keep taking care of yourself. I know Mary will help, too.

Mary Sue posted a note for Richard that says: Your steps to strengthen and improve your quality of life are quite heart-warming. As the support person, and not the one going through the actual surgery, I can only say I admire the decision you made to go through the surgery as well as the effort you are making to heal by walking three times a day and eating heart-healthy foods. It has been an incentive for me to look at ways I scan improve my diet as well.

Carol Burton posted a note for Richard that says: Rick, Art and I are so glad you are home for Christmas! Enjoy! But, gets lots of rest, also. Know that we are thinking of you, and wishing you well.

Linda & Richard Crane posted a note for Richard that says: Good to read your post. All is well and have a Happy Holiday Season.

Mary Hendricks posted a note for Richard that says: I love you.

Deb Bialecki posted a note for Richard that says: Hi Richard! I just read your recent response to Carol's post. I had OHS to repair a mitral valve in May 2014. It takes a while to get over and not everyone recovers quickly. Don't feel badly if you don't feel gratitude....I didn't for a while and even questioned why I had the surgery done in the first place (since I was asymptomatic for the most part). I would swing back and forth feeling grateful one moment and miserable the next.

Just know that everything you are feeling is NORMAL!!!! You don't have to feel happy or grateful for life because you had this surgery. It's OK to be down and to feel lousy for a while. Give yourself time to heal and recover - physically, mentally, and emotionally...

I'm a musician as well (a serious hobby since I don't make my living doing it)... I play percussion so I understand about moving big, heavy objects around. Even though I'm ready to play physically - for the most part - I'm struggling to deal with the mental stuff ---- I'm principle timpanist/percussion for a community orchestra and it's been a very stressful start to the season. I couldn't manage to extricate myself from the principle role and the stresses that brought about. To be honest, I was beginning to dread going to rehearsals and hate playing - which is why I opted to not play the rest of the season. I did play two very enjoyable adhoc holiday gigs recently and learned I still enjoy performing and can still play well.... I just need to take a step back from the other stresses that I associate with performing (and having to be in charge).

It's been 7 months since my surgery and I still occasionally wonder why I bothered...especially when I'm at work. Seems like as soon as I came back to my regular activities (work, rehearsals with multiple groups, family events, etc.) that everyone expected me to pick up right where I left off. I don't want to go back to the hectic life I was living before....and I'm still struggling with finding the right balance; but I know I'll work it out. Now's the perfect time to make the changes.

I'm glad you're home. Hope you have a very wonderful holiday and a happy, healthy and prosperous 2015.

Take care. Sorry I was so long-winded. I ramble sometimes....

Deb

Carol Burton posted a note for Richard that says: So, you are home now. Yay! How's it going?

Linda & Richard Crane posted a note for Richard that says: Great News! Blessings.

Linda & Richard Crane posted a note for Richard that says: Richard we are sending Love and healing your way.

Lynne Golob posted a note for Richard that says: Hi Mary (and Rick). Thanks for the updates. We are keeping him in our prayers.

Tammy Pilcher posted a note for Richard that says: Praying for you Richard! You're going to do great!

Linda Crane posted a note for Richard that says: Its great to do what you love and it surely helps to be in the flow. Thinking of you often and sending those good vibrations. All is well

Lynne Golob posted a note for Richard that says: Hey Rick, Sending good thoughts your way. It sounds like you are doing all you can to prepare for this surgery. I am anticipating the best outcome for you. Thanks for this website to keep up on all that is happening. We are far away in distance, but not in our hearts.

Linda Crane posted a note for Richard that says: Hi Rick:
Glad to have these updates of your progress. Rick sending all the best your way for everything to be optimal for you on this journey. Richard and I send you love and prayers.

Ricardo posted a note for Richard that says: I'm dumbfounded. Why do you say ,"apparently the CT scan didn't show any complications" . Don't you know ? Didn't anyone tell you? Why are you having angiogram ,if you don't know the results of the CT scan?
Looking forward to a response . Thank you.

Adam Pick posted a note for Richard that says: Hey Rick!

So great to see you as one of the newest members of the community!!! Thanks again for all your support of future patients at Kaiser. You have gone way, way, way above-and-beyond the call of patient advocacy duty. Again, thanks so much!!!

If you need anything, please let me know.

Keep on tickin!
Adam (patient & website founder)

Linda Crane posted a note for Richard that says: Hi Rick: Just checking in to see how you are doing and what's happening to date. Thinking of you sending loving, healing , health filled, energy your way.

pickstrum91040@yahoo.com posted a note for Richard that says: Ricky Moe, You better keep me in the Loop! I Love You Brother. P.S. If the gig next week is too much, just let me know, it's all Good as long as you get Better! Your Brother, tj moe

David Brussat posted a note for Richard that says: Hey Ricky,
Thanks for emailing me about this. I pray for the best for you, a successful surgery and recovery. David Thorr :)
When is the surgery scheduled? Where are you having it done?

Carol Burton posted a note for Richard that says: Rick, Thank you for including me in your Journal. I will be happy to follow you in your journey. I wish you many blessings during this time. May you have a successful surgery and recovery period. With prayers and positive thoughts, Carol Burton

Linda Crane posted a note for Richard that says: Dear Rick:
We will keep you close in mind and heart, with love and Ho'oponopono prayers sent often, and follow you through your journey.. Blessings, Linda & Richard Crane

Tony Pinto Papapinto57@gmail.com posted a note for Richard that says: Rick, we will keep you in our prayers and thoughts! We would love
to follow you through this journey.

Tony & Jeanie Pinto

Lynne Golob posted a note for Richard that says: Rick...
Sending prayers for a successful surgery. Wish we were closer to be there for you.

Barry E. Golob posted a note for Richard that says: Rick, I know you'll come through this with flying colors.
Lynne and my prayers are with you!

Adam Pick posted a note for Richard that says: Hi Richard, Nice to meet you. Fyi, I grew up in Van Nuys. Strange, small world coincidence. If I can help you through this experience, please let me know. Keep on tickin! Adam Pick (patient & website founder)