My Guestbook

On May 7, 2013...

Congratulations
Dear Bob and Betsy you are such an inspiration the pair of you and my blessings and congratulations on achieving your first anniversary of your MVR. I am just starting my journey I have had my TEE (we call it TOE here in Australia) and will soon have my angiagram in prep for MV repair! Yes so grateful that the surgeon has offered to do a repair. All my very best wishes and thank you so much for sharing. Gabi x

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On September 28, 2012...

Hey, Bob and Betsy -- So good to hear how well you are doing. Just yesterday I was looking at some pictures on my iphone and there we were, arm and arm, strolling the halls of Mt. Sinai! We actually looked great for a couple of people who'd just had open heart surgery! I'm cranking away at rehab and feeling SOOOO much gratitude!
Love you -
Selma

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On September 25, 2012...

Wow, glad to read the great update and know that things are going well for you!!!! Keep running!!
Holly

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On June 24, 2012...

Hi Bob! Great to hear you are progressing and jogging, too. Jim got cleared to begin a running program--he's walk/running for now. Even at what he calls a "jog" he's running faster than I could! (9-10 minute miles are ok says the doc).
Hope you and Betsy can go to Jeff's "Union" he's planning on having in Orlando.
May the Sacred Heart of Jesus keep you in his tender care,
Jim and Donna Smith

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On June 17, 2012...

3 mile jog! Wow! You sir, are a monster. Be strong, live long -- DVB

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On June 16, 2012...

Bob,
Way to go! Three miles, that's awesome.
Take care
- Jim Smith

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On June 4, 2012...

Bob & Betsy -

Congratulations on your continued progress. My husband will be having surgery hopefully sometime in August. At the moment he has complications with a serious infection we have to get rid of first. I am trying to stay well informed and just finished reading Adam's book for the first time! Thanks for all your inspiration. Will keep you both in our prayers.

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On June 1, 2012...

So glad that things are going well, and Bob is able to start regular activities again. Be careful to not over-do it, rest when he needs it and listen to his body! Prayers for continued recovery!
Holly P

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On May 31, 2012...

Thanks for keeping us updated on Bob's progress--that's great--I'm such a couch potato that it humbles me to see these heart patients walking *miles*! Betsy--you now have permission to relax a little! :)
Blessings,
Donna

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On May 31, 2012...

Great news on Bob's progress. I am amazed by how far he walks. My surgery was Friday and I am still just walking alone without walker today around the corridors. I can't imagine 1-2 miles, but I know I'll get there and feel better for it. You have been a great support system for your husband as my family has been for me. Sometimes we take the everyday things for granted and when we are faced with a challenge like this it reminds us of who we are and that we are in the right place that God meant us to be. Karen

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Robert Spath Oh my, those days in the hospital will be a memory soon. Bob was so glad to eat real food again, although his appetite was small. You will make great progress ... Read more

Robert Spath Oh my, those days in the hospital will be a memory soon. Bob was so glad to eat real food again, although his appetite was small. You will make great progress just getting home. It's a whole new world in the hospital!

On May 26, 2012...

Glad things are going so well. It takes time to get that resting heart rate down, the heart takes some time to heal! at least that's what they told me in cardiac rehab. My resting heart rate still runs in the mid 80s-low 90s and it has been one month since my surgery! They said it will get better! Hope so!
Holly P

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On May 26, 2012...

Bob, Great to hear you're doing so well. Keep up the good work, and enjoy the holiday weekend
- Jim Smith

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Robert Spath His heart rate resting is still high and he gets chills. I think the chills are from C.

On May 23, 2012...

Sounds like Bob is progressing great! Keep up the good work.
Karen

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On May 22, 2012...

Glad to hear that things are going well, keep posting for us guys and girls that are still waiting for our surgery, it's uplifting.

Don L
Chesterfield, Va.

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Robert Spath Don,
Where are you having your surgery and when? It was two weeks ago today for us.
Can you direct me to your journal?

On May 19, 2012...

Sounds like you guys had a great day. Could we have possibly gotten better weather for our recouperations? It's like HEAVEN here! My fever resolved, the sore throat is much better, and I had a wonderful day. According to my pedometer, I've done 2.12 miles, just trotting around the house and up and down my rather steep dirt driveway to the mailbox. I'm not going to push it. We have the rest of our lives to enjoy our new hearts, right?
Selma

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On May 18, 2012...

Doesn't get much better than home sweet home, does it? I prepared several "nests" in advance and am currently ensconced in one, the one with the recliner and the TV. The cat thinks I smell funny. Mind you, this is after what was probably the singularly most wonderful shower of my life. The only blip on the radar is I'm running a bit of a fever. Just over 100. Hopefully, that's just the thing that happens in the evening and nothing to worry about but if it gets worse, I'll have to think about doing something. Keep it up, you two!
Love,
Selma

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Robert Spath I hope your fever has dissapeared. Your note from last night sounded like things are falling in place. Your mother in law is an angel!
Love your humor...

On May 18, 2012...

Home at last. Sounds like Bob is getting back into the swing of things.

Great job!

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On May 16, 2012...

Good to see that you made it home safely!

Good look on your recovery.

Jerry Vernhout

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On May 16, 2012...

So glad you are home! I posted on my journal about the joys of the Beltway ;) Enjoy sleeping in your own home tonight!
Kerry Thomas

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On May 16, 2012...

Yay!!! Take it easy and enjoy your absolute most favorite meal!
Guess who?

Selma the Foodie

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On May 16, 2012...

Have a safe trip home and take it easy as you go!
Donna

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On May 16, 2012...

Yea Have a safe trip back home.
For the long haul
Linda H

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On May 15, 2012...

Safe travels, and remember to stop and walk at least every 2 hours!
Holly

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On May 14, 2012...

That's really great to hear! And yes, I didn't think about it until you mentioned it but that's good advice; to have the phone number for Dr. Adams' office or floor on the hospital (I forget now which one it was but it was on the little card and the discharge papers) handy so you can call the nurse or PA--I did that a number of times at night when Jim had his unfortunate bout with the stomach bug he probably picked up at the hospital….always better to call if in doubt about anything. Walking a mile and getting good sleep--that's great!
Donna Smith

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On May 14, 2012...

Good tip on the PA. Glad to hear Bob got a good night's sleep in the hotel and was able to make the mile walk for a good breakfast.

Karen

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On May 14, 2012...

A mile! Yay! -- DVB

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On May 14, 2012...

Yes! I would say that the communication between the office and the hospital needs to be better, at least in our case. How can you not know your patient still has staples after they leave the hospital? Bob had to fill her in on the blood tests too.
You girls will have a pajama party!

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On May 14, 2012...

Wait a minute! Bob had staples? I don't know if I do or not. I'll have to ask. They just pulled the last drainage tube. Hooray! I saw Regina, another of Dr. Adams. Kate Rooney had her surgery today here and should be up in the ward tomorrow. Party time!!
Selma

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On May 14, 2012...

It must feel great to get a good nights sleep.
congrats on a successful surgery.

Nancy B

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Robert Spath Yes! He really had a good night. How are you?

On May 14, 2012...

Hi Robert, Welcome back to the real world. Pretty soon you will be home yeah. Good luck to you
For the long haul
Linda H

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On May 14, 2012...

Sorry, that was me, Selma.

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On May 14, 2012...

Haha, he looked skinny as a rail as he was leaving. He's doing so great and you, my dear, are the best TLC there is.

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Robert Spath Yes, I must say I have been there for him. He is grateful. I am thankful I am fit enough to do it all. I am what they call chronically fit. I may have a few ... Read more

Robert Spath Yes, I must say I have been there for him. He is grateful. I am thankful I am fit enough to do it all. I am what they call chronically fit. I may have a few pounds on me, but I am fit. My resting heart rate is between 50 and 60 and I have low blood pressure. Walk every day. I have to say that I am tired right now as I have been thrown off by sleeping in a different bed, eating different food, and in a different environment. I cannot wait to go home.

On May 14, 2012...

Well, I kind of miss you both but am glad you got sprung. If all goes well, I get the last chest tube and the pacing wire out today and released on Wednesday. Yahoo!! I've taken over Bob's "route" as resident floor walker. It's hard but getting easier each time. I'll go do a post of my own now.

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Robert Spath Selma,
Bob was puffy too. He gained 19 lbs.!
All water weight. You certainly don't gain weight by the food at Mt. Sinai!!!
Bob is back to normal now. No more ... Read more

Robert Spath Selma,
Bob was puffy too. He gained 19 lbs.!
All water weight. You certainly don't gain weight by the food at Mt. Sinai!!!
Bob is back to normal now. No more puffy hands! He has his wedding band back and his Villanova ring on his other hand....

On May 13, 2012...

Glad everything is looking so well and you are being released! Take it easy with all the traveling you have to do, stop and stretch frequently, and pay attention to your body! Bless your heart Betsy, you have a lot of responsibility with the drive home! Continuing to pray for both of you!
Holly P

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Robert Spath Thank you Holly. I will be the captain of the car drive!

On May 13, 2012...

Fantastic news. I'm so glad to hear that all is going so incredibly well. When I left Mt Sinai in March (and looking back today) I saw how I was blessed to be taken care of by the talented and kind people who work there. If you're like me, there will be a number of things after discharge that aren't easy .... but the main point is to keep moving foward.
- Jim Smith

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On May 13, 2012...

Once again, Bob..you're my hero! Congratulations!
A wise man once told me that True Love can be seen when someone does something for someone else.... knowing full well that they will not get anything in return. Doing something for someone and not expecting anything back.. that is true love.. looks like you and Betsy have that covered. Lucky both of you!! Betsy has, and will, get the chance to show you that in the coming weeks. Don't worry, Betsy, I'm sure there will be payback somewhere down the line..:)
I wish you well in your recovery - please keep us informed of how you are doing.. and say a prayer for me for tomorrow... Kate Rooney

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On May 13, 2012...

Great news! Keep on walking as much as you feel able. Helps tons. -- DVB

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On May 12, 2012...

Hi Betsy--thanks--I have problems with pictures in this blog too--I have a great one of Jim several hours post-surgery and I couldn't post it--I don't know how to make it smaller or I'd give it a try. Anyway, my email is: luvadoxi@gmail.com.

Wow--a side trip to Delaware? Well, just take it slowly--frequent stops will probably be good for both Bob and your MIL.
Sending prayers!
Donna Smith

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On May 12, 2012...

Hi Betsy-

What great news. Glad to hear that Bob is on track to be discharged tomorrow. Hearing of his low pain level and the great echo results I am sure while your journey may be trying at times it can only continue to improve.
Happy Mother's Day-Karen

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On May 12, 2012...

Yea here is to going home tomorrow. Cheers. Hope all goes well.
For the long haul
Linda H

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On May 12, 2012...

Great news.

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On May 12, 2012...

Good news! Glad everything is going so well and hopefully home tomorrow. There's no place like home!! Praying that the chest tube comes out today, it's such a relief when it does! Continuing to pray for healing!
Holly P

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Robert Spath We come to hotel, then mom's house until Wed., then FINALLY home. I am so homesick. I have been given the added task of driving Bob's mom to Delaware on the ... Read more

Robert Spath We come to hotel, then mom's house until Wed., then FINALLY home. I am so homesick. I have been given the added task of driving Bob's mom to Delaware on the way home to Virginia. She is 96. Bob will be in the back seat. Please pray that all goes smoothly.

On May 12, 2012...

Discharge soon--Great news! Would love to see the picture of Dr. Adams' hands….

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Robert Spath Send me your email, and I will! I cannot put in a picture in my journal. It does not allow me to copy/paste from my iPad.

On May 11, 2012...

So good to hear that. All the prayers have been answered. Love to you both

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On May 11, 2012...

Bob, Ralph and Mom and I are so-o-o proud of you and so very thankful to God that your valve replacement surgery was successful. God bless Dr. Adams too. We saw your video that Betsy made and you look pretty good for being out of surgery less than 24 hrs. No SPLISH-SPLASH anymore! Yea! Keep on healing, don't rush it and we'll be in touch.
Love you, ole' friend!
Marcia

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Robert Spath Doing well. Received your sweet message. Love, Betsy and Bob

On May 11, 2012...

Wonderful news!

You can now continue on the road to recovery and then to your home.

Jerry Vernhout

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On May 11, 2012...

Bob,

Great to see you doing so well!!!! The YouTube video was amazing!!!

Keep on tickin!
Adam Pick

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Robert Spath Thank you, Adam! I plan to post one more today.

On May 11, 2012...

OK.. YOU ARE MY HERO! (You and Dr. Adams...). I am so glad for you; you continue to inspire me. Thank God. I am so happy for you. Best Wishes, please keep up your journal when you can.. it helps me so much! Regards, Kate R

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On May 11, 2012...

You must be elated!
Congratulations!
Nancy B

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On May 11, 2012...

I stumbled on your journal today, I see that we are neighborsw, I live in Southern Chesterfield (Matoaca). I'm glad to read that Bob is doing well, Ihope we can keep in touch, I'm scheduled for a AV replacement next month, not looking forward to it, but the time has come, I'll be keeping an eye out for your post.

Don

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