Steven's Guestbook

Hi Steven! How's it going. I read about your fall! Not fun! Hope you get better from it soon! Made me think of a story....

Diana and I were in Costa Rica a few years ago. One evening, after supper I stopped at this, sort of  dark little area, where people smoked. There were some tables, with a few people hanging around. Like I said, it wasn't well lit, and I tripped, and fell on this root sticking out of the ground. Tore a big gash in my leg! 
We didn't have a first aid kit or anything, and neither did the resort ( I know right! ) so all we could do was tape some women products on the wound! The next day, we took a water taxi over to the nearest town with a pharmacy. 
We were standing in line at the pharmacy with my leg all taped, and padded up ( literally ), and there were a couple ladies behind us. They saw my leg, and started laughing.  They asked " is that what I think it is? " we all had a good laugh.
Had to stay out of the pool for a few days, but healed up. Cheers!  

Hello Steven!! Tough decision you have in front of you, very tough indeed. I was lucky, i didnt have to make that one, it was made for me. I am really thankful for our health care system at times like this! Wishing you all the best in this, Steven!!!

Hi Steven ,
I didn ‘t have a special chair .
lots of pillows were very useful . 
I didn ‘t have a shower seat , but it might have been helpful .
Rolled up towel against chest for cough, sneezes , laughing was great and much needed ! Lots of folk have the lovely heart pillow . 

Thank You Steven.  I almost wept sharing a simple humbled truth.  I honestly love your insight and I am a Nurse which taking care of others I am taking better care of myself now and Yet I actually think I have been rougher on myself this last year which is crazy... I Love that you are Loved it shines through your words to your spirit.  Truth  Thank You 

Hi Steven. I've only ever been to North Wales once, years ago, and that was to Llangollen for the Eisteddfod so you've most probably seen more of Wales than I have lol. It is completely different to the South though. We're more friendly in the South or so people say!! They talk mostly Welsh in North Wales too which we don't in the South. As for Porthcawl, spent lots of happy days there when the Kids were small. Nicest Beaches are in West Wales, Tenby, Saundersfoot and especially 'The Gower' - Beautiful!!! Anyway, nice to meet you and wishing you an early 'Happy New Year' in case I don't log on. Nos Da 😀😀

Stephen...I am sending hugs for your asymptomatic question. It brought a hearty laugh for both my husband and me......my first in 5 weeks. If you read my latest/recent journal postings, all will be self explanatory :). Granted, I am locked still into present, rather than longer term, considerations but under the circumstances, I am sure I will be forgiven. I too was asymptomatic...although I was finding myself getting more tired at the end of the day before my surgery. Also, I was on no meds. which was a surprise to all who would ask for my list at any consults relating to my heart. My question now is, did my body go into some kind of shock after surgery? Once my cath. showed clear arteries, both my surgeon and anesthetist said I was a 'straight forward/clear cut case'. Mmmm. Although my surgery was an unbelievable 5 weeks ago today, it is all the subsequent drama that I am pushing back into the rear view mirror on a daily basis.....and the top milestone.....it has been several days now since my bladder started working on its own now....which I can't find myself really celebrating yet as it has left me with a pretty strong case of wariness about everything at the moment. However, I am still focusing on gaining control of what I can....VIHA is sending a physio tomorrow to help me restart my cardiac program and at least build some confidence from that and my GP returns from holidays on Friday, so I will be able to have some discussion from his point of view of where we go from here. First echo is on the 4th, then the cardiologist consult followed in mid October by the surgeon consult. But the great thing which I am so thankful for, is my feeling of strength to accept and overcome all that tries to block my path to a strong recovery...which no doubt will not find me being the same "old" that I was but still a really good and happy manageable....and with luck, even more than that ?? Everything that I have read in your journal Stephen, indicates you will face your future whatever it may be, with resilience, matter-of-factness, courage and strength. And this I wish you an abundance of for both you and your loved ones.

Thank you for taking the time to share your words of experience and wisdom. I am copying them and putting them in my file for when I have my mitral valve repair. I'm in the wait and watch group for now. You posted on my 70th birthday so thank you for a unique and relevant birthday gift. Thank you for # "3) I am not a piece of flesh or machinery to be worked on." While I certainly want to be treated as a person and not a "mitral valve repair" you gave me the tools to remember that they are not the "nurse/s", the "ward staff", the "doctors". They are people too. I need to connect with them unique person-to-unique person. Without your reminder I can envision myself being so caught up in my own fears that I would forget recognizing their need to be appreciated as individuals. I join all of your long time supporters in wishing you the best. You are a special person. And please thank your wife for urging you to write your post.

Hey Steven-I know your asymptotic but getting that aneurysm fixed will feel good knowing it’s gone. Mine was 5.3 and stopped before the hemi-arch and walking around with that scared me daily. You might not feel better immediately but over time you absolutely will and again getting Aorta corrected is a huge deal.

Steven my mate! We may not be in your face on HVJ but we\'re watching out for you! Good to hear your shoulder is on the mend and that your valves aren\'t causing you physical problems. You have prompted me to update my journal as I saw a local cardiologist last week who seems to pass muster and he gave me the all clear to come off the beta blocker and duiretic that I have been back on since February. I cycled 15 miles yesterday in the heat (we\'re in Spain at present) with no difficulty whatsoever so here\'s hoping! Love you lots. Please keep your journal going. Hugs from Penny (Scotland)

Hi Steven Nice to see your journal entry. So the kids are finally off to college and both moving quite a ways away? That will certainly mean for some changes in your home. Mine at least moved within driving distance which meant we still saw them regularly. Are you experiencing a heat wave out your way? How do you manage in the heat? I love the heat but last year before my surgery I found it really difficult to breath. Stay cool. Cheryl, Ontario

Hey, Steven, buddy, good to hear an update from you. Congrats on your kids graduating and springing the nest. As you continue your waiting phase, I pray that God will give you peace and patience. With following all the journals, you\'ll be prepared for any and everything. I\'m constantly amazed at how different everyone\'s recovery journey is, but I have noted that almost everyone has some pretty sizable bumps of some kind. Take care. Duane

Steven == Thought about you when reading Don Franz journal from Alberta and Ros aka Sivakami\'s from the UK. Espially her frustration with lack of choice of doctors and delays in treatment. How are you doing? Jim P

Hi Steven Great trip and great memories other than waiting out the volcano ash. We did Italy for three weeks a few years back while I was still able to do the walking and touring and I look forward to returning. It\'s still great to get home though. Wishing you luck as you move forward to what\'s next. Cheryl, Ontario