Glad to hear some good news and that for the most part the a-fib is staying away. I bet the bed felt good after you got home. I suffer from insomnia with my liver disease-so sleep is something that I get much of. May the Lord watch over you and take good care of you during your recovery and take care of your family. No news about a liver-I think it will be a long time coming yet. I take one day or one hour at a time these days. Enjoy Mother's Day. I'm sure I will be spending it home alone-but will talk to Mom on the phone. Take care. Nancy Parnell

Hi Randy and Carla,
How thankful I am that God brought us into your lives when he did. But I also hate it that we are no longer physically a part of your lives. I really miss our times together.

I can't remember if I told you we finally went on our very first crusie in Dec. Only a short one to the Bahamas on Monarch of the Sea. But we had a wonderful time. A couple from church who go cruising all the time talked us into it and we went with them. Hope we can do that again. But surely never want to see Nasaeu again. Ha.

miss you! Pat Sitton

Wonderful news Carla, but we will still keep you in our prayers. Have a wonderful day. Sharon

Carla,

So happy you're doing so well. Take it easy . . . slow and steady wins the race! (You can tell that to me after my surgery!!)

Have a great Monday!
Ricki

So glad you made it to church yesterday! I will tell the kids since we didn't see you ourselves! Praying for your recovery still!
Love Jill and Co.

Thanks for the great update. It was several weeks before I felt I was up to returning to church services and realized how much I missed it. Continue to do well, but don't overdo. Everyone says they have to pay for it the next day.
Fran Z

Carla & Randy,

Yesterday was a lot to do for just being 2-1/2 weeks post-op. That means you're doing great! I remember how wonderful it was to be back at church. Glad you're a-fib is abating. We continue to praise God and pray for your healing progress.

Duane & Peggy

Hi Carla and Randy! It was so good to see you across the sanctuary this morning! I am sorry we didn't get a chance to come over to greet you. So glad your heart seems to be settling into it's new configuration and you are not experiencing the A-Fib to the degree you were earlier in the week. It has been a privilege to pray with you throughout this experience, and to be able to 'track' along with you through the entire process. We praise our great and faithful God along with you for the great things He has done! Bob and Pat Whitney

Carla,

The sweet sounds of no mitral regurgitation are very sweet indeed. So glad you've come through your surgery and are past the a-fib crisis.

Prayers going out to you,

Susan Murphy (Overland Park, KS)

Hi Carla, Hope all is going well. I haven't seen anything on your Journal lately. So I guess no news is good news. Sharon

Hi Carla
Have been thinking of you and hope you have stabilized and are feeling better. God willing your heart will get back into sinus rythym on its' own. Seems there are so many post op people who talk about getting into (and out of)afib. Keep healing.
Fran Z

Glad you are back and continuing to pray for you!
Love Jill and Co.

Well? A small snaffoo. I pray that things get straightened out and that you don't need to be cardioverted. Just spent a long time on the phone with your Mom. My Aunt Emmy had to have surgery for a bleeding subdural hematoma on Monday so was updating your Mom. So nice to visit with her and of course she's worried about her baby girl - as I am about you also. Nancy Parnell

CARLA,
I AM SO RELIEVED THAT YOU GOT MEDICAL ATTENTION AFTER READING YOUR JOURNAL THIS AM!
THAT PILL MULTAQ IS THE ONE THE CARDIO WANTS JACK TO BE ON. VERY EXPENSIVE-MAYBE IT WILL COME DOWN IN PRICE!I DO PRAY YOU WILL NOT NEED TO BE CARDIO-VERTED-THAT YOU WILL RETURN TO SINUS RHYTHM. BUT IF YOU DO, JACK SEEMS TO BE FINE NOW THAT THEY HAVE HIM IN NORMAL SINUS RHYTHM-STILL ON THE COUMADIN THOUGH-WILL NOT TAKE HIM OFF-HE GOES IN I MONTH FOR A FOLLOW-UP. I HAVE A PRAYER REQUEST-JACK FOUND A LUMP IN HIS NECK-HE WILL CALL THE ONCOLOGIST TOMORROW-PLEASE PRAY FOR US THAT IT IS NOTHING!!!!MY HEART GOES WILD WHEN SOMETHING LIKE THIS POPS UP-BUT THEN I REMEMBER-HE IS HOLDING ME IN THE PALM OF HIS HAND JUST LIKE HE DID YOU!!!
ALL PRAISE TO OUR PRECIOUS SAVIOR-WHAT A SAVIOR!!!
GOD BLESS YOU AND HELP YOU TO RECOVER SMOOTHLY
LOVE
LYNNE S.

Thank you for the update, Carla. Have been in prayer for you ever since I learned of your afib episode yesterday. Hopefully the drugs will work and you will not need the cardioversion, but if you do it apparently almost always works. What was the reason your surgeon did not want you on coumadin for a short period during the post op period? By the way, you'll get used to the back seat. It's 6 weeks for me so I did graduate to the front seat and actually drove 10 minutes to get my hair cut. Keep us informed, I care.

Fran Z

Randy, you're a champ! I hear a little song....is it Driving...Miss Carla? Mrs. B

Carla, I have been so worried for you. Iv'e checked your journal so many times today for GOOD news. I didn't want to call your Mom and worry her. I didn't think she knew you were having problems. I pray that you will keep getting better each day. Please keep up with your Journal. There are so many of us that want to hear how well you are doing. God Bless, Sharon

Hi Carla,

Hope that you are doing better today with all the med changes.

Any chance you and Randy might want to come to the marriage conference? We actually have a spot open! Someone canceled today!

glad you're home!
Nancy for the K's

Hi Carla,
I am 9 weeks post op and 3 weeks now without permanent A Fib but every once in a while my heart slips back to AF. The episodes are getting shorter in duration (just 40 minutes yesterday)and the time between episodes is getting longer. I am still on Warfarin and will be for at least another 4 weeks. I hope that by the time you read this your heart is back to normal rhythm or that you have been reassured by your medical team.
Warmest wishes
Penny

Hi Carla

Just wanted to say I'm praying for you but that I know you'll be okay. I don't know anything about A-fib other than many here have had it still after their surgeries. Why doesn't the doctor want you on the Warfarin? I hope by now you've spoken to someone who can make you feel better. Thinking of you.

Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Carla. I just read your entry for today. Sorry it is too late to call you. Am wondering if your MD in Cleveland would want you to see the cardiologist at West Palm Cleveland Clinic? I am still very new there, but it seems they have top notch people in all the specialties, including cardiology. If I can help in any way, please let me know. In prayer......Pat

Carla...I understand A-fib.....Chuck was just in the hospital with that too Minneapolis VA....he has an excellent Dr.there......you are in my prayers...and also that a Dr....has called......take care...hugs...ruthie Minnesota....

Carla,

I hope you've gotten in touch with someone by now and that your A-fib is gone. How frightening.

You're in my thoughts.

Ricki

Hi Carla
Don't know when you wrote your journal but am just now reading it at 5:40pm. Lifted you up on prayer immediately. Hope you have heard from someone by now and it's possible the afib has resolved on its' own. Let us know.

Fran Z

Carla, We are praying for God's healing hand to pass over your heart and give you great joy in His healing power. While traveling that same journey I did learn that somedays the healing is at snail pace (I did not even notice it). I wanted it to be leaps and bounds. Praise God for His faithfulness. Love, Bev

Carla & Randy,

Welcome home! I'm sure it's great to be back in Florida! I had some spells of A-Fib after returning home, and it's most unpleasant and distressing. Hard to explain unless you've had it. I can understand your alarm at A-Fib with your heart rate there. You are doing the right thing to pursue your cardiologist and CC for guidance. I will be praying that you get the attention you need, and that the Lord who gives you His full attention will take care of you and make this right. We'll be eager to hear.

Duane

So glad you made the flight OK - We'll be anxious to hear what happens with the A-Fib, and praying for a speedy response by one of your medical team. Trusting with you in God's perfect timing, and unconditional control in all things. Glad both of your girls are "medical" and that Heidi is with you now.

I'll bet Sina was happy to see you come home.

Much love - Darla

Praying for you...glad your home and will hopefully get some rest. ♥ Anna

WAY TO GO CARLA. OUR PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU FOR A SAFE FLIGHT HOME AND A SPEEDY RECOVERY.
LOVE
ANNETTE & FRANK RUDL

Carla and Randy,

Look forward to hearing you are at home safe and sound ready for the rest of the healing journey... We pray that you will have an uneventful flight followed by a restful night in your own bed.

Thanks for yesterday's beautiful summary of your journey to date.

Love,
Ben and Mary Llew Coulter

"The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul..." Psalm 23:1-3a

Praise the Lord for all He has done! Looking forward to your return. Praying for your flight home. ♥ Anna

Hi Carla,

Today's entry was a great reminder of all our faithful God has brought you and your family through....and the providential grace with which He accomplished it!!!
Could you do some of the Riverdance choreography to help with the fluid retention? :)

I will be praying for a safe trip home!!!
Here are some going flying verses....Rest in the comfort of Him who has brought you safe thus far....He will never leave you or forsake you!
Don't want to metaphor God's protection with air plane wings, but it is a comfort to know that He sovereignly controls every aspect of every flight! That's how I stay calm as a pilot's wife.
We love you so much!!!
Nancy for the K's

Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings

How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings.

Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.

CARLA,
I AM SO THRILLED TO HEAR YOU AND RANDY ARE COMING HOME!!!! I HAVE BEEN PRAYING FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY EVER SINCE WE KNEW THAT YOU WOULD HAVE THE SURGERY, WHAT A SAVIOR!!!THIS EXPERIENCE HAS EVEN ENCOURAGED MY HEART-WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE! I WILL CONTINUE TO PRAY THAT YOU WILL FINALLY GET RID OF THAT FLUID AND HAVE A SAFE TRIP HOME-IT IS SUNNY, WARM, BREEZY-JUST WHAT YOU NEED FOR A RELAXING RECOVERY!!!THANK YOU FOR TAKING US ON THIS JOURNEY WITH YOU-AND TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!!
LOVE
LYNNE S.

Praying for a safe journey home! We have missed you, prayed for you and are rejoicing with you over all the wonderful things we have seen that our Lord has done! We will be so happy to have you back again! Fondly, Bob and Pat Whitney

Thank you Carla......for letting me be part of your journey of your heart surgery......i have you in my prayers.....and also hope your mom and brother and his family are doing well .....God be with you all...hugs......ruthie in Minnnesota

Hi Carla

Praying you arrive home safe and sound and without a whole lot of hassle at the airports. You'll just feel so much better to be home and into the waiting care of your other daughter. Both of you will need a little TLC once you return home and it's obviously waiting for you.

Good luck.

Cheryl, Ontario

What wonderful news of your improvement each day. It will be such a joy to get back home for you.

Give thanks to the Lord for He is good His love endures forever. Psalm 118:21 Bev

Carla,

Thanks for your message . . . you've been so helpful as I get closer to surgery.

So happy you're heading home tomorrow to continue your recovery. Have a safe journey.

Ricki Shine

Wow, what wonderful news. Prayers have been answered. Although I live on the FL gulf coast I know a terrific thunderstorm with lots of rain went thru the state and we now have cooler, dryer weather. You should too. Hope the flight tomorrow goes well and you can begin to recover at home. Prayers continue.
Fran Z

I pray that your flight home is uneventful and the weather in Flordia is beautiful to welcome you home. I will be praying for you through your recovery time. Just know that some friends in Wisconsin love you both. Sharon & Walter

I'm sure the thought of South Florida for tomorrow sounds wonderful. "There's no place like home." Dorothy said it best. Unfortunately for me I no longer have a home-but a place to store my things, sleep and watch TV. I'm still learning how to live poor and dependent on others for transportation. I'm hoping I'll get my transplant no later than early 2011. I'll be thinking of you tomorrow and hope you have un uneventful trip home. Love you. Nancy Parnell

Hi Carla
Know you have been busy with your check up at the CC today and have been praying for you. If the fluid is still there hope you can breathe better and then get on that plane home as fast as you can tomorrow.
Fran Z

Happy Monday Morning . . . Hope you're having a brighter day there than we are - it's gray & very, very rainy - even had some tornado warnings for southwestern PB county - Yuck! Hope you were able to enjoy the Riverdance, and that your swelling has subsided . . . praying for your doctor's check in this AM, and hoping you get an all clear to return home tomorrow as planned. We missed you in church yesterday . . . music went well, good attendance in both services, and Jerry started Romans 5. Much love, many prayers - till next time - Darla

Hi Carla

Hope you enjoyed Riverdance. We saw a production a few years back in Toronto and loved it. I used to find my ankles swelling so tried to be sure I kept my legs up on the coffee table instead of sitting on them which I know is a "no,no". It was a couple of months before they stopped swelling.

You'll soon be on that plane home. I wish you luck. Hope Randy is feeling better soon as well.

Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Carla,

Will have to take you out for some dark chocolate when you get home!!!
Hope that you and Randy are both able to rest better tonight....
We miss you at churh.....it was a great message once again as Pastor Jerry started Romans chapter 5....Visitor's luncheon today also and several new families!!!
with our love in Christ,

Nancy for the K's

Mom,
Today in church a couple sang this song, he is 36 years old and had quad. bypass 4 weeks ago. It is a great song with a powerful message, you should download it, or maybe have the choir do it!
Kari Jobe: "HEALER"

You hold my every moment
You calm my raging seas
You walk with me thru fire
And heal all my disease
I trust in you, I trust in you.

I believe You're my healer
I believe You are all I need
I believe.

And I believe You're my portion
I believe You're more than enough for me
Jesus You're all I need.

Nothing is impossible for you
Nothing is impossible
Nothing is impossible for you
You hold my world in Your hands.

I believe You're my healer
I believe You are all I need
Oh yes you are, oh yes you are!

Love,
Jen

Carla......hope you and Randy had a good night sleep....and you got the enjoy Riverdance.......praying your lungs are better and swelling going down....such a heavy heart.....prayers....ruthie in Minnesota....

Good morning! I hope you both slept wonderfully. I'm about to leave for church(35 mile drive). My church family and I will be praying for both of you. LOve,Sharon

Hi Carla and Randy, You will continue to be in our prayers during this recovery process. God has been so faithful every step of the way, and it has encouraged all of us in our walk with Him! It is so amazing that He gives us the privilege of being involved in His work through prayer! Today was my last day at hospice and I will begin working at Cleveland Clinic [West Palm] on Monday. We praise God for this answer to prayer! We will be missing you tomorrow. Fondly, Bob and Pat Whitney

Carla and Randy,

We pray that tonight will be peaceful-a time for uninterrupted sleep for each of you.

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

Love,
Mary Llew and Ben