jeff o posted a note for Carol that says: Carol, great to hear you're doing well. At about 2 weeks my family started taking me for walks, though I think they were shopping. Walking was liberating, it was good to gain a bit of independence. Keep moving forward.

Igor: No, it's pronounced "eye-gor."
Dr. Frederick Frankenstein: But they told me it was "ee-gor."
Igor: Well, they were wrong then, weren't they?

Jim Jones posted a note for Carol that says: Hey Carol:
Checking in with you. Saw your note on Gary's site. There must be something in the water here in MA causing these mitral valve issues???! Looks like you are recovering well. So glad to read about the progress you reported! Keep up the good work. Bermuda awaits you! Best.

Barb Brooks posted a note for Carol that says: Hi Carol! How have you been feeling... and how was your follow-up with Dr. Byrne?

Pauline posted a note for Carol that says: HI Carol,

Glad to hear you are doing so well.

I have been following your blog and it has been very helpful as I am facing the same surgery

I met with Dr. Byrne and agree he is very good.

Can you share with me if only one leaflet was involved in your surgery or if both leaflets were in need of repair?

Thank you for your help and I wish you a speedy recovery.

Jackie posted a note for Carol that says: Thanks for the update, I love that you are feeling so good. I hope I do as well as you have.

Barb Brooks posted a note for Carol that says: Well there you are!! I have already decided... since our procedures are at the same place, with the same doctor, then there's no reason I shouldn't feel as good as you after mine! You've been quiet, so I figured you've been out dancing, and have had no time to write in your journal :-) Glad to hear you're doing well... and looking forward to that vacation!

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Carol that says: What Jim said X 2.

Jim Jones posted a note for Carol that says: Carol
Thanks for the update. Sounds like you are doing much better than the Pats today!
Good luck on your doctor visits this week. Hope you have a solid week of healing. Stay well. Best.

Pam posted a note for Carol that says: You are an inspiration to all. We are talking heart surgery here! I am amazed at how quickly you are recovering. Keep up the good work by resting when you feel you need to rest. Your body will tell you so just keep listening. Your loving neighbor,

Linda posted a note for Carol that says: Great Carol!!! .I can relate to the ups/downs of post surgery recovery following my rotator cuff surgery. You want to get back to normal and sometimes you feel so good that you overdo!!! Rest and relaxation is the primary key to recovery ... the body needs it to heal. You are always in my prayers and I know that God is taking good care of you. Always

anna posted a note for Carol that says: Hi Carol,
I appreciate all your postings with details and suggestions. You are a winner! Thanks for the inspiration. My mitral valve repair surgery is Nov 5th and you make it sound like all was so easy. I see you were writing back on the journal just a few days after it. Amazing. It's your positive vision! I like the idea of targetting for a trip to enjoy yourself. I am sure you will enjoy Bermudas like paradise!

Jim Jones posted a note for Carol that says: Carol
Good for you! Wonderful progress. Keep up the good work! All the best.

Aubrey posted a note for Carol that says: You are the head of the class and if this were a graded class, you would be breaking the curve, lol. Excellent progress and it seems faster than anyone could hope for. Keep up the gold work but get plenty of rest in between.

Barb Brooks posted a note for Carol that says: Hi Carol! Nice chatting with you as well! It's good to hear how amazing you're doing, and I agree with your sister - you're a 'show-off'... LOL I hope you're feeling great for your vacation. Thanks for putting in a good word to Dr. Byrne. I'll be seeing him soon! I'm sure I'll have a few more questions before I go... so be prepared :-) Keep up the good work!

Jackie keys posted a note for Carol that says: Thanks for your great update, I will be having surgery in about 3 weeks, just reading your journal makes me feel so much better about this. I too will be out walking a 1/2 mile in a week!!!!

Cher posted a note for Carol that says: Show off! LOL!

Just kidding, sissy - good job :D

xoxo

Aubrey Elmo Jones posted a note for Carol that says: Sounds like great progress. Keep it up and walking daily is great therapy. Watch the pain so you can keep the activity level progressing. Keep us posted.

Priscilla posted a note for Carol that says: Hi kiddo!

So glad you are home - what beautiful weather God gave you for a welcome home to your own place!

I betcha you'll be watching the Pats tonight, so, only this once I will hope things turn out the way you want - aka that they win. But don't tell Paul.

Aren't you glad you don't have to go to work tomorrow!! The things you do to get out of it! Just kidding. Rest, take it easy, and be a good patient for Ron :-)

Sending love & prayers,

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Carol that says: Glad you're home. I hope recuperation goes smoothly.

Linda posted a note for Carol that says: Carol,
Thank God you are finally home; great that you only need to take Tylenol for the pain!!!! I don't believe I need to tell you that good ol' rest and relaxation will do wonders for your healing in a stress-free environment. So happy that your family is taking such good care of you ... what more do you need!!
All the prayers helped to move you to this point ... God is so good!!!

jeff o posted a note for Carol that says: Carol great to hear you're home. Getting home was the best.

Barb Brooks posted a note for Carol that says: Wow Carol. I can only hope I do as we'll as you. That's fantastic... keep it up!

Jim Jones posted a note for Carol that says: Carol
Welcome home. Congratulations! I can not believe that you are home so quickly.
I hope you have a wonderful day tomorrow! Best.

Gabi posted a note for Carol that says: Keep visualizing Carol it has worked for me for over 30 years. Also the Law of Attraction is very powerful.
Sending healing energy!

lisa emery posted a note for Carol that says: Yeah!! Home tomorrow!!!! Just checking but was the "old childhood friends" refering to me??? You'll always be a month ahead of me:) lol. So glad that you are doing so well. Thank you to all of your angels that took care of you. Xxoo

Priscilla posted a note for Carol that says: Oh. Just remembered. How much time needs to pass before you can wear something slinky to bed? (no need to answer!)

Priscilla posted a note for Carol that says: Good mornng Carol,

aaahh ha!!! Love the advice about the colon!! Hope everything (eventually) came out ok ;-)

Love ya kiddo

Denise posted a note for Carol that says: Just caught up on all your posts and it sounds like you are doing great!!! I never doubted that everything would go so well. You and your family remain in my thoughts and prayers. Miss seeing you at the office but don't rush back!! :-)

Aubrey posted a note for Carol that says: Way to go! You are right about everything you post and I am so glad your on track. I had the mini as well and have exactly the same instructions. You are,on track for a great recovery. Today is 4 weeks and two days from valve replacement and I have to say, I feel younger tha. Before the valve replacement. You have that to look forward to and you will be there before you know it. Also, be very careful when you get home about doing too many things in a short period of time like shower, blow dry hair and then walk back to your recliner or bed. Can cause you to get faint. Keep up the good work and walk and use the spirometer.

Lorri posted a note for Carol that says: Hello Carol. I just stumbled on this site, just found out that I have a Mitral Valve Disorder and I found you. I will pray that your recover is speedy!! Thank you for sharing, takes some of the fear out.

Good Luck and God Bless!
Lorri

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Carol that says: Good job. Keep it up.

Pam posted a note for Carol that says: You are doing "amazing" which does not surprise me. You are a strong lady and have lots of thoughts & prayers on your side. Keep up the good work, you will be home soon.

Love You,

Carol Jackson posted a note for Carol that says: Carol, Thanks for all that good info. after your surgery. I was wondering about some of those things. I am wondering how long it will be for me to climb a flight of stairs after a full sternotomy.? Glad you are on the mend.

Priscilla posted a note for Carol that says: Good Morning, Carol!
May I suggest that Ron or Lauren quickly go over to Thayer St, Rock Star Body Piercing, to get a belly ring. I'm thinking you don't want to have the piercing close up, which it can do quickly. Or maybe one of the girls has one you can borrow in a pinch (naturally it should be washed before borrowing).
So glad you got the tubes removed!!
Sending love,
Priscilla

Linda posted a note for Carol that says: Carol,

So glad that you're doing so well ... I believed that you would ace this; with God on your side how could anything go wrong!!! Loved the photo of you with Lauren and Michael; what great family support you have!!! Keep up the good work ... hope you come home this weekend. Affectionately,

Lisa Emery posted a note for Carol that says: Hey there! SO HAPPY that you are doing so well!! Great to have all the 'tubes' out! Love you & Miss you :)
Lisa

Rebecca S posted a note for Carol that says: Wow! You are doing great! Lots of good news. They should find your piercing and return it to you though. I was surprised they were saying you could keep it in. Our docs would've said no since its all so close to chest tubes and stuff.
Praise God you are on the other side now. Take your pain meds. That's what they are for.

Cher posted a note for Carol that says: Well my sweet sister, I was so glad to see you in person tonight! You look fabulous! You are rocking it! xoxo

Barb Brooks posted a note for Carol that says: Carol - that's amazing... just Tylenol??... are you superhuman??? You're doing great! That's awful about your naval ring... maybe it will show up. Did I understand you correctly... you can't wear nail polish on fingers OR toes? Keep up the good healing!

Renee Radocaj posted a note for Carol that says: Carol!! So happy to hear you are doing well and in good spirits! I love all the pics. Your positive attitude will expedite your healing immensely!! Keep it up. (Wink) I laughed at the Chapstick comment. I told Dave do NO let me lose my Chapstick or headband. I need them beside me at all times!! It’s one of those things that can drive you crazy if you don’t have them. Take care!!

Pam posted a note for Carol that says: YOU GO GIRL!!! I knew September 24th was a good date. The picture of you, Lauren & Michael is wonderful. You look GREAT even after just having surgery. I love the well deserving huge smiles on everyone. You are doing FANTASTIC!!! Keep it up........You are always in my thoughts and prayers.

Your loving neighbor XOXO

Priscilla posted a note for Carol that says: Hi Carol,
So glad to read your post this morning! I had just said to Deb that I was worried since there hadn't been a post since Lauren's. Glad to hear you didn't have to remove your gorgeous belly ring! :-) Great pix with the kiddos.
You continue to be in my thoughts & prayers.
Priscilla

Lisa Kahn posted a note for Carol that says: Hi Carol, Been thinking about you. The journal entries put all of our minds at ease. Good to hear from you. I am sure you will feel much better tomorrow once you get the extras removed!

speedy recovery!!!

Linda Lee Trahan posted a note for Carol that says: Carol,

Thank God for your surgery success!! You look great!!! Everyone misses you at CAAS ... especially me :)

Looking forward to seeing/hearing you in the flesh. R&R for now ... you remain in my prayers. Linda

Dan Sinclair posted a note for Carol that says: Carol,
All I can say is wow, you look great and your family looks happy. Thanks for sharing. You give all of us future HVS patients a great deal of confidence, Thank You!

Barb Brooks posted a note for Carol that says: Carol - you are well enough to type in your journal... that's great!! "Almost perfect" sounds pretty perfect to me :-) Do you really look like THAT after surgery? Looks like you just entered a beauty pageant!!!

Thanks for the tidbits. Keep 'em comin'... I'm all ears. Glad you're OK!

Carol Jackson posted a note for Carol that says: Wow" you are doing great! Wonderful news!

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Carol that says: You're looking good in your photo. Be patient, it can be frustrating, and you might get more emotional then usual. (Either that or I'm just a cry baby.)

Heal quickly. You are doing great.

Jim Jones posted a note for Carol that says: Carol
I can't believe how well you are doing! Walking already ?!
This is wonderful news. Great photo too!
Keep up the good work. I trust tomorrow will be a great day also. All the best.

Christina posted a note for Carol that says: Carol - Glad everything went well. I knew it would! Now rest, relax, and recover! You are in my prayers.

To Lauren - Thanks for updating us! Take good care of the patient!