On March 15, 2014...
Susan Smith posted a note for Carol that says:
Dear Carol, I know that you have suggested a Cleveland Clinic in Jacksonville for surgery, but in checking heart valve surgery does not seem to be their main interest and I found another Cleveland Clinic in Weston, FL. (south of me), but again they do not do many heart operations, so at this time I am getting 2 opinions from two different surgeons. Read my latest entry. Hope all if well with you and yours. How is retirement treating you? Your journals are some of the best along with Jim Jones. Do take care your friend Susan
Carol Jackson  Susan,
Thanks for your nice comments about my journal. As I'm sure you and Jim Jones realize, it is v ... Read more
On February 7, 2014...
Susan Smith posted a note for Carol that says:
Thanks Carol, I did remember to wear red to work. Made sure they knew it was for our hearts. God bless you and yours.
On January 6, 2014...
Cheryl Tevis posted a note for Carol that says:
Hi, Carol,

So glad to receive your update, and holiday letter. I am hoping to finish my letter by the end of the week.

Deadlines keep coming at me, of course.

I'll call you before you take off for warmer destinations.

Happy New Year!

--Cheryl Tevis
On January 2, 2014...
Jim Jones posted a note for Carol that says:
Happy New Year! Let's make this the best year yet! Sounds like you are going to skip 80 MPH and just go to 100 MPH and maintain. Enjoy your travels- you've earned it! Best.
On January 1, 2014...
Susan Smith, your friend posted a note for Carol that says:
Dear Carol, You have gotten your life back. It all sounds so good and so with a mixed bag of feelings I look for my surgery in 2014. I am insecure about the unknown, but knowing it must come and be done. Therefore I am looking forward to it.

I am still at 37 pounds and trying to break through to get to my goal. I am a Weight Watcher from way back and so this time I am trying it on my own. So far so good. I received my annual invitation from WW, but have not accepted it yet.

Enjoy AZ and get warmed up. The winter has been brutal for many and I suspect Iowa in the middle of it.

Do keep us posted on your progress and I love the scripture you have adopted. it is a good one and really covers it all. So I too will adopt it and remember who shared it.

May you have a healthy, happy New Year and may your family be blessed,.
Carol Jackson  Susan,
I will be following you in 2014. It will be so much better for you to be on the other side of ... Read more
On December 23, 2013...
Allyson posted a note for Carol that says:
Hi Carol,
Glad to see that you continue to make great progress. You have been in my thoughts but I've been up to my eyes with moving and finishing work. Will get in touch in the New Year. Meanwhile have a very Happy and Healthy Christmas.
Love to all
Allyson & family
PS new address
8a Fernlea Road, Balham, London SW12 9RN
Carol Jackson  Thanks, Allyson. I am feeling great. I look forward to hearing about your new adventure. I will have ... Read more
On December 21, 2013...
Sue posted a note for Carol that says:
It's wonderful to hear that you are doing so well. It's all up hill now. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.
Carol Jackson  Thanks, Sue. Yes, it's wonderful to feel good. I have so much more energy than I did before surgery. ... Read more
On December 18, 2013...
Jim Jones posted a note for Carol that says:
And now you know why I call you Wonder Woman! 80 mph sounds just about right! This is great. (I can give you a solid 40 mph right now but know that 80 mph is my future.) All good news, Carol!
Carol Jackson  Jim,
Your 40mph will increase rapidly especially at this time in your recovery and doing cardio reha ... Read more
On December 18, 2013...
Ernie A.S. posted a note for Carol that says:
I need new tires if I was going to go 80 mph. Glad you feel up-to-speed. I'm happy to hear how well you are doing. Keep it up. Good healing.
Carol Jackson  Thanks Ernie. Not everyday is 80mph. What is your speed right now?
On December 17, 2013...
Bonnie posted a note for Carol that says:
Carol it's a real joy to see the sparkle back in your eyes and health returned to you. Thank God for His goodness and you worked really hard at your recovery. Congrats on your victory!!
Carol Jackson  Bonnie,
Thanks for all your prayers, getting together for coffee and books on tape. You are a wonderf ... Read more
On December 17, 2013...
Susan Smith posted a note for Carol that says:
Carol you sound so good and that you are back to normal but better. Yeeha😊 do keep us updated. Thanks for all your good tips. Merry Christmas.
On December 17, 2013...
Barb Brooks posted a note for Carol that says:
Carol... great report! It's nice to feel so much better. I haven't measured my progress by carrying my laundry yet, as my husband won't let me carry anything. I guess that's good :-)
Carol Jackson  Barb,
I understand about carrying stuff, but once I started rehab. they continually increased my weig ... Read more
On December 12, 2013...
Sue Gardner posted a note for Carol that says:
Dear Carol...It is nice to make a connection with you. I have such wonderful regard for Mayo and the surgical team. I live in CT and will continue to fly back to MN every year to see my cardiologist. I have absolute faith in Mayo and would choose them for any further health needs I may have. Have you ever been to a more caring, efficient hospital. I know that you will have a continued good recovery. Happy Holidays....Sue. Please keep in touch.
Carol Jackson  Merry Christmas to you too. It will be such a special Christmas for all of us who have recovered from ... Read more
On December 11, 2013...
Sue Gardner posted a note for Carol that says:
Hi Carol...I had my surgery at Mayo in Rochester on July 5th 2012. I had a rare congenital heart defect called Ebstein's Anomaly which was corrected by Dr. Dearani. The whole team at Mayo was beyond excellent.

Who did your surgery? I will read your journal for more details. It was great to hear from you.

I live in Columbia, CT.
Carol Jackson  Sue,
I'm glad we made connections. Great to hear your surgery was so successful at Mayo. Isn't Mayo, ... Read more
On December 9, 2013...
Jim Jones posted a note for Carol that says:
Should I now call you "wonder woman"?
Carol, I am so pleased to see how well you are doing. Keep it up and please keep posting. This encourages those of us that are earlier in our recoveries. Stay warm!
Carol Jackson  Jim,
I kind of like being called "wonder woman." I'll take that! I think it really does help to read ... Read more
On December 8, 2013...
Leslie Holtzclaw posted a note for Carol that says:
Carol,

Glad to hear you are doing very well. :) I love reading your journal entries to see where I should be. I know everyone heals at a different pace but it gives me some ideas. :D

I'm horrible about updating my journal but will do that tonight. :D

Take care!!

Leslie xoxo
On December 8, 2013...
Susan Smith posted a note for Carol that says:
Carol, what an uplifting note. So glad you are doing great. Keep up the good recovery . Looking for the next post.
Carol Jackson  Thanks Susan. I get so excited about the little changes everyday. As I've said before I am so glad we ... Read more
On December 6, 2013...
Maureen Hoganson posted a note for Carol that says:
Hi Carol! Thank you for posting the wonderful information on your journal! This is very encouraging to someone like myself who is on day 9 (Surgery was November 27). Will continue to keep you in our prayers--and appreciate the tips below!
Carol Jackson  Maureen,
I'm glad the tips helped. I know I appreciated all the tips I could get before and after sur ... Read more
On November 28, 2013...
Jim Jones posted a note for Carol that says:
Carol
That should be "Wonderfully said."
I had an iPad user error!
Carol Jackson  Ha! I have that trouble too.
On November 28, 2013...
Jim Jones posted a note for Carol that says:
Carol
Wonderfully said? We have grateful hearts this year. Please have a wonderful time with your family today. Happy Thanksgiving!
Carol Jackson  Jim,
I like how you said we have "grateful hearts" Hope you have a quiet and restful day.
On November 28, 2013...
Susan Smith, a grateful person posted a note for Carol that says:
AMEN! Keep it going Carol. Any additional info you want to share is always welcome. God Bless you and yours.
Carol Jackson  Susan,
God's blessings to you and our family. Any luck with Mayo- Jacksonville?
On November 27, 2013...
Ernie A.S. posted a note for Carol that says:
Good job Recovery Animal. Have a happy Thanksgiving and good healing to you.
Carol Jackson  Happy Thanksgiving to you too, Ernie! Keep up on the cardio rehab.
On November 24, 2013...
Chris K posted a note for Carol that says:
Great advice Carol:
We should get Adam to do a summary of advice like this for others. I know each person is different and there are variations on what works--but the key advice is the same. Clothing and bras for women is really helpful.
Carol Jackson  Chris,
Thanks Chris.That's a great idea for Adam to make up a current summary of advice.
On November 23, 2013...
Jim Jones posted a note for Carol that says:
Carol
Wonderful update! I am so pleased to see how well you are doing. I love your advice for those awaiting surgery. Your tips are certainly helpful. Keep up the good work, Carol!
Carol Jackson  Jim,
I think we all have had some good tips for future patients. I know I had to make a list of ideas ... Read more
On November 23, 2013...
Susan Smith, the list maker posted a note for Carol that says:
Carol, so glad things are improving as you recover. I am having to add your name to the "The To Do List by Jim, Lynn, Dan and now Carol" This list, like the title keeps getting longer, but it all good advise and I value it all. I am taking all this in and appreciate it. Keep on keeping on,
Carol Jackson  Susan,
I had my list of things to remember before surgery. 2 weeks before surgery I was madly searchi ... Read more
On November 22, 2013...
Leslie Holtzclaw posted a note for Carol that says:
Carol, Thank you for all your input and information. I'm .glad you are doing so well and love reading your journal to keep me on track! xxxx Leslie
On November 19, 2013...
Heather St.Pierre posted a note for Carol that says:
Hi there Carol

Thankyou so much for the message! I read your story and found it has given me even more strength and courage.
Being from Canada ; I guess I have taken for granted the very fact that I dont have the added stress of worrying about insurance when it comes to surgery.
Hope you are feeling well. I look forward to hearing from you again.

HEATHER
On November 16, 2013...
Leslie Holtzclaw posted a note for Carol that says:
Congrats Carol!

I'm so glad you are doing so well. I need your motivation. :) I'm 3 weeks post-op and need a kick in the butt. Not sleeping well but know it will get better. :)
Carol Jackson  Thanks Leslie. It makes it easier when the weather is still nice and I can get outside and walk. Lesl ... Read more
On November 15, 2013...
Jim Jones posted a note for Carol that says:
Carol
I can not believe how well you are doing. Congratulations! I am happy to read about you progress. Where in the world did you get that recovery anamil nickname?? Ah, I remember! Keep it up, Carol! Best.
Carol Jackson  Ha, ha! Yes we are all recovery animals! Glad to hear you are doing so well.
On November 14, 2013...
Ernie A.S. posted a note for Carol that says:
Good job, Recovery Animal. I start my cardio rehab today. Yay!
Carol Jackson  Yes we are all "recovery animals" ! Weeks just keep flying by. What do you think of cardio rehab?
On November 14, 2013...
Susan Smith, waiting posted a note for Carol that says:
Carol you ole "recovery animal" are about to break the records. Keep going and keep enjoy life. Yes our thoughts and prayers are with Rachel and her family. I haven't given up.

Your are a bright shining part of my day.
Carol Jackson  Thanks Susan. I just keep plugging away. I feel so blessed. So glad you joined the community. It real ... Read more
On November 13, 2013...
Jackie keys posted a note for Carol that says:
Sounds like you are doing so good, keep it up!
Carol Jackson  Thanks Jackie. Sounds like you are now making a nice recovery too after a few little bumps in the roa ... Read more
On November 11, 2013...
Chris K posted a note for Carol that says:
Glad to see your continued progress. I had to take a half tablet sleeping pill (Zopiclone) regularly to get to sleep--for the first 8 weeks. It is hard to get to sleep when the incision is hurting, both when going to bed and when waking up in pain after turning in bed. It did wonders for me!
Carol Jackson  That is so true. Last night I thought I was feeling so good that I didn't need to take my Tylenol at ... Read more
On November 8, 2013...
Sue Quinlan posted a note for Carol that says:
Hi Carol,
So glad you are recovering. Keep up the good work. Best Wishes,
Sue
Carol Jackson  Thanks Sue. Glad you were able to follow my progress. Tried driving today and did ok! Everyday I can ... Read more
On November 5, 2013...
Ernie A.S. posted a note for Carol that says:
Good job Recovery Animal!!
Carol Jackson  Thanks Ernie. Isn't it amazing how our body heals. Glad to hear you continue to make progress.
On November 4, 2013...
James Lucas posted a note for Carol that says:
Carol,

Sounds like you're making steady and good progress on the road back ...

It took me a while - longer than I had planned, certainly - and I had to learn patience along the way. At this same time in my recovery from a new mechanical valve to replace my BAV and a new ascending aorta, I was only beginning to be able to walk steadily for extended periods. I was taking mile-plus walks, but I was stopping a lot to sit and rest along the way (four weeks after my surgery, we drove from San Diego to L.A. - a 2.5-hour drive - and I took a nap half-way up the coast: I was exhausted, and I wasn't even driving).

I thought I could get back to work after four weeks, but I found that I needed to nap for an hour every time I spent an hour working. It got better, however, with time, but six weeks after the surgery, I was able to handle only a few days in the office, and less than half a day at a time at first. (Now I'm back to 50 hours a week at work, and I'm swimming again, kind of).

So, the best is yet to come - and the worst is behind you ... Good luck ...
Carol Jackson  Thanks James. That info. you gave me on your journal site about swimming was very helpful. I guess I ... Read more
On November 2, 2013...
Cheryl Tevis posted a note for Carol that says:
Hi, Carol,

So glad that you're resting so much better. I keep thinking I'll call you during the week, but work continues to be hectic. On the weekends, I think that Doug is home, so you probably more entertained and active! I am reading your journal entries, and wishing you well. We'll see how it goes this week.

Take care, Cheryl Tevis
Carol Jackson  Thanks Cheryl. Whenever it works for you. It sounds like you are very busy. Just give me a call when ... Read more
On November 2, 2013...
Susan Smith posted a note for Carol that says:
Gold start for you. Keep up the walking, you are an inspiration. I am shopping for a lift chair, any suggestions?
Carol Jackson  Susan,
I rented the lift chair at a medical supply store for $95.00 a month and I had it one month. ... Read more
On November 2, 2013...
Jim Jones posted a note for Carol that says:
Carol
You are a recovery animal! Shouldn't you get a medal or trophy? Thanks for posting your journey-as you know it helps all of us heading for our day. Have a great weekend and sound sleep. BTW, I have my wedge pillow. ;)
Carol Jackson  Jim,
Ha! My husband loves your term.....recovery animal! It helped me so much to read journals from p ... Read more
On November 2, 2013...
Julie Z posted a note for Carol that says:
Such amazing progress! It sure makes you appreciate the small things, Carol. I am so blessed by your friendship and your postings!!! Keep up the good work!
Carol Jackson  Thanks Julie. I just keep working on my recovery. I treasure your friendship over the years too. Can ... Read more
On November 2, 2013...
Debbie J posted a note for Carol that says:
I was glad to hear someone else was having night sweats. I thought it was just me. You are doing amazing. keep up the good work.
Carol Jackson  Debbie,
Yes, isn't that crazy about the night sweats! I'd have to change my nightgown and dry my hair ... Read more
On November 2, 2013...
Chris K posted a note for Carol that says:
Sounds like you are doing great!
I think that you will enjoy cardio rehab. It is reassuring to have experts monitor you so you know how much to push yourself as you recover.
Carol Jackson  Chris,
Yes, I'm excited to start. I want to know what I can and cannot do.
On October 31, 2013...
Aubrey posted a note for Carol that says:
Keep up the good work Carol. Walking is a key step in the recovery. I took medicine to sleep for at least 4-5 weeks. Sleep allows you to feel good enough to do the right things the next day. Also, I saw no reason to not use the tools given and it helped me to have a very smooth recovery and I weaned off all the drugs except for occasional ibuprofen now. It is great to hear your doing so well but keep thinking about a slow and thoughtful pace of increasing activity to make sure you keep moving forward with minimum risk. Really glad for you, keep us posted.
Carol Jackson  Thanks Aubrey. I love all your information. It is so helpful. They gave me Melatonin in the hospital ... Read more
On October 30, 2013...
John O'Neill posted a note for Carol that says:
Hi Carol
I think you should challenge your insurance denial. Blood pressure is a very significant part of aneurysms and the effect of exercise. Where better can this be monitored than cardiac rehab. I took every session of rehab I could get and was glad of it.
Happy recovery,
John O
Carol Jackson  Funny you should say that. I called cardio rehab back yesterday and found out that all they look at i ... Read more
On October 29, 2013...
Kathy Brammeier posted a note for Carol that says:
Carol,
You're walking more than I am these days! I think I'm getting lazy in my retirement.
It sounds like the healing process is going as planned. It just makes "normal" feel so good, doesn't it?

Know that I keep you in my prayers.

Carol Jackson  Kathy,
Yes I'm coming along. Next week I will be on my own all day with no help. 3 more weeks befor ... Read more
On October 29, 2013...
Susan posted a note for Carol that says:
Carol, I am cheering you on as you make that goal of 10000 steps. You can do it.
Carol Jackson  Thanks Susan. I hope I can. It rained a lot today so didn't get very many steps in. I feel so much b ... Read more
On October 29, 2013...
Ernie A.S. posted a note for Carol that says:
Lots of walking, eating well and good sleep and you'll do well. And smiling. Keep it up.
Carol Jackson  Thanks Ernie.
It's been great following you and gaining ideas from you. Ever since surgery my favori ... Read more
On October 28, 2013...
Lynn E. posted a note for Carol that says:
Hi Carol,

That's all great news! Except for the insurance part....But once you go 6x I am sure you can do your own program . You have made terrific progress for 3 weeks- congratulations!
As you start rehab I start the whole deal on Nov. 7.
Best,
Carol Jackson  Lynn,
I'll be thinking of you as Nov. 7 nears. Concerning cardio rehab. ....I think I would have had ... Read more
On October 28, 2013...
Susan Smith posted a note for Carol that says:
Carol, thanks for responding to my weight control question. My clothes are getting baggy and that is a good sign. Don't know if I have an aneurysm or not, only that I have stenosis @ 70% restriction. I will be establishing my journal very soon. Inspiration at work, that is you Carol. Again thanks and can't wait to get on the other side of this situation. One of my granddaughters is getting married next September and I want to be able to attend her wedding with a new valve. They live in Colorado, but will be getting married in Florida (where I am). Always looking ahead.... that's me.
Carol Jackson  Susan,
I'll look forward to reading your journal when you set it up. Keep up with your weight loss... ... Read more
On October 27, 2013...
Chris K posted a note for Carol that says:
Hi Carol:
Sounds like you are doing great! It is amazing what one can do just a couple of weeks after surgery. Modern medical technology and the skill of our surgeons are amazing! Still, be prepared for challenging days. I can't believe that you are managing with just Tylenol. Wonder woman!!!
Take care and hope you continue to progress!
Carol Jackson  Thanks Chris. I had to just do Tylenol since the pain meds made me sick to my stomach and terrible co ... Read more
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