On September 12, 2013...
Jim Jones posted a note for Cindy that says:
Hey Cindy
I hope you have a good doctor's visit and that you are cleared for wine! Have a good one.
On September 11, 2013...
Rebecca S posted a note for Cindy that says:
Cindy, So good to hear from you. It's nice to be able to have more focus than pain, pain, pain, isn't it? I only take 1 or so a day. Sleep is still a big issue. The heart pounding and knowledge that I will be stiff and sore when I get up, cause me to dread even trying to get into bed. That's the worst part now.
And yes, more embarrassings things than I have had in a long, long time. A nurse in the hospital, a cute guy, had to give me a suppository. He asked if I would rather have a female do it. I said I didn't care, but he said, well, you are a 62 year old lady. I think I should've gotten that he probably would rather have not given it to me.
Down more on the fluid loss. Still could lose about 5 more pounds, but I feel so much better......aside from being dehydrated and a little weak from no fluids.
Hard to believe we have already gotten this far, huh? Ernie is in surgery right now. I sure hope it's going well.
Take care. Hope all is great with you and your family. It must be awesome weather in New Jersey. My husband and I like to travel. I want to get up that way one of these days. It's been so hot here. We do escape to San Francisco once a year to get cooled off!
Love to you and yours.
Rebecca
On September 9, 2013...
Deb A posted a note for Cindy that says:
Hi Cindy!
So glad to hear that you were able to take your daughter to her first day of school today! You mentioned before the surgery that it was a major goal of yours, so it's great that it worked out. Congrats! Bet you've earned a nice nap for the rest of the day.....
Deb A.
Cindy Wilson  Thanks, Deb. It was a major goal. Now I need to come up with the next goal so I don't just linger i ... Read more
On September 9, 2013...
Aubrey posted a note for Cindy that says:
Great progress Cindy. I too feel like I am going in the right direction too. I have not tried to sleep laying down. It has been 12 days since the first chest crack and 6 days since they had to do the 2nd one. I am in no hurry to try laying flat and you have my respect for trying so soon. Keep us posted on how this goes.
Cindy Wilson  Its unbelievable that you had to have your chest cracked twice. Jamie and I were flabbergasted over ... Read more
On September 9, 2013...
Ehrbar Family posted a note for Cindy that says:
It was great to see you today, Cindy. You look beautiful and strong. Sending you lots of love and prayers.
Laurie
Cindy Wilson  Thanks, Laurie. And thanks for the best family movie night in a long time. Even Jamie watched Ameri ... Read more
On September 9, 2013...
Jim Jones posted a note for Cindy that says:
Hey Cindy
So glad you are feeling a bit better. I hope you have a good rest of the day!
All the best
On September 9, 2013...
Rebecca S posted a note for Cindy that says:
Cindy, sounds like you are doing so good. I am glad. I have not been able to sleep flat on my back. I sleep slightly right side lying with pillows behind my back.....for a few hours. Then i get on the couch. Pain not so bad now. Have been cutting back because thought it was hurting my stomach. Dr thinks its the amiodarone though.
Have a great day! I think it's going to be. We have come through a lot.
On September 9, 2013...
Deb Ziegler posted a note for Cindy that says:
Hi Cindy,

I, too, had the stabbing shoulder pain whenever I would rotate my left arm out. It was excruciating.....way worse than the sternum pain. After many months of it continuing to get worse, I finally had an MRI and was told I had frayed rotator cuff muscles. Apparently that can happen when they position your arms out and up during surgery. It took many months of physical therapy and about a year to heal.
It didn't hurt all the time.....just when I moved it certain ways.

As for lying on your back, it took me three months before I could lie flat and be comfortable. Some people could do ii in just a few weeks, but It took me a long time. I was most comfortable with about 4 down pillows behind me in bed. I spent my days in the recliner though.

Hope you continue to improve.
God Bless,
Cindy Wilson  Wow, Deb, that sounds horrible about the rotator cuff. I hope its completely healed. It would be ho ... Read more
On September 9, 2013...
Lynn Ennis posted a note for Cindy that says:
Thats wonderful news Cindy! I am so glad you are feeling better and the back pain is diminishing! That chest pressure thing is something I have read about...it seems to go away on its own...Natalie mentioned it.
Happy back to school day to you and your family- I wish you a wonderful year!
On September 9, 2013...
Joe posted a note for Cindy that says:
Hi Cindy,

It sounds like you are doing great. SOmetimes it is two steps forward and one back but overall the recovery process continues.

I too feel a lot of pressure when I lie flat. I bought a foam wedge which helps with sleeping in bed. Then when I can not the safe haven of the recliner is a God send.
If the recliner is better for sleep, sleep on the recliner. Before long you will be sleeping in bed and life will be much more normal. Continue listening to your body.
Best wishes and prayers for your continued recovery.
Cindy Wilson  Thanks for that, Joe. Hanging in the recliner for now, although my bed looks so darn comfy and its c ... Read more
On September 9, 2013...
Phyllis Stevens posted a note for Cindy that says:
Hi Cindy, we're thinking of you on this beautiful day and hoping that you will be able to enjoy it. On the lousy TV shows issue, we were thinking about whether or not you have a bird feeder. The birds are very entertaining. We will get you a feeder if you don't already have one and Kent will hang it in the perfect place for watching. Let us know.
Cindy Wilson  HI Phyllis. What a great idea. My mom was a bird enthusiast - loved to watch them in her beautiful ... Read more
On September 7, 2013...
Ernie B.S. posted a note for Cindy that says:
TV sucks. I only have a few programs I watch and they are in evening.

I read that the back pain is either from how you were placed on the table for operation, or from your ribs hinging in the back when they pry your sternum apart.

Heal well and heal quickly.
On September 7, 2013...
Jim Jones posted a note for Cindy that says:
Hey Cindy
Great to hear from you!
And yes TV is pretty darn poor, IMHO!
Nothing better to drive you out the door for a walk.
I hope your back pain goes away.
All the best
On September 7, 2013...
Curt Sr. posted a note for Cindy that says:
Hey Cuzz. Glad to hear all is going well. I know you are a strong person, but wow, I never really knew how strong. I'm happy that you have had so much support to help ease the burden. That Jamie is some kinda guy. Get well soon, we need our Cousins Club President back soon.
Cindy Wilson  Thanks!!!! Strong only b/c of the support of everyone! And I'll definitely keep Jamie Jamie around ... Read more
On September 7, 2013...
Aubrey posted a note for Cindy that says:
Thinking of you. Sounds like you may be ale to walk more than me. Had a episode I will describe in my journal later today, prob combination of too many meds at once, doing little too much, etc... Great to see you ar making progress and keep it SLOW AND EASY. Too fast does not so much set you back as just can make you feel poorly for a while. Keep up the good work.
On September 6, 2013...
Polly posted a note for Cindy that says:
Cindy, you're amazing. Your determination and sense of humor are an inspiration. We're with your every step of the way.

May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be at your back...and many other Irish blessings on ye --

xoxo
Cindy Wilson  Thank you!!!! and thank you so much for the delicious dinner. We loved the blondies!
On September 6, 2013...
Diane & Mish posted a note for Cindy that says:
Hi Cindy,

Just wanted to let you know we're thinking of you. Hope each day brings with it less pain and more strength. Hang in there.
Cindy Wilson  Thank you so much for the love and support and for the beautiful basket! Jamie and I really apprecia ... Read more
On September 5, 2013...
RebeccaS. posted a note for Cindy that says:
Hi Cindy. Thinking about you. Wondering how you were doing today.
On September 5, 2013...
Debbie posted a note for Cindy that says:
Hi Cindy. I have sever aortic stenosis. I am having surgery on September 26 2013. Dr. says I am good health so I hope this goes very well. COuld use some advice
Thank you
Debbie JAeger
Cindy Wilson  HI Debbie!
Now that I'm in recovery I think waiting and anticipating is the worst. My husband and I ... Read more
On September 4, 2013...
Jim Jones posted a note for Cindy that says:
Cindy
Thinking of you. Hope each day gets better. You have a great team behind you. That is wonderful!
All the best.
Cindy Wilson  HI Jim.
So following the group that went in last week has either set your mind at ease or scared you ... Read more
On September 4, 2013...
Deb A. posted a note for Cindy that says:
Thumbs up, kiddo!
On September 4, 2013...
Ken McCourt posted a note for Cindy that says:
Cindy, Getting to sleep is difficult..waking up hurts like hell..but it is important..make sure you keep taking the painkillers..very important to healing..try recliner..remember when walking it seems the 2nd half of your walk is a lot longer & tiring..keep up w/ everything especially breathing...pretty soon it all gets easier and soon you forget it all..STAY COOL!!!
Fondly,
Ken
Cindy Wilson  HI Ken. Now I know why you were evasive whenever I asked about the pain. As a veteran of this surger ... Read more
On September 4, 2013...
Shelly Poluka posted a note for Cindy that says:
Cindy,
So glad your home and all went well. My
husband found doing the exercises while
the pain drugs were just taken helped as
to trying to do the exercises when meds were wearing off.
Sleep that was another story, he had difficulty sleeping. He is sleeping much better at 6 weeks post-op today. Try positioning yourself with pillows on a recliner, you may get a few hours at a time that way.
Cindy Wilson  HI Shelly. Glad to hear your husband is doing well and thanks for the advice about exercise. I'm go ... Read more
On September 4, 2013...
Rebecca S posted a note for Cindy that says:
Wow, Cindy, thanks for sharing that. I was becoming concerned cause of the pain from breathing. I have not been given instructions on how much to walk. So I have been doing better. Tried to cut back on the pain pills so bowels will work. Had to break down and ask for a suppository today. That made a 50% difference in the pressure on my abdomen. Embarrassing to have to ask for help with it. We are still newlyweds. :)
Trying to cut salt out of diet in hopes to reduce fluid build up. A friend brought king ranch chicken yesterday. I ate two helpings and paid dearly for it. And it was low salt.
My mom was always there when I had my other surgeries, but not this time. I understand your feelings. It's so different.
Don't give up though. I was in tears yesterday thinking about all we were brought through. Gods amazing touch on our hearts, literally.
I even survived all the tubes and lines being pulled. Aubrey's PICC line was stuck in a titanium clip and had to be re-opened to get it out! My word.
Everyone tells me to take baby steps!
That's all I can do right now. :)
On September 4, 2013...
Ceri Gilpin posted a note for Cindy that says:
Hi Cindy -

Sending love and healing thoughts to you and hugs to all of your family.

Love,

Ceri
On September 4, 2013...
Madeline posted a note for Cindy that says:
Good morning, Hope your feeling stronger today than yesterday. Just wanted to love you. Have a great day.
On September 4, 2013...
Lauren & Doug Magill posted a note for Cindy that says:
Cindy - Just rec'd prayer request from PCCT......Doug and I are so thrilled to hear the surgery went well and that you are now home with family and friends recovering. Look forward to seeing you back at PCCT real soon!
On September 3, 2013...
Michelle T. posted a note for Cindy that says:
Cindy
So glad to read that you are on the other side as is my husband Joseph Kusiak (check out his journal as well). He is 4 weeks post op and is starting cardiac rehab - he is doing amazingly well. From all the love and support of your family and willingness to "be better" - you will be! Congrats on the new valve. As I say to my husband, we just need to live nearer a pasture...Best of continued health.
On September 3, 2013...
Claudia posted a note for Cindy that says:
Hi there, I hope you can feel all the love Cindy. There is nothing like sleeping in your own bed and in your own pj's. I simply can't find the words to tell you how much you are loved, and how I am for you, Jamie and Mac........the surgery is now behind you all. Can't wait to take you out for lunch (it's my turn to pay) and catch up. Talk to you soon.......rest and relax now.....that is the most important thing! With all His blessings and love!
On September 3, 2013...
Cynthia B. posted a note for Cindy that says:
I, too, can relate as my 17y/o son Tyler had a melody valve and 2 prior open heart. Would love to know in a couple of weeks how you feel and how is helping now. Thank God for being with you, the surgeon(s) can be a true gift of his love for you. Your a pretty girl, wish you the very best. Ron, Cynthia, and Tyler B


On September 3, 2013...
Lynn and Kevin Minnelli posted a note for Cindy that says:
Cindy - so glad to hear that you are home and that all is well - been thinking about you a lot! We will keep up the positive thoughts and prayers.

Talk to you soon.
On September 3, 2013...
Polly & Jonathan posted a note for Cindy that says:
Welcome home! What great news. So glad you're resting and recovering in your own space, surrounded by family and friends. Big hugs to you.
On September 3, 2013...
Hannah Warner posted a note for Cindy that says:
Hi Cindy
I had my aortic valve replaced on August 7th in England at the age of 36. Reading your story is like reading my own. I was born with aortic valve stenosis. I am now week 4 post surgery and I feel GREAT! You sound like a very strong woman with a great family. I know my husband and 4 year old son have helped me so much in my recovery. I am sending my prayers and positive thoughts out to you. It is lovely to hear from another younger heart patient doing well. Take very good care on this path of recovery x
On September 3, 2013...
Madeline posted a note for Cindy that says:
Hello my love, so happy you are home. I have been praying for you, Mack, Jamie and the rest of the family, for strength and positive energy. I am glad all is going well with you. Please tell the familia my thoughts are with them all. Hope to see you soon my love. God bless.
On September 3, 2013...
Nancy and Curtis Dick posted a note for Cindy that says:
Hi Cindy, It was so great hearing that all went well for you and your surgery. We will keep praying for you for a speedy recovery and hope you will feel better soon. Love ya, Nancy & Curtis
On September 3, 2013...
Rick Ahsler posted a note for Cindy that says:
Dear Cindy and Jamie:

I am SO thrilled to hear that things are going so well for you! I am praying for you for continued good news and forward progress. You have many, many people in your corner!

With love and support,
Rick
On September 3, 2013...
Lynn posted a note for Cindy that says:
Awesome Cindy!
On September 3, 2013...
Beccamgo1919@yahoo.com posted a note for Cindy that says:
Yay, Cindy! Hope u slept well. Are you having the swelling real bad? I am miserable.
On September 2, 2013...
Ernie B.S. posted a note for Cindy that says:
Home already?! Holy Mackerel! I'll have whatever they gave you! Popeye shared some spinach with you, I guess. Great news. Heal quickly. Take it easy and don't overdo it.

Photos?
On September 2, 2013...
Nancy, David and Megan posted a note for Cindy that says:
We are so happy you are home!! Hope you didn't get stuck in any Turnpike traffic! We love the family picture you posted. It's so wonderful to see all of your smiles. xoxo
On September 2, 2013...
MARIA, ALEX & JASMINE posted a note for Cindy that says:
WELCOME HOME!!!!
On September 2, 2013...
phyllis and kent posted a note for Cindy that says:
So happy to learn of your return home. Keep on getting stronger. You have our love and admiration.
On September 2, 2013...
Alexa & Ken posted a note for Cindy that says:
Hi Cindy, hope you are gaining strength each day...Alexa and I are delighted for you and your family...keep up the spirits and STAY COOL!! You are in our thoughts and prayers
Fondly,
Alexa & Ken
On September 2, 2013...
Diane and Mish posted a note for Cindy that says:
Amazing progress, Cindy! We're rooting for you and hoping your recovery continues to go smoothly. You look beautiful in that photo with the teddy bear - not like someone who just had open heart surgery! You ROCK!
On September 2, 2013...
Jim Jones posted a note for Cindy that says:
Cindy
I can not believe how fast this has gone. I hope you are released today!
Best
On September 2, 2013...
Betsy Van Houten posted a note for Cindy that says:
Hi Cindy,

Thinking of you today. Lots of love and prayers for a speedy recovery.
On September 2, 2013...
Love and hugs, Eva posted a note for Cindy that says:
Hey Cindy,

I've been following the posts from Jamie every day and thrilled to see one from you today!!!! That you may be coming home already is truly amazing! God Bless! TTYS......
On September 2, 2013...
Barbara Delaney posted a note for Cindy that says:
Hi Cindy,
Happy to hear everything is going well! Looking forward to seeing you when you get home.
Barbara, John, Sarah and Georgia
On September 1, 2013...
Ernie posted a note for Cindy that says:
Photo of Cindy with Teddy Bear ---- cutest picture ever!
On September 1, 2013...
The Ehrbars posted a note for Cindy that says:
We are so happy to hear your recovery is going well. We are keeping you in our prayers.
Much love,
Laurie, Poppy and crew
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