On October 5, 2010...
Hi Neil..I asked the surgeon about sternum glue, and he replied that it is still experimental.

don
On October 5, 2010...
Hi Don,

Glad to hear you are back and doing well. Did they ever give you the option of Kryptonite Sternum glue? Libin Heart institute in Calgary had been pioneering the technology.

Take Care
Neil from Calgary
On October 5, 2010...
It is good to hear of your recovery progress. Dick knows exactly what you are going through. He had the fluid retention but not in his lungs. By the way, he is still in SE Asia and will fly home this coming Sunday. We're praying for you as you walk through the recovery process. It is an exercise in patience for sure when you aren't gaining strength as quickly as you would like to. Greetings to Patti, too. Sandy Watson
On October 5, 2010...
Don, I am so relieved that this chapter in your life is finally coming to a positive resolution, God is good! Don't push yourself, and we will keep praying for a speedy recovery. Yvonne
On October 5, 2010...
Don, it's good to know how you're doing and the issues that have to be dealt with. A journal is a record of a journey, in this case you personally are on. A journey has its high points and low points, and a lot of slogging through. We continue to uphold you in prayer and thank God for all he's doing to restore you. Blessings on the journey!
Roger (Garland)
On October 5, 2010...
Hi Don
So glad to hear from you. It never fails to intrigue me why some surgeries there is excess fluid in the lungs. Twice I had that problem with reinserted chest tubes and manual thoracentesis X 2. I do know that this time I made it known of the prior issues and they left one chest tube in a bit longer with no problems with fluid and lost the 20 lbs in 24 hrs. I know you are thrilled to be home and with your will power I know you will be doing well day by day. I still have days that I am really pooped and just let it be and crash. I still have chest discomfort even after 9 wks and am getting a bit impatient with that issue. Take care and keep us posted in your recovery
Susan V North Carolina
On October 5, 2010...
Morning Don

I too had a good experience with our Canadian health care. I was released last wednesday. I was only in the hospital for 5 days,,, at first i thought, that was a little quick, but, now that i have been home , i see now that there was really nothing more they could do for me that i could not do at home... i was only in ICU.. they call it CVU here...for less then 24 hours,, my next step , the ward, was okay, but there was 3 other people in it, all with cardiac surgery issues.. it is very interesting how some people deal with therer issues. it was also very sad at times, I was glad to leave so i could rest,,, i told the night night to drug me so i could sleep...lollol. i also have a hard time with breathing but never had to go back,,, they say it is because i have not used my lungs for so long long at full capacity.. but every day the coughing is better and better... but i have to tell you something.. coughing is nothing, wait till u sneeze... ouch... that hurt...please do your breathing excerises , it really really works, and your walking, as much as you can. my problem is i feel better and better everyday and i am not in very much pain, so i am doing things i am probably not suppose to i am now going to the lab 3 days a week, yesterday was the first day my ING level was low, so i had to take more warfrin... but it will straighten out in time. i too was on the same diuretics, but i had it for the last three days in was in.. gained 9 pounds of fluid, darn heart and lung machine..lol... anyway for me , so far all is good,, ii tic allot now,,, stronger i am getting the more i here it,,, take care glad you are home,
Dawna
On October 5, 2010...
Don,
What a faithful Father we serve! I am so relieved for you. I continue to pray for your complete recovery. I know you will do all the right things in terms of nutrition. But please remember to rest, and pace yourself on the exercise part. - Rebecca
On October 5, 2010...
PRAISE BE TO OUR GOD WHO WAS WITH YOU EVERY SECOND, DON, AND KEPT HIS LOVING AND HEALING HAND ON YOU. AND ON PATTY WHO FELT HIS PRESENCE AND OUR PRAYERS. God is soooo good, and loves us sooooo much. He is wondrous, mighty, and is worthy of our praise. We love you Don.
Peggy and Jerry
On October 5, 2010...
Hi Don
Glad you're home and doing well. I know all about that darn lung fluid, diuretics didn't remove enough of it for me so had to have it physically drained twice. Are you using your spirometer several times a day and walking several times a day, both activities will help keep the fluid away. Good luck. It'ss all behind you now.
Fran
On October 4, 2010...
Oh Don,

I'm so happy for you. You're fantastic!

Tanya
On October 1, 2010...
Hi Don,

From now on it can only get better and easier!

Looking forward to your next post. So many of us thinking of you and praying for you - awesome or what!

Wishing you an 'uneventful', speedy recovery!

Love
Ros
On September 27, 2010...
Way to Go Don! I wish you a happy and healthy and fast recovery!

Ellen K
On September 27, 2010...
Dear Don and Patty, We're praying for you both. The God of all grace who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, will Himself make you perfect, stablish, settle, strengthen you.
IPeter 5:10 Love and prayer, Anne and Randy
On September 27, 2010...
Congrats Sir! God makes your life so beautiful...I wish your fast recovery..God Bless!
andro d.
On September 26, 2010...
Thank you, Patty, for posting the good news. Best wishes to you both - I hope the recovery goes well. Joy Vera
On September 26, 2010...
Don,
Congratulations on getting through your surgery. Good luck and I hope you have an uneventful recovery.
Theresa C.
On September 26, 2010...
Dear Patty and Don
I am so happy for the two of you the awaited surgery is over hope all is going well
I am praying for you
Susan V
On September 25, 2010...
Hi Patty
Thanks for the update of Don's successful surgery. Wishing him a quick and uncomplicated recovery.
Fran
On September 25, 2010...
TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!!!! Over and over again! We are praying for you dear Don! love you dearly!
peggy and jerry
On September 24, 2010...
Thanks Mizuki!
Kitsikamomimmo
On September 24, 2010...
Hi Don, you must be at the hospital now. I am thinking of you and praying for you. I keep sending you my power from Missoula. Mizuki
On September 24, 2010...
Remember I am a novice at the computer. Sorry about the repeats but I hit the submit button too many times... cannot clean up from here. Can you?
Corky
On September 24, 2010...
Heck, I knew you were human and forgetful when we worked on your dads '39 Studebaker and put the right front wheel on with 2 lug nuts, then had the nerve to drive down Moody Rd with all of the curves and ended up in the ditch with the wheel off.... Just could'nt figure out what/why that happened. Our lives are FILLED with fond memories, many more to come. God Bless! Corky
On September 24, 2010...
Don,

Keeping you in my prayers for an uncomplicated surgery and recovery.

Kellie
On September 23, 2010...
Set my watch alarm for 12:40, although I don't think I need a reminder to pray for you.
Warren
On September 23, 2010...
thank you donald for the update on your toiletries. so very thankful you were able to convince the hosp. personnel you are who you are so you could have the needed medication. we praise The Lord for that.

you guys have a good night's rest, relaxing in the Lord, knowing without a doubt He is going to do great things for both of you tomorrow. (perhaps even help patty update your journal).

we love you dearly and are praying for you and thanking God for all He is doing and going to do.

peggy and jerry
(hey, patty isn't the only one that needs help, yes? i did remember to sign this one.)
lol
On September 23, 2010...
Hi Don
If leaving your toiletries kit back home is the worst thing that's happened so far, then your surgery will be a piece of cake. Prayers for a successful surgery and post op.
Fran
On September 23, 2010...
Thank you, Don, for confirming your humanity.
Jack
On September 23, 2010...
Don,

Best of luck tomorrow with your surgery. I am here in Calgary and will be sending my best wishes "just down the road". I will be acing the same soon and can only hope that I can be as brave and as gracious as you heading into it...

Neil
On September 23, 2010...
We are praying for you both. God willing, someday, we'll have to go on a celebration bike ride. =O)

Warren and Becky
On September 23, 2010...
Don and Patty,
We are hanging in there with you through our prayers for you both.
Blessings,
Jack and Jo
On September 23, 2010...
Hi Don,

Thank you too for your many caring messages throughout!

How wonderful to realize we're in God's Hands - not only when the going gets tough, but ALWAYS!

You'll be 'flying' again very soon! - You & your wife are in my thoughts and especially tomorrow!

Love
Ros
On September 23, 2010...
Hi Don.
Thanks for the update. Glad that waiting will be over soon. I am sure you will recover quickly. Did I tell you about Sherry Anderson's valve repair by my son Richard? He does it every week, sometimes Robot assisted. So, I believe the risk is very low with the procedure. We will continue to pray for you. Love. Ed & Myung
On September 23, 2010...
Hi, Don. My name is Daniel and I am also a fellow Canadian awaiting surgery for an aortic aneurysm, including replacement of the aortic root and valve. I've been following your posts and wanted to wish you the best for your upcoming surgery. I know you will be fine as long as you stay positive and stay close to your higher power, whatever it may be.

Be Blessed.
Daniel
On September 22, 2010...
Don,

Thinking the best thoughts and smiling about you getting fixed up. I hope that you will be happily jogging back to work soon.

With great respect and lots of love,

Tanya
On September 22, 2010...
Wishing you the very best with your surgery on Friday, Don......shall be thinking of you and Patty too.
Irene Yamamoto
On September 22, 2010...
Don
Charlotte's dad had this same valve replacement done back in the 70's.... worked just great. Of course he is not with us any longer (he would have been 100 this December) but he had many a year after the surgery. You know about mine... and I'm still kicking. Was this something from the folks? Sure wasn't your diet or lack of exercise. Hang in there
Cork
On September 22, 2010...
May the Lord look after you Don and insure you have successful surgery.

Frank, Natalie & Golda
On September 22, 2010...
Don, Susan and I prayed for you this morning and will continue for the surgery and speedy recuperation. Psalm 16.8 Roger Garland
On September 22, 2010...
Morning Don

Here we go,, I to am at the point where i am calm about the surgery, We are leaving today for Victoria, I have a bunch of test tomorrow and then surgery Friday at 7:50am. Do you know what time your surgery is? U may have already told me. but to be honest, i don't know what i said or did an hour ago...lol.lol. To answer your question. No , my husband is not going to do my journal while i am in. but he did tell me i can make entry's via my Ipod. Which i didn't know. and i not sure if there is WIFI at the hospital.. find out tomorrow. so today is probably it for me on this site till i get back to Parksville. I will be thinking about you . We will always this in common.... take care and i too will be praying for you.

Dawna
On September 22, 2010...
Hi Don
You are amazing in your attitude which is so inspiring due to your enjoyment of athletics. The one thing personally I stuggled with this surgery is that I cannot compare myself to others. I have been reminded of that too often. I as well cannot wait to get into rehab and my laps, but have accepted that it will be awhile. What I have learned (as a getting older gal) is that I concentrate now on what I can do, not what I cannot do, and as long as I am progressing each and everyday the rest will fall into place. I hope we hear from you frequently along your journey and I truly believe expressing feelings is so important.
Susan V
On September 22, 2010...
Good Morning Don
It's just about here after your long wait. I know how you feel as i had to wait 2 1/2 months. Sounds as if you're calm, stay that way. It makes a world of difference in your recovery. You'll do well. Glad your wife will just have to cross a street to get to see you.
Fran
On September 21, 2010...
Lena Russell asks me to let you know she is praying for you. We will be thinking of you as you go into your surgery and trust we will soon see you back in Lethbridge.
Inge
On September 21, 2010...
I will pray for you Sir,
God Bless you!
andro d.
On September 21, 2010...
We will be with you every minute Don, in thoughts and prayers. God be with you darlin'. We love you dearly, and will be praying for Patty to. Wish I could be there with her.
Peggy and Jerry
On September 21, 2010...
We will be thinking about you - - we know you will recover quickly and be up and at it soon!
On September 16, 2010...
Great news, Don. That was a quick answer! Best wishes for the 23rd & for your recovery afterward. Joy Vera
On September 16, 2010...
I am so relieved and awed, tickled really by a loving Father who is always on the job.

I will be praying for you and your family next Friday and in the meantime as you prepare.

I know how God can use others in all sorts of ways. What I can't help but wonder is whether (or not) your surgeon is a Believer.. or if he changed his holiday...

Rebecca M.
On September 16, 2010...
Big time PRAISE THE LORD Don for answered prayer. God's never late!
next