Praying for you brother! God will use this time for some amazing things in your life!
On January 24, 2010...
Hi Duane,
Loved your top 10 list!! I needed a laugh tonight. It's getting close. My dad has his aortic valve replacement surgery on Tuesday, Jan 26th.
Again, great job. You made me laugh and smile which has been really hard this last week. :-)
Sheryl
On January 24, 2010...
Hi Duane,
I continue to pray for you, Peggy and the rest of the family. Hang in there!
Sue Mabe
On January 23, 2010...
Duane,
Loved your Top Ten lists! Laughter is great medicine and humor helps keep anxiety from taking over before the big day.
Hang in there,
Susan Murphy
On January 23, 2010...
Duane,
Your top 10 lists were absolutely amazing.
Fellowship of the Valves.... Loved it.
I think I may have to feature this at my blog. Thanks for sharing!
You will do great next week!
Keep on tickin!
Adam
On January 23, 2010...
Loved your "top ten" list. It covers all my my issues. My wife purchased some superman boxer shorts for me to wear under my gown when I take a walk, I might try a glitter thong to really get some second looks. I have a before and after "bucket" list I will be posting soon. We will be fine...(execpt for the cathator, but it might be handy if your a beer drinker like myself.) the big boss will be watching.
captian Bill Tulsa-Grand Lake Oklahoma
On January 23, 2010...
Hi Duane and Peggy...
OK... my Friend... following you...
Just a note... I was trying to get a bean bag chair, for kids, to put up on the bed board but could not find one. Ended up at Target and they had these very large 2 x 3 ft heart shaped pillows. I bought one and tried it out and think it will be a great addition to the bed when place on a wedge of pillows. Want the point side up but it seems wide enough to give the shoulder and back support I may need. Just a thought. Pink and red... Just a suggestion.
God's speed. Chin up... heart open! (weird me)
Janet
On January 23, 2010...
Thanks for the thoughtful message. I chuckled at some and thought more deeply about others. The bible verses were excellent. Wouldn't have expected any less. I have to wait till March 18th, but will refer back to your list as time gets closer. Prayers to you for a successful surgery and recovery. We certainly have Adam to thank for giving us this method of keeping in touch with so many people.
On January 22, 2010...
Hi Duane,
Thanks so much for your messages in my guestbook. Your words of faith and encouragement meant very much to me as I stood at the edge of the abyss, fearing how the surgery would go. It was good to hear from you again after I returned home with those fears behind me.
I can hardly believe this, but I'm already feeling better than I have in a long time. I can breathe deeply whenever I feel like it, an ability I was slowly losing over time as a result of the regurgitation overload of my mitral valve.
Painwise, yesterday I took a couple of doses of extra-strength Tylenol and that was it. I have a bit of soreness around the incision area but it's not that bad. Of course I get tired very easily, but that's already improved from yesterday when I first got home. The fatigue seems to come on suddenly and then I sit down, lie down or take a nap.
Like others have said on Adam’s site, when I awoke from surgery I felt like I’d been flattened by an 18-wheeler and there was a considerable amount of discomfort and pain that first day. The pain meds did their job, though, and within a day or two I was having very little discomfort even without meds.
I hadn’t really prepared myself for the idea of a mechanical valve because my surgeon had told me I had an 80% chance of a repair. When I woke up after the surgery and was given the news that I had a new valve, it was fine with me – I was just grateful to be back and that the surgery had gone well.
Of course everyone’s experience of surgery and the post-op period is unique, but I hope that my words of very recent experience can give you a little bit of solace as you prepare for your operation next week.
You are in my prayers and I will stay in touch via guestbook as your day approaches. I just know that everything will go well for you.
Take care, and Happy Trails!
Susan Murphy
On January 22, 2010...
Dear Duane,
Thanks for sharing your journal. As I read it, I said a prayer for you, Peggy and your medical team. This is especially timely. My husband had an episode with heart palipations two weeks ago which led to a heart cath this past Monday. After reading your journal, we will have many questions for the cardiologist next week.
May God's peace surround you.
Ann Colwell
World Partners
On January 22, 2010...
Hi there folks. You are in my prayers. God will be there for you before and afterwards. God bless you as you do his will.
Betty Godt
On January 22, 2010...
You and Peggy are on our prayer list here at the office. I love you and care.
Diane Rodocker
On January 21, 2010...
Duane, Peggy -
We are listening, staying tuned, and praying for you both. We love you guys and believe for God's strength and His peace these next several days.
Love
Mark and Shawna
On January 21, 2010...
Hi Duane
How very touching your posting is. Above all else, you are just human and when something such as your pending surgery comes into play, it makes us all know just how mortal we are. You are being faced with a life or death struggle and there is only one choice that will give you life. The doctors and nurses all know how very routine your particular surgery is but somehow, even knowing that, it's the scariest thing in the world to have to face. You can have a waiting room full of loved ones, but only one of you is entering that operating room so this is one you ultimately are doing on your own. Well, you and thank goodness, a very talended doctor and room full of associates.
When you get to the hospital for your surgery that morning, you will be treated with kindness and understanding. You will be kept very busy and before you know it, it's time. When I entered the operating room everyone was singing and humming and saying hello to me and each other. I found it comforting to listen to how jovial they all were and it gave me a sense of calm.
You WILL get through this Duane and will be healthier for your efforts. These are all success stories you are reading on this site.
I had the same surgery and I'm a little older than you. I keep saying to those who are coming after me, you'll be pleasantly surprised at how quickly your recovery will come. Thinking of you.
Cheryl, Ontario
On January 21, 2010...
Hi Duane,
All your preparations bring back memories. I imagine we all go through a similar experience, but when it's happening in YOUR life it seems like you're the only one.
I remember waking up in the middle of the night a week or 10 days before my surgery. I was in a cold sweat and I couldn't go back to sleep. I was worried about whether I had worried about everything enough. :-)
I had my Bible next to the bed, so I opened the 23rd Psalm & read it. That brought me peace again and I went back to sleep. I reread it every day from then until my surgery.
I know you're anxious. That's natural. But don't worry, you'll be fine. You're in the best Hands possible.
Joel Bryan, Iowa
On January 21, 2010...
Dear Duane,
Praying for you and Peggy! We love you!
Jim and Nancy
On January 21, 2010...
Your words of inspiration have been a blessing to myself, and the rest of us in the waiting room for our needed surgeries. I was comparing all the pre op things we need to accomplish to NASA. Now we know just how NASA feels when they have to prepare the Space Shuttle for lift off.
We will “frolic like well-fed calves” when we get through this. Not sure what verse that is from, but I think it had something to do with when the lord comes. I’m just an old boat captain that needs to know and believe in this.
you will do fine....
captain bill
On January 21, 2010...
Duane, Peggy--we just want you both to know we love you and will be praying with you!
-Glenn, Becky and Sarah
On January 21, 2010...
Duane, like you,I am a Christian and I am believing that Jesus will guide my surgeon's hands and my surgical outcome will be the best. I do have to wait until March 18 to have my surgery at the Cleveland Clinic by Dr. Gullinov. As the time nears I will most likely face the concerns you are facing. Hope your wife will update your journal after your surgery until you are able to do so. God is good.
On January 20, 2010...
Hi Duane...
Just one day behind you my friend. So... let's regroup. TWO weeks from today... we should be home... THREE weeks from today we can pamper ourselves and watch the Olympics FOUR weeks from now we should be walking 30 minutes a day. Let's say FIVE weeks from now... starting rehab. And 6 weeks from now we can drive and go back to work.
IF you can not squash FUD (Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt)... GOD is waiting to do it for you. Mu FUD is this goofy looking black monster with white teeth and a yellow belly and a red tongue. He is a little stuff animal I keep at work. STUPID FUD... so knock him off your shoulder. Do not let the devil win by letting you be fearful. Be like Maria in The Sound of Music as she stomps up that hill. (If I have to see that movie one more time I will gag!) But you and your wife are STRONG.. FEAR not!
I will pray for you that day and will look forward to hearing the success of your surgery. God has blessed you with a great partner and a great Surgeon. Just remember to say relax relax relax when you wake up and breath deep so the tube can come out faster.
Also, heard that you should be practicing stomach crunches so your abs can help you get out of bed. Start now by using your legs and abs only. Cross your arms over you chest and that should help. Thanks to friend Darlene for that one.
OK... Yes, I do get a bit nervous but remember... you are ONLY getting better my friend.
May GOD give you peace and good night sleep and smash that dumb old FUD away.
I feel so connected to some of the friends I have made on Adam's site. GREAT man.
Janet in Newark CA
On January 18, 2010...
Hi Duane and Peggy,
We are already praying for you both. We meaning: Paul and I, my sisters and my Mom, Luke, Ben and Heidi, and Travis and Heather, Paul's mom, Margaret, and all Paul's sisters and families... we all know you and love you. You are upper most in our thoughts. We will be in touch. We love you both! Paul and Beth
On January 16, 2010...
Hi Florida Duane... California Janet here. Guests... we found out we are having basically the same surgery. I will have a mitral valve REPAIR and a nip and tuck to the tricuspid valve and probably a MAZE procedure. While it makes me nervous I decided a few things. GOD IS IN CHARGE. My Surgeon is one of the VERY BEST in the field. His eye's get really excited when he talks about what he plans to do. Every case is a challenge and he just loves doing surgery (10-12 a week).
I calm my fears by saying that worry will not help... (still will be somewhat shaky) and I will either wake up or not and the best thing will be to wake up to a tube down my throat (keep saying relax...) and I would think the good Doctor does not want to ruin his day my loosing me.
Duane I think mentioned FUD, what I call the three stooges of the devil. They are Fear, Uncertainty and their brother Doubt. When they start to climb on my shoulder I just smash them down and push them onto the floor.
Well... this is a bit long but just great how God connected me to Duane and Peggy's experience. Will try to do my best to watch and see how he does.
God's very best. What a great way to start a New Year.
I also like the Bible passage that Duane picked and that is my little mantra as well. Psalm %7:7
Janet, Newark CA.
On January 16, 2010...
Hi Duane
I had my mitral valve repaired on Oct 1/09 - 3 1/2 months ago and can hardly believe how time has flown by. I still have questions and little things pop up but on the whole I believe I'm well into recovery. We all have fears and very much justified but as Adam's site grows and grows, just seeing how many of us come through with flying colors, should help give you the confidence you need as your surgery gets closer. I've signed on to receive your updates. Good luck. Saw you Floridians were getting a little of our northern weather recently. Cheryl, Ontario
On January 15, 2010...
Duane,
Our son Rik, just told us today about your upcoming heart surgery. Please know that you are on our prayer list and we will be storming the heavens for you.
Please let us know if we can do anything for you or if you need anything now or after your surgery.
God Bless,
Al and Linda
On January 15, 2010...
Duane,
What a great way to communicate your thoughts and feelings as the days until your surgery approach. As one who has received many miracles in life I am certain that God will be with you through your surgery. Recovery will not be an easy thing, just take each moment of each day and thank God for the work He is doing in your life. Wish I could be there in person, but will be praying for you.
May God bless you!
Ryan Morr
On January 15, 2010...
Hi Duane!
Be assured of my prayers for you. When I had my first surgery (not heart related) God brought me through even though I was worried. So I know He will take good care of you. As Nancy Leigh DeMoss says, "Anything that causes us to need Him, anything that presses us closer to His heart, is, in fact, a blessing."
Take courage!
Tina in Virginia
On January 15, 2010...
Way too funny about Grey's Anatomy! I am very confident that Dr. Accola will do much better!!!! Thanks for the guestbook posts!
Duane
On January 15, 2010...
Duane,
I said to Keith last night "I hope Duane isn't watching this!." And I agree with the "post" below. Don't worry about that happening to you. Much of what is on TV, I'm sure you know is not very realistic.
We are praying and I have good thoughts about a good surgery by Dr. Acola and recovery time not as long as expected.
We love you.
Bonnie and Keith
On January 15, 2010...
Hi Duane,
Keep busy, but go into the surgery rested. And try not to worry any more than necessary - you're in good hands!
You sound like the guy who's always doing for others... now's the time to let your support group do for you!
And finally, thank you for pointing out that Bible verse. Wish I'd seen that one months ago!
You'll be in our prayers as you approach surgery.
Joel Bryan, Iowa
On January 15, 2010...
Hi Duane,
I saw Gray's Anatomy as well. My wife loves the show. But, it kinda bothers me how they portray heart surgery - at least from the patient's perspective.
This episode was over the top silly as it related to the valve replacement selection and the actual procedure. Please note, Dr. Accola will be a lot more professional than Dr. Altman.
You are going to do great on Jan 28!
Keep on tickin!
Adam
On January 12, 2010...
We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Your faith will guide you through this!
Jane McLeod
On January 11, 2010...
Duane and Peggy,
Love You and praying for a smooth 2 months.
Jane
On January 11, 2010...
I will keep you and your family in my prayers. I hope everything goes well.
Judy Curlee
On January 11, 2010...
Let me know if you need blood...I've got it.
Gail
On January 10, 2010...
Duane, hAng in there. You will be in our prayers. Know you are in the best hands, Gods hands. Marty & Gene
On January 10, 2010...
Hi Duane (and Peggy),
This journal is really a wonderful idea. So sorry it took your surgery to "produce" it though. You know Dave and I pray for you guys everyday and we'll be there to help out. I hope someday you'll understand the "why" in all this (it sure would make it easier) but even if you never do, your journey with Jesus is sure gonna get stronger. In that respect, I kind-of envy you. Love you brother Duane! Ellen and Dave
On January 10, 2010...
Hi Duane - Enola and I are praying for you.
Larry Curtis
On January 9, 2010...
good saturday afternoon pastor duane hunt,its me dorothy scott wilson of lake wales.i thought that after hearing the news from ms peggy regarding your heart surgery that i might have to fight off another bout of sadness,but instead i prayed and am ok,and you are going to be ok too.i am thanking God in advance.
dorothy scott wilson
On January 9, 2010...
Hi Duane and Peggy,
I will be praying for you both and for the doctors as they operate and for all your family. Love in Christ, Cindy Pfeiffer
On January 9, 2010...
Hi Duane, Peggy and All;
This is qite a surprise, as it was for you especially. We will be following your journey and you will be in our thoughts and prayers all the way. Wish we could do more.
Love, Bob & Joan Upham
On January 9, 2010...
Duane & Peggy,
Thanks for sharing this with us. My prayers are with you.
Kurt Walker
On January 9, 2010...
My prayers and thoughts will be with you and your beautiful family. You have been there many times for my family and if there is anything that I can do please let me know.
Wilma
On January 8, 2010...
Duane & Peggy,
Just wanted to let you know that I will be thinking of you before, during and after the surgery. I will definitely be praying for you. Let me know if there is anything I can do.
Sue Mabe
On January 8, 2010...
Dearest Duane and Peggy,
I'm so appreciative of you both for all you have done for my family and me. I am praying for you every day and know that God will keep you in His hands. Thanks for sharing your journal with all of us. Jenn M.
On January 8, 2010...
Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you prepared for surgery. "The Great Physician"
is near and will be with you thru it all.
You and Peggy are much loved.
Bonnie and Keith
On January 8, 2010...
Duane & Peggy you are both in my prayers. We know God is in control and I will prayer for an uncomplicated surgery and recovery.
Gloria Jones
On January 8, 2010...
Duane, you are in the prayers of many friends, including me! I look forward to taking you out during recovery. Thanks brother, you are loved! Bruce
On January 8, 2010...
Thank you for the updates. We are praying. I think you will continue to be pleased by your experiences at FL Hospital. Jeff and I have had fantastic care there. We'll be in touch. Jeff and Jen McKinley
On January 7, 2010...
Dear Duane,Sadden by the news of your MPV, but glad you found great care in your doc.I know how you feel to get news of that magnitude as I have a hole in my heart, a PFO which lead to my stroke and I someday will have surgery to close.I will think and pray for you and your family, all of you, who I miss so much.God be with you all.love,Catherine Justmann (Scott)
On January 7, 2010...
My thoughts are with you and Peggy and your family. We know God is good and He is watching over you. Love you guys. I will be praying.