Dear Duane and Peggy
Thank you for the beautiful message. My faith is strong and have so many friends and family who are praying for me. Don't feel stressed right now but am finding myself a little more emotional. Find myself getting teary eyed over some of the messages I'm getting from loved ones and people like the two of you.I will continue to visual Jesus in the OR with the surgeons. Will be "talking" with you again as the time nears. We are flying to Cleveland March 12 and will stay with Pete's brother who lives an hour away from the hospital. Need to report for 3 days of testing, starting the 15th. I will get to meet Dr Gillinov the day before the surgery for the first time. Have implicit faith in him and the hospital and am hoping he is a Christian. Have you ever had a medical person pray with you before surgery? My surgery is the 18th and we will be flying back to Fort Myers airport on the 28th. Left some lee-way to stay with brother in law again at the end. Am thinking of Penny tonight, her surgery will be at 3am while I'm asleep. When I awaken during the night as I generally do, she will have my prayers. Thank you again.
Fran Zilko
On February 25, 2010...
Duane,
With the Coumadin, do you think your lifestyle will be drastically different than if you weren't on it? I'm someone who has a needle phobia (though I've just started to work on getting over it with a therapist)and I just would think I would hate having to constantly get my blood levels checked and be extra careful with my body.
I just go back and forth on which type of valve. You went through a lot of complications with your surgery. Do you think that if they told you that you would need to do it again in 10 years that it would be okay-that you got through it and could do it again or would you just want to avoid going through that surgery as best you could?
I'm lucky I don't have to decide now, but I would want to make sure I don't have regrets with which type of valve I would choose. I don't want to come out of surgery and be like, "I should have chosen the other one!"
Like you said and believe, God decides how long you have on Earth, and if given the choice, why not live each day to the fullest because tomorrow is not promised? I just keep going back and forth on it. One day, I can't imagine going through what you did more than once and at other times, I feel that I don't want the restrictions of the blood thinner.
I pray about it, but they both seem like they have major pros and cons and there isn't a clear answer. Hopefully, by the time I need surgery, the new blood thinner drugs that require less blood testing will be developed and/or valve replacement surgery will be less invasive. That's what I'm hoping and praying for.
Thanks for your wisdom.
Patrick in STL
On February 25, 2010...
Duane,
Good to hear you are on the mend! I did a round of major anti-inflamatory drugs for 4 days to get rid of my pericarditis. I was on Celebrex for 2 days then broke out with a massive rash on my arms and behind my right knee? Seems I cannot do Celebrex. The Coumadin clinic gets better and I go every 2 weeks now. I am going to get my own machine and check it myself with dosage prescribed via my cardiologist.
Take it easy and rest when your body tells you to rest. I am still taking a nap or just laying down once a day and it has been 10 weeks for me since surgery.
Keep your spirits up and listen to your body!
Thomas
Farragut, TN
On February 25, 2010...
Duane,
Thanks for the note on my guestbook. I have a question for you. How did you come to decide on which type of valve to get? Was it an easy decision for you or a hard one?
Patrick in STL
pcsfd2@gmail.com
On February 25, 2010...
Glad to hear you are still on the road to recovery. I enjoy your postings and laugh with you at your progress. Glad Herb is doing well. See you soon, Nancy
On February 25, 2010...
Hey brother, I am so glad you're on the mend. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Thanks for updating us on your journal...i owe you a visit :)
Peace - John Dingle
On February 25, 2010...
Duane, we continue to read your journal and pray with you and Peggy.
--Glenn
On February 25, 2010...
Hi Duane and Peggy!
Never thought that I'd be back at the keyboard so soon, but for the wrong reasons! I love reading your journal - you couldn't be boring if you tried. How is Peggy doing now? Has she had some of that TLC that you were enquiring about? It is probably the last thing on her mind right now! Hence the cookery book - best way to a man's heart etc. Thank you so much for your message, thoughts and prayers. We are 5 hours ahead of you so it will be 3am your time when I have my surgey on Friday. If that's one of your times that you are unable to sleep then I know that I will be in your thoughts and prayers - keep em coming. Whilst not usually a church goer, except for Christmas Eve - when we make it to Florida in August 2012 for Georgie's 40th you will see 4 new faces in the back row of your church with big grins!
Warmest wishes
Penny
On February 24, 2010...
I have heard nothing but good things about Dr. Willard. My Grandparents absolutely loved him. They refused to see anyone else. I am glad to hear all is well. Wilma
On February 24, 2010...
Hi Duane & Peggy,
Thanks for your prayers and words of encouragement during David's return to the hospital.
Glad you are doing well!
Marjorie Heathcoat,TX
On February 24, 2010...
Hi Duane
You deserve a "blue day" now and then. I think you are so special you just need a little more tweaking than some others but eventually full recovery will come when you are least expecting it.
My INR finally levelled off pretty good at 2 for the past 6 weeks and on the weekend I consumed a bunch of brocolli and spinach and didn't "BOTHER" to take a little extra Warfarin. My mistake because this week's rate dipped to 1.7 so I'll take just a wee bit extra for a few days and then back to my usual 2 1/2 pills daily. I've kinda gotten onto the idea of how to regulate myself without changing my diet, much like Fran. Once your body adjusts (I'm 4 1/2 mos post-op) you too will get the hang of it.
Give my best to Peggy. You guys are still in my prayers and I'm particularly praying you get rid of that fluid. You do have one stubborn body! Cheryl, Ontario
On February 24, 2010...
OK, yawn, now I can post since I enjoyed my Duane Journal nap! Just kidding man. Thanks for the post and update Duane. I/we love reading about your progress. I think you have a novella developing of God's healing, restoration in action. Keep it up! We believe in you man.
Love,
Mark, Shawna, Luke and Elli
On February 24, 2010...
Hi Duane,
I wish your new cardiologist would have given you some praise about how well you are dong, so I am hoping your next visit will be much more of a pleasant experience.
I am seven weeks post op for a mechanical mitral valve replacement and getting my INR to be within my 2.5 - 3.5 range has been all over the map. This week I am 3.06 whereas last week i was 1.57 (eeek!) and the week before 4.0. I am taking 20mg coumadin 2x a week and 15 mg on the other 5 days.
I have been reading a lot about coumadin and it even states to cover up when you go out in the sun because of burning, so I will have to wear sunscreen and minimize my exposure.
Let's talk about napping...as I said I am 7 weeks post op and I ever know when I am going to get sleepy but I listen to my body. Today I had lunch with a friend and was out 2.5 hours and when I got home I took an impromptu 3 hour nap. I didn't even feel tired until I laid down on my bed. I love my naps because I think it fuels my body with healing goodness. I will miss them when I go back to work.
I also think that this week is the best I have felt since the surgery. I'm still very sore in the chest/breast area but haven't had a single tylenol for a week and a half.
I look forward to your future posts and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Keep up the good work and take good care of you!
Lori
On February 24, 2010...
Hi Duane
I read every word of your journal. Being a nurse and a future double valve replacement person I found it interesting. I have been on coumadin for 14 years and I do believe I am even more sensitive than you. I take a total of 8mg for the week. I make no changes in my diet, just make sure I eat greens on a regular basis, seems to work and very rarely changes my INR which, runs between 2.2 to 3. Will see what Dr Gillinov has me doing after my surgery. What a shame about the sunshine but apparently this will change soon. Continue to heal and give us your informative reports. You are the quintessional Energizer bunny.
Fran Zilko
On February 24, 2010...
Hi Duane! I don't think I have ever met you in person, but you ministered to my husband, John Dingle, when you visited him in the hospital during his hospital stays. It meant so much to him when you came to visit. I have checked in on your journal periodically and I am so glad to hear that you are on the mend. I know this has been a life changing experience for you and I pray that you will continue to know God's peace and strength in a very special way as you progress in your recovery.
On February 23, 2010...
So good to read your updates Duane. We just hope you are not over doing it. We know you are pacing yourself. Just give yourself plenty of time to recover! Being outside with warmer weather is refreshing! So glad you can enjoy that! Just thanks for keeping us informed of your progress. We thank the Lord for His watch care over you.
Hug each other for us!
Love,
Paul and Beth
On February 23, 2010...
Duane, Praying for you as you continue this journey of healing. So sorry for the downs, but grateful for the ups that always follow. Blessings, Friend. -- Pam
On February 23, 2010...
So Duane, how did you decide what to do and when? I'm asymptomatic, or so I think. Who knows, from what I've read, the heart is good at compensating for the valve issue until it no longer can. I'm tired all the time, but am getting older and live at 7000 feet elevation and get short of breath going up stairs or walking fast, but again, 7000 feet elevation can do that to you. I've been watching your posts and have appreciated your sharing everything with everyone. Good to hear from you.
On February 23, 2010...
Hi Duane
I've been following your progress and continue praying for you. God doesn't miss an opportunity to teach us some valuable lessons-learning to cope with illness and support others in their battles with sickness is a very difficult lesson. Looks like you got the advanced lesson. Hang in there. Judy
On February 23, 2010...
Hi Duane and Peggy
What a blessing that you were able to get to church on Sunday and be with your church family. You said something about teaching? Is that part of your role of pastor or is that what you'll do before you resume your full duties? Continue to recover. Best to both of you.
Fran Zilko
On February 22, 2010...
Duane,
We're glad you're continuing to improve! It was great to see you on Sunday. We're still praying for you!
Love,
Becky & Shylo
On February 22, 2010...
Continuing to keep you in prayer.
Linda & Steve
On February 22, 2010...
Brother Duane,
Sounds like you are feeling much better - a certain answer to prayer. Please don't forget to tell your doctor about all of your activities!! Remember sloooooow, take your time brother.
In Christ alone,
Eric
On February 22, 2010...
Glad you're getting along so well, Duane. You've had such a haul! Continue progressing and healing and you'll be yourself before you know it. Clark
On February 21, 2010...
Hi Duane
How are you feeling? Did you manage to get to church this morning. I was browsing the journals and just wanted to say hi, I was thinking about you and Peggy. Wishing you both well. Cheryl, Ontario
On February 20, 2010...
We enjoy reading your journal and your updates. It was good to see you and Peggy walking around yesterday.
We hope each day continues to be better and better for you. Recovery is long but much needed so take it easy.
We are here for you if you need us. Just ask. You are always in our prayers.
Linda and Al
On February 19, 2010...
Thanks for keeping us posted Duane ... and, we are glad for the better day today. You ARE an inspiration and a fighter. We continue to pray for you and Peggy that you will find peace, adjustment, and continued progress.
Love,
Mark, Shawna, Luke and Elli
On February 19, 2010...
Thanks Duane Hunt for sharing your experience
I had Mitral Valve Repair Jan18, 2010
I am recovering nicely and have mostly good
days.
What I am most thankful for is how the Lord sends healing energy in and through me. It is on a moment-by-moment, continuing
experience.
It sure is amazing how our bodies
do heal and so wonderful to know the true
healer "The Great Physician" Jesus.
I hope this is encouraging to you. You have been encouraging to me and a blessing.
Ernest in Spring Hill, Fl.
On February 19, 2010...
Hi Duane
Are you bidding for heart surgery complication poster boy? Take a rest. I read your journal and really feel for you but you know, you inner strength and determination do shine through. You will beat this Duane yet again. You are writing your own book on what can happen and how to BEAT it. You are such an inspiration. A very humble hero. This will get straightened out so in the meantime try and keep positive. You are in my prayers. Cheryl, Ontario
On February 19, 2010...
Hi Duane,
I do hope that by the time you get to read your guest book next that you are on a 'Gold Medal' day, you and Peggy really deserve to be on the podium. I have only had the chance to watch the ladies downhill so far and that made my persistent AF worse I think!! When I get a fluid build up in my lungs and legs I now have permission to adjust my dose of duiretic, but I find that once increased I can't reduce back down - so I am on ever higher doses. But hey, that's before surgery - I'll be majorly miffed if I still get it after! Also when my INR is higher than it should be I don't come off the Warfarin but reduce it by 1mg (so from 5mg to 4mg) until I have my next reading. Tonight is my last dose in prep for my op on Wednesday. You have to get better by then - we worry about you!
It's the best ski season in Scotland for 20 years, we have so much snow now...
Warmest regards
Penny
On February 19, 2010...
Hang in there, Kid! Sometimes it's like that. One day good - one day not as good.
Hopefully they'll get the A-fib under control soon. I would imagine you would be sore in the chest area, though. Keith was and it hurt quite a while. Glad they checked for pneumonia and hope they can get the fluid off as well.
Love you,
Keith and Bonnie
On February 19, 2010...
Good morning Duane
Imagine this morning is better than yesterday! What a relief to learn you are clot free. My advise to you is to get off the slalom as it can only go downhill. Trying to think of an uphill Olympic sport, but maybe for now, stay with the skaters, they are on level ground.You are blessed to be surrounded by such strong prayer warriors, please include me in that group.
Fran Zilko
On February 19, 2010...
Duane, will pray for your continued recovery. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 says
"But he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." Love these verses. We love you and know that you are in God's hands! NOW GET BETTER. Nancy
On February 19, 2010...
Duane,
We are continuing to pray for you! Hope tomorrow brings better news and less pain! :0) We enjoy keeping up with you on the posts and looking at the pictures, but we sure miss seeing you in person! We would love to visit, but don't want to bring any cooties from the kids!(especially w/ me working in a germ factory now) :0) As hard as it is, try to stay positive. We love you guys!
Love,
Becky & Shylo
On February 18, 2010...
Hi Duane,
I have not written much but have been keeping up with your progress. I am sorry that you seem to have a roller coaster ride experience throughout surgery and now recovery. Our prayers are with you!
Tara and Ken in Gainesville
On February 18, 2010...
HI Duane,
Please recover fast ... I am reading and praying for your swift recovery ... since I am scheduled to see my surgeon on March 11, for a MVP severe regugitation, per the Cardiologue decision, after a catheterization result :to replace or repair my Mitral valve, yet, I have had AF for about one year, non stop and seven Cardioversion so far, so, I feel close to you and watching and reading every journal ... your swift recovery is my assurance to go in, in peace ..., so as I pray for you, please pray for me. I presume the surgery would take place by late March, unless I have an emergency issue.
It was very touch reading your encouter with the Clot issue ... and yes, GOD is watching on you and I hope HE will on me. I am A bit afraid though, but, my faith is VERY high .. and what is written, is written.
You have a wonderful family, my sincerere regards to them, and to you I say GET WELL SOON & GOD BLESS
Joe
JoeSoliman@msn.com
On February 18, 2010...
I am so sorry to hear that you are not feeling good again! It really has been a roller coaster ride for you!! Of course, I had no idea that you saw my husband today!! I really hope you feel better soon! I have been praying for you!!Keep us posted on any news you get from Dr. Occala.
On February 18, 2010...
Glad to hear that you are coming along good.
Hopefully soon the recovery will be complete.
Glad you can drive soon too that way you won't be "cooped up in the house".
Your pictures look great and I have enjoyed readig your "blogs". I'm sure it's been very helpful to those who await the same type of surgery.
Glad to hear you're no longer "yellow bird." Took longer for Keith's to wear off!
Will keep you in prayer.
Love you,
Keith and Bonnie
On February 18, 2010...
hi Duane,
hi pastor hope all is good for u now u might not know who i am but i come to church when u where at the school my name is tim my prayer and thoughts go out to u and your family i hope u get well soon
love tim
On February 18, 2010...
I am so happy to hear that everything is going well. I think about you both all of the time. My prayers will continue. God Bless! Wilma
On February 17, 2010...
Hi Duane sounds like everthing is going well for you. I was getting concerned with no updates lately. It great you can walk outside.Up here in Maine I have to drive 20 min to the mall.Susan and I appreciated your comments in my guestbook. Our thoughts are with you and Peggy.Stay well and get well richard from maine
On February 17, 2010...
You look fabulous and by the way who is that 18 year old on your arm on Valentine's Day? Seriously I was chuckling so loud at your last post that the pets ran from the room! You are BACK!!!!! YIPPEE!!!! Hope all will work out so that you will be at church on Sunday. Everyone has been supporting each other in a tremendous way there. I think God is smiling.....................Cindy
On February 17, 2010...
Hi Duane,
I love your write ups, they are so helpful, thank you! Also it's easier now that you are well on the road to recovery, I would guess that's it's mostly 'soon to be mended and mended hearts' that are reading your journal entires now. Family and friends will be so glad to have you back, I am sure that they want to put the blog behind them. I have been on 5mg of Warfarin since October because of persistent AF and I am now down to having my INR levels checked every 2 weeks. It fluctuates between 1.9 and 3.5 (ideal is 2.2 for me). As I am vegan, I have always eaten a load of greens (except when I was in hospital as they overcook everything). Fran is right, it is the Vit K that affects the action of the anti coagulant, and the drug insert states not to change your diet in any way so that the anti coagulant can stabilise. Also not to eat cranberries or cranberry juice and to avoid alcohol as these all can interfere with the anti coagulant. Your team has probably given you this information already but just in case - I'm sure I recall you having champagne at some point but could be confusing you with Capt Bill!
Warmest wishes til next time
Penny (Scotland)
On February 17, 2010...
Hi Duane
Like Captain Bill I am also following your excellent progress. The captain and I are having our surgeries a day apart at the CC by Dr Gillinov. Hope they can get your INR normalized. Did they give you any diet restrictions? I have always eaten all the greens I've wanted to and it worked out. It's when you don't eat them for a while and decide to have a big serving of say, broccoli, that the numbers change.Great news on the driving! Guess the airbag is not a problem at this point in your healing. Thanks for your continued posts. Those of us awaiting surgery really appreciate them, I'm sure.
Fran Zilko
On February 17, 2010...
Hi Duane
What a great report. That is exactly what the others are looking for in terms of expectations. About the tape residue - we used straight alcohol - not the drinking kind and just rubbed a bit each time until it was all gone. After a while it got sore so we'd have to stop and pick up where we left off the next day. If you have any residue on your chest at all you might want to get it off before the hair grows in because it will be harder to do afterwards.
Good news to hear you have your driving rights back. That is true freedom. Only trouble is that when you get to where you are going, you've pretty much used up your strength. It's still good to know you can come and go.
I've had several episodes of rapid palpitations feeling much a live fish in my chest. Horrible feeling but apparently not alarming to any of the doctors. I just get an - ah ha" so I let it drop.
You sound in good spirits Duane and that is important. Keep it up.
Cheryl, Ontario
On February 17, 2010...
Suzie and Sal just checking in. We have been reading the log and it looks like you are making good progress. We look forward to seeing you in town real soon
Hang in there and stay warm
On February 17, 2010...
Hi Duane,
I'm reading every word of your recovery and taking notes. I am already counting the days to resume sexual activity and I haven’t had surgery yet! I'm slowing a down a bit, so I am more than ready to get the bilge pump fixed, de-winterized and back out on the lake. I have been practicing deep breathing for a better recovery by blowing up balloons and making balloon art, but now it’s making me pretty dizzy. Please keep up the detailed recovery reports. I know everyone is different; it is comforting to know in general what to expect.
Happy boating
Captain Bill
“A light heart lives long”-William Sakespeare
On February 17, 2010...
Hi Peggy and Duane
Suppose Peggy is in class right about now and you are home armchairing it. I hope! Do you find yourself getting stronger. I do hope you are seeing marked improvement in your ability to get up and get moving. Even though it's cold (well, for Florida) I hope you are able to get outside and get some fresh air. I know how good it feels physically and mentally to get some little degree of independence. Wishing you continued success Duane in your recovery. Hi to Peggy. Cheryl, Ontario
On February 17, 2010...
You rock Dude, ask the police when movie day is on,
love,
Dave,
On February 16, 2010...
Duane,
I've been following your progress and am wondering how everything is going the last week? I hope your recovery is going well.
Patrick in STL
pcsfd2@gmail.com
Thank you for the beautiful message. My faith is strong and have so many friends and family who are praying for me. Don't feel stressed right now but am finding myself a little more emotional. Find myself getting teary eyed over some of the messages I'm getting from loved ones and people like the two of you.I will continue to visual Jesus in the OR with the surgeons. Will be "talking" with you again as the time nears. We are flying to Cleveland March 12 and will stay with Pete's brother who lives an hour away from the hospital. Need to report for 3 days of testing, starting the 15th. I will get to meet Dr Gillinov the day before the surgery for the first time. Have implicit faith in him and the hospital and am hoping he is a Christian. Have you ever had a medical person pray with you before surgery? My surgery is the 18th and we will be flying back to Fort Myers airport on the 28th. Left some lee-way to stay with brother in law again at the end. Am thinking of Penny tonight, her surgery will be at 3am while I'm asleep. When I awaken during the night as I generally do, she will have my prayers. Thank you again.
Fran Zilko