Duane, I've enjoyed reading your journal it was very informative. My wife is likely facing mitral valve repair in the near future and reading your journal will help us through her journey. I'm glad to hear you recovered from all your set-backs and look to be on the road to a full recovery. I want to thank you and your wife for sharing your expierence.
Best Wishes,
Jerry (New Jersey)
On February 13, 2010...
Duane
It's great to hear how well you're progressing despite all you went through! I appreciate your reply and look forward to further correspondence. A friend who is in the pharmaceutical industry tells me that there is a new drug soon on the market that will replace Coumadin that doesn't require monitoring. Good news for artificial valve recipients. Best wishes for your continued speedy recovery!!!
Mike
Knoxville, TN
On February 13, 2010...
Hi Duane,
We are so glad that you are home and doing so well. God is so good!! We are praying for your continued recovery. We wish you and Peggy a Happy Valentines Day.
Linda & Bill Gipson
On February 13, 2010...
Hi Peggy and Duane
Just wanted to drop by and say Happy Valentines Day. Valentines Day has an extra special meaning this year, doesn't it? Our loved ones have really come through for us - above and beyond.
Praying for your continued recovery. Cheryl, Ontario
On February 13, 2010...
HI DUANE
So glad to here you are doing well after surgery. My minimaly invasive mitral valve operation will be performed on FEB. 26. My surgeon is DR. BRIAN HUMMEL. The surgery is being done at FT. MYERS HEALTH PARK. It will be attended by area surgeons observing the new technology. Good luck to you and I will keep you updated. TOM FERGUSON
On February 13, 2010...
Hi Duane,
I love reading your updates and the latest one (for bed fellows) is fantastic. I know that everyone has a different experience and recovery stages but it does give some realistic expectations, even given all that you have been through. Because I have persistent AF the team at Papworth have told me that I will probably need to stay on Warfarin for ever(or until a new anticoagulant arrives) even with a new valve so if that is the case I plan to get my own (finger stick) testing machine if I can source one over here. It is also the reason that I may as well opt for mechanical valve - plus I don't want to go through this again in my 70's!! My daughter (37) asks every day that she doesn't get online - how is the Pastor? Say hi to Peggy and we hope she feels that she is also getting a life back!!
Warmest wishes
Penny (Scotland)
On February 13, 2010...
Hi Duane and Peggy
I have been an avid follower of your journal. Thank you so much for sharing it with us....you and Peggy certainly are an inspiration to us all. So happy to see you are progressing and that you have reached your milestone of big boy now.
May you continue to progress and may your days be filled with love,peace and strength as you walk forward.
Sharlene von Berg
On February 12, 2010...
Hi Duane and Peggy,
Fridays are my (Beth) days off so I am catching up! So good to hear about your time at home. We've sure been thinking about you. May God show you new unexpected blessings each day!
love,
Paul and Beth
On February 12, 2010...
Duane,
Thanks for your kind words - while in the midst of your recovery! I did some reading up on you, and it figures - you're a pastor. You do know that you have to stop once in a while and let other people pastor to you, right?
Steven in Calgary
On February 11, 2010...
Hi Duane & Peggy,
I am encouraged that you have your appetite and are sleeping in your bed at week #2. David has lost a lot of weight also and has no taste buds, so he really isn't eating like he should. He has been trying to sleep in a recliner at night becasue of sternum pain and also has a lot of shoulder pain. I will let him know that this seems pretty normal and can look forward to brighter days ahead next week on his week #2!
Have a good weekend!
Marjorie Heathcoat, TX
PS We had 7 inches of snow today in North Texas. No school or work tomorrow!
On February 11, 2010...
Hi! Duane & Peggy
We are very happy for both of You that
You are getting better every day, we are
also glad that, you are at home already, is
always good to be around you own thing, and also that is a prove that God listen to all
the prayers from your family member and friends, We still praying for both of You,
because Peggy also need to take care herself
in order to be ok for you, She is very strong
and very special person, that I don't need to tell you. Hope You still doing very well.
On Sunday Eddie ask for Duane and he wants to
see you,I told him, You will be coming soon.
Our prayer still there.
Evelyn & Eddie
On February 11, 2010...
We're so excited to hear you're a big boy again and can stay home alone! Although we're sure Peggy is still nervous. :0) We thank God for your wonderful progress. We're praying for your continued recovery and hope to see you soon!
Love,
Shylo & Becky
On February 11, 2010...
Dear Duane, you sound great, I am so glad you are home now so you can truely recover. I couldn't believe all the problems you had after your surgery - what a difficult time for you and Peggy. I just can't even imagine.
You continue to be in my prayers. Kaia
On February 11, 2010...
Thats a mighty long journey in A SHORT time.
A reclner with 2 trays!!! i WANT DAT.
happy boating
captain bill
On February 11, 2010...
Duane,
We are so thankful to hear of your great progress. You could come and visit us in S.E. Florida for some warmer weather! :-) Trust and pray that all continues to go well. Tape and color last quite a while. Ralph is at 1 year and 3 months from the by-pass surgery. He still "feels" things inside that are not like before. Recovery is work. You are doing a great job!
Ralph & Norma
On February 11, 2010...
Duane,
Sounds like your on the road to good health. I'm two weeks past surgery today and I've got the shoulder pain thing as well. I'm off the pain meds, I took the tough guy route, sleep has not been great but I take naps during the day which is very unusual for me. I tried an electric heating pad behind my shoulders in my recliner yesterday and it was like a sleeping pill, I slept the afternoon away. I recommend it.
Good Luck, We just got another 18 inches of snow up in Phila. Most snow I can remember since I was a kid, figures it waits till I'm on a 15 lb limit.
Speedy Recovery
Kevin K.
Harleysville PA
On February 11, 2010...
Duane,
Sounds like you're doing great! Suggestion: you're not there yet - take your time - slow down. You will look back at some of your decisions and say to yourself: "How did I ever miss that - opps!" Trust me.
Eric
On February 11, 2010...
Hi Duane,
I am that Victoria. I did ot have anyone to keep my jounal for me unfortunately. My surgery was on the 4th and everything went pretty good. The Dr said this morning that I have a little more fluid around the chest some wait anothe rday to go home. I was COMPLETELY fine with that. Thank you for your concern. You are an amazing encouragement to us all. Tell Peggy hello...she is a pillar of strength. God bless you both.
Victoria
On February 11, 2010...
Souding good, Duane. Keep up the police work, Peggy. These guys never know how to say Goodbye to guests because they like people so much. But it is a MUST. How well he takes care of himself NOW will pay big dividends in the future or will wreck havok and it will take a lot longer.
We're praying for you all.
Hugs,
Jack and Joni
On February 11, 2010...
Duane,
You are an inspiration to us all. Thanks and my prayers are always with you.
Victoria
On February 11, 2010...
Hi Duane,
Thanks so much for your last journal entry, it is heartening to hear that you are doing so well, and it is also helpful to those of us staring surgery in the face to know some of the post-op details. Guess we'd better go shopping for a better recliner! All the best on the recovery and atta boy for being a "big boy"!
Steven in Calgary
On February 11, 2010...
Hi Peggy and Duane
Gee, your posting sounded so UP and refreshing. It was wonderful to read how well you are coming along. Nice to know you can be trusted to be on your own for a change. Peggy back to work and you both completing the family outting, life in your household is back on track.
Take your pills and yes, don't be a hero. You'll know when it's time to cut back. Some say some sternum pain may last a very long time. We'll all just have to see.
Nice to hear from you Duane. Keep up the good work. Cheers! Cheryl, Ontario
On February 11, 2010...
Duane,
Keith remembers that the "yellow" lasted quite a while but finally wore off. He didn't try to "help" it. Sounds like you got a good tip on the adhesive remainder.
I would be careful about returning to "coffee". That's what sets Keith's A-fib off - caffein. He watches coffee, soft drinks, chocolate - anything that contains caffein. Maybe you won't have the same problem but a little care never hurts until you check with you doctor.
Love you,
Keith and Bonnie
On February 11, 2010...
Hi Duane, It sounds like you are doing great now that you're home. Keep up the good work! I had my Mitral valve replaced with a mechanical valve on Jan 4th and have been home 3 weeks. My stay in the hospital was prolonged waiting for my INR level to reach 2.0. I am currently taking 15-20mg coumadin a day! And, yes, the adhesive from the bandages/etc finally came off. You might want to get some Bio-Oil (from Walgreens) and put some on cotton and rub gently over the areas. It should come right off plus it smells nice. I had to really scrub the betadine from my skin. I thought it would never come off! I look forward to following your blog and reading about your progress! Take good care. Lori Sobrero
On February 11, 2010...
Hi Duane. In case you are bored, will drop a couple of comment. I am doing the pravastatin/Zetia deal also. Keeping my cholesterol levels manageable. Also, Sarah keeps 'bugging me' to get the latest TobyMac CD. (Do you have it?) So, looks like I may have to do CD run for her! We continue to pray!
--Glenn, Becky Sarah
On February 11, 2010...
So great to read your recovery update, bowel update and all!! Everyone's recovery will be different (wonder what mine will be like n ext month? Glad you have your appetite back and some energy. Guess the bottom line is time, time,time. I am fortunate in that we have recliners (zero gravity ones at that) and a split king adjustable bed, so should make bed sleeping easier. You certainly are an answer to prayer.
Fran Zilko
On February 11, 2010...
You are so funny... Glad you are doing well. Lots of Love, Deborah Q
On February 10, 2010...
Duane, I'm so impressed with your bravery and sense of humor! My husband was diagnosed with very similar mitral valve regurgitation and flail leaflets, and like you, the surgery will be inevitable. He is very torn between continuing to wait or going while he is asymptomatic. I hope and pray we will be as strong as you and Peggy when our time comes. We will keep you in our prayers and hope you continue to make a full and successful recovery. Please keep us in your prayers as well, even though we haven't met. Best Wishes, Barbara and Rick Hazlett
On February 10, 2010...
Hip Hip Hurray, you are HOME- SWEEEEET HOME!
God is so AWESOME!
Linda and Steve DeMeere
On February 10, 2010...
hey duane!
i had my mitra valve repaired last november 2008. on february 2009, we discovered that the surgery was not successful. in 5 days, i am again scheduled for a 2nd open heart surgery. the surgeon will attempt to re-repair the mitral valve.
the first surgery was a painful and a horrible experience. the recovery was tough and i am just getting out of the cardiac depression and here i go again.
it's always nice to hear and see people surviving heart surgeries.
god bless you!
emmanuel
On February 9, 2010...
Hi - I too have had open heart surgery. Oct. 16, 2008. Glad all is going well for you now but sounds like you had a few set backs. Just keep on getting better and better.
On February 9, 2010...
Happy you are home...I saw in a photo that you have a recliner...USE IT,take naps as needed...do your breathing excercises.MOSTLY,as you know.....THANK GOD EVERYDAY,for putting your Drs.,nurses,partner(wife)family etc...on the earth for this important time of your life.I had mitro valve surgery 7 years ago.I still tell God thanks every day of my life.HEARTFULLY YOURS,RICKY
On February 9, 2010...
Duane
Read your story because, like you, I'm 50, enjoy weightlifting and cardio, and caught totally offguard by my diagnosis after a physical. I have to admit that your setbacks after surgery increased my anxiety. My genetic bullet was my paternal grandmother. My defective valve is aortic. I breathed a great sigh of relief reading tonight that you are home. Best wishes for a speedy recovery!
Mike
Knoxville, TN
On February 9, 2010...
Rejoicing with the two of you!!!!Home is a wonderful earthly place to return to after a hospital stay. My prayers will continue for the patient as well as the visitation police woman!
Gentle hugs to you. Carla
On February 9, 2010...
Peg,
Good for you! You are doing the right thing for Duane and you. Know we're praying for you both.
Eric
On February 9, 2010...
Hi Peggy and Duane
God bless our diligent caregivers. Where would we be without them? Peggy, you are dead on in putting out your notice to all your friends and family. Sometimes it's not easy and like you say, Duane wouldn't say no to a visit but someone has to. Keep some sanitizer in the front hall and make sure people use it too. Duane needs time to get on his feet, so to speak, and so my dear, you do too. With all you've been through, you too have to be very careful not to get sick. Anyway, I'll be anticipating great news as Duane begins his recovery and life eventually gets back to some sort of norm. Regards, Cheryl, Ontario
On February 9, 2010...
Glad to get the news that you are finally home! Trust all will go well from here on in and you'll feel more like yourself each day!
Love you and are praying for you
Keith and Bonnie
On February 9, 2010...
Duane,
We are thrilled you are home and doing well. I may try to visit next week but I also may just wait until your strength returns. I'm going to share the great news with members of our Board who may not know.
Peggy, you may rest assured that if I call to schedule a visit ... I will not have the sniffles.
Love to you both, Bob Gernert
On February 9, 2010...
I am glad Pastor Duane is home and safe. You guys sure made the Heart Valve Journal exciting! It was a plot with many endings. If it was a movie it would be rated as a on the edge of your seat thriller.
Love you Duane and Peggy!
Florence
On February 9, 2010...
WELCOME HOME!! Please let us know if you need anything.
Take this time to recover, rest, relax, and enjoy all the pampering you deserve:-)
God's Blessings.
Al and Linda
On February 9, 2010...
We share your joy at being home again Duane. Nothing like it, is there!!!
Now for a speedy uneventful recovery.
Bob & Joan U.
On February 9, 2010...
So happy for you and your entire family. I know you are happy to be home and Peggy has to be thrilled. Hope to see nothing but progress from now on! Wilma
On February 9, 2010...
HooooooRay! Welcome Home!!
Pretty emotional ride home wasn't it?
God bless you my friend in days to come.
On February 9, 2010...
Hope you had a good night back in your own bed at home Duane. What an amazing journey.
Another beautiful day today coming.
All the best.
Vaughn,Brenda and Wes
On February 8, 2010...
Glad to hear you're home safe and sound. Excellent news about your progress. Onward and upward! Clark
On February 8, 2010...
Thank God for home--hope you continue to heal and your INR stays in range so you'll have one less concern. You and Peggy are 2 very special people and I would love to meet you both one day.
Fran Zilko (FL)
On February 8, 2010...
Welcome Home!
Sue Mabe
On February 8, 2010...
Peggy is a very special and strong lady. Don't ever take her for granted Duane, she loves you with all her heart and will always be there for you.
I am so happy to know you are home. God Bless and get back to normal quick.
Love Gloria Kintner
On February 8, 2010...
Welcome home, guys! So glad that chapter is behind you!
The Bachelders
On February 8, 2010...
Home sweet home what sweeter words are there. Take care, do what the docs say, and know we are thinking of you. Take care, Marty
Best Wishes,
Jerry (New Jersey)