On July 29, 2014...
Terrie posted a note for Eleanor that says:
Hello Eleanor.
Thanks for the response as I was wondering how you were doing. It is good to hear yu are moving forward and feeling stronger. Good that you can almost do everything for yourself!
Did you use your power chair much or was the cozy worn in recliner back in play!!!
So glad you are ok and hope to hear from Geri soon too.
Say hello to Erica as well.
I go in for pre-op the 15th and surgery the 20th.
Take care!
Eleanor R  On the recliner story, I have been sleeping so far in the electric lift recliner. I tried the bed, b ... Read more
On July 25, 2014...
Terrie posted a note for Eleanor that says:
Hello Eleanor. Just q quick note to say hello and that I hope your recovery is going well.
Haven't seen any posts from Geri who went in on the 21st. and wondering if you have heard anything. If so let us know if you can...
Hope to hear how your are doing and realize you are on the mend so Take it slow and take care!
Eleanor R  Thanks, Terrie. No I haven't heard from Geri but I expect we will hear soon. Generally family membe ... Read more
On July 23, 2014...
Terrie posted a note for Eleanor that says:
Hello Eleanor.
Just got off my recumbent bike after going for 5 miles and wondered how your recovery is going.
Really happy that surgery is in "the rearview mirror" as some on this site call it!
Hope you are resting and not trying too much at once!
Just wanted you to know I am thinking about you.
Haven't heard anything from Geri yet so hope she made it through her surgery as well as you seemed to have!
Good day! Hi to Erica as well!
On July 21, 2014...
Terrie posted a note for Eleanor that says:
P.S. Terrie again, chuckle.
Forgot to mention(I did on Erica's post)that I don't know if you two got a chance to let Geri know or if She had a chance to read this post this morning as SHE IS HAVING HER SURGERY TODAY! Was scheduled I believe for 7:a.m.
Sending Prayers' and Love her way!
Later and Welcome Home! You can't see me now but I am doing the "Happy Dance" down the hall here at home for you and headed for my one cup of coffee!) My dance is an awesome dance that puts even "Travolta" to shame!
On July 21, 2014...
Terrie posted a note for Eleanor that says:
Eleanor! Great update from Erica.
Now take a rest from walking around the house and get to the computer and tell us how you are doing when you can!
Hearts are resting easier all over the world at this news that you are already home!
My God I am so Happy to wake to this news as so many of us were starting to get concerned.(Sorry about the pain meds and glad you were able to make it through)
I already wrote to Erica this morning and I see you have heard from Karen and this is only the beginning.
Had to remove the APB that Ginger sent out on you too!!!!!
(Ginger! Great News!) I will make this short(which is unheard of from me!)
Recover well our dear Heart Sister and read your daughters posts too as I am so darn happy I might be repeating myself.
So happy for you and your family and friends to have you home where this giant weight has got to feel good off of your "heart" and shoulders.
Happiness is "Eleanor is Home and on the mend!" Much Love from us here in Heartland.
On July 21, 2014...
Karen Pineda posted a note for Eleanor that says:
Hi Eleanor,

I was so happy to see your daughter's update in her Daughter/Caregiver journal.

So glad to hear that you are doing so well. Sorry to hear about that glitch in the pain management initially but so glad they figured it out. It sounds like you are making a fantastic recovery.

Keep healing and we will keep praying for you.

Take care.
Eleanor R  Thank you Karen, for your wishes. I am really enjoying being home, it now 11 days that I'm home, 15 ... Read more
On July 20, 2014...
Terrie posted a note for Eleanor that says:
Eleanor,
We in the Heart community are hoping to hear from you or Erica soon. We continue to send our love and prayers.
Answer them by getting in touch when you are able...
Love, Terrie (fsyvertsen1@sbcglobal.net)
On July 20, 2014...
Karen Pineda posted a note for Eleanor that says:
Eleanor,

I'm thinking of you every day, praying that all went well with your surgery. It's been a week since we last heard from you so I hope all is well. I'll admit, I'm a bit concerned, as I'm sure others here are as well, that we haven't heard how you made out yet. I'm sure you have a lot bigger things to do right now than go online so I hope no news means you are resting and healing and enjoying friends and family.

I will continue to pray for you and will keep checking for an update.

Be well. Many prayers coming your way.

On July 18, 2014...
Ginger (in the Land of Oz) posted a note for Eleanor that says:
Eleanor, We have been praying fervently for you and hope to hear a word or two as to how you are faring.

Yes, we love you too much to not be concerned. But we know you are in excellent hands (God's first, then through Him the surgeon and the staff) and will continue to pray that you are filled with peace and are well on your way to the beginnings of healing.

Bless you and know you are cared for deeply,
Eleanor R  Thank you Ginger. My daughter Erica was reading me the different postings, and finally thought to po ... Read more
On July 17, 2014...
Terrie posted a note for Eleanor that says:
Good morning Eleanor and Erica.
Thinking of you this new morning and hoping all is going well with the both of you. Sending many prayers and a ton of love from your heart brothers and sisters.
On July 17, 2014...
Geri posted a note for Eleanor that says:
Dear Eleanor
I hope and pray you are recovering and slowly walking, first few days are most difficult, wonderful that you have Ericka with you. We are all wishing you the best of good wishes.
On July 15, 2014...
Karen Pineda posted a note for Eleanor that says:
Eleanor,

Thinking of you and sending prayers.

Praying that your surgery went well and that you are on your way to recovery without any complications.

Hang in there.
On July 15, 2014...
Terrie posted a note for Eleanor that says:
Good morning to you Erica and Eleanor.
Terrie here in California thinking about you both and hoping that things went well and you are on your way to a smooth recovery.
Thought and prayed for you on and off all day yesterday among many people here in our heart community.
Love to you both be strong and know our "hearts" are with you.
Love & prayers
On July 14, 2014...
Dora posted a note for Eleanor that says:
Dear Eleanor,
You are now on the road to recovery. You will be fine, just take it easy and listen to your body. You have many people thinking and praying for you.
On July 14, 2014...
Meredith Bray posted a note for Eleanor that says:
The worst part is over! (The waiting!) I'm sure your back is sore - here's the best tip I received while I was recovering - stand up as straight as you can! I had such a tendency to curl inward, to protect my chest area, I wasn't even aware of it. The drain tubes contributed, and you'll get quite a bit of relief when they are removed. BUT, good posture will almost certainly help alleviate your back pain. Also, make sure your head is supported throughout the day. It's as heavy as a bowling ball, and sitting up all day makes your neck and upper back muscles work really hard. So when you're enjoying your recliner, make sure your head and neck are supported as well :)

Best of luck on your recover, keep walking! Keep breathing! Keep resting!
Eleanor R  Thank you Meredith. I did remember your own journal and the "Walk like a President" recommendation. ... Read more
On July 14, 2014...
Terrie posted a note for Eleanor that says:
Hello Erica. Terrie here. Hoping things went well today and you are ok. Sent prayers and good will all morning just thinking of the two of you and your family.
On July 14, 2014...
Karen Pineda posted a note for Eleanor that says:
Dear Eleanor,

t's 4:35 p.m. in NY and I'm hoping the surgery is over by now for you and that everything went well.

Many prayers are being said today for you Eleanor and will continue to be said.

Feel better real soon.

On July 14, 2014...
Geri Frank posted a note for Eleanor that says:
Dear Eleanor
I've been thinking of you this morning and hoping for the best with your surgery
did they do a mini sternotomy or traditional full cut
this silly hospital bracelet is like "house arrest", I will have it for 10 days, ridiculous.
best to you and your daughter
Geri
On July 14, 2014...
Karen Pineda posted a note for Eleanor that says:
Sorry Eleanor, my darn computer keeps removing my name and inserting my email address as my signature. I found out the problem and now that won't happen anymore.

Well, this just gives me another chance to say good luck. :)

Wishing you a speedy recovery.

On July 14, 2014...
kep12061@yahoo.com posted a note for Eleanor that says:
Dear Eleanor,

Thinking of you and praying for you today.

You will soon be on the road to oxygenated blood and overall wellness.

Hang on. Lots of people are cheering for you.
On July 13, 2014...
Terrie posted a note for Eleanor that says:
Hello Sweet Lady-
I just finished writing our "M" over the Pond about You and Her Surgery dates.
Well, aren't you the lucky one that gets to get the show on the road tomorrow and I am so happy that your wait is over and soon you will be in recovery!(Boy that was a long sentence!
I want you to know that I went out yesterday and bought a new bathrobe(Lavender) for taking my victory walks along the hospital walls. I just washed and dried it not realizing it is 100% cotton and hoping not to create a "scandal" if drying it made it shrink too much. Oh well, I will just have to wing it, chuckle.
I hope you and Erica are all set and that your trip to the hospital is smooth and your Surgery even smoother!
I will be saying prayers all morning and asking the Universe to be kind and that you feel the arms of the real "one" in control as well as all of those of us here at your community keeping you well.
Everything will go well and your loving spirit and great strength will carry you through.. Believe this Eleanor and know we are waiting to hear from you!
Love and Prayers,
Eleanor R  Thank you everyone for your good wishes. I will let you know how it goes, and if I have other inform ... Read more
On July 13, 2014...
Olga posted a note for Eleanor that says:
Hello Elenor.

I will be thinking of you tomorrow. You will be in my thoughs and Prayers.

On July 13, 2014...
Karen Pineda posted a note for Eleanor that says:
Eleanor,

Please forgive my faulty computer earlier. When I wrote the last message, somehow my email address ended up showing up in the spot where my name should be.

In any even, I wish you lots of luck tomorrow. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.


Eleanor R  Thank you, Karen, for your kind thoughts.
On July 13, 2014...
kep12061@yahoo.com posted a note for Eleanor that says:
I just wanted to stop by and wish you much luck tomorrow. I will be thinking of you and praying for the very best outcome.

Take care! Best wishes for a great recovery.

On July 10, 2014...
Terrie posted a note for Eleanor that says:
You are so funny! "Who shot the sheriff?! Really?!!!!
Glad you wrote as I was planning on buying a robe this weekend and you just reminded me!
I prefer the socks with the non-skid thingys to slippers because who wants to do the splits in the hallway right after surgery?
I love the image there! You up and at 'em after a successful surgery. Out walking the hallway realizing you are on your way towards recovering! Doesn't that just sound "Awesome!"
Have to tell you the only other surgery I had (Hysterectomy) I was helped up and off to make the rounds of the hallway stopping at the nurses station each time for orange juice and they got real tired of me quickly as I was so thankful to have it behind me I didn't want to go back to bed!
Then of course there was the "First Shower "event where I was let in to shower for the first time and was so glad to wash my hair I got a little cocky and was singing "in the rain" hoping to amuse the nurse waiting patiently on the other side of the door unaware that a face cloth had fallen and laid directly over the shower drain and was filling rapidly.....oops overflowed and now sending a stream of water out into the hallway where she stood.
Imagine my surprise when the door opened suddenly and a male person with a mop and bucket appeared and I was slowly, carefully escorted from the shower area, out into the hallway and back to my room and helped quickly into bed!!!!!! What can I say? I love making a great impression...Ha. Ha.
Well on that goofy note I am on the way out to collect the garbage bins and put them into the back yard.
Hope you have a great day. Keep positive!
On July 10, 2014...
Olga posted a note for Eleanor that says:
Hello Eleanor.

My name is Olga. I found out in June 12 that I am going for surgery. They got me booked for Catherzation On Aug 5. My surgery is not till around Christmas.
Like yourself I have also been going crazy asking and thinks of my surgery.
You gave some good advice.
This web site had been a great support.
It nice to find other people that are going through the same thing as you are.
Keep us posted.

I will keep you in my prayers.

Have a Great Day.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Olga.
Eleanor R  Thank you, Olga. Good luck on the heart cath, I was scared but it really was not bad all all, and I ... Read more
On July 10, 2014...
Terrie posted a note for Eleanor that says:
Good morning to the "One and only Eleanor"!!!
I just wrote back to you earlier. Sorry about the mix-up as when going from a persons guestbook to journal it can get a bit mixed up! I put the blame on my chipmunk swelling from tooth work!
Anyway, as your date is getting closer I am getting more and more happy for you and the others going in fairly soon to get their hearts taken care of!
Won't it be wonderful not waking up to and going to bed thinking about what we are about to face?
But the best part is in knowing that "afterwards" comes the challenge of healing, of caring and being cared for so that we return to a quality of life that we can't help but view with more respect and "awe". This is a huge thing we are all doing and we are going to be so much the better for it in the end.
What have you decided to take with you to the hospital? Music or reading materials? Will Erica post for you while you enter and keep us updated on your
progress? I will be watching to hear how you are doing and hoping to learn from your experiences! I do hope you get to keep your date and nothing holds it up! Keep us posted! please.....
You are going to be wonderful!
Take care-
Eleanor R  Hi, Terrie. I have a small duffle/sports bag that I had packed, but I keep removing items. I asked ... Read more
On July 9, 2014...
Ginger ( in the Land of Oz) posted a note for Eleanor that says:
Eleanor,
I just read you post dated the 9th. How good of you to share so much wisdom with the rest of us, and the examples you provide are right on the spot.

Please accept my appreciation as a small bit of thanks for all many people of the heart valve community who have read it since posting or may read it some time far in the future, for your advice is timeless.

Love , hugs and prayers,
On July 8, 2014...
Terrie posted a note for Eleanor that says:
Hello Eleanor R.
You have really had a whirl wind time of it these past few months.
I don't know if it is better for you that so much has come to pass so quickly or not but I would imagine having less time to think(or obsess)has to be better.
I hope you will reach out and keep up with us all here at the community so that you can gain more support and strength in the numbers of all the people headed in the same direction you are headed.
Many people will be sending good wishes and prayers for you now and at the time of your surgery; I have a heart calendar with people's names and dates so that I can be sure not to miss sending them all out.
I wish you the best possible outcome and that your ready to go home in no time.
Take care and keep us updated!
I don't go in until Aug. 20th. so I will be watching for your posts and keeping you in my prayers day and night!
You have the love and support from us here in your community!
Eleanor R  Thanks, Terri. You were writing to me as well on my daughter Erica's site of Caretaker and Daughter. ... Read more
On July 7, 2014...
Ginger of Oz posted a note for Eleanor that says:
Eleanor,
Wow, you are getting close, but the whole purpose of this is to not only get close but to get past it and recuperate and be able to live life with a higher quality of life.

Will be sending prayers up for you and wish you all the blessings of a good Surgery and recovery.
Hugs,
Eleanor R  Thanks to all you ladies for your good wishes. It was only March when I went for a echocardiogram wi ... Read more
On July 7, 2014...
Karen Pineda posted a note for Eleanor that says:
Best of luck to you Eleanor. Take good care of yourself and soon you will be able to put this all behind you.
On July 7, 2014...
Julia Hsu posted a note for Eleanor that says:
Good luck Eleanor. I also found out about my valve problem unexpectedly. The good thing was not spending too much time worrying.