Susan Smith :-( posted a note for Ernie that says:
Ernie where are you? Missed your wit and whim. I need a good chuckle and your posts always make me smile.
Ernie Keen Had a cardiologist appointment today. I'll post about it tomorrow.
Thanks Gabi.
(I've got 96 subscribers.)
Ernie A.S.
On November 6, 2013...
Aubrey Elmo Jones posted a note for Ernie that says:
Keep up the good work bro. I had a scotch on the plane from Colombia to Brazil today and thought of you. Too bad I don't travel to CA anytime soon or I would stop in. Keep posting man
Ernie Keen Glad to see you still posting, even on your trip abroad. We'll have a drink when you're in town. You' ... Read more
Ernie Keen Glad to see you still posting, even on your trip abroad. We'll have a drink when you're in town. You're doing so well. I'm glad for you.
Ernie A.S.
On November 5, 2013...
kraken (Walter Zintz) posted a note for Ernie that says:
Keep on trucking, Ernie. You seem pretty
fearless about your recovery and rehab,
which is half the battle.
As for those brief sparks flaring in the
periphery of your vision, they're fairly
common--my former ophthalmologist
told me he sees three or four cases of
this a day.
Ernie Keen Thanks Walter. I seem to be seeing fewer and fewer sparks as time passes.
Ernie A.S.
On November 5, 2013...
Cindy Wilson posted a note for Ernie that says:
Make that 96...I never even realized you could follow another....gosh, that explains so much...I thought I just had a lot of stalkers. You've enlightened me again. Thanks for the much needed humor!
Ernie Keen Thanks for being my 96th subscriber. Now I just need to write something in the journal. :)
Ernie Keen Thanks for being my 96th subscriber. Now I just need to write something in the journal. :)
Hope you are doing well, Cindy.
Ernie A.S.
On November 2, 2013...
Susan posted a note for Ernie that says:
Like your picture.... and your blogs. Very colorful and probably express most of our thoughts about our situations. Get the "sparks" checked by eye doc. I just got over the 24 hour "grip" (barfing) and if I had been post-op I would have done myself in. Too much Halloween will give you the "runs". lay off the sweets for a while. How much fun can one person have?????
Ernie Keen Glad you like my pictures and my journal.
Halloween candy is almost gone, so I should be OK.
Ernie Keen Glad you like my pictures and my journal.
Halloween candy is almost gone, so I should be OK.
Welcome aboard Susan! :)
Ernie A.S
On November 2, 2013...
Aunt Betty posted a note for Ernie that says:
love reading your blog, but do not take the chest pain lightly, hopefully it is just the healing, as you say, and the sparks in the eyes, well that must be interesting, The reason I asked about work was because I was wondering if you were doing any "new kids movies"
As you know I have 3 little great-grandchildren and we take in all the movies.
Ernie Keen Sorry Aunt Betty. No new kids movies I've worked on recently.
Ernie A.S.
On November 2, 2013...
Chris K posted a note for Ernie that says:
Re: ...firefly" like sparks that fade in and out every once in a while in my peripheral vision.
I had something similar in the first few weeks--periodic moving/wavy blurriness in my peripheral vision. When I read up on the medications I was taking, While I am not a doctor, I think it was due to the diuretic. It became less frequent. I was only on the diuretic for 30 days and have had no problems since.
Ernie Keen I'm sure it will go away with time. I'm not worried.
Ernie A.S.
On November 1, 2013...
Chris K posted a note for Ernie that says:
Its a good sign when you can enjoy a party!
Glad to know its "just" a kidney stone and it is not blocking anything. I think the surgery is hard on the body and hopefully that stone will disappear as you get better--and drink more!!!!.
My hemoglobin was low after my surgery and my doctor recommended that I take iron pills. I take one 300 mg a day of Ferrous Fumarate and it has helped with my energy level.
Sounds like you are making amazing progress on the treadmill. Keep it up!!!
Ernie Keen Thanks a bunch Chris. Keep on healing and inspiring those of us following behind you.
Ernie A.S.
On November 1, 2013...
Jim Jones posted a note for Ernie that says:
Ernie
Thanks! They are expecting 2 million at the Red Sox rolling rally tomorrow. Tiki did not happen to have a chili-burrito cook off last night, did they??? I certainly hope you feel better today. Sternum sounds great. Hope you have a good healing weekend for yourself, Ernie.
Ernie Keen Thanks JJ! Good luck with you surgery. You're going to do great.
Ernie A.S.
On November 1, 2013...
tbarnes posted a note for Ernie that says:
GRAVITY, ALL IS LOST and CAPTAIN PHILLIPS are trio of taut, existential thrillers about facing down death all alone. That's not you, hon. We're here with you. We love you and we're pulling for you. Watch a fun-filled animation film instead! My fairy god-kids love CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS. xoxo
Ernie Keen Naw man. It's about the indomitable human spirit, and our will to survive, and that's us heart valve ... Read more
Ernie Keen Naw man. It's about the indomitable human spirit, and our will to survive, and that's us heart valve patients all over! :)
Love ya Tanja-Banja!
Ernie A.S.
On November 1, 2013...
Linda H posted a note for Ernie that says:
Bad news: Ouch.
Good news. Keep up the good work.
Cheryl Smith posted a note for Ernie that says:
Hey Ernie, Love reading your humorous accounts of recovery life and makes me know you are doing well despite it all! Hang in there cousin, Love from Texas, Cheryl
Aunt Betty posted a note for Ernie that says:
Glad to hear that you are still progressing along the path to recovery; however to bad about the kidney stone, hopefully you will not have to have that taken care of. How long before you get to go back to work.
Not that I am rushing you, but thought I would ask. I assume you are still doing your drawings, etc. Keep me posted on your progress, and take care and do not over do it.
Ernie Keen No job to go back to right now. Concentrating on getting better is priority one right now. Thanks Aun ... Read more
Ernie Keen No job to go back to right now. Concentrating on getting better is priority one right now. Thanks Aunt Betty.
Ernie A.S.
On October 31, 2013...
Brian posted a note for Ernie that says:
Good News- Ernie, T Barnes, Ernie's sister and Mom will always be older than me.
MMUUUUHAHAHAHAHA........
OXOX from the original BS,
It's GREAT to be feeling well again,
Ernie Keen Glad you're doing better Brain. Coming by for Sunday football or Monday night football?
Ernie A.S.
On October 31, 2013...
Lynn Ennis posted a note for Ernie that says:
Hey Ernie,
I don't sleep much either so I got a real kick out of your good/bad post earlier this morning! You really make me laugh. Please don't stop!
Ernie Keen Glad I could bring you some entertainment, Lynn.
Looking forward to hearing that you are recuperatin ... Read more
Ernie Keen Glad I could bring you some entertainment, Lynn.
Looking forward to hearing that you are recuperating and doing great.
Ernie A.S.
On October 31, 2013...
Jim Jones posted a note for Ernie that says:
The good news: I got to read Ernie's latest journal entry
The bad news: I am working today on not a lot of sleep.
The good news: The Sox won!
The bad news: They aren't playing again this year.
Go, Ernie!
Ernie Keen Slept through the world series finally. Congrats Jim.
Ernie A.S.
On October 31, 2013...
Cindy Wilson posted a note for Ernie that says:
Real bummer about the kidney stone, but 4 miles on the treadmill? Way to go! That deserves a long nap. I agree with Jim, you have such a way with words - just laughed out loud.
Now go drink some water and chase it down with a beer!
Ernie Keen Usually I have a beer and chase it down with beer, but may have to try it your way. :)
Ernie A.S.
On October 31, 2013...
tbarnes posted a note for Ernie that says:
The good news is: you're OLDER THAN ME!!! (Tell that to BS).
Jim Jones posted a note for Ernie that says:
Ernie:
I could never rise to the level of your prose. That's why you have such a loyal following . We sure love your writing style.
I did have fun however crafting my interpretation. Thanks for your indulgence!
Ernie, I will tell you I am real pleased that you are starting to feel better. It certainly does take time to heal. I hope this week is your best one yet.
Ernie Keen " I hope this week is your best one yet."
-------------------------------------------------
Ernie Keen " I hope this week is your best one yet."
-------------------------------------------------
Thanks Jim. It has started off really well, so far, so it just may turn out to be the best one yet. (knock on wood)
Ernie A.S.
On October 29, 2013...
Aubrey Elmo Jones posted a note for Ernie that says:
Way to go Ernie. I had my first scotch tonight ata business dinner in Chicago. It was good. Keep up the good healing.
Jim Jones posted a note for Ernie that says:
Whoa, Bessie, come look-he's back! I read the journal expecting a medical update and this is what I read. Ernie's chilling with guys with real nicknames. College coeds are swooning over his scar at some breakout party. "Hey, did you get that playing football? Can I sign your chest?" FINALLY, the Tiki reappears in the storyline. I thought it burned down. Ernie's banging back the booze, Mom's off her bender and back on the wagon. A tip of the hat to the healing brother. Ever faithful sidekick Brian can't keep the pace of energized A. S. Ernie and becomes ill. Ernie drops some porn tips. Finally, my sense of order has been restored. I was starting to doubt in Santa Claus. My faith in order is restored.
All good news. You go, Ern-dog! (And, THAT's why we demand narrative from you!)
Ernie Keen I like the way you interpreted in my journal entry. How about if I just send you the notes and you wr ... Read more
Ernie Keen I like the way you interpreted in my journal entry. How about if I just send you the notes and you write out the journal entry?
Thanks JJ.
Ernie A.S.
On October 29, 2013...
Dan Sinclair posted a note for Ernie that says:
Ernie,
You sound like you are almost back man! Keep up the good work on the treadmill !
Ernie Keen I think I'd do even better if someone sent me to Maui so I could have some nice long walks along the ... Read more
Ernie Keen I think I'd do even better if someone sent me to Maui so I could have some nice long walks along the beach. :)
(My birthday WAS in September the day after surgery, so I spent my birthday in the hospital.)
Ernie A.S.
On October 29, 2013...
Lynn e posted a note for Ernie that says:
Ernie, I hate to say it and shock you but I think you have recovered!!!awesome to hear about!
Ernie Keen Not recovered, but doing really well right now.
Thanks Lynn.
On October 29, 2013...
Dave posted a note for Ernie that says:
Ernesto! Thanks for a fun weekend and for not making me give you sponge baths. You do look great even with the scar. I saw the ladies' eyes light up when you bared your caveman chest! Keep on that smooth road to recovery!
Dave (squid)
PS: Do you feel a bit cannibalistic when you chomp a steak now?
Ernie Keen "PS: Do you feel a bit cannibalistic when you chomp a steak now?"
Ernie Keen "PS: Do you feel a bit cannibalistic when you chomp a steak now?"
Yes. But I'm fine with that. :)
Ernie A.S.
On October 29, 2013...
Sheri posted a note for Ernie that says:
I'm so happy to hear you are doing well, Ernie. You definitely give encouragement to others. Keep up the great work.
Aubrey Elmo Jones posted a note for Ernie that says:
Ernie, I so miss the alcohol. I have had one glass of wine since surgery and no scotch or cognac or bourbon or brandy or tequila. So glad to hear your doing so well. Your walking is great!!! And as will never be as succinct as you.it is not I'm my DNA, lol.
Chris K posted a note for Ernie that says:
Wow--16 minute miles on the treadmill. Sounds great!
Hope your kidney tests come out ok. I think all the stress of the surgery and all the meds are hard on the kidneys. Trust it is all temporary!
Ernie Keen Yeah, I'm thinking everything's going to be fine.
Thanks Chris.
Ernie A.S.
On October 26, 2013...
Tim Hodge posted a note for Ernie that says:
Glad to hear you're getting back to normal. I know you're looking forward to the day when your "downloads" won't have to be monitored quite so closely.
JOHN-O posted a note for Ernie that says:
Caught up on your journal. 4 mile treadmill walks ?? !! Great to hear the progress.
Ernie Keen The nearest liquor store is 5 miles away, so I was trying to build up to 5 miles. But now that I've g ... Read more
Ernie Keen The nearest liquor store is 5 miles away, so I was trying to build up to 5 miles. But now that I've got the OK to drive, I can just stick with 4 miles.
Thanks John-O
On October 25, 2013...
tbarnes posted a note for Ernie that says:
No alcohol.
jeff o posted a note for Ernie that says:
You know all you really have to do is lay there for the girls.
Ernie Keen Yeah, and now I have an excuse for just laying there--- "I just had open heart surgery, so you're goi ... Read more
Ernie Keen Yeah, and now I have an excuse for just laying there--- "I just had open heart surgery, so you're going to have to do all the heavy lifting". :)
Thanks jeff o!!
On October 25, 2013...
Kathy Lord posted a note for Ernie that says:
Go Ernie!!
Sandy Wummer posted a note for Ernie that says:
Glad you are doing well. You will be back to booze and hookers in no time. :). I am going back to work part time Monday. (the partys over!). I have mixed feelings. It will be great to get back to "normal".I will miss the long lunches with friends and movies whenever I feel like it. I am back in the gym as well and building back slowly. keep writing I always look forward to yours!
Ernie Keen Thanks Sandy. Sorry to hear you have to go back to work, but I'm glad you are doing well.
Ernie Keen Thanks Sandy. Sorry to hear you have to go back to work, but I'm glad you are doing well.
Ernie A.S.
On October 23, 2013...
Lynn Ennis posted a note for Ernie that says:
I agree with Jim Ernie- I like the long version! We really do want to know everything so don't short change us! I am happy to hear your are trucking along, such good news!
Ernie Keen It was a crisp Tuesday morning when I woke up. Shafts of sunlight shining through blinds in the windo ... Read more
Ernie Keen It was a crisp Tuesday morning when I woke up. Shafts of sunlight shining through blinds in the window warmed my body as I got up and made the bed. Making my way over to the bathroom I wondered to myself, "should I have breakfast first or take my blood pressure medicines?"
I decided to have breakfast and headed downstairs where I found my roommate already up and eating a breakfast of a peanut butter sandwhich with honey followed up by a banana. He is a tall, lanky man with a quiet demeanor. We exchanged pleasantries as I prepared my breakfast of cereal and orange juice, and made small talk before he departed for work.
Carrying my breakfast upstairs to eat in front of the computer as i checked my emails, I glanced over at the calendar and saw I had a doctor's appointment later that day at 1:30 pm in Toluca Lake. Not a long drive but still, I figured I would need to leave by 1:00 pm to make it on time.....
----------------------------------------------
See, the long version can be pretty drawn out and I only type with two fingers. So, it would take a pretty good amount of time to write the long version, and I'm too lazy to spend that amount of time in front of the computer. :)
Thanks Lynn-----Ernie A.S.
On October 23, 2013...
Jim Jones posted a note for Ernie that says:
Ernster
Great urine results. Congrats! All I could visualize was you peeing and the Doc holding the cup. Perhaps you could go back to a longer narrative style so as to not confuse us readers? Sounds like things are good. Keep up the recovery and have a great one. (did I mention the Sox are playing tonight?)
Ernie Keen "All I could visualize was you peeing and the Doc holding the cup. Perhaps you could go back to a lon ... Read more
Ernie Keen "All I could visualize was you peeing and the Doc holding the cup. Perhaps you could go back to a longer narrative style so as to not confuse us readers?"
But the doc DID hold the cup and I peed in it. It's a veterinarian's office, what do you expect? I've got a bovine valve. I can't go to a regular doctor.
Ernie A.S.
On October 23, 2013...
Thanks Nanette. (I edited out your phone number) posted a note for Ernie that says:
Hi Ernie! Just a note to say you are in my thoughts and prayers...! It's nice to see your sense of humor is still the same...laughter is the best medicine I always say...drugs are good too! Now, the peeing thing is tricky. I can tell you a few stories about that issue, but I'll keep it clean...and dry. Just know that you have not really lived until you've peed all over the floor! Stay strong my friend! You are doing Awesome!! If you ever wanna talk.
Sincerely, Nanette
On October 23, 2013...
Juliana "The Instigator" Korsborn posted a note for Ernie that says:
Hey Ernie! I was just thinking...I know you want to get back to your hookers and alcohol asap, but there's that annoying recovery thing going on. How about a Tiki Thanksgiving? A low-profile holiday soiree might be the perfect way to ramp back up to your old playboy lifestyle. Just sayin'.
Ernie Keen Having Thanksgiving at my sister's down in Orange county. Maybe take a stripper and beer. Have to bui ... Read more
Ernie Keen Having Thanksgiving at my sister's down in Orange county. Maybe take a stripper and beer. Have to build up slowly to hookers and hard alcohol. :)
Thanks Juliana.
Ernie A.S.
On October 21, 2013...
Aubrey posted a note for Ernie that says:
Keep up the good work my friend. I am 7 1/2 weeks post op and it gets better. Drink lots of water and keep walking and eating right. Knowing that you will get back to better than before. I am still healing and we both will be for months but after the next couple weeks, you hopefully will begin to feel much more normal.
Keep us posted.
Ernie Keen Aubrey!!! I've been feeling darned good the last several days and walking and eating well. I think I' ... Read more
Ernie Keen Aubrey!!! I've been feeling darned good the last several days and walking and eating well. I think I'm drafting off you. You keep blazing the trail ahead and I'll stay in your draft as best I can. You're doing great, and I know plenty of heart valve patients are glad to read your posts.
Ernie A.S.
On October 20, 2013...
Aunt Virginia posted a note for Ernie that says:
Ernie; I started a reply and my computer stoped; so back to my message; just keep doing what the doctors reconmend and "hang in there"; we are all going through the recovery process; not execiting, but necessary; just remember your "aunt " is a few years older and it takes us longer to recover; but I'm doing great; doing my own driving(a rest for the girls, they are both busy, Linda teaches Kindergarden and Cheryl has her "in home day care center"; so it's good that I'm able to drive. Just hang in there!! aunt Virginia
Glad you are recovering well and are able to drive. Helps a lot to be able to drive yourself!
Ernie A.S.
On October 20, 2013...
Sandra Todd posted a note for Ernie that says:
Hi,
Checking in on you! The nights seem so long and lonely when we get little sleep! I got two nights in a row for the first time since brain surgery. I finally had oral surgery to remove a cracked tooth which was getting in the way of recovery. I am also meeting with my surgeon on Tuesday. It sounds like you may get some good news since you've been making steady progress since your last setback. I will look for a good report from you next week! I hope you aren't howling at the moon by then!
Keep on healing!! We'll see you at a Tiki event sometime soon.
Ernie A.S.
On October 20, 2013...
Aunt Betty posted a note for Ernie that says:
Glad you doing your walks and progressing well as can be expected. I know you will be glad when this is all behind you and you are back at work, doing what you love, I assume you are still doing your drawing, etc. Any new things in the works. You take care, and keep us all posted on your progress.
Ernie Keen Doctor's appointment on Tuesday. Will let ya'll know what he thinks.
Thanks Carol. Hope you're doing well.
Ernie A.S.
On October 18, 2013...
Jim Jones posted a note for Ernie that says:
Hey Ernie
Just wanted to check in to see how you are doing? Were you able to get the blood thing resolved? I sure hope so. I am impressed with your walking. Sorry about the Dodgers. Wanted a Red Sox-Dodgers series. Hope tomorrow is a good day for you. Best.
Ernie Keen Damned Dodgers. Good luck with your Red Sox.
Ernie Keen Damned Dodgers. Good luck with your Red Sox.
Seem to be walking pretty well, JJ. Thanks.
Ernie A.S.
On October 18, 2013...
Barb Brooks posted a note for Ernie that says:
Hey Ernie!
Hope you're healing well. I haven't laughed on my way to work for awhile... sure hope your sense of humor returns in full force. I know it will, and just my luck it will return right after my surgery, and I'll be reading your post, laughing in pain!
Seriously, sounds like you're doing better. Keep resting when you need to - that's important! You're doing great!
Ernie Keen Thanks Barb. I believe my funny bone is starting to heal. It was hampered by my sternum healing. Body ... Read more
Ernie Keen Thanks Barb. I believe my funny bone is starting to heal. It was hampered by my sternum healing. Body had to prioritize the healing process.
Keep positive thoughts. You're going to do great.
Ernie A.S.
On October 17, 2013...
Aunt Betty posted a note for Ernie that says:
Keep up the good work, and take care of yourself, seems you are getting better each day. Glad to hear that Sam is doing okay, and hopefully your mom is as well. Keep us posted on your progress, and Sam as well. Hope to see you some day.
Ernie Keen Thanks Aunt Betty. Sam and Mom are doing well.
Ernie A.S.
On October 16, 2013...
Lynn Ennis posted a note for Ernie that says:
Hi Ernie,
Are you still on blood thinners? Maybe it's that...I would give the doc a call.otherwise you are sounding well! Congrats!
Ernie Keen Thanks Lynn. I have a friend in the medical profession who suggested it could be from the Naproxen I' ... Read more
Ernie Keen Thanks Lynn. I have a friend in the medical profession who suggested it could be from the Naproxen I'm taking.
Hopefully it's something simple.
Thanks.
Ernie A.S
On October 16, 2013...
Lady Velour posted a note for Ernie that says:
Hi Ernie!
Glad to hear you are healing and progressing well; keep up the good fight!
Hope to see you soon.
Much love~
Ernie Keen Hopefully we'll see you at Tonga Hut on 27th.