lynn ennis posted a note for Ernie that says:
Ernie, you must have a lot of unpaid traffic tickets or something...! I'm so sorry to hear your road is bumpy...but they all say it comes right soon enough. You are doing really well in lots of other ways, don't forget.
I hope you get a good night tonight :)
Ernie Keen Farting. pooping, and burping well, so I'd say I'm still recovering well. Chest scar is healing reall ... Read more
Ernie Keen Farting. pooping, and burping well, so I'd say I'm still recovering well. Chest scar is healing really well, and don't need much pain meds for my sternum. Feeling much better today.
Thanks a lot Lynn.
ernie A.S.
On September 27, 2013...
Aunt Betty posted a note for Ernie that says:
Ernie, you take care of yourself, and at the least pain, get to the hospital, you can not follow in your dad's foot steps. Is Mom still there with you? I read your Journal ever time you send one, so take care and keep me posted.
Ernie Keen Thanks Aunt Betty. Mom is here until next Wednesday she flies out. Gonna be lonely here at the house ... Read more
Ernie Keen Thanks Aunt Betty. Mom is here until next Wednesday she flies out. Gonna be lonely here at the house without her, but more food for me!!
Ernie A.S.
On September 27, 2013...
Gabi posted a note for Ernie that says:
Oh dear Ernie! This is not good! You are doing everything really good I am sorry that you have to go through all this crap! Fasten your seatbelt on the coaster ride and hang on and hang in there!
Ernie Keen Thanks a bunch Gabi. It can definiteley be frustrating.
Thanks for checking in on me.
Ernie A.S.
On September 27, 2013...
Stephen & Julia posted a note for Ernie that says:
Ernie,
Thank God you went to get the pains checked out! Hope you get over this quickly.
Ernie Keen Thanks Stephen and Julia. Love you guys.
Ernie A.S.
On September 27, 2013...
Sandra Todd posted a note for Ernie that says:
Hi Grog,
Last night, I renewed my membership in the 8 hour sleep-time club. TikiMantis ordered a wedge pillow (memory foam) through Amazon which made life easier for me.
I hope your breathing problems ease soon. The meds are a drag. I got migraines as a reaction to the narcotics that were supposed to be helping me.
I'm glad your pooping and farting as this is a sign of good health and humour!
I had to report on who the current President is and where I was and why I was there. Oh, and they kept asking me what date it was...like, don't they have their own calendar?
Hang in there! My goal is to make it to next Intl Marketplace and Tonga Hut next day. Right now, that sounds like a marathon.
Best wishes,
Tiki Sand
Ernie Keen Not sure if I'll be able to handle Intl Tiki Marketplace by then, but hopefully Tonga Hut.
Ernie Keen Not sure if I'll be able to handle Intl Tiki Marketplace by then, but hopefully Tonga Hut.
Glad to hear you are doing well and they were able to get that tumor out. Heal quickly.
Ernie A.S.
On September 26, 2013...
Jo posted a note for Ernie that says:
Hi Ernie, I too thought I had pulled a muscle 2.5 weeks post surgery. It was a pleural effusion and I had to have 1.5 liters of fluid drained from my right lung. My advice, get it checked out. A simple chest X-ray will show it.
Similar, but mine was a fluid build up in the pericardium of the heart. Thankfully wasn't a blood clot in the lung. Had me worried for a bit. Doing better today.
Ernie A.S
On September 26, 2013...
Heidi posted a note for Ernie that says:
Hi Ernie
Just a thought, that pain in your side might be plural effusion. That's what I had and it felt just like you are describing. Went away on its own after a couple of weeks. They confirmed it with cat scan, if its a lot of fluid they need to treat it. Hope you feel better soon.
Turned out to be Dressler's Syndrome. Feeling much better today.
Ernie A.S.
On September 26, 2013...
sally beels posted a note for Ernie that says:
Hi Ernie, Glad to hear that you're recovering so nicely. Nathan's doctors always referred to his recovery as "a roller coaster ride" because of all the ups and downs, backwards and forwards. Try to be a patient patient!
I can see right through your false niceties and insincere well wishes. You don't fool me for a second.
Ernie :)
On September 26, 2013...
Renee Radocaj posted a note for Ernie that says:
Oh Ernie - sorry to hear of your ups and downs. And I completely understand. Please don't try to play trivia of even have an intelligent conversation. It just won't turn out well. That is a very hard thing for people to understand. Your mind needs healing too. It’s been 7 weeks today and I still stop mid-sentence, pause, and ask “What was I saying??” Get some rest, take more vicodin and don’t worry about a thing. You will be back to normal in no time!! Ttys
PS Don’t tell Adam I’m pushing drugs, he may kick me off the sight. You will wean off the meds soon enough, when you are ready.
Ernie Keen I've NEVER had an "intelligent" conversation, so it's not much different right now. :)
Ernie Keen I've NEVER had an "intelligent" conversation, so it's not much different right now. :)
Thanks Renee.
Ernie A.S.
On September 26, 2013...
Higgy posted a note for Ernie that says:
Glad to hear from you. Keep up the healing. Sounds like you are doing well.
Sleeping is a bitch. That is still the hardest part for me. Thanks for keeping everyone updated.
Ernie Keen I've been sleeping in bed propped up with plenty of pillows the last few days and that has helped A L ... Read more
Ernie Keen I've been sleeping in bed propped up with plenty of pillows the last few days and that has helped A LOT!!
Continued healing and my best to you and your family.
Ernie A.S.
On September 26, 2013...
Carol Jackson posted a note for Ernie that says:
Ernie,
That's interesting that you mentioned about typo errors. I was typing my journal after my angiogram yesterday but when I looked at it today I had quite a few typos so I made corrections. I am concerned about my memory after the long surgery.
You sound like you are doing great overall. Thank goodness you have a lot of people who can drive you places. Once I get home and my husband goes back to work I will have to figure out something in how to get to Dr. Appt., etc.
Ernie Keen Hopefully you can get the OK to drive like week 4 or so, that would be great. depends on how quickly ... Read more
Ernie Keen Hopefully you can get the OK to drive like week 4 or so, that would be great. depends on how quickly you heal and what your heart surgeon thinks.
Ernie
On September 26, 2013...
Ed Kelley posted a note for Ernie that says:
Way to go Ernie! Keep up the good work...I'm visiting Angie on Monday Sept. 30, 2013. Hope you didn't piss her off. I need an Aortic valve replacement and checking on possible bypass contenders.. I ordered the Heart Valve Surgery book on Sunday Sept. 22, 2013 It still hasn't arrived. So much for 2-3 day delivery. I'll know next week when the surgery will be scheduled. I think every thing will work out. I'm in relatively good shape and will be 72 on Nov. 12, 2013. Thanks for the reassurance your journal has given me.
You are doing the right thing doing your homework in advance and learning what to expect and what to plan for. You are going to do great.
Ernie A.S.
On September 26, 2013...
Lady Velour posted a note for Ernie that says:
Hang in there Ernie!
Grog doesn't let a little muscle pull get him down!
Glad you are well; keep it up!
Much love,
Deb Ziegler posted a note for Ernie that says:
Hi Ernie,
I can remember waking up one morning about three weeks out and having a shooting pain on the left side of my chest. I worried that one of my wires popped, but the cardiologist said I was probably just healing and had cut back too far on the pain meds ( I was off them by then). Not sure if he was right or not, but I started taking ibuprofen and it got tolerable. Took about a week before I could take a deep breath again.
Hang in there......you will start feeling a lot better by week four.
God Bless,
Ernie Keen Sounds like you had what I got. Looking on the internet, taking Ibuprofen was one of the treatments f ... Read more
Ernie Keen Sounds like you had what I got. Looking on the internet, taking Ibuprofen was one of the treatments for Dressler's Syndrome, so you did the right thing.
Ernie A.S.
On September 25, 2013...
Misha posted a note for Ernie that says:
So sorry I haven't added to your guest book since your surgery! I've been reading your updates, though, and I'm glad to hear you're trucking along (and that you're documenting all your BMs so thoroughly ;-) ). Hope to see you up and about soon! Take care!
Ernie Keen No worries, Misha. I've been slow at responding to guestbook signings lately. Brain's not working rea ... Read more
Ernie Keen No worries, Misha. I've been slow at responding to guestbook signings lately. Brain's not working real well right now.
Ernie A.S.
On September 25, 2013...
Jim Jones posted a note for Ernie that says:
Hey Ernie
Sounds like you have had a tough time of it recently. I hope that things get better for you quickly and you get some relief. Do not hesitate reaching out to your doctors if you need some help. We are all pulling for you and 100% in your corner. Best.
They say that younger heart patients have more pain but heal quicker. I can attest to that. I've read in a few journals that week three or four was a turning point for the better. Looking forward to that. I think I tweaked or pulled a muscle in my side last night, so it's harder to take a deep breath today. Another added pain I didn't really need. Overall I'm doing well, and even though it's a bit of a roller coaster, it's still headed in the right direction. (Knock on wood).
Ernie A.S.
On September 25, 2013...
Hugenaut posted a note for Ernie that says:
Ernster, Hope you got to the Dr. OK. Ethan got sick so Cheryl couldn't drive you. So...better luck next time ya try that move!!! Hope you continue to feel better. Oh......more info needed on that Tanya massage!
Ernie Keen Thanks Ron and Cheryl. Brian's wife Joni took us. Worked out well.
Ernie Keen Thanks Ron and Cheryl. Brian's wife Joni took us. Worked out well.
Need another massage really bad to work out the knots, that about all there is to report on that.
Ernie A.S.
On September 25, 2013...
Mike H. (Capt. R.H.F.) posted a note for Ernie that says:
Hiya, Ernie!
I know that you had a tough day yesterday, so I just wanted to send a quick note to keep wishing you well! :)
Misha & I think of you often and are continually hopeful of the best, speediest recovery possible for you. Also, if there's anything you need, PLEASE don't hesitate to ask. We're all here for you, buddy! Hoping to see you again soon.
Ernie Keen Thanks Cap. I appreciate you checking in on me, and for the offer.
Ernie A.S.
On September 25, 2013...
Lynn e posted a note for Ernie that says:
Hi Ernie,
Just when you are feeling good...wham! That seems to be the unwritten law of recovery for everyone. It's a bit like jet lag.... Your mind arrives well ahead of your body. Nothing to do but really slow down and let it heal....imagine your body is in a Woody Allen movie....everyone is running around in there confused about what to do first and alarm bells keep ringing!...
Autumn seems to be in the air here in beautiful California ....relax and watch.
All the best for continued success...you are still the man,
Ernie Keen Much appreciated Lynn. Thanks for your support.
Ernie A.S.
(Sorry it sounds like such a generic res ... Read more
Ernie Keen Much appreciated Lynn. Thanks for your support.
Ernie A.S.
(Sorry it sounds like such a generic response.)
On September 24, 2013...
Lori posted a note for Ernie that says:
Hey Ern,
DVR is going for you tonight. Can't wait til you make it down here with us to watch the shows.
Jim Jones posted a note for Ernie that says:
Ernie
I hope the surgeon visit was productive for you today. I also hope today was better overall. What's with the chills? Is that part of recovery too?
Get well.
Ernie Keen All doctor visits went really well, Jim.
I get the chills when my body is in a lot of pain. Been we ... Read more
Ernie Keen All doctor visits went really well, Jim.
I get the chills when my body is in a lot of pain. Been weening myself off vicodin a little too quickly, so I need to manage my pain a little better.
Ernie A.S.
On September 24, 2013...
Gabi posted a note for Ernie that says:
Ernie dear Ernie,
Your train is def a roller coaster! I am one minute CRINGING with your sharing of your BM and the next swinging into sending healing energy to help with your wiped outness. You have been such an inspiration to all of us Ernie, but you need to support yourself in your own healing! Be very very gentle with Grog! Gabi x
Ernie Keen Thanks Gabi. The roller coaster continues today. I think I tweaked a muscle in my side, so it hurts t ... Read more
Ernie Keen Thanks Gabi. The roller coaster continues today. I think I tweaked a muscle in my side, so it hurts trying to take a deep breath. So THAT sucks. On the other hand, saw my heart surgeon yesterday and both my cardiologist and regular doctor today and they said I'm doing great. Having some little memory lapses is frustrating , too.
Thanks for checking in on me and for your support.
Ernie A.S.
On September 24, 2013...
Tim H posted a note for Ernie that says:
Glad to hear you're on the mend! Nothin' can keep you down for long!
By the way, did you get the cookies we sent? I wanna make sure they're not sitting in the belly of a hungry postman.
Ernie Keen The cookies are muy yummy Tim. Thanks much, and thanks for all the cute cards. Got 'em all displayed ... Read more
Ernie Keen The cookies are muy yummy Tim. Thanks much, and thanks for all the cute cards. Got 'em all displayed on the kitchen counter.
Ernie A.S.
On September 24, 2013...
Mr. Boris posted a note for Ernie that says:
I'm glad you're doing better, it's time to move your journal updates to Facebook. You'll be able to have more direct interaction with friends and well wishers.
Kim (Spud) Dwinell posted a note for Ernie that says:
ErnieKeen! Giant hugs, glad to hear that while it's a slow journey, it's all in the right direction. Good for you getting out for all those walks. Hopefully we'll have really Fall and it won't be this scorching hot for any longer! I make a pretty butt-kicking lasagna (not exactly healthy) and also some really healthy soup. Which do you want? Or both? I can bring them whenever you'd like. Sounds like I don't have to bring any chocolate cake though!
Jim Jones posted a note for Ernie that says:
Ernster:
Great news on the weight. I am 191 also. Looking for a nip and tuck when I go in so I can look like a high schooler again.
Yes, keep that massage thing going. You need relief and having to stay in fixed positions "freezes" your muscles. Don't worry about replying to posts. Your job is to heal. Our job is to encourage. Best.
Marie posted a note for Ernie that says:
Happy to hear your getting stronger every day Grog-Man! I know how frustrating it is not being 100%, and how that frustration turns to emotion and how that in turn manifests into an explosion onto the ones you love. It gets better, slowly with time. Just be patient with Mom as she's being with you, her #1 patient! My Mom and I almost disowned each other after 3 months in bed under her roof, but we forgave each other and are stronger for it now... Stay sane, take lots if walks, and keep calm, this too will pass!
xoxoxo
Ernie Keen I know you know ALL about recovery. You are an inspiration.
Love ya, Marie.
Ernie A.S.
On September 23, 2013...
Doug Horne posted a note for Ernie that says:
Hey Ernie, glad to hear your recovery is going well. We'll have ya out and about at a Tiki event in no time. Keep going buddy!
Jim Jones posted a note for Ernie that says:
So glad yesterday went well. Keep up the massages and walking this week. I will have massages down as a "to do" post-surgery.
Jeez, sorry to hear of the missed 100 goal. I have been heavily promoting you in my journal. Has that hurt the numbers??
How about cameo appearances from Lori and Mom? New characters can reach more demographics.
Helen Roy posted a note for Ernie that says:
Well here's another signing of your guest book to add to the all the others :0)
You made me laugh so much about your mum driving you round town.Glad you are sleeping so well. When I began to sleep properly was when I made huge jumps in my recovery and it sounds that's happening for you.
Ernie Keen It would have been even funnier if somebody had recorded our trip on audio.
Ernie Keen It would have been even funnier if somebody had recorded our trip on audio.
Tough day for me yesterday.
Glad you enjoy the journal.
Keep on healing.
Ernie A. S.
On September 22, 2013...
Stephen & Julia posted a note for Ernie that says:
We're still here, Ernie-man, and we're very happy to read that you're continuing to get stronger everyday. Keep it up!
Cindy Wilson posted a note for Ernie that says:
OK, I feel the need to post something you have to respond to in response to you making me laugh so much- ouch that hurts! But its the best kind of hurt! No need to respond. I wish you many more BMs (I think they're better than the pain meds, haha) and farts!
We're getting there!
Barb Brooks posted a note for Ernie that says:
Ernie... I jumped on this site shortly before you went in, and have been reading your journal ever since. Your posts are the main source of amusement for my husband and I on our way to work. We have come to the conclusion you are a professional stand-up comedian, and those posting in your Guestbook are your 'groupies'.
Glad to hear your recovery is going so well. I don't go in until the end of next month. If you're still writing in your journal at that time I won't be able to read them... I hear laughing hurts! All the best!
Ernie Keen Glad ya'll enjoy the journal Barb. Not a stand-up comedian, just an animator. Enjoy making people lau ... Read more
Ernie Keen Glad ya'll enjoy the journal Barb. Not a stand-up comedian, just an animator. Enjoy making people laugh. You are going to do great. Lot's of smiles and positive attitude. Family and friends will be invaluable. (as well as laxatives and spirometer)
Ernie A.S.
On September 21, 2013...
Jim Jones posted a note for Ernie that says:
Ernie
So glad you got some sleep last night, you needed it. Glad the fluids are leaving the body and the cake is going in. Keep with the walking, it's the best thing going right now. And the massages-get those knots out, they are painful.
Your mom sounds real tough. I don't think our parents would have let us play together as kids. Terrific day,
Senaida posted a note for Ernie that says:
Hi E,
So glad you are doing well. It was good to talk to you before your surgery, bet you were surprised by my phone call. You are in my prayers.
Class of 82!
Ernie Keen Hi Q T Pie! It was a nice surprise to get a call from you. You didn't leave your number though.
Ernie Keen Hi Q T Pie! It was a nice surprise to get a call from you. You didn't leave your number though.
:) Lotsa Love-----Ernie A.S.
On September 21, 2013...
Jim Jones posted a note for Ernie that says:
Jeez, Ernie, I have left a TON of guest messages and not one response. That is cold, man. Plus, you are describing your BMs but when I look for photos, Nothing, nada...Ernie, part of your role is to be our guide. There are a bunch of us heading into surgery. You are letting us down. Go visual, man.
And, oh, by the way, I hope you have your best day yet! Hi to mom.
Ernie Keen Here's a response for you JJ. Afraid to take the camera into the bathroom. Don't want to accidently d ... Read more
Ernie Keen Here's a response for you JJ. Afraid to take the camera into the bathroom. Don't want to accidently drop it in the toilet. Great night of sleep last night, so good start for today. Much thanks.
Ernie A.S.
On September 21, 2013...
dougg williams posted a note for Ernie that says:
Ernie, so happy to hear you are recovering with typical sense of humor. Recovery takes its own time. Hope your sleep gets better and better and so do you. No need to reply.
Cynthia French posted a note for Ernie that says:
Hey Ernie:
So sorry to hear about what you've been going through. I had no idea. It sounds like the surgery went well and I'm glad to hear that you are home now recovering. Sounds like you also have a great support system which is key. You are in my prayers and I wish you all the good health and happiness in the world. Like Dory says, Just keep swimming!!!
Aubrey posted a note for Ernie that says:
Keep up the good work and keep it slow and steady. God bless you for the coughs, they hurt! Walking was the key for me and it makes everything better. Set goals for small increments everyone one to two days and do not feel the need to move to marathon leaps of activity. Take your time and it will make a difference. Also, be careful about how you gang activities together like shower, standing to shave, brush teeth, walking . It can make you weka and even dizzy, so space it out for the first couple weeks. Keep,up the great work and laxatives are great. I am using dulcolax two pills a day plus a Miralax dose in Gatorade once a day and it works well for me. If you make any changes on anything, check with the doctors office. They do this all the time. Keep up the good work.
Ernie Keen Aubrey, you are wealth of information. Much appreciated. Keep healing.
Ernie A.S.
On September 20, 2013...
Adam posted a note for Ernie that says:
We're damn glad to hear you're doing well, Ernie! I told you you weren't going to die! Now hurry up and recovery so we can check out the Tonga Hut Palm Springs!
Ernie Keen Thanks Adam. Thanks for all your help, too.
Hi to suzy.
Ernie A.S.
On September 20, 2013...
Cindy Wilson posted a note for Ernie that says:
Ernie, you are amazing! Make me feel like such a slug! So, so so very happy that you are up and about and heading in the right direction! Woohoo, can't wait for the 6 moth mark!
Stay strong!
CIndy
Ernie Keen You're no slug. You're doing great. keep on keeping on!!
Ernie A.S.
On September 20, 2013...
Lynn E posted a note for Ernie that says:
Hi Ernie,
I am in Italy and 9 hours ahead. You have had your op now and are getting better. Still, it sounds pretty dreadful and I wish I could just stay here in Venice and never face the music! Alas. I will be home very soon and getting my op date. All the best to you, I hope I do half as well. Thank you for your funny posts and the lighter side of OHS...
Ernie Keen You're going to do great, don't worry. You'll be better than new once you've recovered completely. So ... Read more
Ernie Keen You're going to do great, don't worry. You'll be better than new once you've recovered completely. Something to look forward to.
On September 20, 2013...
Lady Velour posted a note for Ernie that says:
Hi Ernie!
So happy to see you are doing so well!
Keep up the good work & I look forward to seeing you soon.
Hopefully you will be able to come to The Hut in late October for the show for a visit.
Rest easy!
Much love!
Sheri Hillenbrand (Hilbrich) posted a note for Ernie that says:
I'm so happy to hear you are doing well. I especially love that you never forget to enclude news of your BM's. (seriously, I know how important that is!) You are the first thing I read when I walk into the office each morning. Keep up the good work, Ernie. I'm certain I'm not the only one who keeps you in our prayers. sheri
debbiej posted a note for Ernie that says:
ernie my surgery is next week. Does protein help with the healing? I will start it now. Glad you are doing so well. I hope I do this good. Keep up the good work
Ernie Keen Yep. You need lots of protein to heal and calcium to heal the sternum. The diet material they give yo ... Read more
Ernie Keen Yep. You need lots of protein to heal and calcium to heal the sternum. The diet material they give you will say not to worry about cholesterol right now when eating red meats, because you need the protein to heal. I upped my protein intake the week before my surgery.
On September 19, 2013...
Tony Marsico / Martini Kings posted a note for Ernie that says:
i'll be a son of a gun... you already got the operation!!! i told you that you wood be fine!
tony
Ernie Keen Thanks tony. better late than never. :)
E
On September 19, 2013...
Tony Marsico / Martini Kings posted a note for Ernie that says:
hey grog, just heard the news. wish ya the best man...good to get it done now while you are young. everything will be cool.if you didn't know... i have a line about grog in my new song "the tiki folks are coming".
maybe you could blast it in the operating room to get the surgeons in a great mood!
feel good buddy!
tony
Aunt Virginia posted a note for Ernie that says:
Ernie; I'm so glad to see you are doing better each day, it just seems to take time. I know, I'm almost to the three month recovery time from my fractured leg; improving each day. I will continue to check on your progress. love Aunt Virginia
Ernie Keen Thanks Aunt Virginia. Hope your recovery is quick.
I hope you get a good night tonight :)
Thanks a lot Lynn.
ernie A.S.