Caroline Hu posted a note for Ernie that says:
Hey Ernie, I heard about your surgery thru 839, just wanted to wish you the best and a swift recovery... maybe now you'll start eating your veggies and hopping on that treadmill more often! Take care, Caroline
Ernie Keen Thanks Caroline. Veggies and treadmill wouldn't have made much difference with this bum heart valve. ... Read more
Ernie Keen Thanks Caroline. Veggies and treadmill wouldn't have made much difference with this bum heart valve. it had an expiration date on it from the start.
Ernie
On September 19, 2013...
Marie king posted a note for Ernie that says:
Glad to hear my favorite Caveman is getting some sleep and is up and about a bit too!
Hurry up and heal so we don't have to file for bankruptcy. Where's all our business?!
Happy you liked Eric's card too. By the time I got to sign it there was no space left!!!
XO from JP & Me!!!
Debbie Cross posted a note for Ernie that says:
Glad to read today's post, it sounds much better. There are just some things we must endure that can't be sugar coated! I know everyone wants to be positive but really
Ernie Keen Recovery is definitely a roller coaster. Thanks Debbie.
Ernie A.S.
On September 19, 2013...
Dan Sinclair posted a note for Ernie that says:
Ernie,
Thanks for the humor, I am sure that all of us have enjoyed your journey more than you have...to date. Good Luck and wishing you a super fast recovery!
Following your footsteps sooner than I want.
Ernie Keen Don't worry Dan. Better to get it done now than to put it off. The idea of the surgery is more daunti ... Read more
Ernie Keen Don't worry Dan. Better to get it done now than to put it off. The idea of the surgery is more daunting the surgery itself. Recovery is a challenge, but you just have to be patient (which I'm not) and expect frustrations. Family and friends are invaluable. Laxatives and stool softener!! Use them and you'll be thankful. Burping, farting and pooping--the things that help the most (besides sleep which really does help the most.) Eat lots of protein and use the heck out of the spirometer.
Ernie A.S.
On September 19, 2013...
Linda H and Elsie AVR 9/19/12 posted a note for Ernie that says:
Hey Ernie and Toro, Deb Z is right don't give up on pain meds yet. It takes a long time. I would say the back cramps are from how you were positioned on the table in surgery. Everyone comes out with some new pains somewhere. Burping and farting are all good. When you are in surgery they pump you full of gas and it has to get out somehow. That will go away real soon. Walking should help some but don't overdo. Also if you read my blogs, you will find out that I lost a lot of weight for my surgery. I was disappointed to find out that I gained 20 pounds over night. It was from the surgery and all the stuff they do to you. The good news I lost it real fast. My appetite wasn't real good either. It took a couple of months to really get that back. You are doing great and Elsie says Toro is doing great to. So hang in there tomorrow will be even a better day. Just rest and take lots of naps, it helps. Your Mom is doing good to, hooray for Mom.
On September 19, 2013...
Sandy Hodge posted a note for Ernie that says:
I've been following your journey Ernie and I'm so happy you've been steadily moving in the right direction. I'll have a drink in your name and hope for a day full of burps, gas and good poops.
On September 19, 2013...
Jim Jones posted a note for Ernie that says:
Ernie:
Great post and great news! And the humor was pretty good too!
I hope today delivers continued improvement. Keep 'er up, guy.
On September 19, 2013...
Aunt Betty posted a note for Ernie that says:
Ernie you amaze me, not only with your sense of humor, but how well you seem to be doing. Look forward to another up date, and you take care of your Mom, remember we are not spring chickens anymore, at least Aunt Betty is not. Love you, and remember some day I am coming to see you.
On September 19, 2013...
Rebecca S posted a note for Ernie that says:
Ernie, so glad you finally got some good sleep. That seems to be hardest....finding that comfy spot. Glad things are all moving in right direction. Keep up the good work.
On September 19, 2013...
Deb Ziegler posted a note for Ernie that says:
Glad to hear from Ernie A.S.! That sleep apnea sounds awful(and a little scary!) so I hope you get that figured out sooner than later. You need to sleep to recover.
Having had the neck and back muscle cramps, my advice to you would be NOT to cut back on the vicodin just yet......give it another week. You are only a week out ( and you haven't been sleeping well), so give your body a few more days to heal before you cut back or the pain from the cramps could get worse. The pain meds have aren't good for pooping, farting and burping, but they definitely help keep you comfortable and sleeping.
All the best for a full and speedy recovery!
Oh yeah, sneezing is worse than coughing. Hope you can put that off for a few more weeks. Laughing hard hurts too.
On September 19, 2013...
Stephen & Julia posted a note for Ernie that says:
Glad to here you're getting better every day, Ernie. Keep it up!
On September 18, 2013...
Jim Jones posted a note for Ernie that says:
Ernie and Toro:
Thinking of you guys today.
Ernie, I hope today goes better for you. My sense from everyone that has had the surgery recently is that the first days back home can be challenging. Hang in there. Best.
On September 18, 2013...
Linda H and Elsie posted a note for Ernie that says:
Hey Ernie and Toro, Welcome back home. Now the work really begins, but you have done the worse of it. Each day will get better. believe me. I stayed in my recliner for 4 weeks then when I did get into bed the first time, I prompted myself up with pillows for a while. But I also used pillows in the recliners to make it more comfortable. I had a travel pillow that helped with the neck pain. That lasts for several weeks. To bad you are still coughing. Hug your pillow for all its worth. It really does help.See I told you, that you would love having your Mom around. We are really wonderful people to have. Kudos to your Mom.Maybe while you are grazing you should get out of the sweet grass, that could be keeping you awake lol. Good luck in your recovery. You will make it.
On September 18, 2013...
jeff o posted a note for Ernie that says:
Ernie, I have discovered I have a significant sleep apnea problem. In the hospital, the thing the staff woke me to check on most frequently was low blood O2 because I stopped breathing repeatedly. Before surgery I lost about 25 pounds and thought that would help with my snoring. I greatly reduced my snoring but did not do anything to help my sleep apnea. So, now 6 weeks post surgery I will be trying to figure out my sleep apnea fix. It's always something. Take care. For me week 3-4 was the big improvement.
On September 18, 2013...
Rebecca S posted a note for Ernie that says:
Oh poor Ernie. So much of what you are dealing with right now will get better. It wouldn't hurt to get an apnea study. It will be awhile before you can sleep on your side. I miss that, too. Tell your mom that the pain meds can be given 30 minutes before time due. In the nursing world, we are on time with meds if we were within 30 minutes early or late of dosing time. You can't wait for pain to be a 10 before taking it. It takes so much longer to bring it down to tolerable. The couch worked better for me for sleep and reducing the swelling. I could be propped up on the couch and legs elevated on pillows to reduce the swelling. Just be sure you have a pillow behind your head so your head won't fall back while you sleep. That makes the obstructive sleep apnea more pronounced.
Hope this all helps. You will get past it. Just hang in there!!
On September 17, 2013...
Brenda posted a note for Ernie that says:
Glad to hear you are home and things are going okay. It's a tough surgery to recover from. My thoughts are with you. Waiting until you can shake your butt at me as you walk down the hall!
On September 17, 2013...
Wendy posted a note for Ernie that says:
Hi Ernie,
Glad you are doing better and recovering at home.
On September 17, 2013...
Elaine posted a note for Ernie that says:
Welcome Home Ernesto
Take it easy on yourself and your Mom. Like Sheri has said on our FB reunion page, "Nothing will keep you from chasing the skirts!"
We are all so thankful you are recovering well.
Love
On September 17, 2013...
Tanja Barnes posted a note for Ernie that says:
Hi-llo, Ernie. I just got off the phone with you. I'm glad you're home and on the mend!
On September 17, 2013...
Gav and Ronni posted a note for Ernie that says:
Time to watch the entire Breaking Bad seasons 1-5. You've got no where else to go and certainly there is nothing better to do.
Glad you are home ok. Feel better buddy.
On September 17, 2013...
Rebecca S posted a note for Ernie that says:
Yay, Ernie! So glad you are home. Sleeping propped up in bed or on couch makes breathing easier. Are you have swelling? That makes breathing harder.
On September 17, 2013...
Cheryl Smith posted a note for Ernie that says:
Yea! So glad you're at home, there's no place like home! Follow Dr's orders and take care of yourself. How long is your mom staying? Love from Texas!
On September 17, 2013...
Sherry Stevens posted a note for Ernie that says:
Welcome Home Ernie, Lots of work ahead but being home helped me feel so much more comfortable, at least mentally and emotionally. Finding a place and position to sleep took me a while, I tried the recliner ( too confining) the couch ( better ) but in the end even with the difficulty getting up and down I chose my bed where I could wiggle around and move my legs.
Along with the laxatives, be sure to drink a lot of water ( and yes you will have to walk to the bathroom a lot but consider it part of your exercise ). High fiber foods will help some too, but I had NO appetite when I first got home so good luck. Once I was off the pain meds it was better and today was my last Iron pill, so hopefully that will help as well.
I wish you well. It sounds like you are a determined person, so forge ahead and you will get back, but be patient. It does take some time. I am now 5 weeks out and feeling more like I have my life just about back.
On September 17, 2013...
Nathan Higginbotham posted a note for Ernie that says:
Welcome home! I know you are looking forward to becoming Ernie A.S. soon. Take it easy. You will feel a little better every day.
On September 17, 2013...
Aunt Betty posted a note for Ernie that says:
Glad you are home and doing well. Take it easy and continue with getting better.
On September 17, 2013...
Jim Jones posted a note for Ernie that says:
Ernie
Thinking of you today. All the best as you begin to recover. Glad you are home.
On September 16, 2013...
Stephen & Julia posted a note for Ernie that says:
Wonderful news that you're back home, Grog-ster! Take 'er easy & we'll see you soon!
Love ya, man!
On September 16, 2013...
Lady Velour posted a note for Ernie that says:
Woot! Woot! Welcome home!
So glad to hear you're doing so well!
Lots of rest & walks!
Much love~
On September 16, 2013...
Heidi Hoff posted a note for Ernie that says:
Take good care of yourself. I'm sure you kept the nurses entertained.
On September 16, 2013...
Elaine posted a note for Ernie that says:
Have to say you look affa sexy in that there gown. bawahahaha
On September 16, 2013...
Elaine posted a note for Ernie that says:
Glad to hear everything went well. Thanks to Lori for keeping us posted. Get lots of rest and walk as much as you can. Cant wait till you make another trip to Texas and come visit. We will have to call in the old gang and hit the White House again. :)
On September 16, 2013...
Alise (Brumlow) Jewell posted a note for Ernie that says:
Hey, Ernie! Sounds like I missed all the excitement! We are all praying that you are back to your fun self in no time! Praying also for Sam's surgery and your mom's sanity!
On September 16, 2013...
Adrian aka Poly Pop posted a note for Ernie that says:
Are you home now Ernie??? Can I bring the booze over now? :-) Hope you are healing well.
On September 16, 2013...
Jim Jones posted a note for Ernie that says:
Good luck today, Ernie!
On September 15, 2013...
Adri posted a note for Ernie that says:
So happy to hear you go home tomorrow. Keep up the good work healing quickly. Hugs!
Adri
On September 15, 2013...
Dave Cohen posted a note for Ernie that says:
Thanks for all the updates, Lori!
Ernesto, I'm sorry I can't be there to pester you in person. Then again I have saved myself from seeing you completely shaved and in a hospital gown. :)
Git on home safely and hopefully I'll see you soon!
Sami sends her love.
On September 15, 2013...
\"MadDog\" Mike posted a note for Ernie that says:
Ernie, glad you are doing well - thinking about you lots.
Lori, thanks for keeping us updated.
On September 15, 2013...
Janice Tolentino posted a note for Ernie that says:
TOLENTINOOOOO here again!
Good to know you're doing great.
Get well and stay well!
All the best to you Ernie.
XO
Janice
On September 15, 2013...
Higgy posted a note for Ernie that says:
One more night of Ernie I.R. is not a bad thing. Get some rest, enjoy those nurses one more night, and best wishes going home tomorrow.
On September 15, 2013...
Stephen & Julia posted a note for Ernie that says:
Staying one extra day isn't a bad idea. Get your rest, Ernie!
On September 15, 2013...
Rebecca S posted a note for Ernie that says:
Going home! Yay!
On September 15, 2013...
Kris (Krisdrama) posted a note for Ernie that says:
Hey Ernie!
Glad to hear surgery your went well! Looking forward to hearing more positive updates! Wishing you well!
On September 15, 2013...
Brian posted a note for Ernie that says:
I'm soooo happy that you are wearing more clothes in the hospital than you do at home. It's hard to keep my pizza and beer down sitting next to you in that cheetah print banana hammock while watching sports. After you are completely recovered I'm never going to sit in your recliner. YIKES....
And don't you try to trick me in carrying you to the toilet.....again.
You're the BEST.
See you soon,
On September 14, 2013...
Bonster posted a note for Ernie that says:
Checking in on you, Ernesto. All good news. You don't look half bad in that hospital robe. Glad you get to go home soon. I'll miss your mom and your sister on here. Hey, say hi to Dan Bond for me, would you? I miss you guys. Hogs and Quiches!
On September 14, 2013...
Robbie Toth/swizzle posted a note for Ernie that says:
Good to hear he is on the mend and up on his feet. He's got glazing to do.
On September 14, 2013...
John Lackness posted a note for Ernie that says:
So...since you are part bovine now.....are they watching you walk like you would be judged at the stock show? Did you have a handler with the crop keep you going straight down the hall?
On September 14, 2013...
Aubrey posted a note for Ernie that says:
Looking good Ernie. I AMA little over 2 weeks post surgery and it gets better pretty quickly. Keep sucking on the breather thing to keep your lungs clear. It really does help.
Walking helps with almost everything else, including BMs. Don't push too hard. Slow and steady is the right way and so far, you look like your doing very well. Don' t feel bad, I could not catch the nurses either.
Good luck and best wishes
On September 14, 2013...
Jo Ann Bunton posted a note for Ernie that says:
Keep pushing forward....
On September 14, 2013...
Rebecca S posted a note for Ernie that says:
Yay! Good going. Take it easy though.
On September 14, 2013...
Jim Jones posted a note for Ernie that says:
Hey Grog
You look great in the gown. And you look great standing up! Keep it up, Ernie.
Ernie