Jeff,
It is so great that you are feeling better and healing as well. We are ll thinking and praying for you. See you soon!
Robin Kesler
On March 12, 2012...
Jeff,
Get better a little bit at a time. Don't expect every day to be better than the last. There is some backsliding on this journey. Picture a graph of the stock market. Up and down but trending up!
Joe Gimbel
On March 11, 2012...
hey where is the pix of you and your heart pillow.. EVEYRONE takes that and posts it. didn't you get one.
I didn't sneeze wil week 4 and it didn't even hurt. T.G.!!!
later, Nanc
On March 11, 2012...
Jeff, I'm glad to hear the pain isn't too bad, that your appetite is coming back, and that you got better rest. And it will just keep getting better! Also great to hear about you walking more, that will be key in the coming weeks and months. I hope you do get discharged tomorrow, as recuperating in a hotel (even if it's not your own home) is better than recovering in a hospital - no matter how great the staff is! Best of luck on your transition, and much continued success. Looking forward as always to your updates.
My best always,
Ken Sawicki
On March 11, 2012...
sooo glad to see the posts getting better. and nice to see too..how every one things you bitch a lot. I called that. ! H A HA
Seriously.. you're on the up swing now; & I wish I could come vist. Maybe in Orlando.. I have aprogram there end of April !!!
All s well on the end and I"m so happy you;re doing better. I think you're terrific
Hugs, Nancy Friedman..st louis MO
On March 11, 2012...
You've had a right to "bitch" a little Jeff, what you've gone through "ain't Paradise!!!" You're on the mend, will feel much better in the end...in fact you'll feel better everywhere:>)))) Vic
On March 11, 2012...
Jeff, really relieved to see all is going so well. I wish you all the positive energy to heal up fast. I love all the updates ... Really helps to understand how things are going. I Want to thank you for my last visit... My half time was 1:30, without your help , I most likely wouldn't have finished. Now you are in a race of sorts ... Your reward .... You get to heal up and go back to work!
See you soon
Rob F
On March 11, 2012...
Hey Jeff!
So glad to hear that you are getting better and stronger each day! No surprises there! Know how much all of us at BTC have been thinking and praying for a complete healing and speedy recovery for you.
Looking forward to having you back in Florida soon but not before you get that slice of real NY pizza!
Talk with you soon,
Jeff L.
On March 11, 2012...
I've been following your updates and am so happy that you are recovering so well. I am sick and can't visit you until I am better. I will continue praying for you to have a speedy recovery.I will call you if I am better before you leave town. Where is your hotel?
Marsha
On March 11, 2012...
Wonderful Wonderful Wonderful
Jeff is back....even better than before!
Love ya
Brenda and Stuie
On March 11, 2012...
Hi Dr. Shebovsky,
We are glad and happy about your speedy recovery, God is good. Our prayer are always there for you and yours. Wow... is amazing that are coming back to Florida so soon after that serious surgery, the best for you...we love you very much, you are very special for us and you know that. Our regards to Carol and the rest of the family. God Bless!! Jose & Trini
On March 11, 2012...
You will be home soon buddy. I love being home and have my first Cardiologist appointment tomorrow morning. Hang in there brother, we are fixed!!!
Chris Dixon
On March 11, 2012...
Hi Jeff,
From your posts you are doing excellent, hardly no pain meds that is excellent, everything will get better, week by week. Breathing was a tough one for me but it will get better over time, keep doing your breathing exercises. I am 16 weeks post op and doing excellent, it is a tough operation to go through, but a durable operation, hey what choice to we have. Everyday we wake up and fog the mirror it is a Blessing, keep up the good work, and I will keep you lifted in prayer each day. Stay strong & positive. take care Jim
On March 11, 2012...
Hi Mitch,
Great to learn that you are doing so well! I suspect you will have at least one NY pizza before you leave on Friday.
The initial recovery after the surgery was definitely challenging for me. There were times in the first week or two after I was discharged that I had my doubts about having had the surgery, mainly in the morning after I woke up but was just laying in bed, but that did not last! Fortunately, the pain was not that bad, I pretty much stopped taking pain medicine on the 10th day and was able to move around fairly well.
Keep up the good progress and enjoy as much of your time in NY as you can.
John Lund
On March 11, 2012...
Hello Jeff,
No news is good news. We are still praying for you and hoping for your rest and strength to come back soon. Tell Carol we send our support and love to her. Get rest and let your body heal even though your mind is going a mile a min. You are 4 days out and doing very well. Keep breathing and walking.. Eat a healthy diet full of protien. Let us know if we can do anything for your family while Carol is with you.. Stay strong and keep working on rest and sleep..
Blessings,
Saunders family
On March 11, 2012...
Been praying for you Jeff. You are a strong resiliant
and positive man. I am so happy you are fighting everyday to get stronger. Keep giving us status reports!
Bill u
On March 11, 2012...
Great to hear that you're doing great & there haven't been any problems. Are you still going to stay ul tgere like you planned just to be safe?How's the food there? Well, I'm just getting up but I'll try & text you later.
On March 10, 2012...
Hey Jeff it is Rob. I hope Suzanne did a good job for you. I read your entry today and I have to say that its great that your alive, thriving and bitching. this means you are getting stronger everyday. You know what really sucks is coming to your office on a sunday and doing 5-6 hours of paperwork b/c uhc is auditing me b/c they said I average more than 9 visits per patient and collect in the top 15% in usa of all chiropractors. No really just a huge inconvenience but you know it is what it is. Also trying to get paid on 4 codes per visit sucks but you will deal w/these sucky things when you go back to work. Anyway sounds like your doing great except for the inconveniences which will be forgotten about before you know it. Probaly will drop by to see you after my review of charts. Speak to you later.
On March 10, 2012...
Glad you are getting better. Ask the nurse for a sleeping pill, that might help. Now you are on the other side of the mountain, and Linda is almost to the top getting ready to slide down. Tomorrow will be better, take it easy and get some sleep.
For the long haul
Linda H
On March 10, 2012...
You, buddy, are amazing. This whole drag yourself up and go for a walk is the kind of drive that's gonna get you through this in flying colors.
Yeah, it does kinda suck. For a few days, maybe a week. Then it improves to just plain crappy! Did we forget to tell you? It's the dirty little secret of heart valve surgery: not really a walk in the park.
Already though you gotta be seeing progress day by day. Keep in your mind the love you are feeling. The bad will slip away with time, but the good stuff won't. After a while the love and your drive to recover is what you will remember most. And that is as it should be.
Now that you are started with your walking, keep it up. The mild stress of exercise triggers those protein messaging pathways that promote healing and keeps them cranking. That and eating! Three and a half billion years of evolution gave you those pathways, tap in to the gift from an unbroken line of winner ancestors. Expand your envelope a little every day and you'll be amazed at how fast it goes. By busting out by only a little, your body will only need to give you little complaints as feedback.
Good healing, my man! -- DVB
On March 10, 2012...
Jeff,
I like what Nancy posted: Bitch, bitch, bitch.
I guess that means your a really bitchin patient!!! Glad to hear it!
I can appreciate that fact that you're being real. I never expected this to be a cakewalk either. Every one of the really large pains I've had in my life have mellowed over time. I expect this one to mellow as well with an incredible up side to boot.
You're well enough to be 'bitchin' - that's cool! Next week you'll be wondering what the heck you were complaining about.
Keep on healing my friend - you're on the other side. I'll see you there soon.
Chuck Holmgreen
On March 10, 2012...
Meant to tel you. Second best Friend will be your spirometer. ( carol being your first ) It's a painBut it'll really help your lungs
I feel for you ! Hang tough. Need another poem?
Lov ya. N.
On March 10, 2012...
Jeff, Great to see your recovery is progressing to the milestone of making your first post-surgery post. Carol has done a great job of keeping us informed. Peace
- Jim Smith
On March 10, 2012...
Hey Jeff! Naturally "it sucks!!!" Any time the body is invaded, especially in such a vast way, you're going to feel very uncomfortable. I try and put myself in your place, and can't imagine being able to tolerate it. Those of us who have worked hard and diligently to be in top physical condition hate any setbacks! However, the GOOD NEWS, as you know, is that you will recover MUCH FASTER, and BETTER than the average person:)
I went through melancholic depression some 2 years ago. Long story short, over a 6 month period I lost 30 lbs., and desire to do ANYTHING, including to live. I checked into a hospital, and spent 12 days in the suicide ward. Along with the help of medication, and some fantastic friends, including some of the other people who were there for help, I worked my way back to physical, mental, and emotional health. In fact Jeff, I'm a much stronger person overall than I've been in my 64 years:))) Thus, it will be with you, and you know it.
I'm not a super religious person, but do believe in God as a higher power. A quote from the Bible that has helped me greatly is, "Walk by Faith, not by sight" 2 Corinthians 5:7.
My best to you always...before you know it you'll be back on the mound, throwing harder, and having more endurance than you can imagine!!!
Take care my friend, you are in control:) Vic
On March 10, 2012...
Bitch bitch bitch.
In 4 weeks u won't remember a thing ! Suck that up ! Ever had a baby ? That's pain !
Now - . Yes ! It gets. every day. You will. Be great in 7 days. You will not remember it sucked.
We had major surgery. What did u expect ? Something like a Paper cut ?
Stop scaring all the up & comers !
Ok ok. A little sympathy now. I'm 4 weeks out & it's great Jeff ! I wish you the same uneventful recovery.
I do have a toilet riser for you if you need it. Can't seem to get rid of it
May each day be a great one for you & im so happy it's all over friend. You're awesome! But as the saying goes the bigger they are the harder they fall. & you be a big one sir!
Coninuted good days & talk soon
Hugs. Nanc.
On March 10, 2012...
You are an inspiration to everyone, and I personally admire your personal motivitation to get you on where you are now.
We are truly blest to have friend like you to show us that everything is possible , and you are doing it right now.
God bless you and your family always.
I will be missing you tomorrow on the baseball field
Thanks a million for sharing your live moments with us
G D'Andrea
On March 10, 2012...
So glad you are getting better everyday. We miss you but know you are in good hands and that you'll be back cracking... I mean adjusting patients before you know it. We will continue to pray for your recovery and hope for more sleep filled nights:)
The benison family
On March 10, 2012...
I am happy to read and hear that you are doing so well. Best regards for a speedy recovery. Ilona Lojek from Budapest, Hungary.
On March 10, 2012...
Hi, you are not alone in your fight to get back to some normailty. The care and concern of loved ones around you is a huge help. My surgeon told me to push myself but struggling to know how much. Everything as you say is an effort - but it will get better!!! We have gone thru something very traumatic and made it so we have a huge amount invested in this to stay positive and move forward. As in the immortal words of winston churchill during the war "keep calm and carry on" take care.
Claire tunmore
On March 10, 2012...
Jeff...you are sooo right..the recovery DOES suck. It is sooo hard to do everything...it hurts and the drugs stink. Everything you do is such an effort and then you are Pooped. I promise you that every day does get better. The hardest days are those in the hospital. It is soooo great to get home and to your own bed, bathroom and environment. Watch how much company you have...it is exhausting too. My husband posted on my Journal when it was OK to visit. I would get so tired and if I got too tired then I felt horrible!! Once I got home the best thing that happened was my recliner that we rented. I kept it for several weeks and it helped soooo much. Be patient and trust that everyday will be better and you will have some difficult days but you will also have some great days!! It is hard to believe when you feel rotten but you will get stronger and better. It is a process and will take allot of time to come back. Like my doc said....if you feel better than you did last week.you are on the mend. God's peace to you and your family. We have all been there...we are soooo blessed to have had a great surgery but the recovery is not a piece of cake. You will get better...I promise...though the journey is long. Best wishes. Jamie Todor
On March 10, 2012...
WELCOME BACK!!!
I knew you'd do just fine! Yes, you went through hell, but you made it! Now go take a long vacation!!
Remember what I always say: IF NOT NOW, WHEN!!!
Speak soon,
Your buddy,
Marc
On March 10, 2012...
Jeff,
I am glad you are moving forward in your recovery. You will see once you are home how fast you progress. Each day will get better, even if a few feel like setbacks. It is hard to feel the way you probably do, when you are used to being so strong and actIve. You will get
there....slow, steady...good luck!,
Theresa C.
On March 10, 2012...
Jeff, it is so great to hear from you and see you are doing so well, besides the sleep, which will come.... Welcome to the other side! Even though it may suck now, it won't in the future, and that's what you've gotta hang on to.... One step at a time, literally! I'm looking forward to hearing all about those steps, and I'll be here in the cheering section all the way!!!
My best to you and your family,
Ken Sawicki, Connecticut
On March 10, 2012...
Jeff, we are so happy for you. You pulled thru the surgery like a champ! Yes, we all know its just the beginning but you are making great strides. Everyone is praying now for a fast and speedy recovery.you can do, stay strong, keep thinking positive and try to get some rest, even if its just little cat naps it will help. Rest will speed up that recovery. And yes Carol did a wonderful job keeping us all posted. Kudos to her. Take care and we love you guys! Your doing a great job, just keep it up. The Sapiro Family
On March 10, 2012...
Its great to hear that you are doing good, Ann and i have been thinking of you, its gotta suck now, but imagine how its gonna be in the future. WORRY FREE !
We are very happy for you !! JOHNNY SNEDDON
On March 10, 2012...
Hey there Jeff!
Welcome back! I'm sooo happy that things went so well!! I hear you haven't stopped talking! Now, that's the Jeff I know. I love ya and will give you a call very soon. Stay strong "Recovery King"!
Love,
Ellen
On March 10, 2012...
Jeff,
It does suck!! But it does get better! You and Carol have been such a blessing in our lives. We can't wait to meet again and have some fun. Keep up the good work.
Niki
On March 10, 2012...
Jeff, so glad to hear you are feeling better and on the road to recovery, one day at a time.....
Cindy P.
On March 10, 2012...
Let the surgery" suck"...lets change the "s" to an "L". and we get" luck".........God Bless You....
We Love You
Brenda and Stuie
On March 10, 2012...
Sorry, I clicked too soon. That was Shirley and John. I'm playing Angry Birds. If you want something to take your mind off your recovery, try slinging some birds!
On March 10, 2012...
So glad to hear from you in person! John and I are thrilled with your progress! Keep up the good work, and don't forget to count those sheep!
On March 10, 2012...
Wonderful! Wonderful! Wonderful!
Great to hear...walking!
We Love You
Brenda and Stuie
On March 10, 2012...
Good morning Jeff & Carol. Great to hear about the activity and I truly hope Jeff was able to sleep better last night.
However it really is difficult to get any real rest in a hospital!
We're thrilled for you both.
Chuck Holmgreen
On March 9, 2012...
Wonderful!!! Tell Jeff he needs to start throwing a baseball as soon as possible...he's starting against the Blazers next week!!! :>))) Everyone from the Tigers says HI!!! So glad he's making a fast recovery!
Vic Connelly
On March 9, 2012...
Awesome News....go glad he got a private room. You all deserve it. Soon you'll be home in your OWN bed. Yippee! Keep strong and thanks for keeping us all posted on HVJ. I just love this group!! Hugs. Jamie Todor
On March 9, 2012...
Dr. Shebovsky
My parents Jose & Trini Aponte just informed me of your surgery. I was saddened to hear about it, but am so thankful to God that you are doing well. I have asked for all of my family and friends to pray for you, your family for comfort/strength, and most importantly for a speedy recovery on your part. We love you and your family dearly.
My grandson plays on the St Louis PIRATES. wonder if they're related?
either way; soooo glad you're doing well.. and Ieft a vmail for you on the cell; and will try again... either way I"ll catch up with you shortly....
It's not that bad, is it? and I promise it gets better. (Right EACH DAY) ha ha
I drove today 4 weeks post Hmmm? wonder if that's why streets were cleared? well, like a bike...you just never forget.
I used my heart pillow...and will continue to.. feels good... and reminds me I am still vulnerable.
be well My friend.. hugs to all and talk soon.
warmly, Nancy Friedman..st louis....
On March 9, 2012...
Jeff and Carol.
We all have been following the posts and we are happy everything is moving along well for Jeff!
Always in our hearts and prayers!
Eric Rung (and the rest of the Orlando Pirates)
On March 9, 2012...
Jeff,
So glad to hear that everything has gone exceptionally well. I know that the hardest part for you is being forced to do nothing....although I expect you'd be burning up the iPad and your mobile phone if they'd let you. The number and sincerity of the postings speaks volumes about the respect, love and admiration we all have for you and Carol. Thanks for keeping us in the loop. Wishing you a continued quick recovery and return to Florida.
Paul F.
On March 9, 2012...
Hello Jeff,
So happy you tolerated this intense surgery like it was nothing.. I know the hardest part will be allowing your body to get enough rest and heal. Keep resting and allowing your healing to catch up.. Thanks for posting and keeping all of us informed. We look forward to having you back in Florida soon. Say hello to Carol and have her call if she needs anything..
It is so great that you are feeling better and healing as well. We are ll thinking and praying for you. See you soon!
Robin Kesler