Joya - Glad to hear that you're on the mend and feeling better. Pete's got to be the best nurse in the world (I think it's kind of romantic that he listens to you breathing at night). You're in the best of hands...you'll be downward dogging in no time!
On August 1, 2010...
Joy,
Great to hear that your recovery is progressing so well. I agree with Pete that getting out of the house does help you. My wife had me to Costco about 4 days during my first week home and let me walk around the electronics department as much as I wanted without any hurrying me to the food area.
Keep walking and take care of yourself.
Mark
Keller, TX
On July 31, 2010...
Joy,
so good to hear the great news from your appointment with the surgeon. You are officially on the road to recovery and doing great. I am so happy for you...and pray all continues to go well. Keep us posted.
Theresa Callanan
On July 31, 2010...
continue to recup but do get out as often as you feel. Being in the sun and seeing people if great! The more you see and do, the better you feel and can recuperate faster. (I knowfrom experience. You look good. Continue smiling...You are young yet and have much to look forward to. Kay
On July 31, 2010...
Hi Joy
So glad to hear the great report from your surgeon. Sounds like you're on your way to a super, uneventful recovery. Glad you're sleeping better also. It's not easy to heal without good rest. My cardiologist hears a slight murmur on me and tells me that's normal post heart valve surgery, so I don't worry about it. Will see if it's still there at my 6 month check in September. keep healing.
Fran
On July 31, 2010...
Hi Joy,
I am so glad to hear you're doing so well. You were given a lot more info. at your post-op appt. than I got when I saw the physician's asst. yesterday. I will be starting rehab on 8/10 but won't see my cardiologist until late Aug. I have to ask... are you feeling really "bruised"? I just started feeling this way 2 days ago. Keep up the good work!
Kellie
On July 31, 2010...
Hi Joy!
Thank you for your post in my guestbook. I'm really glad it brought encouragement to see me 6 months out. I actually ran 3 miles this morning. I had to use my heart rate monitor watch to keep the rate from getting too high. But it felt good to run that far again. Sounds like you are doing great and 6 months from now you'll be good as new, maybe better. I pray that you will have a smooth and simple recovery and that you will experience God's presence, healing, and peace, as did we.
All the best.
Duane Hunt, FL
On July 31, 2010...
Hi Joy!
You are making great progress. I'm happy to hear you sounding so well, and glad everyone is taking good care of you as you mend. Here's a great movie you can download and watch for free: http://www.sitasingstheblues.com/
Love,
Cheryl
On July 31, 2010...
Wow Joy huge progress! I'm so glad you are
getting back to normal. Good thing you had a such a great nurse.
Linda
On July 30, 2010...
Hi Joy -- so glad to read that you are doing well. Thanks so much for posting on mom's blog that feeling weak is NORMAL! So helpful! Mom's been asking about you and should have internet access soon since she's headed to rehab this afternoon. All the best. -- Colleen (Lee McAvinia's daughter).
On July 29, 2010...
Hi Joy, Glad you are home and on the road to recovery. Sounds like you are making good progress-must be the yoga and all the wonderful support.Im thinking of you and wish you the best for a speedy recovery. Take care,Nancy in MA
On July 29, 2010...
Hi Joy,
I've been thinking about you every day for the last week and sending you good wishes for speedy healing. I'm so glad to hear that you are up and around and able to walk a little bit.
It sounds like you are well taken care of meal wise. Please let me know if you need anything else. I wish you deep and easy sleep!
Best,
Kelly
On July 29, 2010...
Hi Joy
Thanks for the message in my guestbook. It's good to hear how well you are sounding. That's that yoga!
We're just back from holidays where internet access was quite limited and with my own computer having had some difficulty lately, I haven't been on the net too much. I do get the messages on my blackberry but it wasn't easy to pull it out when I was visiting with others and start typing. Anyway, I was still managing to follow your progress.
Keep well.
Cheryl, Ontario
On July 28, 2010...
Joy,
Welcome home! It is so good to hear that you are doing well. I love to read your journal entries. Thank you for keeping us updated. I can just picture you walking through the Farmers Market in your PJs. :)
Take care. You are in my thoughts.
Jenny
On July 28, 2010...
Hi Joy
You are doing so well. Have you thought about buying a bed wedge for sleeping? There are a couple of Relax The back stores in Austin and I know they sell them. You put your pillow on it and it raises you and supports you for sleeping on your back. I napped exactly twice during my recovery although I would get in my recliner and relax. I am not a daytime sleeper but I thought I would be able to, post op. Glad you've been able to get out of the house for some of your walking. How do you like sitting in the back seat and being chaufered? Remember, measure your progress by the week, not the day. Your Pete sounds like mine, a sweetheart!! keep healing.
Fran
On July 28, 2010...
It's hard when you're healthy, healthy, healthy, and then you can't do hardly anything without feeling it. Go ahead and complain. Too bad you can't nap during the day. Sleep is a good escape and before you know it, you're well again. Sounds like you are well on your way. Just don't overdo it too soon.
Thinking of you.
Linda
On July 28, 2010...
It's difficult to believe it has been a week already since your surgery although to you it probably feels much longer. You have a wonderful support group, and I'm sure Pete appreciates help with the cooking. I know you must be feeling a little impatient since you have always been so independent and active and not one to sit around. As far as I'm concerned you are entitled to whine if you want!!
I think of you often, Joy, and always like to read your updates.
Diana
On July 28, 2010...
Hi Joy,
You are doing just fine. I think we all want everything to be back to normal. It will take time. I am sure you heard that before. It will happen and you will look back at this as "doing you're time." You are doing as much or more than I did a week after surgery.
The sleep was a problem for me as well. I never did use the recliner, just lots of pillows and sitting up with my back against the headboard. I am not a good sleeper to begin with. You might want to try NatureMade Sleep. It works for me and is all natural.
Keep up the good work. You will feel better as the time goes bye.
Sandy
On July 28, 2010...
Joy,
Thanks for the post. I find myself missing them if a day goes by and one has not been received since the surgery. It will be a good day when you are all well and have nothing to write about except the usual days activities.
Continue on. It sounds like you are doing great.
Melinda
On July 28, 2010...
Hi Joy: I read all of your messages, and am pulling for you. Sorry you are still so uncomfortable. Surely that will pass soon. We are proud of you. One of these days it will be back to leaping over tall buildings in a single bound!
Love,
Philip and Tissa Baker
On July 27, 2010...
Hi Joy,
So glad you are home and doing well. That nausea you experienced had to be awful! Slowly your strength will come back - every day just gets better and better.
We had breakfast at the Country Roads in Kittredge on Sunday and I thought of you as we were right across from the Evergreen Nursery - which, unfortunately, is closed. A real loss to the area! I suspect our day was a lot cooler than you were experiencing.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Anne
On July 27, 2010...
Hi Joy. I'm so glad it seems your recovery is going as nicely as mine. I can't believe today is 1 week post-op.
Have you noticed an increase in your energy level yet? My husband made the comment last night that now he's falling asleep before me...
Godspeed to us both!
Kellie
On July 26, 2010...
Hi Joy,
It's great that you are home safe and sound after such major surgery! I was afraid your stay in the hospital might be longer.
It's good to know that Pete will be taking such good care of you which will help the healing process, I'm sure.
I admire your positive attitude prior to your surgery because that cannot be easy. I'm sure this same attitude will aid in your recovery as well.
Look forward to the next update,
Diana
On July 26, 2010...
Hi Joy
After all your time of waiting, now it's all over and being home is the best medicine. Having read so many journals you know not to overdo and to rest when (or even before) you're fatigued. Use your spirometer, it really helps. Great news.
Fran
On July 26, 2010...
Home is the best place to recover - you'll get to sleep all night and everything! So glad it's over and you're on your way back to normal.
Linda
On July 26, 2010...
Joy - Glad to hear that you are home and doing well! Remember to take it slow & steady and not overdo it...
Keep healing,
Kellie (MD)
On July 26, 2010...
I have tears of joy foryou and the fortunate path that has led you to be part of my life. I will be so excited to see you in front ofthe yoga class doing some ofthe things you do best. So glad you are home and all went well. Take care of yourself and don't rush into anything. Pete is a great one to have by your side. Hugs, Kay L.
On July 26, 2010...
Joy,
Glad to hear all is continuimg to go very well. It is so refreshing to be back in your home sanctuary when it is all over and done with. Rest well and keep up your walking and spirometer.
Mark
Keller, TX
On July 25, 2010...
Joy,
So glad you are home.........you did great. Take it slow and steady.
Theresa C.
On July 25, 2010...
Joy,
So glad to hear you are back in Sun City. You are sensible enough to know your limitations. Let Pete take care of you as you continue the healing process.
Love,
Lyn
On July 25, 2010...
Hi Joy
I'm so very happy to see you home and know that everything went so well. Take a page from our books and don't rush your recovery. Slow and steady.
Cheryl, Ontario
On July 25, 2010...
Joya - Glad to hear you're doing well. I've been thinking about you. I expect you'd slap me if I said home is where the heart is (sneaky, huh?), but I'll just say that home is where the love and healing is.
I wish you lots of both!
Franka
On July 25, 2010...
Pete & Joy, Glad to hear that Joy is getting stronger and better everyday, hope she gets to come home soon!!! Keeping you guys in our prayers.... Debbie & Eric W.
On July 24, 2010...
Joy How wonderful to hear of your great progress My computer just got fixed via long distance by Matthew (michigan son) How blessed I am Keep up the good work!!! You too Pete Betty
On July 24, 2010...
Hi Joy! I am glad to hear you're doing better and better with each passing day and hope to hear that you get out soon. I got out yesterday and my recovery has been pretty uneventful so far. I continue to keep you in my prayers.
Kellie (MD)
On July 23, 2010...
Hi Joy and Pete
Every post is better and better. I never really had any nausea but so many others have and it can't be pleasant. Can't begin to heal if you can't eat, so glad that issue has been taken care of. You'll be home soon and you can regale us with the stories of your recovery which i pray is uneventful.
Fran
On July 23, 2010...
Hi Joy,
I am so happy you are up and about. Don't you just love this amazing 21st century medicine. We are all so blessed to have the miracle workers. I will continue to pray for the best and fastest recovery possible. Linda S.
On July 23, 2010...
Great to hear all is going well and as expected.
Melinda and Dave
On July 23, 2010...
Joy,
So good to hear the good news. You are doing so well..Yay it is over. Can not wait to hear you are home recovering.
Theresa C.
On July 23, 2010...
Dear Joy,
A hello from the cool mountains of Colorado - sending you some great wishes for a speedy recovery. Sounds like surgery went well and was successful. I hope your next week is like mine has been. I had surgery a week ago and I feel really good. So much better than I EVER thought I would. Erik even called this morning as he was driving to work to remind me that I shouldn't overextend myself. I have a friend coming up to return a dog and I was going to take her out to lunch at Red Rocks park. I may have to reconsider. I feel well enough to do it but maybe it's not smart. And, God knows, I want to be SMART.
But my new reconditioned heart is wonderful. Everytime I hear it pumping, I just start to grin! Think on the happy side!
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Anne Shannon
On July 23, 2010...
This is wonderful news; I can't believe she is up and walking around already. I'm sure she'll feel much better once she's home and so will you!! Thanks for taking such good care of my dear friend.
Have a good day, Pete,
Diana
On July 23, 2010...
Joy,
I'm happy to hear your surgery went well and it sounds like you're on the road to recovery. Don't worry about the lack of appetite . . . I didn't eat much in the hospital (the food didn't help!) and it took a few weeks to get my appetite back... Sadly, it's BAAACCCKKK! I need to lose the pounds I packed on in the year before surgery (why isn't rapid, unexplained weight LOSS???)
Take each day as it comes. You'll be feeling much better soon.
Ricki
On July 23, 2010...
Joy,
I'm glad to hear your surgery went well. My continued prayers for your quick recovery. Each day really does gets better.
Mary
On July 22, 2010...
Joy,
So glad to hear all is well. Hang in there, it gets easier everyday...
Mark
keller, YX
On July 22, 2010...
Joy & Pete, Very happy the surgery was a success, May GOD continue to bless you guys and I pray for Joy's speedy recovery. Deb W.
On July 22, 2010...
Glad to hear your surgery went well. Hope you continue on the road to recovery. My surgery was completed yesterday also, so look forward to rooting each other on. -- Lee
On July 22, 2010...
Pete, thank you so much for the update on Joy's surgery. I have been praying for her a lot and was so glad to hear that all went well. Don't forget to take care of yourself. Sometimes it is hard when you are caring for someone you love to even think about yourself. Even for you, "Mr. Amazing". You both mean so much to me and I am just so glad that things went well. I will be anxiously awaiting further updates.
Paula
On July 21, 2010...
Hi Pete
Thanks for the update on Joy's surgery. I'm glad to know she's going to be fine and that everything went well. Get some sleep because tomorrow is going to be another big day. Wishing her well and keeping you both in my prayers.
Cheryl, Ontario
On July 21, 2010...
Pete - thank you so much for keeping us updated on Joy ! YAHOOOOOO SOOOOO very very happy that she got through it with flying colors. I am continuing to pray for you as well as her - please give her a high-five from me. With love ~ Christine from Sun City Yoga
On July 21, 2010...
Thanks for the update. I am a "mooer" with my bovine valve, guess we can say Joy is a "neigher". Whatever it is, it all works, praise God.
Fran