Judy, wish I lived closer so I could come over and take the dogs out for a walk and visit with you! Judy. Sounds like you are going through a rough time and the dogs will surely pick up on this. I feel so bad for you, you are such a good person, praying you will feel better soon!
Awe, the picture of all three of you, love it! Take Care Friend,
Connie xo

Did you know that those who appear to be really strong, really are the most sensitive...
Did you know that those who spend all their time protecting others, sometimes really need someone to protect them...
Did you know that three of the hardest things to say are: "I love you", "I'm sorry", and "Help me"


Depression sucks...regardless of the root cause. I know, I live with severe chronic depression every day. Rina & Ricochet are the BEST therapy and treatment supplements you will find!! The love and admiration from my dogs keeps me going every day, along with my medications. I am on 2 antidepressants, one to help me sleep, one to keep me functioning. Take things one day at a time...one hour at a time....one moment at a time. It's hard, it sucks, but the sun will rise tomorrow along with another day to try again.

I don’t know what you are going through, and I won’t say that everything is going to be OK. But I will say you are a strong, admirable woman; that much I have seen through Facebook with Rina & Ricochet. What you do with the dogs, THAT is just simply awesome. Take all of the kind words, love and admiration from everyone and let it warm your heart and push you through the rough times.

The only time you truly fail, is when you give up trying…and every day is another opportunity to try again.

Love, prayers, positive vibes and understanding!
Juli

Judy, You, Ricochet, and Rina bring all of us so much joy and happiness, and I'm so sorry to hear that you are going through this! Please know that you have been and will continue to be in my prayers! Much love!

Lynne Barry

Hi Judy,
I thought this would be more personal than leaving a comment on Ric's FB page. I cannot say that I have been through anything close to the physical challenges you have had to face, but I have fought with anxiety and depression for years. Please know that you are not alone. Talk to your doctors and make sure they know you are suffering. If you need a professional to talk to, please ask them to suggest someone that understands the enormous stress your body and mind have been through. I know how easy it is to retreat into your depression and shut the world out, but please please please remember you have touched SO many lives and you have built an entire community of caring people that consider you and your pups friends. We are all here to support you and I know you must have tons of folks you help that would be willing to lend a hand or a paw back to you if you need it. Just reach out and I know the response will be overwhelming. I hope I don't sound pushy or out of line - I only hoped to encourage you to keep fighting. My warmest, most healing thoughts are with you. Give those beautiful girls of yours a big hug and kiss and don't forget to ask for help if you need it. Take care of yourself.

Sarah

Judy, I don't know you (though feel like you, Rico and Rina are best friends) and certainly have never been through anything like this surgery you've had. But I do know that active, energetic people have the hardest time with this last 10%. You feel so much like you are back to your old self, and you want to be 100%, but you just aren't. It oozes out in odd ways and is terribly depressing. This last mile, so to speak, is always the most difficult and the one you're least prepared to deal with. You are doing all the right things, have a great network or loving supporting friends. You will get past this part, it just will take longer than you want it to. Be well!

Judy,

I was so excited to see that you posted something new...and then I read your news. Please know that there are SO MANY people who are thinking about you and rooting for you. You are NOT alone in this world for a minute. Hopefully this unpleasant period will pass quickly, and you'll be back to yourself soon. As far as the weight, once you feel better and you want to move more, that will start to come off, as well.

I don't know about what medications you can or can't take, but I find that Benadryl is a wonderful sleep aid. Two of those and I'm out cold.

Sending you the best possible thoughts. May every day from now on be a good one!

Love,
Merrell

Judy, I am so very sorry to hear what you have been going thru. Through the years I have battled depression and whatever its cause for you, it IS a battle. I truly will be praying for you, Judy. I had problems taking Xanax...it made me sleepy whenever I stopped moving and I hated that. Now when I do have excessive anxiety I use Klonopin. Whatever you do, do not suffer alone. Even if you only need anti depressants short term it is worth it...sometimes our bodies after dealing with a trauma need the meds to help RE regulate our brain chemistry. I will be praying for you, Judy. My mom always told me that when I feel the worst with depression that is when I know I HAVE to make myself GET OUT THERE and not isolate myself. You are an amazing person, Judy. This will get better but I know it doesn't feel that way right now...
Love and prayers from Canton OH
Mary Roberts

Judy, I'm so sorry that you aren't feeling up to par. You're such an amazing woman. Even feeling so yucky and tired, you are always trying to help others . I love watching your videos of the dogs...you have such a sense of humor! Sometimes it's just one day at a time.Brighter days are ahead...I'll be saying lots of prayers for you to feel better soon!

Hi Judy,

I have PLENTY of experience in weight gain, and I've never had a surgery! :P

I'm sorry to hear that you're suffering this setback. I'm sure that it's only temporary and soon you'll be feeling back to your self. In the meantime, take it easy, pamper yourself and think of all of the good you and your girls are doing for man and dog kind!

Prayers and good thoughts to you!

Kristin and The Moon Pieds

Dear sweet lady.... you will be in my prayers! January 17, 2011 it was discovered that I had a blood clot in my aorta which resulted in emergency surgery to replace my aorta. I have an incision from my left breast to my pubic line. I understand exactly what you are going through. I know the feeling when you're told to let your body heal when there is so much you want to do. I don't know how old you are but at 54 (surgery was 2 days after my b-day) I think some of mine is because of that. Don't beat yourself up too badly. You'll get there missy. Looks like you have a ton of people behind you wishing you well and I'm sure God gets lot of request for sending you healing... physically and emotionally. Good luck.

Hi Judy.....You have my best wishes to help you get over this unfortunate setback. I'm sure you will find that you are not alone with these feelings of despair and fatigue following open heart surgery. Remember your girls hold no grudges, let them snuggle with you and give you back some love.
Sending Love From Janet and The Boys

I really hope you can find out what is going on. It has to be physical for the depression... pain has a way of doing that, unfortunately. (I'm well aware of that one!)

I cannot imagine you gaining ANY weight!! Hope you have answers soon.

Luv and Hugs,
Nancy De Lanoy
(and Hannah/Kayleigh/Mark and the dogs)

Judy, please know that you are in my prayers, and even though you feel helpless and hopeless, there is hope, and there is help. Please continue to check in with your health care providers, and work with Rina and Ricochet. Those sweethearts will be ones who will pull you up and out of that god-awful depression. There is light at the end of the tunnel, and this time next year this will only be another bump in the road. Your body has been tremendously insulted, and it takes a lot of time to heal and become whole once again. Please continue to post in your journal as that will help you at least release some of your negative, painful feelings. Know that we are all here for you, care for you and the girls, and will do all we can to help you over this rough patch.

God bless you, Judy,

Nancie Wilson
Sylva, NC

I'm so sorry to hear that you have reached a bump in the recovery road. I have never had this surgery. My father did, but did not fair as well as you. He was much older and had other complications after his surgery. Hopefully this is something that will pass or can easily be helped. You are doing all the right things and it does take time to heal from such an extensive surgery. My prayers are with you that your healing continues both physically and mentally. God Bless

Hi Judy, Carol Martin here...
You know the medical profession is so concerned about their aspect of it that little attention is paid to this part of the battle. It is extraordinarily common, but that doesn't make it any easier. The pit deepens as your joy in your fave things diminishes. This too shall pass (WHEN???????) but it is just so very painful. I know you have lots of hearts around you, but please know mine is with you every day,. You are a beacon. Thank you, dear soul.

Judy,
I understand your frustration as I have experienced some of the same things. I had
surgery for something besides heart 8 months ago and all I keep hearing is "Give the body time to heal." Enough already! Every day I wake up and think that this will be the day that I finally feel better. So far, no luck. Patience is not my strongest quality! Try to weather the storm. Hopefully, the doctors will be able to help you.

Nina Wormuth

Judy,
I'm sure it was difficult to write the latest entry. I wish there was some way to help, but all I can do is send prayers and hope that the doctors can help diagnose the problem. I'm hoping it's just a minor bump in the road and that you'll be feeling like yourself in no time.
Katy Myers

oh no! I'm glad to hear you're getting your thyroid checked. First thing that crossed my mind. The stress can have a terrible effect on a thyroid (been there, have the problem).
Good to eliminate everything you can. I also know that if I had to take 30 different meds, the thought of having to go back on even some of them would have me depressed. I think you have some very valid reasons to be down. I think Ric and Rina both understand that we have down days. But, i know the retrievers are outstanding at cheering us up if you let them.
hang in there! It will get better.
vicki

HI Judy, I've followed your recent posts on Ric's page and here in your most recent journal entry. Although I have no personal experience with heart surgery like yours, I do know that the recovery time from something like that can indeed be prolonged. Please don't feel depressed at what seems like the backsliding. Stay positive and remember that so many of us out here, like me, have the privilege of knowing you because of your terrific and inspiring work with Ricochet. I know that she and Rina are doing their best to look after you. Be well, friend. Ann Heiss

hi, judy, sorry to hear you are having these problems, hope, very soon, you will be making more progress and all of this will be behind you. glad rina and ric help so much as they help you, ric's fundraising helps other people. keep us posted. will remember in prayer.
rhonda ferrara norman

Hi Judy,

I just went on the Golden Retriever Club of America website (Grca.org) and saw the great article by Glenda Brown on Ric and detailing her illustrious career to earn the Gold Standard Award. Congratulations! Good job!

Hope all is going well for you!

Anne Shannon

Glad you are progressing so well!

Terry Tannenbaum

Judy,I only hope to be doing as well as you are....when I get to be your age.I had Mitro valve replacement 8+years ago,at47......YOU AND YOUR HUSBAND ARE FANTASTIC!!! Keep tickin...Ricky(a female) in Denver P.S.Thank goodness for our wonderful Drs.,also.

Hey Judy,

Thinking good thoughts for you as you continue to recover.

Keep on tickin!
Adam

Judy, great to hear you are feeling much better! Give Ric and Rina a big hug for me! Can't wait to read your book when you find the time to write it and keep those videos coming of your girls!
LOVING YOU FROM ONTARIO, CANADA!

Hip Hip Hooray! Open the champagne. You are well on the road to recovery. It has been an honor to share your journey.

Looking forward to seeing you around,
Dodie and Wilson

Judy...so happy you're healing has continued at a wonderful pace. Here's hoping that your health will improve as days go by. Looking forward to following Rico and Rina on their adventures. God bless you and help you carry on your fantastic work. With love...Teresa

Hi there Judy, So glad things are going so well for you. Laura

Thank God you are moving steadily forward and you are surrounded by such a wonderful group of friends! I hope you never go through anything near this again, but if I can ever help you... I still stand ready! Go boldly forward, and we celebrate getting to have your here!!
Carol Martin and Buddy

so glad this is behind you, wishes for soon complete healing and hopes for your continued stable health. . . .glad it all turned out so well
rhonda ferrara norman

Judy,
It was so heart warming to read how your feeling 12 weeks down the line and to feel that you no longer need to write your journal as life returns to normal. Thank you so much for sharing your fight for recovery with us all ~ Richochet is my hero and you are also one yourself xx I see Richochet's FaceBook postings regularly and enjoy keeping up with the amazing work you all do for charity. I wish I lived closer to be able to see you all on the beach surfing! Sue Vaughton from Torquay, UK xxx

Judy, thank you for the latest update on your recovery. It truly has been an amazing journey that you shared with all of us and I for one think you are an incredible human being. Your spirit, your fortitude and your faith have certainly shone through the past weeks and I am so glad for you that you are on this side of the experience. Take it easy and please know that you do indeed have a lot of folks who care about you. And the girls! Hugs~Linda in El Cajon

Judy,
So glad that is all behind you and you have a full Summer ahead of you to enjoy your life with your beautiful dogs !!! I am honored to have shared all this with you.....even if just online :) And remember that the one most brave of all....the one that had to experience it all....was YOU !!! Great Job Judy !!! :)
Hugs to you and Ricochet and Rina Too !!!
Sincerely, Jody and Fur Babies: Joseph, Afton, Cedar Forest and Kaija

Judy, thank you so much for sharing this particular part of your journey. Your really are an inspiration. Take good care.
Sandi Brown

I don't want to say I enjoyed this journey with you because that just sounds wrong! But let me tell you, I have admired you every step of the way and am so appreciative that I have been allowed to follow along. You've given so much to everyone who has been with you. I think I said in a previous post that my uncle had open heart surgery within a few days of yours. Your tenderness and tightness that you feel are the same things he says. You did recovery right and have improved faster than he has but also, he is a smoker and doesn't take care of himself like he should. Anyway, you are amazing and an inspiration. Ricochet should write a book about you and her!!!! :)

The perfect ending to a long journey! Bravo on a wonderful recovery! Best wishes for good health and happiness.

Nina Wormuth

Hi, Judy,

You're such an inspiration to all of us. You'll keep getting stronger every day and you'll always serve as a reminder to those of us who need to follow your example of courage and strength.

God bless you, Ric and Rina. Bless, too, those who have remained close to your side throughout your surgery and recovery.

I'm going to be moving back to southern California soon. I hope one day I'll get to meet you, Ricochet and Rina.

All the best to you!
Secret Osborne Meier
in Arizona

Congrats--I think this is wonderful. Don't give up on the energy yet--12 weeks really isn't that long. Your body went through major trauma (near death, being cut open, having parts switched around, etc.) & it takes time to heal & recover. You may still (hopefully) come around,,,

Lori (& Chutney)

So happy that you are healing! I bet the dogs are too. =) Thank you for sharing your journey with us. Wishing you many blessings!

Melissa

So wonderful to know this is your last posting here- that you are recovered enough not to need to post any more. You are such a fighter and an inspiration to many. Be well. Looking forward to following you, Ric and Rina on FB etc!

Sharon from NY

Hi Judy......just wanted to say hello and hope you are feeling a lot better. Keep getting better every day and soon you'll be better than ever. With love, Teresa

Yay, Yay, and mega Yays!!!!!
Dodie and Wilson

Hi Judy, Thank you for your journal. I am scheduled for mitral valve repair surgery. I am concerned about dealing with a scar that can be seen when wearing clothes like v-necks. Do you have any thoughts about that? I look forward to hearing from you.
Betty

Excellent report from the doctor. I laughed at the "you can now lift 30 pounds" note that you had. Reminded me of when I had a C-Section and the doctor told me he had done the "bikini incision" so I could wear one. I've never worn one, but my incision allows me too - ha!!!

I will continue to keep you in my prayers. You have come a long way thanks to the prayers and support of so many - some of us you do not even know "personally". It sounds like you could be an awesome advocate for someone going through a similar procedure.

Have a wonderful day!!
Ruth C.
Fredericksburg, VA

Judy, excellent report from the cardioligist! So very happy for you. You have come a long way in your recovery, even dating back to when you were told you needed the surgery. It was so nice to the pics of the Reality Rally, that you were able to attend and participate. Especially loved the pic with you, Ric and whoever it was from the Survivor show(?) and the big smile on your face. You are doing good, Judy! Makes me smile. Love to you and the girls! Janine

Hey Judy, Hope it's going we and you are getting stronger in leaps and bounds.

You are doing SO well! It's a pleasure to see your progress. Keep up the great work. All the best from NY.

Sharon from NY

Thank you for sharing your journey Judy! I have been praying as welll as following your progress since you first started posting about the diagnosis. You are an amazing woman and a true inspiration!!!

Thank you for the gift of you!

Thank you, Judy, for sharing your journey into the unknown and back again. Your story will be an inspiration to so many facing a similar journey, a sort of "paw it forward" opportunity!

Again, thanks so much for sharing, and I will continue to remember you, Ric, and Rina in my prayers. You all are indeed an inspiration!

Blessings,

Nancie Wilson
Sylva, NC

Judy,
Your journey and recovery are abn inspiration to all! Continue getting stronger every day! You are so right...you must listen to your own body. You know it well as you have been the only one who has lived in it!
Nina Wormuth