Judy..so glad you're getting back to your old self. (jeans) Happy some of your pain has eased.And GOODBYE recliner! Stay strong and God will assist you. With love and prayers........Teresa
On March 25, 2011...
Judy, you are truly an inspiration! I can see why Rina and Ric love you so much! I ran across this the other day, and it made me think of you. Keep mending, and God bless you all!
I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. I will not refuse to do the something I can do. - Helen Keller
On March 25, 2011...
Please realize and be proud of all the major strides you have over-come in such a short span after undergoing major surgry.
And PLEASE be good, and patient to thy own self, k?
I am SO proud and happy for you Judy. One day at a time, k?
Sincerely,
Meg Jones
619 303-6454
On March 25, 2011...
Hi Judy,
I am going to call you a miracle woman! I don't know how you still manage to do fund raising and try to recover. Sorry, I wish I could contribute, but money is really tight here. It breaks my heart that I am not able to contribute at this time, I want so much to help! Wish I lived closer so I could come and walk Ric and Rina for you or help you out around the house. I still pray for your recovery every day and I am so thankful you added me as a friend, I just love the girls and love hearing about them. Take care Judy, you are very special to your girls and all the people you help and love you! God Bless!
LOVING YOU FROM ONTARIO, CANADA
Connie and Charlie
On March 25, 2011...
hi Judy-
more great news!
your own bed!!!
congratulations & keep it up
Sandi Brown
On March 25, 2011...
Another monumental step...your own bed. How wonderful!
Nina Wormuth
On March 25, 2011...
Hi Judy! It's enlightening to hear the progress you are making! Thanks for all the updates.
On March 25, 2011...
So glad you are doing well...I know what you mean about being able to wear jeans again...after my motorcycle accident I was stuck with sweat pants for months...
On March 25, 2011...
Hi Judy,
I hadn't realized that you already had your surgery! I'm glad you were able to stay in SoCal instead of some rainy cold place- wait, it is rainy and cold...
It seems you are making excellent progress, congratulations on getting through the worst part.
Diva sends warm hugs too,
Jennifer & Diva
On March 24, 2011...
You're doing great. Three weeks is early days. If I did what you did at 3 weeks, I'd have gone home and collapsed.
Don't overdo. Stay well. Take your meds. See the doctors (it will be your new hobby for the next few months), and you'll be great.
Very best of luck.
Terry C.
On March 24, 2011...
Re your questions, Judy. Charmed living me qualified for robotic,what fortune. I'm 68 in a few days...didn't start endurance stuff until 62.
Absolutely, no matter what, most should measure/compete against only themselves. Being the what I used to call the back of the pack guy, then realizing I wasn't back of the pack...I'm behind the pack biking, everytime I finish, I have won. Re athletics, I still feel I'm a "wannabe", I am a wannabe, no question. Progress, no matter the rate, is good and usually very acceptable. Of course being an acceptable rate, it depends (a word us old(er) guys hesitate to use, depends) on an individual's situation. You keep up the good work. Re "rehab", Adam Pick, in his book, has some good words about rehab. I hope you have or get to read them. I'm gonna share this. I was introduced to cardiac rehab when I was discharged from having an angioplasti and getting a stent in June '08. I am sure the rehab programs in different areas are all different, but the main theme is much the same, which is not only a structured, systematic physical fitness program for your body, but guidence regarding nutrition and other related things. I don't know your insurance situation, of course, but I'd say, if there is a cardiac rehab program available to you, you should at least try it, caveat being only if there are some sort of medical restrictions for not doing it. You gotta keep moving, so to speak, to keep your body healthy, whatever movement is possible. And, you get to make new friends and have new experiences. I can remember being on the heart rehab treadmill looking out the window in the direction of the Rio Grande and hearing that lady doing volunteer work playing "Born Free" and Chariots of Fire on her Harp, wow, playing those particular tunes specifically for me. Life is really GOOD!
I'm using my before valve job conditioning to set my goals for after valve job. Theoretically (sp?), my heart should be stronger after surgery without 1/3rd of the oxygenated blood flowing backwards from the left ventricle into the pulmonary vein. I'm not gonna go into my personal rehab goals more, but they are gonna be to try to do better than before. And, the UNM Hospital Cardiac rehab people are designing a custom rehab program to help be be better and reach these goals. I couldn't do it without their professional knowledge and guidance. Good luck and good strength to you. ...Barry on the mtn
Judy Fridono Yes, good fortune for you to have robotic. I wasn't so fortunate, as I also had a quadruple bypass. ... Read more
Judy Fridono Yes, good fortune for you to have robotic. I wasn't so fortunate, as I also had a quadruple bypass. My legs still have swelling, and discomfort/pain. Recovering from a sternotomy takes time.
I did read Adam's book, and his thoughts on rehab. Right now, it's not something that interests me... maybe in the future. For me, my dogs are the best motivation.
Judy
On March 24, 2011...
Good goin' with your walk. You're gonna be able to add more and more as the time goes by, and its gonna make you stronger. Keep up the good work. It is unbelievable for me my heart was stopped for the valve job on Fri, March 11th, and the morning I was discharged (Monday, March 14th, early afternooon) was able to do 36 min of laps around the ward. Hope you have a cardiac rehabilitation program available to you. The people that manage them do good work. Adam Pick has some good words about cardiac rehab programs, and he is right on. I've been debating with myself whether or not to say this, but I will. I've done two 10 K (6.2 mile) walks already and building for a running event goal with my kids in Sept. Hope you get even better rehab support than the super suppport I am getting from family and friends. Kudos to all those medical people who make such possible. Love those pups in your photo. Are they walking buddies? Our big old 75 lb Hound Dog loves the walks, but after about 4 miles he really slows down. ...Barry on the mtn in NM.
Judy Fridono I was in the hospital for 6 days, and very sick from the anesthesia, and pain meds. Continued to be ... Read more
Judy Fridono I was in the hospital for 6 days, and very sick from the anesthesia, and pain meds. Continued to be sick the first week home. It's great that you were discharged after three days. Did you have robotic surgery or a sternotomy?
Also great that you're doing 10K's already. How old are you? I have other health issues, so wasn't healthy going into surgery. I couldn't have done a 10K per-surgery.
My surgical staff said I don't need rehab... just walk. I'm happy with my progress even if it's slow. I can't compete with anyone but myself.
Yes, my dogs are my motivation, and have been throughout my disability since they've been around!
Judy
On March 24, 2011...
Hey Judy, so glad to see that you are recovering nicely. A 1/2 mile walk is great, and no formal rehab is wonderful!! Keep up the good work. You were an inspiration before this surgery with the good work you did with your girls. Now you are an inspiration for what you are doing for yourself. Very soon you will be wondering how you managed so well for so long with your heart being as bad as it was.
May God continue to Bless you, your girls, and all those who are helping you thru your recovery with "hands on" help!
Love to you and the girls, Janine
On March 23, 2011...
Hello Judy...WOW walking 1/2 mile already! WOO HOO!!! Every journey begins with the first step. Soon all those 1/2 miles will be adding up. Very happy Ric and Rina got to run in the park. Before you know it you will be running with them. With much love and many prayers........Teresa
On March 23, 2011...
wow 1/2 mile, good for you!!
rhonda ferrara norman
On March 23, 2011...
Judy, you continue to amaze and inspire me!! WOW -- walking a 1/2 mile so soon after surgery??!! That is so incredible!! i'm glad that you were able to get out and enjoy yourself and that Ric & Rina were able to run and play. You've made such quick, enormous strides in your recovery. Thanks for sharing them with us all. Your beautiful, positive attitude is so awesome. Once again, you set a grand example for us all to follow. THANKS for all that you do. Hugs & Warm Wishes from me & the Lab-pack. (Jackie... Bubba, Jesse, Jack & Jill)
On March 23, 2011...
You're the incredible one, Judy! All your hard work with the dogs to train them to be such wonderful helpers to people in need is now being returned to you. You are a giver, Judy! And those that give always get back in abundance. And that's one of the things that you're seeing right now. Thousands of people who care about you and the girls are still praying, sending positive thoughts and good wishes, all in abundance. Don't be surprised about how quickly you will heal. Our bodies are indeed a wonder, and you are experiencing that right now. My prayers and positive thoughts for you, Ric and Rina continue.
God bless you,
Nancie Wilson
Sylva, NC
On March 23, 2011...
Good for you, Judy!
Nina Wormuth
On March 23, 2011...
1/2 mile walk: way to go, Judy!!! You are amazing :) A big C/T to you, and to all your friends and helpers, and of course to your golden caretakers.
Love and best wishes.. Teresa and Kermit, from Indiana
On March 23, 2011...
YOU CAN DO anything....................it will just take time for your body to catch up to your great new heart! If we would have told you three weeks ago what you ARE doing NOW you would not have believed us! God is good and your mission marches on!
Barb
On March 23, 2011...
just think what you'll be able to do in 3 MONTHS!!!
i am so delighted to hear of your progress-
sandi brown
On March 23, 2011...
CONGRATS JUDY! I love reading these stories. My surgery is April 7th. Best wished to you. Randa in Connecticut!
On March 23, 2011...
WAY TO GO JUDY! Your recovery is FABULOUS! It will get a little better every day!
Sharon from NY
On March 23, 2011...
You should be taking 6 hour colostrum Judy ! It will help you heal. I put it in my cats food too. I use the Synertek 6 hour colostrum .Awesome stuff. I even got the lozengers to take at work.
xxoo
missy
On March 23, 2011...
Oh Judy! Does my heart good to know you're doing so much better. This is your new "leash" on life! Har har har...I crack me up. (Lucy)
On March 23, 2011...
As always Judy, I am so happy to see an update from you in my mail! I'm so thankful you are doing better everyday, and that Ric and Rina got to finally runnnnnnn! lol
Thoughts and prayers going up here for your continued healing! Much love to you and Rina and Ric!
Lynne
On March 23, 2011...
So glad you are getting better every day! Linda Shafer & Rocco
On March 23, 2011...
All good news Judy. Keep up the good work!
Ann Christman
On March 22, 2011...
Hey Judy, So glad you are feeling better. Sounds like you nipped it in time. A very lucky girl. Get out there and do your thing. God took care of you for a reason. He decided he wasn't done with you on your missions to take care of his business. Consider yourself an angel on a mission, so you are not gettting off easily as he s not done with you yet. God Bless you and take care of yourself. Laura Baisch Carriere
On March 22, 2011...
Excellent News!!!!!
Maybe since Rina knows you are better everyday she told Ricochet they could help the dogs in Japan!!!!
On March 22, 2011...
Judy:
I'm glad that you are getting better every day...Keep up the good work!
Tina Myers
On March 22, 2011...
@ each entry, i see you growing stronger...which is so wonderful. it's so hard to believe it has only been 3 weeks.
when you break it down...it's so hard to believe what can be done to the human body and yet, you've bounced back. you're stronger for having this surgery.
the outpouring of love and support to YOU is your beautiful karma !
sam mcfarland
On March 22, 2011...
More great news, Judy! Maybe Ric is digging you a new life's path! Have a good night.
Nina Wormuth
On March 22, 2011...
it has been so interesting to follow your thoughts, etc. through this process. so glad your progress has been going well. so funny abt. ric and china! and rina, wow, what great instincts. take care.
rhonda ferrara norman
On March 22, 2011...
Just caught up by reading you last three posts.
Looks like you are truly on the road to recovery now as you are able to do so much in what seems like a very short time. Hugs to the girls for doing their best, they are such sweet dogs I wish I could reach through the screen and give them hugs.
Until next post....Janet Hale and the Boys
On March 22, 2011...
Boy, I am still amazed that you can be so extraordinarily open about what you are feeling and thinking. I'm not so sure I could articulate it so well; an incredible lady sharing an incredible journey. And with ALL of US! Take good care, Judy: you might want to hold off on those squats for just a wee bit yet. :0)
Soft hugs for you and gentle nose kisses for the girls~
Linda in East County
On March 22, 2011...
Hi Judy...so happy you're getting better every day. I'm sure it hasn't been as easy as you say but with Gods help you've gotten far. One day soon it will all be a memory. I've ssurvived brest cancer 2 times and hardly ever think about it anymore. Life does go on. Many prayers and blessings headed your way. With much love.......Teresa
On March 22, 2011...
Hi Judy,
Sandy & I got food poisoning from lettuce bought a Costco (process of elimination). We were so sick Sunday from 1am until we went to urgent care by 3:30 pm. We got hydrated & blood tests done. Remember when Sandy thought she was getting the flu before she was going to stay with you & Heather made other arrangements? That was a light case of food poisoning from the same source! Geez if we only knew! I just got caught up reading ur blog! Thank you for sharing ur day to day experiences. U r now on the mend to recovery! U go Girlfriend, U GO! OXOX
On March 22, 2011...
More great news, Judy!! I know that you will one day discover what this "side road" is all about, but I suspect it has a lot to do with the work you, Ric, and Rina are doing and have done to help others. If one wants to get, one has to give, and you have gotten the love, positive thoughts, prayers, and quick healing because you've spent years giving the same to others. You and the ladies remain in my prayers and positive thoughts. And please, keep those updates coming! We all enjoy them so much.
Blessings,
Nancie Wilson
Sylva, NC
silverwolf999@frontier.com
On March 22, 2011...
How happy your report has made me! :) Three weeks out and so good. I believe things happen for a reason as well so I can't wait to see where you go either! You have done so many amazing things and are such an incredible person... I just can't wait to see what you do now!!!!!
Julie Tucker Disney and Piper
On March 22, 2011...
You made it to the other side of the fear and the surgery! Way to go, Judy!
MJ and Stan
On March 22, 2011...
Great news about the ongoing recovery, Judy!! Love to hear it! I'm sure we're all still pulling for you and I, for one, will continue to send healing thoughts out to you. Glad to hear the dogs are doing OK with your recent 'different life'....I know they must've been pretty confused about the totally different woman they saw when you first saw them post-surgery.
Keep up the PT and those walks and hope to see you on the beach with the kids and Ampsurf!!
Love to you as always, Lou
On March 22, 2011...
Glad to see things are just getting better & better for you. Where do you get your strength? And can I borrow some. Love reading about your progress. Love your honesty. You know the phrase- You can't know happy if you ain't felt sad. Glad your at the "happy". We love you.
Tina Purpura & John.
On March 22, 2011...
AWESOME!!!! So glad to see so much progress in your three weeks. I can relate to the sneezing part - that was another fear my mother-in-law had after her mitral valve surgery. She too survived a sneezing attack without her heart pillow. We could always tell when she was feeling better because we would find the "abandoned heart" pillow at various places in the house. At least you are able to get out and walk and are still blessed to have help with the doggies. You are doing awesome and will continue to keep you in my prayers!!
Ruth C.
Fredericksburg, VA
On March 22, 2011...
AH-CHOOOOOOOO...glad you survived !
much love
sam mcfarland
On March 21, 2011...
Dear Judy!
I am so Happy that your are doing so well! Your progress is inspiring! Rina and Ric are so sweet! Each has their own special way to make your day easier! :) I love reading about all the things that were so hard to do after the surgery and you are now slowly being able to do again. You are such a special woman and we all appreciate your wonderful giving spirit! keep up the good work.
XOXOXO,
Angela Gilmore
On March 21, 2011...
Gesundheit ;)
Edda
On March 21, 2011...
Hi Judy, I am thrilled to hear that you are feeling better, and that you have had many "Can Do's"! From your posts, I can tell you are making great strides each week. I love to hear about how Rina and Ric are taking care of you, each in their own way. I can tell that you are surrounded by wonderful friends like Heather and Michelle, and the others that are helping you. May God Bless them and you. Keep up the good work, Judy!
Hugs and kisses to Ric and Rina!
Take care, Nancy Zamora
On March 21, 2011...
so glad to hear of more progrees, inc. the sneeze ;o) know those 2 sweet fur babies help you a lot. take care
rhonda ferrara norman