Hey Mitch! Glad to see your back and doing well. Told ya it would take time to recover and just take it one day at a time. Didnt I tell ya to hold on to that pillow when you sneeze too. :) You know what Im talking about now dont ya? Your scar is much much bigger than mine. Mine is around 3 inches or so long. Not big at all. Well hope that back problem gets better. Keep up the good work you will be feeling completley new before you know it.
Stephanie
Mitch Friedman Thanks Stephanie. Yeah, I thought I was going to have a 4" mini, but alas that was not meant to be. ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Thanks Stephanie. Yeah, I thought I was going to have a 4" mini, but alas that was not meant to be. I'll get more info from my surgeon, but at this point, I like my "badge" of honor. Yes, I am getting stronger every day. Back pain is much, much better. So, all in all I am feeling pretty good. Thanks for your support.
On February 20, 2012...
Hey You, just stopping by to say hi and sending continued good wishes for recovery. Are you ready to switch from "Patient Spotlight" to " Men's Health" yet? LOL. With the way you a Rockn recovery....I see a possible magazine cover in your future. Shhhh, don't tell her but don't you think we should stick Linda Dixon with the next spotlight. She'd be awesome. I quit rehab today. Yesterday, I hiked 1.5 miles of various terrain in the woods. It was so much harder than my street walking (no pun intended). LOL. I'm going to get healthy and live to be 100. Just sayin.... Janis Kielbasa
Mitch Friedman Hey you, right back at you. So glad you are continuing to kick some recovery butt!!! I'll meet you ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Hey you, right back at you. So glad you are continuing to kick some recovery butt!!! I'll meet you at 100, we will be the ones kicking some youngster butts, probably in our Wal Mart sweat suits and New Balance sneakers!!!!
I hear you on PS. No magazine calls for me, but the time is approaching.
All the best to you my friend. Keep up the hiking and walking.
On February 19, 2012...
Hi Mitch, your journals are fun to read. Glad you are doing good. It looks like we had our surgeries around the same time. Mine was 2-7-2012. Showers for me are a little tiring too but maybe its because I am in there so long? I still havent been able to sneeze yet but can tell its gonna be painful, lol.
april crocker
Mitch Friedman Hey April, thanks for signing my HVJ. Hope it contnues to go well for you. Another shower thought, ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Hey April, thanks for signing my HVJ. Hope it contnues to go well for you. Another shower thought, make the water a little cooler. I find the steam from a really hot shower makes it harder and makes me more tired.
Now as to the first sneeze, may it take as long as possible to happen. But when it does.......
Wishing you the best for your recovery. Stay in touch.
On February 19, 2012...
Ain't it great?! The back pain gets better as the chest heals and your posture starts getting back to normal. Reading how you are doing so well really makes me happy.
Eye of the tiger!!
JH
Mitch Friedman Thank you brother! All true, back pain getting better, chest feels good, easier to have better postu ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Thank you brother! All true, back pain getting better, chest feels good, easier to have better posture. Today was wierd. I felt my chest healing. I felt it stretching and pulling, like it was coming back to life. Not painful. almost refreshing. Kinda cool.
Stay well my friend.
On February 19, 2012...
p.s. Don't get Chris in trouble when you guys get together!!
:-) Linda
Mitch Friedman Thanks my friend. I think the shower thing is because it feels so good, I am betting we all take ver ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Thanks my friend. I think the shower thing is because it feels so good, I am betting we all take very long, very hot showers, to the point that you get lightheaded and need a rest. At least that is one theory. Today, I made the water a little cooler and shower a little shorter and did not need a nap after. So, keep that in mind.
Chris' wife, Nikki, will be joining us, so no matter how badly he wants us to do tequilla shots, I am hoping she will be the voice of reason! If not, well, what can I say.....
On February 19, 2012...
Hey buddy...thanks for another "entertaining" journal post. Funny strange and funny haha. You know, I noticed a trend with the post surgery showers. That seems to be a common post surgery phenom. Wonder why? You can walk a mile at the time but showers are exhausting. Hmmmm.....is right. You do sound great. This is good, this makes me happy! Hope the nights are getting better. Let's talk soon.
REALLY, REALLY getting closer...Linda Dixon
On February 19, 2012...
Mitch,
You have a wonderful ability to communicate. I've been acused of summarizing summaries.
Thank you for the detail as it gives the rest of us a reference point. Yes we will all be different, however, reference points are nice.
I'm thrilled to hear you continue to improve!
Mitch Friedman Someone said early on, it is not good to compare your recovery to anyone else's because we are all so ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Someone said early on, it is not good to compare your recovery to anyone else's because we are all so different. That said, I agree reference points are helpful. Thanks for your support.
On February 19, 2012...
Hey Mitch,
Glad to here that your are feeling better. Each day is a new day of getting back on track. I am also feeling better each day. Take care
Robert Hartner
Mitch Friedman Glad all is going well for you too Robert. I agree, each day brings us a clean slate, for better or ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Glad all is going well for you too Robert. I agree, each day brings us a clean slate, for better or for worse. Luckily, lately for me, it has usually been for the better.
Stay strong my friend. And, continued good recovery wishes.
On February 19, 2012...
Excellent post, tons of great points. Not surprising we have back pain, muscle spasms when you think of all the stuff they moved around just to do the heart surgery. I have on and off piercing pain where all the tubes & wires were/under breastbone. From what I read on other's journals the healing process takes a good 6 months. You are doing amazing with your walking this early. Each week is a milestone, Isn't it? We will only get better!! Take Care and thanks for sharing. Janis K.
Mitch Friedman Thanks Janis. Isn't it amazing how so much stuff is going on with our bodies. Pain. pulls, etc. yet ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Thanks Janis. Isn't it amazing how so much stuff is going on with our bodies. Pain. pulls, etc. yet we also know and feel we are getting better. Amazing!
On February 19, 2012...
Great post Mitch. I love your attitude and the advice is solid as usual! Hope to catch you next weekend in NYC before surgery.
good to hear. keep up the good work. and yes, we could all use an expert with a one word answer that gets it right.
On February 19, 2012...
The trials and tribulations of recovery I guess. Glad to hear though that overall you are where you are. Keep up the forward progress. Its gonna be a bright, bright, bright sunshiney day! Love it!
Mitch Friedman Trials and tribulations, for sure. But generally moving in the right direction. Thanks for your sup ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Trials and tribulations, for sure. But generally moving in the right direction. Thanks for your support.
On February 19, 2012...
Hey Mitch, so glad to hear you are doing well. I may be facing heart surgery for mitral valve repair and as I read your posts it is encouraging to see there is life after surgery. When I first found out I was so afraid of the unknown but reading yours and others posts has taken away some of those fears. Keep up the great recovery and of course the posts. Look forward to hearing from you.
Mitch Friedman Stay strong. Use HVJ often, it really helps you get through this incredible journey. It is very, ve ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Stay strong. Use HVJ often, it really helps you get through this incredible journey. It is very, very scary at first. Then you realize, you are not alone, then you realize you can do this, then you do it and finally your life after surgery begins.
Just take it all one day at a time.
Good luck.
On February 19, 2012...
Hi Mitch,
It is good to see you so upbeat today. Your posts about your recovery demonstrate that while many people have similar experiences, we also vary greatly in our experiences during recovery. So those going through this need to be careful about comparing themselves to other people in the HVJ.
The main thing is that we need to listen to our own bodies and do what is best for them. The surgeons and cardiologists can advise us, and help us understand what is going on and are a great help, but most of them can not fully appreciate what is happening to us; as they have not actually experienced what we are going through during our surgeries and recoveries.
Anyway, have a great day!
John Lund
Mitch Friedman Thanks John. Yes, it is a balance of 'doing what we can' and 'doing what we need.' Not easy to get ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Thanks John. Yes, it is a balance of 'doing what we can' and 'doing what we need.' Not easy to get it right, but worth trying daily.
I hope you have a great day too.
On February 18, 2012...
Hi Mitch,
Hey I 've been dealing with back spasms too. Thanks for answering my questions. I didn't know what was going on. I was going to call the doctors office next week to seem if the spasms were normal following surgery, I had a terrible night with the spasming. Today was a little better.
Carmen
Mitch Friedman Hi Carmen, as I mentioned in my most recent post. Don't wait, call your doctor today (assuming the s ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Hi Carmen, as I mentioned in my most recent post. Don't wait, call your doctor today (assuming the spams are still bad). Your doctor will likely prescribe a muscle relaxer. After you take it, you will be like "why did I wait and suffer."
Funy thing is, I am the most drug adverse guy around. But, all of this has made me realize, right now, we need drugs to get us through this. So, take them, enjoy the benefits, and later we can work on getting our medications down.
Good luck my HVJ friend!!!!
On February 18, 2012...
Hey Mitch,
New to the family here and was reading your journal. Kinda jealous that you are kicking my butt on the recovering part thus far.. motivation to quit being lazy!!
Mitch Friedman Welcome to HVJ. It is a wonderful, supportive community. Don't compare your recovery to anyone othe ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Welcome to HVJ. It is a wonderful, supportive community. Don't compare your recovery to anyone other than yourself. Make a goal to do something twice daily, and increase your goals slightly each day or so.
Good luck!
On February 18, 2012...
Hi Mitch,
My two heart surgeries were last April at the Cleveland Clinic. I had a robotic mitral valve repair and a full sternotomy the next day for problems. In my opinion, the upper back pain was far worse than the sternotomy pain. It was the worst, and nothing worked to relieve the pain. Unfortunately, I could not take meds. to relieve pain as I am allergic. So I lived on Tylenol, which didn't help much. The good news is - it does go away eventually. I found that hot showers and stretching exercises helped a littile. Best of luck to you. Ruth Howell, Maine
Mitch Friedman Thanks Ruth for the advice. Mine back pain is getting better. Long good stretches at a time, then B ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Thanks Ruth for the advice. Mine back pain is getting better. Long good stretches at a time, then BANG it returns. I have been afraid to stretch, but will gently give it a try. All the best.
On February 18, 2012...
Mitch. Thats awesome!! Thanks for blazing a path for me. I each persons recovery is diff but it great to see what you are doing.
Heading out today for some last min items...wedge pillow. Shower stool. Some more comfy clothes.
Keep the updates coming bro!!
Jimmy Johnson T minus 2 days.
Mitch Friedman You 'da man Jimmy, you can do this. Can't wait to read your updates, I hope someone will be posting ... Read more
Mitch Friedman You 'da man Jimmy, you can do this. Can't wait to read your updates, I hope someone will be posting for you during surgery. You will rock this!
Good luck brother.
On February 18, 2012...
Congrats on finishing that first mile. I remember how good it felt after my first valve repair surgery (2006) when I was discharged from Emory Univ. hospital, returned home, and began daily walks, which soon became two a days. Our dachsund, Rylie, was really surprised -- he never had two-a-days before. But he adjusted. Keep up the good work!
Jim Smith
Mitch Friedman Thanks Jim. Yes it feels good to be out walking. Feeling almost human again!
On February 17, 2012...
A mile! Keep on truckin', bro -- DVB
On February 17, 2012...
Hey Mitch, Ok saw the pics and they were scary. Looked like you were wired for surround sound lol. And the other pic really scared me. My daughter Stephanie's scar is only about 4 inches. Your looked like my Dads from his adonomal aortic anuersym. Hope thats not what I am facing.
Keep doing the good work.
Until Later Linda H
Mitch Friedman Hi Linda, yeah posting the pics might have been TMI. I was not sure about that. Was just trying to ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Hi Linda, yeah posting the pics might have been TMI. I was not sure about that. Was just trying to share a little more realistic aspect of all of this. The tubes and stuff come out quickly and the hardest ones (like the breathing tube) I barely remember. That is why I asked someone to take the pics. Good luck to you with everything.
On February 17, 2012...
Hey Mitch,
How did you diagnose your back spasms other than the severe pain?
I have had severe post-op left scapular pain and thought it was some kind of arthritis. Am going to try ativan[that's all I have] when I have the pain again, cause nothing seems to help.....You got me thinking.....maybe it is a back spasm.
Let me know,
Thanks, Pat Culley
Mitch Friedman Hi Pat, I have had back spasms in the past so I knew exactly what they were. I recommend you speak t ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Hi Pat, I have had back spasms in the past so I knew exactly what they were. I recommend you speak to your Dr. If yours is like mine, they have seen all of this before and know exactly what to do. Good luck.
On February 17, 2012...
Mitch,
Don't you know scars are sexy? They drive girls wild.
Pam
Hey friend...I agree with Janis...I think you got the full monty definitely! Wow a whole mile! You are doing great!! Keep it up!
Oh, and in case you were feeling like you were special...I also sent the email to my pastor!!!! Just might have to skip church Sunday!!!!! OMG!!!
REALLY getting closer...Linda
Mitch Friedman I agree, I am pretty sure I got the full monty. Yes, getting closer, we are all here for you.
On February 17, 2012...
Mitch,
Based on your 4th paragraph, I'm curious if "Do Laundry" is code for something else - especially considering the invite earlier in the paragraph.
But seriously -- I'm thrilled to hear that today is a good day. I pray that tomorrow is as well.
I'm looking forward to joining you on the other side of this Great Adventure!
If Janice gets creative, she'll get her surgeon to write her a note saying that Laundry is never allowed post OHS - Ever!
Chuck Holmgreen.
Mitch Friedman Thanks, Chuck. I know you will do great and join us on the other side of surgery before you know it. ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Thanks, Chuck. I know you will do great and join us on the other side of surgery before you know it. Until then, we are all here for you. -Mitch Friedman
On February 17, 2012...
Hi Mitch,
That sure looks like a full length scar to me. It also looks like it is healing well. I was told not to put anything on mine for quite a while. Mine really looks fine. I am surprised that it wasn't worse. The fact that it is tucked in between two really good looking things helps lol. Really though you will be very happy with the end result. It flattens and lightens fast. Good luck with your great recovery. 1 mile already? wow.
Jane
Mitch Friedman Hi friend. Yes, things seem to be going well. Back spasms are better, but still there. Oh wel.... ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Hi friend. Yes, things seem to be going well. Back spasms are better, but still there. Oh wel....
True scar does not look like a mini, but at this point it is what it is. And it is healing nicely. Of course I would expect you "assets" to make your scar look better.
Speak soon. Much love.
On February 17, 2012...
Enjoy walking, but don't overdue. You seem to have everything under control. For your scar, you can use a salve or gel to apply topically. I used one called Scar Gel from Walgreens and it worked fine. It should lighten it up. Keep up the good work.
Sylvia W.
Mitch Friedman Thanks Sylvia, always great to hear from you. Yes, not overdoing it is my biggest challenge, so I am ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Thanks Sylvia, always great to hear from you. Yes, not overdoing it is my biggest challenge, so I am working hard in that regard. I see my surgeon in 2 weeks and will get his approval to put something on my scar to help it heal better and faster.
Be well.
On February 17, 2012...
Wow, there is nothing mini about that I incision!
Great job on the walking. I'm impressed!
Keep up the good work, I'm sure the back spasms will subside once you start moving normally.
Nancy B
Mitch Friedman I agree Nancy, nothing mini about it! Thanks for your encouragement and support!
On February 17, 2012...
WOW!! pretty amazing that you walked 1 mile so soon! I knew you'd bounce back and do well with recovery. Glad the back pain is under control too. I checked out the scar photo, I think you got the full monty not a mini. Mine looks similar but with way more cleavage. Keep up the pace and continued blessings for a smooth recovery!! Janis K.
Mitch Friedman Way more cleavage.....that explains the double sports bras (I want mine back!).
Mitch Friedman Way more cleavage.....that explains the double sports bras (I want mine back!).
Thanks for your encouragement friend. Recovery is a wacky road, good and bad. I am learning the trick is just to go with whatever comes that day, hour, whatever. Keep up all the good recovery work on your end.
On February 17, 2012...
Sorry about the back pain. I linked mine to my posture, something that changed during the first few weeks that was out of my control. Healing process made me hunch over more than normal. Yes, I agree, make sure you eat some bananas for potassium. I also had and have leg cramps/spasms. You are doing great for 2 weeks post op! It will get better each week too. You are on track and exceeding....way to go!! Janis Kielbasa
Mitch Friedman I'm throwing potassium, magnesium and drinking lots of water at my back pain. It has been helping. ... Read more
Mitch Friedman I'm throwing potassium, magnesium and drinking lots of water at my back pain. It has been helping. Just wanted to share.
I get back spasms from working out. My wife has a "mother earth" pillow that you heat up in the microwave and that usually does the trick for me.
Patrick in STL
Mitch Friedman Yes, my heating pad is my best friend right now. Thanks Patrick.
On February 17, 2012...
Sorry to hear about the back spasms. Each of us are different, but I find that ice works better for me than heat. It's not as comfortable, but it has a better chance of breaking the spasm.
Also, make sure you're drinking enough water & eat a bananna or two for the potassium.
I hope your spasms stop soon.
Chuck Holmgreen.
Mitch Friedman Thanks for the advice Chuck. I'm trying everythoing at this point.
On February 16, 2012...
Hi Mitch, Just reading your comments on the back pain and how you are only on Tylenol. My biggest mistake was to undermedicate. Its no time to be brave. You won't get addicted and it will help recovery. Trust me. Been there.
Rosemary Sutherland
Mitch Friedman Don't worry Rosemary, I am taking the Valium too whenever I think I need it. No martyr here, I promi ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Don't worry Rosemary, I am taking the Valium too whenever I think I need it. No martyr here, I promise! Thanks for the advice.
On February 16, 2012...
All normal stuff. So here's the pronouncement you've been waiting for all your life: you're normal! Yeah! BTW, sorry for making you sneeze!!!
Duane
Mitch Friedman Normal?!?!?! Nice. Yeah, your fault I started sneezing. The second one that came later made me see ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Normal?!?!?! Nice. Yeah, your fault I started sneezing. The second one that came later made me see stars as I reached for the Percocet! Better on the sneezes now.
Be well.
On February 16, 2012...
What up buddy? How you doing? Just checking in to say hi and hope recovery is going well. Janis K.
On February 15, 2012...
Hey Mitch, I've never asked but I think I know now what you do for a living...you must be a stand up comedian...if you're not, you need to be. My gosh, I'm gonna have to stay off the site when I have my surgery or you will kill me!!! Your posts are hilarious! Gotta love ya!
Getting closer...broken foot and all!
Linda
Mitch Friedman Problem is I am not the tallest guy in the world, so when I tried stand up, everyone just yelled "sta ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Problem is I am not the tallest guy in the world, so when I tried stand up, everyone just yelled "stand up." (OK, not a true story.....)
On February 14, 2012...
Sorry to say this, Mitch....but, I had to laugh about your 1st sneeze post-op. We all remember that 1st one and only those of us who have had an open heart surgery can really understand the magnitude of it.
My 1st one was about 3 weeks post-op and was 5 dinky ones in a row as I tried so hard to surpress them. Was more work than if I just would have done one big one.
Thanks for the smile today. I'm enjoying your recovery journey.
Sheila Garrison
Mitch Friedman I think laughter is the only right way to respond, especially for those of us that KNOW that feeling. ... Read more
Mitch Friedman I think laughter is the only right way to respond, especially for those of us that KNOW that feeling. Well, I had a second one that day. After the stars in my head cleared, I reached for the happy pill (percocet), 20 minutes later nothing mattered.
Thanks for posting Sheila, and all of your support.
On February 14, 2012...
Boychick. Who cares where u sneez? It should happen Ben ladam ! My first day home. Chair is great. Dog is great. My dick is good (huh?).
All so good so far. Learned a lot from all you guys!!!
All so daring. Better not tell Jeff about the penis squeezer. Might freak him out ? And hurt.
Talk soon. Take care. N
Mitch Friedman Non cuz!!!!! So happy to see you writing. Yeah, I kept the PS from Jeff, let him enjoy the shock of ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Non cuz!!!!! So happy to see you writing. Yeah, I kept the PS from Jeff, let him enjoy the shock of it all on his own. Still not sure what that has to do with the surgery, but that tormented nurse sure seems to enjoy applying it......
On February 14, 2012...
Hi Mitch!
Sneezing is the worst!!! My first sneeze was 4 days post-op . . . I was sitting in a chair in my hospital room minding my own business when, out of nowhere, I sneezed. No warning. No time to grab my heart pillow. Just a massive sneeze that felt like my chest was exploding. It seemed to take an hour to recover.
Then, for months and months, every time I would sneeze, which seemed to be several times a day, I would try to wrap my arms around my chest and hold on for dear life. I didn't care about covering my face with my elbow. Germs be damned! It hurt like hell. But over time it did get better. It hurt less and less. And one day, it didn't hurt anymore. But the instinct is still there. When I feel a sneeze coming on, I wrap my arms around my chest and steel myself for the pain. Who knows, I may do that the rest of my life.
As bad as sneezes are (and I had similar but lesser pain when I yawned but no pain when I coughed), if that's the worst the surgery dishes out, I figure things are good.
Hope today is a good day for you!
Ricki
Mitch Friedman Hi Ricki, you are so right about if that is the worst thing, we are doing pretty well. I seem to hav ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Hi Ricki, you are so right about if that is the worst thing, we are doing pretty well. I seem to have a sneeze a day now. Not sure, I will ever get used to sneezing again. I keep staring up at a light hoping the snezze will disappear, never does. Uh oh, I just realized I have not sneezed yet today.....
Thanks for all your posts and your support.
On February 14, 2012...
Hey Mitch. So you want to talk about sneezes. I didn't know where or when but figured I could deal with it. I had no pillow. About a week after my surgery I was walking through the Santa Monica Farmers market. Outdoor stalls wall to wall growers and people. It must have been the dust from all the vegetables. I suddenly start to feel my breath stop and my chest rise. WTF is going on? And wham.. Right to my knees. Then the moan and grab my chest and 50 people turn and stare. A few seconds after I'm down I look up and smile, don't worry, I say. I just had open heart surgery. More gasps. Then as I get up I show them all my scars. I love to show my scars. It's like a cool tatoo. In fact I had thought of getting a tatoo around my scar but the scar says enough. Like". Here I am. Bring it on. I can take it". So when you feel like a sneeze just roll with it and collapse like a rag doll. Don't try to fight it. You could pull a muscle. Remember they rearranged your anatomy and spread you open so there for sure is soft tissue damage to the ribs especially where they join the spine. First I had the worst pain in the back behind my scapular. Then it moved to the shoulders. I couldn't get an adjustment for a month or so but when I did things started to look up. It's a few days past 6 month today and my shoulders are just now feeling back to almost normal. Hang in there. Jeff
Mitch Friedman Great story and great advice. Yeah, the sneezes are crippling, thankfully I have been home for all t ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Great story and great advice. Yeah, the sneezes are crippling, thankfully I have been home for all them, but I am sure I will not continue to be that lucky.
I try to show my scar to everyone who will look (and it is not too pretty at 2 weeks post op, but I don't care!!!). It is a badge of honor. Members of the Zipper Chest club, unite!!!!!
On February 13, 2012...
Mitch - Glad you are progressing so well. Good decision to just listen to your body and let it tell you what it needs! I also found myself a little more emotional after surgery and think it's just due to finally accepting what we faced and went through w/o having to put on the strong outer face! Hang in there - I know it's gotta be tough being away from your family, even for a little while. Praying for you!
Dick Miller
Mitch Friedman Thanks Dick! I am getting stronger everyday. Emotions getting a little easier to handle as time pas ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Thanks Dick! I am getting stronger everyday. Emotions getting a little easier to handle as time passes, and I taper the pain meds too. I am seeing my family a couple of times a day. Life is good. We are fixed!
On February 13, 2012...
Dude - my sneezes come in sets of 3! You got off lightly, I'd say. Hang in there buddy, it just keeps getting better and better (on average). -- DVB
Mitch Friedman On average! Key point. I am overall progressing, but still have little set back. Just need to stay ... Read more
Mitch Friedman On average! Key point. I am overall progressing, but still have little set back. Just need to stay focused on the bigger picture. Thanks DVB, your advice is always spot on!
On February 13, 2012...
Mitch,
I was about to say you're lucky that this is your first sneeze as I sneeze 6-10 times a day. Then I read Linda's post of sneezing 4-5 times back to back. I've got nothing on that!! Sorry Linda!
It seems your spirits are up. I'm really glad to see that and I'm still sending positive vibes to help you stay there!!
Chuck Holmgreen.
Mitch Friedman Yes, in a good place. Staying focused and positive. Anything else is just a waste of time! I appre ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Yes, in a good place. Staying focused and positive. Anything else is just a waste of time! I appreciate your support. Thanks Chuck!
On February 13, 2012...
Hi Mitch,
Glad you're doing okay and recovering as expected. I was just reading your journal about some of the emotional ups and downs you've been going through. I'm not sure if you're aware, but that's normal after general anesthesia. Take it easy like you're doing and let all the gunk get out of your system. You'll start feeling more like yourself.
I can't believe you went out to dinner the day you were discharged! It doesn't sound like a huge feat, but it probably wasn't a great idea. Take it easy and be kind to yourself...you've been through a lot! Feel better.
Nancy B
Mitch Friedman Good reminder Nancy on how the general wacks you out for quite a long time. Given all we have been t ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Good reminder Nancy on how the general wacks you out for quite a long time. Given all we have been through, I almost forgot about the "basics" of surgery like this one. Thanks for posting and for your support.
On February 13, 2012...
Oh, Yes, that 1st sneeze hurts like heck! I found if I didn't have a pillow handy, crossing my arms over chest and holding tight during sneeze helped. God Bless You, for the sneeze and always!! Janis Kielbasa
Mitch Friedman Thanks Janis. Oddly, I have also found tightening my stomach is a huge help. Not sure if this is go ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Thanks Janis. Oddly, I have also found tightening my stomach is a huge help. Not sure if this is good for us or not though? You continue to be an inspiration for me. I am so glad your recovery is going so well. All the best my friend!
On February 13, 2012...
Hey world...Mitch is back!!! Had me a little bit worried there for a day my friend. Now I feel better, maybe I can do it. The sneeze thing...I am in BIG trouble if I sneeze, for you see there is no such thing as 1 sneeze for me! If I ever sneeze..it's at least 4 or 5 back to back. Might as well shoot me now!
So...welcome back Mitch, sounds like you have really crossed over to the "it's getting better everyday" side.
Getting closer...Linda
Mitch Friedman Hi friend! yes, defininately crossed over to "it is getting better" maybe not everyday, but for usre ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Hi friend! yes, defininately crossed over to "it is getting better" maybe not everyday, but for usre in general.
Yes, you are toast with 4-5 sneezes in a row. Just keep your pillow and pain meds close and you will be fine.
Thanks for all your support, Linda!
On February 13, 2012...
Mitch
It is so great seeing you recovering so fast. You are like Rocky Balboa on a brisk Philadelphia Morning. Ba Bom Ba Bom Bom Ba....Bell Ringing....People in the streets cheering you on as our hometown hero....you making your way to the top of the steps and jumping around with both fists in the air. I love it. Keep it going!!!
Jeff
Mitch Friedman Love that image!! A'int gonna be no rematch though. I am retiring the champ and staying retired!!!! ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Love that image!! A'int gonna be no rematch though. I am retiring the champ and staying retired!!!!!
On February 13, 2012...
I dread "THE SNEEZE"! Funny enough, my wife and I were just talking about that yesterday. We spoke of trying some sneeze aversion techniques like pressing at that ridge at the bottom of your nose between the nostrils. Mitch, since you are blazing this trail for me, go ahead and sneeze often and let me know what works best to avoid it. - LOL.
Thanks
Jeff Shebovsky
Mitch Friedman Sure, friend, I'll sneeze away, wipe the tears of pain from eyes and beg for another one to figure ou ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Sure, friend, I'll sneeze away, wipe the tears of pain from eyes and beg for another one to figure out how to make your life easier. In fact, recovery is going so well, maybe I should zip over to Mt. Sinai and just step in for you during surgery. Then you and Mrs. Jeff can skip your NYC trip, go back to the Islands and discuss sneeze supression techniques all you want. I'm on it!
On February 13, 2012...
You're missing the point (your Feb 13th post); who doesn't find a sneeze a little humorous?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irBFJel7kvg
- Poly
On February 13, 2012...
Mitch :
Sounds like your recovery (both physically and emotionally) is moving along ahead of schedule.
Keep up the good work on your journey back .
Hope to see you soon.
Warren
Mitch Friedman Thanks Warren. I may do a fly by the office to say hello, will see. Until them, just wanted you to ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Thanks Warren. I may do a fly by the office to say hello, will see. Until them, just wanted you to know I appreciate all of your support.
Stephanie