Aawww Susan, I love you guys! Poor Richard...I'm glad he has you.

Hey Suszie and Rich:
Sounds like things are progressing as they are supposed to - not as fast as Rich wants--good news about the cumodin though.
Tell Clancy bug off - he doesn't have to read the notes if he doesn't want to. Love to you both.
Bella

Ahoy...
Hi Richard...I too have "white coat" syndrome. I think I have gotten over it, realizing that those doctors and nurses are just doing a job, like us. Only the some of the docs are making way more money than us. The next time you have an appointment, just think of your doctor sitting there naked... that will get your blood pressure down...I heard it is ok to sit in the front seat as long as you face backwards. Your journal postings have been very helpful to all us in the waiting room and I wanted to thank you for keeping us informed. I’m sure you will agree this journal is a blessing. I am giving a second thought about spending my recovery on the SEE WHIPPET II. I have a sign in my head above the potty saying to use caution; there are no plumbers at sea. I can add or hospitals.
I’m having one red wine a day and will make a toast to you this evening.

Happy Boating
Captain Bill

Hi Susan and Richard

That was some trip to Boston. Sounds like all bases got covered adequately. Yep, men! I drove with my small pillow between me and the seatbelt for quite a while afterwards. It actually added to my comfort and the comfort of my husband. Did you read that Kathy was given a teddy bear instead of a pillow? How neat is that?

I surely give you credit for driving in downtown Boston. You're really brave. Your support is amazing. We all bring our own perspective to the table which I think is really helpful to those going through the surgery and recovery.

Keeping a sense of humour is key. Be well. Cheryl, Ontario

Dear Susan,
You are such a funny writer, and brought a smile to my face as I read your adventure. I would be the same way. I hope to begin my journey tomorrow. So excited....wow..it is so powerful the overwhelming feeling of love and happiness. Please keep us updated as I have read every word you have written.

Theresa Callanan
Howell NJ

No offense taken. It's just the truth. All my people know I go on too long and rarely let out on time. But your entry did remind me a bit of me. You'd better be careful with that! ;-)

Hope to meet my Berwick friends someday!

Duane

Richard & Suan,

Absolutely loved your entry recounting your trip to Boston and the visit with the surgeon! Susan, you are absolutely killing me with "the look." Peggy has one of those too. Way to go Richard with your response to the doctor's permission to return to sexual activity! Atta boy!! And I love your positive toasts and outlook on life. I realize now, more than ever, that I don't have much to complain about. The good Lord has brought me through open heart surgery and a stroke and given me life, a wonderful wife and family, and well, it's a wonderful life. Richard, I pray you continue to heal and feel better and better. Don't let the bumpy days drag you down. Glad your weather is getting nicer! Ours too.

Love & Prayers from central Florida,

Duane

Richard & Susan,

Just thinking about and praying for you guys. Richard, I certainly have had several "down" days too. Isn't that encouraging?! But it's an overall upward climb. No one told us this was going to be easy. Hope your trip to Boston was uneventful and you got a good report from the surgeon.

Duane

Hi Richard and Susan
Am thinking about you today and your trip into Boston. Have got to look at the map and see just where Berwick is. Have friends who live in Brunswick. Hope your visit goes well and you'll give us your report.
Fran Zilko

Hi Susan
Just read your positing. It's good that you've returned to work and I can see that Richard would be a little lonely as he's had you all to himself for all these weeks.

Before the surgery you are used to all the little things you feel and that is your norm but now that someone has been tinkering with things, some of the feelings are different. I can see why Richard isn't how what to feel. "Normal" people don't feel their heart the way we valve patients do so when those things change, we don't want to jump the gun and call for the doctor but you spend lot of time second guessing yourself.

My rehab nurse and my cardiologist keep telling me at 5 months post-op, my heart is still adjusting. I would guess Richard's is too but having the pacemaker gives Richard a little something extra to figure out. I'm keeping him in my prayers. Cheryl, Ontario

Hey kids: Susan, please send a note tomorrow night and let us all know that (1)You made it safely back to Maine and (2) how Rich made out with the doctor. We will be thinking of you - and waiting to hear.

Arthur and Bella

Hi Susan and Richard,
Have a safe trip to the "Big-Big Boston" as my gilrs used to call it when they were little.
Richard don't panic about Susan's driving skills during the early morning rush hour into to town. She probably is the safest driver of the bunch. Hey at least you know she is awake and not driving home after a wild night on the town.
SO no sweat!
Good luck.
Norah, Mike and the girls

Hi Susan and Richard
How are things going? Is Richard getting more used to his pacemaker and how it feels? Does he know when it's working? I'm assuming it kicks in when his heart has gone for a rest!

I hope you guys are getting some of this lovely sunshine I have here in Ontario. What a lovely bright day with lots of promise for a great week to come. Again we have absolutely no snow and it even looks like spring. We'll no doubt get another few snowfalls yet but this is so promising.

Take care. Just wanted to say hi and hope all is well.
Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Susan,
I really appreciate your prayers and kind words of encouragement during David's return to the hospital.
Glad Richard is doing well with his recovery.
Marjorie Heathcoat, TX

Hi Susan and Richard

Thank you for your kind and generous words. I feel that having gone through this surgery I can help people perhaps understand what might happen and use how I overcame my fear to help others get a grip on their's. I apprecaited the support and advice I was given and enjoy being able to hopefully help those coming after me.

I am doing pretty good now that I'm on the Beta Blocker. My pulse has dropped pretty low which I'm not sure is a good thing necessarily and I'm a little tired and lethargic, but more important, I don't seem to have all those horrible symptoms.

I was reading somewhere in Adam's blog about the pericardum being cut open so the heart is closer to the surface and that perhaps made it easier to feel the heart beating. I didn't see what happens to the pericardum after it has been cut open to expose the heart - does it not get sewn back together? I'm going to go looking for that.

I'm very happy Richard is finally feeling better. Out of all my former surgeries, this one was definitely the hardest and most emotionally draining. I'm so glad it's in my past.

My husband has just been a rock for me to lean on and it's obvious Richard feels the same way about you. You guys take care. Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Susan and Richard

I agree Susan, it has to be easier to heal in the warmer climates. Funny about the grey thing - I've been told the same thing and we've laughed at the old Geratol ads - remember the grey sickness?

Richard hasn't been able to be all that active for sometime now so probably it's going to take more to get him going and keep his fire stoked. And I will say no more about that.

Praying for continued success in the healing process and a growth of stamina. Now that he's up and moving, you both will see some steady improvement. How's the pacemaker?

Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Richard and Susan,
Richard it was wonderful to see you up and about yesterday. It did my soul the world of good. Keep up the fight and enjoy Susan's company while you can.
Stay out of the cold as the next few days will be true New England style.
Let us know if we can do anything like bug you to relax and take it easy!
Thinking of you daily.
Love
Norah, Mike, Sarah and Hannah.

Richard & Sgt. Susan,

Sounds like good, gradual progress. That's excellent! It was great chatting with you guys on Saturday. What lovely folks you are. I too have a paler color to me that is noticable. That seems to be a side effect of coumadin/warfarin. I like it when Peggy dries my back too. ;-)

You guys take care, and keep at it. Keep at him, Sarg!

Duane

Hi Richard... I wrote the other day from the Bay Area CA... I hoped you guessed I was Janet. I had a visit with my Cardiologist and also a call from the Surgeons nurse and both said TAKE YOUR PAIN MEDS... which I tend not to do in the day time. Had a good day today but yeah...pain in the chest at times when I lay down. Found a soft pillow on my sternum and I cross one arm over it for some pressure helps. Yep.... 6 months is what I hear now so I am scaling back and just taking care. How is your weight and appetite? I lost 17 pounds since surgery and was worried about it but the nurse and Cardiiologist don't seem tooooooo worried and said it will return, just keep trying to eat.

I am sorry about your fatigue and I am also sure the cold weather is not helping. Here... it has rained and is not too exciting but I did go out on my own with my dog tied around my waist.

Hope you are watching the Olympics... nice diversion!

That stupid saying of one day at a time... yep, set your own goals, remember to still blame the anesthesia and antibiotics if you get grumpy with anyone.

Take care!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Janet from Newark...

Richie - Sue LOVES being the Sgt. but I'll bet she will be glad to pass over the reins. This all takes time - so listen to your body and give it the rest it needs.
Think of you every day. Besides, the weather is AWFUl-- look out the window, sleep in your chair and think of Spring - We do that and we haven't been "sick".
Arthur & Bella

Hi Richard:

I'm glad that you're surviving Camp Ingham. Don't let Drill Sargent Susan get the best of you!!
My prayers to you (and Susan)

Maria
PS - Susan you are missed!!!!

Hi Susan & Richard,
I've been following you and your progress through this wonderful journal and Joanne.
I think about you all the time and admire how well you are taking care of business! I hope each day is better and better. Sending lots of love and best wishes your way,
Holly

Richard.... nice to 'meet' you. I am trying to set my goals and if I do not reach them, I have nothing to prove to anyone, even myself. So, it is good for me being home, feel I lost 2 weeks my self but am plowing ahead. I was told 'we' would have our bad days, so sleep it off and here we go. My thought is to set the goal because if you do not know where you are going, you will not know how to get there. Damn speed bumps but that is OK, right???

My valve feels good but I feel the A-Fib... no pacemaker here but everyone is different.

At least it is warmer here in the Bay Area of CA. Rainy and VERY damp which just goes right thru you but I have a bunch of very light down quilts on my bed and feel like a kangaroo baby all cuddled up. Looking forward to sleeping on my side again... how about you????

Hi Susan and Richard
You have a great pilot there and I know you appreciate all of Susan's efforts on your behalf. It's the pits when you feel a setback and you've had your fare share but then that is what is making you special. You are going through a little more than some of us others, but then many of us are also having little blips along the way. We have to hang in there and just let it pass to the next day.

There is always tomorrow. I still get days that I just don't feel like doing a thing so I try to maybe do just a little less. Keep strong Richard. Try to do something - less - but something. Keep putting that foot out there and eventually there will be some improvement that will last.

It is going to take a while to get us all regulated so we have to exercise patience. Besides, it's winter. Things will look better in the spring!

Cheryl, Ontario

Susan, you get great kudos for driving in Boston traffic. Am from MA and I swear Boston streets came about because they just paved over some Indian paths. Good to hear that Richard's heart is doing it's own thing and not the pacemaker. Ricard, you've had more than your share of setbacks, but guess the bottom line is that you climb 2 steps and maybe go back 1 and you'll make it. You are both very special people.
Fran Zilko

Hi Susan and Richard,
I plan to write my love letters to Steve and Georgie tomorrow and tell them that no matter how grouchy and snappy I may get that I do love truely love them and appreciate all that they will be doing to speed my recovery. I am a terrible patient and I know that I will really have to put a 150% effort in to be lovable over the next few months. In some ways it's easier for the patients, we are allowed (and expected)to moan and groan but our care givers? Never! And you can't say 'enough now' either!!
You are all angels. Thinking of both of you and wishing you a more relaxing and stress-less weekend.
Warmest wishes
Penny

Shushan - sounds like this are progressing the way they should. I give him credit for riding with you to Boston and back. You are right--that is scary. Remember when you got lost coming out of the ball game? Weather is glorious today and, hopefully, some fresh air will make him feel better. Love, Bella and Arthur

Hi Susan and Richard
So nice of you to sign my journal. Thank you. I'm always thinking of Richard and you as well and wondering how Richard is coming. This is definitely one long process getting us back on our feet. I'll be interested to know how Richard makes out at the doctor's on Friday. I sure hope that the lung gets cleared up soon.

I take my monitor in tomrorow and I'm assuming it will already have been analyzed and I should get the results then as well. I've been calling in the results every night so I'm hoping they've been taken off as they get them. I'm assuming the woman who gets this information is efficient.

Tell Richard I wish him and you well. Take care and good luck Friday.
Cheryl, Ontario

Hey Richard and Susan -

So glad to hear things are progressing. I'm sure you're anxious to get your updates and feedback on Friday, but the waiting (again!) is always the worst! Keep up the courage, strength, and most of all humor--you're both great at all those. Richard, you'll be "springing into Spring" before you know it. Take care of each other, and God Bless you both!

Love,
Janet and Barry

Susan, thank you so much for your note to me.Isn't everyone on this journal absolutely the best? I think it would be wonderful if at some point we could have some kind of "Adam's heart valve group" reunion. We could all trade war stories. If you don't know, I have been in a-fib for 14 years and have taken coumadin that long. Dr. Gillinov is planning to do something called a "Maze" procedure when he gives me 2 tissue valves. Apparently it works in about 70% of people in getting one out of a-fib. Pray it works for me. Thank you for following my journal. Am not nervous yet, but am sure I will be as the time comes nearer. Thanks for your offer to answer questions. As for snow in FL, guess the panhandle got some over the weekend (a real rarity). We are far south in Bonita Springs, Near Naples, on the gulf coast. I was born in MA and have lived in snow states such as Iowa, NJ and MA so, know about snow and am at the point in my life it's fine to look at but don't want to deal with it again. Hello to Richard, keep your spirits up a lot of people care about you.
Fran Zilko

Hi Richard and Susan,
So happy to hear that you're recovering well. Don't let Sargent Susan push you too hard. Being driven around like Ms. Daisy doesn't sound too bad. Hope that each day strenghtens you more. God Bless.
Maria

Richard and Susan:

I'm glad to hear that Richard is home and doing well. It's been a long hard road, but with a nurse like Susan hopefully Richard will be up and around soon.

You are both wonderful folks and only deserve the best.

Take care and God Bless you both.

Elaine Joyce

Dear Richard,
It's was so great to read your up-date. Glad your home and keep walking! Good luck keeping up with the daily work outs as that Sargent Major Susan will be after you with her wip. Joke Susan. Can't wait to have you guys over for nibbles.
Love
Norah and Mike

Richard and Susan,

It's SO GOOD to hear that Richard is doing so well! I know you had a rougher time than most of us, but now the road is all downhill. Enjoy every day and pace yourself not to do too much too fast.

Susan, you've done a great and saintly thing! None of us heart surgery patients should ever take our caregivers for granted!

All the best to both of you!

Joel Bryan, Iowa

Richard so nice to hear that you are progressing well....."Sargent Susan".....I like that! Thinking of you and hope that you are back to normal very soon. Take care, Mickie xxoo

Hi Susan and Richard
You know Richard, your sense of wellness came across loud and clear in your journal posting and how refreshing that was. I could tell things are finally getting on the right track. I'm surprised you could walk the driveway - didn't you get some of that snow the States has been having?

I'm feeling the cold something awful this year. Has to be the Warfarin - couldn't be old age. We still don't have any snow accumulation here in Ontario - and I'm NOT complaining.

Hopefully you and Susan are beginning to relax just a little and get used to the new you. You both have much to be thankful for, including each other Happy Valentines Day. Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Richard and Susan,
It is great to get this latest journal update and that Susan took Cheryl's advice and got you to the Mall! Will keep watching your progress with nothing but admiration.
Warmest wishes
Penny (Scotland)

Sorry, so-so sorry I send that note three times. I must be tired.
Talk to you both soon.
Love Mike, Norah, Sarah, and Hannah
PS. David is home too.

Hi You two Love Bugs,
Ya it's me again, "The Norah Next Door'.
I just had to check in on you. Susan I LOVED that Richard send you flowers,(not to mention the teddy bear). Now the fun begins!! Start a little game, everytime you feel Richard is perhaps walking at low tide, give him the teddy bear. Tell him it's your "feel good/smile bear". After all it took you to'cloud nine', to know he was thinking of you not himself and send you flowers, after this whole event.
YOU ARE ONE LUCKY COUPLE.
As my Mom would say, "As he made them he matched them".

Hi Susan and Richard
Yes, he sounds like a gem. As we grow older with our mates, we feel our mortality more, especially after going through something like we are. I met my husband when I was 15 and he's been my best friend ever since. My surgery really shook him.

It sounds as if you and Richard are being struck with the reality of how close to death we can come but still be here and how great that is. Truly a gift from the Lord. Healing is definitely a little tougher than any of us strong minded people think or bargained for. It's humbling to need the support of others for such a lengthy time.

It's winter so we aren't missing much. Sounds as if you aren't missing anything with the weather you've been getting so take the time to rest and heal. Bit by bit the walks will get stronger and longer. Susan, once he's strong enough, drag Richard out to the mall for lunch and a walk. Life will return to normal soon. I'm sure. Regards, Cheryl, Ontario

Richard & Susan,

What a sweet entry! I finally came home yesterday. Yeah! I spoke with Janet Drews today on the phone. She is still in the hospital and hoping to be home in another day or two. She hasn't had the easiest of times either, and she asked me to send you her greetings and best wishes. Take care!

Duane

Yes, you both are truly blessed to have eachother. We have to believe each day will be a little better than the day before. From what I read from these journals is that rest is the key. I will have to remember all this after my March surgery. How special he is to think to send you flowers!! He is a keeper as is mine.
Fran Zilko

Hi Susan and Richard,
It is great that you're home! Looking forward to reading periodic updates of your recovery process (both of you!)
Warmest wishes
Penny

Hi Richard and Susan:
So happy to finally hear that you are home. Everyday will be a plus for you both. Prayers are with you.

Maria

Richard & Susan,

So happy to hear you guys are back home! Welcome home!!! I have high hopes of being home tomorrow, but that's not up to me. I really appreciate your honesty in all the emotions of going home. I'm sure we will find the same. Even though we've been going through our own parallel journey down here, please know how often our thoughts and prayers have been with you too.

Duane & Peggy Hunt

Glad to hear Richard is home; my prayers for a speedy recovery. Mickie xxxoo

My Dear friend Susan.
Glad your and Richard are home safe and sound. Remember, now is your time to spend with each other. Nobody flying in an out of the room to check a bleep, ring or even a scream form the 'poor soul' Richard.
So hang in there and enjoy the peace and quiet.
When your both well rested and ready for a good old laugh let us all know. In the mean time I shall work on my "cow jokes"!!!
Love and happy days a head.
Norah
!

The best news ever! Take the time to be good to yourself Susan, when you are able. Try to rest when Richard is resting. Remember we all tried to do that when our babies napped? If you are totally exhausted, your nursing duties will be more difficult. Will look for your next post when you have the time to write one.
Fran Zilko (FL)

Hi Susan and Richard
Absolutely wonderful news from one of the big news makers of the week. What a trip - eh? (That's Canadian!) There is nothing as cozy and reassuring as home but like you said, now your job is going to kick in big time. At the hospital you are existing on sheer adrenaline and somehow you get through what you must. Now it's time for both of you to catch up on some much need quiet rest. This too is when everyone else wants to visit and you are really right to curtail visits until Richard and you are both ready. How are all the incisions? Is Richard able to get his first shower yet? That will be a welcome day too. Glad you're home. Cheryl,Ontario
P.S. Guess I'd better check on Duane and Peggy now.

Hi Susan and Richard,
Enjoyed reading your blog last night. Sorry for not returing a 'well wish' but I ended up working till 10:15pm. Who would ever think a preschool teacher could be at work so late. But if and when a 'bom' falls from space, someone has to clean up. Lucky me!
Hope your on the way home if not home by now. I shall give you another 12hr or so..then I am calling.
Keep smiling, hope to chat with you both real soon.
Norah, Mike, Sarah and Hannah.