Hi Susan and Richard
I did read your comments to Fran. Fran being in the profession would know more on how these things are best handled. In the end what matters most is you handled the situation and that turned out to be the right way, both for you and Richard. You obviously managed to connect with someone who cared and in turn you again felt that personal touch. You received an apology and that goes a long way. I totally commend you.

Our hospitals here have perhaps two private rooms on each floor or section so I tried very hard to book one of those rooms, even paying in advance. Reality is the private rooms more often than not end up being used for isolation patients whether or not they have the funds or insurance coverages. I therefore had to be happy with my semi-private room (a ward here is usually 4 people) and I had a wonderful roommate, up until the second last day when the hospital moved a new lady into my room. This lady was diabetic, on dialysis and she came with more portable machines than you could count and she had just come out of ICU that day. She was a huge woman and needed 3 people to help get her in and out of bed and change the sheets. She was sick to her stomach the entire time she was next to me so all these people practically lived in my room. Because of the space her machines needed, they took my bed and pushed me up next to the window and left me a little tiny area to get in and out of bed. Her machines were noisy and had tubes and electrical running all over the place. They hooked the machines up to the water in the bathroom so I couldn't use the bathroom because the door wouldn't shut. Someone had to sit and monitor her the whole time so many different people were in and sitting at the foot of my bed because that was the only room left. To go to the bathroom I had to step over all of this equipment without falling, past her sometimes male attendants and go find a public washroom. I couldn't have anymore guests because this lady's attendants were using the chairs. I was sympathetic to the patient but at the same time felt very, very used and abused. My husband blew and everyone in four different offices knew. I had nurses running in apologizing but then I felt like a heal because it wasn't the fault of the lady next to me. I needed my sleep but couldn't because of the commotion going on and I couldn't stand to even look at my food with all the throwing up etc. and smell I had to endure. My husband kicking up a fuss right then and there didn't make it any better and I felt terrible for the nurses who had been so kind to me. This wasn't their fault. When I got home I did write the hospital and that was four months ago. Haven't heard a word. So, it was good that you spoke up and better still you held your temper. I was just speaking from my own bad experience.

Obviously your approach was respectful and you spoke to someone who cared.

I really feel badly Richard has had to endure so much adversity. It's hard enough getting psyched up for this surgery and when it doesn't go anywhere near what you bargained for, it somehow makes it worse. Now he has to get used to living with a pacemaker and while in the great scheme of things that isn't so bad, it's still not what you were planning.

Yes, there is always someone worse off than you. Sometimes that is the one statement that gives me a reality check and I think and say it often.

I am wearing my kinky little monitor and hope it doesn't beep and embarass me at the wrong time. We always go to the movies and I hate hearing cell phones beep. I'll have to stuff the monitor deep inside my purse to hush it up. So far it has picked up on over 30 incidents since Wed a.m. but at the darndest times. It may beep when I don't myself feel a thing. And the other night I cleaned out two curio cabinets, helped lift and move a very small one (really tiny)up the stairs and helped pull another from the wall and then vacuumed. I was just steadying it as it was on coasters so moved easily. After vacuuming from behind the one cabinet - I went and got a glass of water and then it beeped. I had been working away for over 3 hours and nothing. Go figure. Laying in bed reading at 12:30 am. I beeped. Working like a horse - nothing.

Hey Susan, I may have you on "wordy".

Let's keep our fingers crossed that tomorrow is your day to return home. Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Richard!
I hope the next journal entry is from home. My prayers are with you. Hoping you are feeling better as each day goes by.

Maria

Hello Rich and Susan, cry baby here. Boy Richard must be starting to stink. Glad its you with him Susan and not me. I just read in your journal that you had to go the pacemaker route. Well that's now behind you and now you're on the road to recovery. I'm thinking of you both I'll check in over the weekend. Stay strong. Sharon

Susan, thank you for taking the time to send me such a long letter when you're so busy with other things. It seems that your conversation went well and you and Richard will both feel better emotionaly.With so many things happening, we would all hope to have an easier time with the things that are out of our control!! Glad you spoke to her and if my urging helped, I am thankful.
Fran Zilko (FL)

Hey Sue and Rich: That comudin is a testy thing - better to get everything worked out before heading home.
Love,
Arthur and Bella

good news, finally!! call when you can, we won't be a bother until you're ready. Lenny and Joannie

Hi Susan and Richard,
You are this close, hang in there.
Warmest wishes
Penny (Scotland)

Glad to hear you have a "somewhat" final day to go home. You really don't want to leave too early, the hospital is long way from home. Better to wait and get everything in order.
Richard, one more day won't hurt as much as the last week!
Susan, I had to laugh when you said about the stylish undies....at least they gave him some. Poor Ed was bottomless for about 4 weeks. He had the cathator (sp?) in THAT LONG. Then everytime they took him for a full scanor lung scan/xray they would send him back to the room with nothing but a blanket wrapped around him....the nurses and I laughed about that. No, not at Ed! Just about "what do you think he was doing down there???"
I also got a smile from "you are enjoying you new home" boy! do I know that feeling too. When Ed first woke up from the coma he was so disoriented, the third day he asked me if "this (the hospital room) was were we lived and all we had?" I almost cried.
Always, no matter what, better to smile, laugh and pray then let the s--- get you down.
love to both of you, Vick & Ed

We are happy to hear they are not just rushing him out the door. I know you both are ready to get the heck out of there!When Collin was having to give himself the coumadin shots he had to go once a week to make sure the blood level was ok.Sounds like they have really been taking good care of you both. How sweet to give you a rose....awwww! It was nice hearing Rich's voice yesterday he really sounded good...Rich you are a FIGHTER for sure!!!!!

We love you both
Alisa & Collin

Hi You Two!
You're almost home!
Where everything gets better faster.
Please let me know if you need anything!
I'm glad that rough day is behind you!
Lots of love,
Holly

Richard & Susan,

I'm really sorry to hear you've had such a frustrating experience in the hospital. One more day, though, and you'll be home and recovering in THE BEST surroundings! Try to remember that even though things didn't go perfectly in the hospital, you now have a new lease on life! Enjoy it to the fullest!

Joel, Iowa

Hi Susan and Richard.
It's all behind you both now. The frustration of this past week will fad once your home. So YAHOO This time tomorrow you will be sitting up (in your chair) watching TV. with Susan. Don't forget I have that 'bell' for you should you need to get the 'lady wife' jump higher or move faster every time you need/want something. Sorry Sue. We can't wait to see you both. So safe driving tomorrow.
NOrah, Mike, Sarah and Hannah.

Hi Uncle Richard, Thanks for the phone call. Sorry I missed you! We were in school. I'm glad you're finally going home and can take a shower! Call me if you need me to come up and take care of Meme any time.
Renee

Hi Susan and Richard
Such frustration. I would definitely write a letter - BUT WAIT UNTIL YOU'VE GONE HOME. Fran made a good point about making sure you say if anything positive happened as well. At least now a going home date is in view. These things tend to be so routine that sometimes the patient's needs get forgotten. Someone isn't realizing how emotional this has been to Richard and yourself. You guys need a hug. Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Susan,
Hang in there the worse is over. It will get better starting today!
Gail O

Wow, what an ordeal.Seems as if your hospital has not been doing the best job for you. When it's all over and you're up to it, might not be a bad idea to send a letter to the hospital administrator explaining your negative experiences. Don't forget to give them kudos for the good stuff. Some of the staff might benefit from additional training and your letter would prompt that. Just a retired RN speaking. But, glad tomorrow is the big day! Keep posting.
Fran Zilko (FL)

Are you coming home today? Yipee!!! Glad all is going "good".

will check in later today to see where you are

Love, Debbie, Clanc & Echo

I hate to say that I thought of Richard this morning when I was in the shower...but I did! (haven't told John...) It's going to feel sooooo good. We hope today is a great day and that you turn the corner to feeling much, much, MUCH better.
xo
Mary and John

I thought everyone could us a laugh (well except Rich) it might hurt but here goes.
Three sisters, ages 92, 94 and 96, live in a house together. One night
the 96-year-old draws a bath. She puts her foot in and pauses. She yells
to the other sisters, 'Was I getting in or out of the bath?' The
94-year-old yells back, 'I don't know. I'll come up and see.' She
starts up the stairs and pauses 'Was I going up the stairs or down? The
92-year-old is sitting at the kitchen table having tea listening to her
sisters, she shakes her head and says, 'I sure hope I never get that
forgetful, knock on wood.' She then yells, 'I'll come up and help both
of you as soon as I see who's at the door.'

Love ya
Lis

LOL, I forgot to sign my entry.

Love You

Debs

Just being at home will make you feel 100% better. I'm sure Jackie, Abby, and Bonnie, will take very good care of the both of you. Just think.... your own bed... home cooking.... and THE BIG SCREEN TV.... Oh yea, life will be good!

Hi Susan and Richard,
Hope everything goes as well as possible today and you and Richard can get to the next phase of recovery. You've been a real trooper, Susan! The absolute best!
Warm hugs,
Holly

Dearest Susan and Richard --

BIG heartfelt prayers and happy wishes for you today. This WILL be your day on the road to full recovery!
What a ride you have been on!
Keep up the good morale - Susan, you are amazing to make jokes as you are enduring all this, too.

Love,
Janet

Susie, looking forward to the next update. The surgery is over and we know tomorrow will be a better day!! As long as you keep the hospital visit under 64 days....then Ed & I still have the record(smile). I expect as he gets stronger they will look at letting him go home before the weekend.
I remember the wonderful smile on Ed's face when he got to take that first shower at home after 64 days. And he wasn't allowed to get his back wet at all. So it wasn't even a complete shower. Richard can't smell that bad compared to Ed. Life always seems better in your own shower and your own bed.
We pray you'll be there by this weekend.
Vicki & Ed

Hi Sue and Richard,
I am so so sorry you both had to live through such a week. In the end Richard after all your fight, the lack of a comfortable bed and early am. shower, the pace maker must be just another pain in the butt!!
So don't worry it just means that from this day forward Susan shall have to do all the cooking and the dishwashing. As you never know between , the heat form the oven, the micro wave and the steam form the hot water, your Golden. Best start buying some good books to relax with. Richard, If you should need 'ear plugs'(to drown out the noise from the kitchen) I have a box full. They are the key to a happy marriage,(and a good nights sleep)!!.
In short we miss you both so hurry up and get homw.
Love and kisses,
Norah, Mike, sarah and Hannah.

Susie thanks for keeping us in the loop.I am sure Rich will now make a more speedy recovery. LOL...just make sure the next time you fly Rich does not go through the metal detector ( unlike your brother) DUH! The one time I let him travel alone he did that very thing, no harm came to him or his pacer..We are thinking about you both at all times and I am checking my email several times a day to see if there is any new news. I am sure you have to be exhausted..You both deserve to be waited on hand and foot for a while..If you want me to come up I sure will do it. Collin did not have to have his arm in a sling after his pacer was installed, he just was not allowed to raise it above his head.He has his pacer checked every 6 mo's it takes all of 2 mins if that and is painless.
We love you both...Uhhhh Rich, I know you need a shower...I can smell you all the way down here! Just kidding!!

Love you
Alisa & Collin

Shushan and Rich. Love the heart journal. Helps us keep in touch and follow you along your journey. We keep you in our thoughts and prayers constantly. Hope you get that shower soon.

Arthur & Annie

Hi Susan and Richard
Well, I guess if a pacemaker is the peacemaker, then so be it. Just keep him away from the microwave! I pray this is now the answer to getting Richard home - with extra parts. Have a restful night tonight. Cheryl, Ontario

All will go well now with the pacemaker. Richard's heart rate won't drop too low as it had been doing.Look at it as excellent heart insurance.Thanks for keeping us informed even though I'm sure you were too tired to do so.
Fran Zilko (FL)

Richard & Susan,

Throughout my surgery and early recovery, I thought of you and prayed for you often. I would ask Peggy if there was word on Richard. It took her a while to figure out how to find that. Today we are praying for a successful and uneventful pacemaker implantation surgery.

Would love to give you a call sometime when we're all ready to do so.

God be with you guys strongly and clearly.

Duane & Peggy

I'm sure you've had enough. Get well soon. Let us know if you guys need anything. Love, Lenny and Joannie

All of our prayers are with you Richard - hoping for a super speedy recovery after this.
Once this is in the past, you and Susan need to go on a relaxing vacation!

PS - once you take a shower, you'll feel like a million bucks!!!!
Susan, Elaine Joyce has been asking for Richard everyday. I've been keeping her posted along with Ron and Fran. I can't remember how I set up this account to get his journal sent to me because Elaine wanted to join.

Just think your best years are still ahead now that this surgery is behind you. I hope you and your wife are planning to go forth and make some great new memories! Best Wishes for a speedy recup. Bonnie Fox

Hi Richard,

I've been following your journal, and it's good to hear that you're making progress even if it's a little slower than you'd prefer. I remember how wonderful that shower was when I could FINALLY have one! I think that was when my recovery started in earnest. :-) I know we'll be hearing great recovery stories from you very soon.

Joel Bryan, Iowa

Hi Sue and Richard,
Hope to day was a good one for you both. Richard don't worry about the few extra day's you may have to spend in the hospital, as the silly "gound hog' saw his shadow to-day and that's another 6 week of winter in New England. Ya snow is in the air for the am. So hang in there enjoy all the pirks "The Ritz " has to offer.
Mike told me you had call David in the hospital to day. He must be dreaming. However, I visited David after work tp day and his colour was good. But he wa out of it. Not looking good for him, so don't tell Richard Sue. Life is so crazy.
Jackie it all trilled with how well you hve done in the last three days so keep fighting. Remember is you want attention jsut scream. I promish even if you don't deserve a pain killer they will give you one just to shut you up. Did I really say that!
Sue call if you need a friendly ear are jsut need to talk. I don't want to bug you with my many ph calls. So plesae call.
Love
Norah, Mike, Sarah and Hannah.
PS. Hannah is not pleased they had to cut into Richards heart.

Hi Susan and Richard
Duane and Richard are going to have to compete to see who has had the toughest week. These two guys are real newsmakers. I can well understand how Richard feels when he can feel his heartbeat. It's totally unnerving to still feel something not quite right. Before surgery you are used to how it feels and expect the radical beats to be there but after surgery - well, isn't that why you just went through surgery - to get rid of that? It is disconcerning to know there is something just not quite perfect with all of this. Hopefully given some time things will settle down to something more normal and hopefully too Richard becomes accepting and relaxed with it. Give him our best. You must be exhausted. I hope someone is there to give you a little TLC. Cheryl, Ontario

Tuesday 12:30PM - In reading today's message it sounds like progress is being made. Wonderful news! My thoughts are with you both. Don't worry about returning my calls Susan I'll catch up with you. All the best. Sharon

GREAT NEWS!!! I know you want to go home (believe me I've still NOT forgotten what it feels like to sit in a hospital chair and worry about the love-of-your-life), but you really don't want to go home "too soon". You want him to be stable (physically - give up on mentally - BIG SMILE).
But there is nothing that makes a caregiver and patient feel better than their own BED!!!!!
You're in our prayers, stay strong and give Richard a hug for us. Have Richard hug you for us too.
Vicki & ED

Hi Susan,
WOW Tomorrow?
Stay strong and be sure you feel comfortable that everything has been done that needs to be done and all systems are a GO!
My one complaint about my surgery at Brigham & Women's Hospital is that I felt they sent me home too soon. I should have spoken up -
By the way, I really love the photo of you and Richard attached to this site!
Mucho love,
Holly

PS Nurses are great, are they not?

Will have to see who is right about discharge, the doctor or the nurses!! Either way, it's great news. Keep updating.
Fran Zilko (FL)

I'm sitting here in my little attic space thinking "by Valentines Day Richard is going to be feeling like a new man and Susan will be lighting the candles!" Silly, I know, but just you wait! What a difference two weeks can make! I couldn't be happier for your continued progress. I hope you get a good meal soon.
XOX, Holly

Good morning to you both, I hope both of you had a good night sleep or atleast had a good rest.Just wanted to tell you both

WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!

Hugs & more HUGS
Collin & Alisa

Dear Susan and Richard,

We have been thinking of you both so much over the past week. It's really amazing to be able to get updates with this journal.

You both are in our prayers every day.

We wish you a speedy recovery Richard, and Susan, you must be so exhausted - we hope you are able to get some rest.

Hope to hear you are home soon -

Love, Jeannine (Bill's sister) and Jon Casey

My Dear Susan, and Richard
A little bird told me your looking good Richard. So I reckon you did check into the Ritz after all! Sue give Richard a great big Air Hug from "Norah next door and Co". We are all storming heaven for you both.
Now Sue I know your in love with the guy but spending sleepless nights in the hospital! You must be mad. So home to the hotel with you and sleep. As I said before Richard has every drug in the world to help him sleep. (He must or other wise he would be complaining about the beds!). Sue you need to stay strong for Richard. It will be no walk in the park when he get's home. You have the hospital staff now but once your home you alone all alone. Well you always have "Norah next door" but that's not going to be enough now is it!
As the book says, "Eat, Pray and Laugh". Only thing missing is yes you quessed Sleep! So off with you now.
Great to hear things are looking up so hang in there and Sleep. Oh, give Richard are best.
Love
Norah, Mike, Sarah and Hannah.

We're glad to hear that things are looking up. Been praying, lots, for both of you. Don't spend too many nights in the hospital it will really wear you down. The care giver needs more strength than the patient.
We women know how to take care of our men!!
love to both of you,
Vicki & Ed

We LOVE you both!!

Collin & Alisa

Hi Susan and Richard
Richard may get out of the hospital without having ever gotten into a regular room! It's good news that his heart is starting to kick in so maybe this will be a better week. It's tough managing this stress so hang in there. Cheryl, Ontario

Glad things are getting better. Things rarely work out the way we plan. Makes me think we shouldn't plan, but that would be a crazy world! Richard is in a great hospital (I'm from MA), so they'll figure it out. Hows his pain level? Well, I still have to wait until March 18th--patience, patience!!
Fran Zilko (FL)

So happy to hear that everyday Richard is getting stronger and progressing.

Maria

Hi Susan & Richard,
Another major milestone reached! Please keep the updates coming thick and fast...Susan thank you so much for your notes, I can't tell you how I appreciate you taking the time and how helpful.
Warmest wishes
Penny (Scotland)