Thanks for the update Ron. Our thoughts are with all of you and we look forward to talking to the family later today.
Love,
Rhonda and Johnny
On May 20, 2010...
Ron,
You're doing well and you know Ricki will be fine. My surgery was at the CC in March and my breathing tube was not out when my husband and daughters were allowed to see me in the CICU, so be prepared for that. Just know that Ricki will be pretty sedated, so although it's not a pleasant sight to see your loved ones with all the tubes, etc. she won't even realize it and if she does seem to have some awareness, it'll fade quickly. Keeping her and you in my prayers.
Fran Z
On May 20, 2010...
Hi, Ron,
I've been with you both in spirit since last night. You're in my prayers.
Cindy
On May 20, 2010...
Ron,
The worst is over. Strange how I have been with Ricki all morning even though we are two hours earlier. My family went through the class and all were OK when they saw me in the ICU. The breathing tube was taken out before they arrived and I would guess Ricki's will be out before you see her.
Thanks for keeping us posted.
Sandy
On May 20, 2010...
Thanks for the update Ron. She, as well as you, continue to be in my thoughts and prayers!!
Wini Del
Honors College
On May 20, 2010...
Ricki,
Sending warm thoughts and good wishes this morning. I'm thinking of you and wish you only the best. Look forward to hearing from you soon.
Hugs,
Diana
On May 20, 2010...
I Ricki, sounds like you're ready to get this done and get back to normal.You'll be asleep for about 2 minutes ad they'll be done before you know it. Ron will wander and pace and get no sleep. I'll call him today to check on all. How long will you be in Cleveland ?? I call Ron and say high. Please keep journaling. I'm loving it, but I would like an address......Enjoy the pampering now honey. Love you much and pull the positive while you're there. Give you hubby a big hig and kiss from me, an even bigger hug and kiss from you, andd then bribe the Dr. to give him something to knock him out of few hours.
Can I get an enverope or isn't that Kosher. Again....I'm with you more oftem than not.
On May 20, 2010...
Hi Ricki
Praying for you today as you begin your journey to a healthier life.
Cheryl, Ontario
On May 20, 2010...
Ricki, I also had a calmness the morning of surgery and felt it was God's way of letting me know all would be well.
I'll be praying for you to have a successful procedure and speedy recovery.
Lori from Hood River
On May 20, 2010...
Hey Ricki!
Hey - that's a southern term I think - kinda like ya'll ;)
Thought about you first thing this morning and said a prayer for you. I know all will go well for you and you'll be beating us all back up the "hill" in no time!
Talk with you later!
Wini Del
On May 20, 2010...
Rickala,
Don't worry - no flowers on the way -just all our best wishes and love.
will talk soon.
susan
On May 20, 2010...
Hi Ricki! I'll be thinking about you all day tomorrow and waiting to hear from Ron! I'm so glad we met Kevin and your mom at the wedding; I can picture them both.
Is "break a leg" appropriate??? I know you will SHINE through this. And, no 'moos', even in Iowa!!
Emily
On May 19, 2010...
Ricki,
I know you will be glad to get this behind you. My prayers and thoughts are with you! Here's to a successful surgery and a speedy recovery:)
Kimberly S.
On May 19, 2010...
Hi Ricki
Tomorrow is the day you've been waiting for and tomorrow night at this time you'll be in CICU and fairly well sedated. Do not worry about pain, they do an excellent job of pain management at the CC. All that special prep before surgery is why they have an unbelievably low rate of infections post op. My surgery was also the same time as yours and it was a relief to be done early. I am an early riser and my first prayer of the day will be for you. be calm it'll all work out well.
Fran Z
On May 19, 2010...
Ricki,
You are lucky with a 5:15 call. I had a 10:15 call and waited until late afternoon for my surgery.
I hope you are going to Little Italy up the hill from the Clinic.
See you on the other side.
Sandy
On May 19, 2010...
I'll be praying for you first thing tomorrow morning, Ricki! We miss you at all of the parties in the office! :)
--Susan
On May 19, 2010...
Forget Miss Piggy; Now it's Elsie!
Wishing you a successful procedure and speedy recovery!
Love,
Ellen
On May 19, 2010...
Dear Ricki,
Wishing you a successful surgery and a very easy recovery! I've been reading your journal and am happy that you have such a great support network. Know that I'm part of that support too!
Love, Meredith
On May 19, 2010...
Hi,
Love the updates. Kara is actually at your house right now feeding the cats. Good luck tomorrow and ask the doctor for a chocolate valve.
Love ya!!
Ellen
On May 19, 2010...
Ricki, Moo U is okay with the cow valve! :) Wishing you the very best, I'll be thinking and praying for you and your family! Tom B.
On May 19, 2010...
Ricki,
We are all thinking about you here at Capital Design. I know Ron will keep us posted on the blog. You will do great!!!
Mark
On May 19, 2010...
We at NCHC HQ wish you all the best and know everything will go great! Keep us posted.
Positive thoughts!
On May 19, 2010...
I'm right there with you with nothing but good thoughts and hopes for a speedy recovery. I'm also very curious about the surgery and the follow up.....Much love to you and Ron... If you need anything that we have down here, let me know.. Oil Balls ???
On May 19, 2010...
Hi Ricki
Wanted to send you a good luck send off and let you know you are in my thoughts and prayers. This time tomorrow you'll be all done and on your way to better health. Try and be peaceful and feel in your heart you are going to be okay - you are going to be better than okay. Will look forward to seeing Ron's post letting us know all is well. Big cyber hug.
Cheryl, Ontario
On May 19, 2010...
Hi Ricki,
You are in my thoughts and prayers! I'll be 5 weeks post op tomorrow (CC). Recovery seems a bit slow...but consider the trauma the body goes through. Really never had any pain to speak of...just a matter of building up the stamina. Went into work yesterday for 3 hours...a good trial run...will go in again tomorrow for a while. I am fortunate that I can work some at home as well.
You are in the BEST place with the BEST Drs. Hope your hubbie will post to let us know of your progress while you are at the hospital.
Praying for a peaceful night of sleep tonight for you.
Blessings!
Carla Hansen
Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
On May 19, 2010...
Hey Ricki,
This was a wonderful idea - your journal. I can be close to you and Ron while I'm trying to hold down the fort here.
I'm praying for you and Ron and your doctors and nurses, and I know soon you will be turning cartwheels.
Later!
Barb
On May 19, 2010...
Hi, Ricki,
Sounds like everything is going smoothly. You sound great and I'll be thinking of you tomorrow. Every time I log onto your journal I'm greeted by this wonderful photo of you and Ron on your wedding day. You're a super couple and I'm glad you'll soon be back to being active, energetic and feeling great.
Cindy
On May 19, 2010...
Good Morning Ricki,
I'm so happy that your process is going smoothly. Mine did too, just can't get to the surgery part, is all. On a more positive side, at least I'm able to watch all the finales of my shows, ;) Oh well, what can you do. I will be thinking of you tomorrow and sending positive thoughts and prayers your way. Its almost over for you, my dear friend.
Diana
On May 18, 2010...
Hi Ricki,
It's amazing how it all works at the Clinic. I never really had to wait too long for my scheduled appointments. Did you see Dr. Benico Barzilai?
Again, you are at the best of the best. Enjoy the ride (as much as you can) it will be over soon and you will be amazed and wonder if they actually did the operation.
You sound good and a positive attitude will glide you through.
Sandy
On May 18, 2010...
Got your message when I was in Belgium. I hope your surgery goes well and the recovery is speedy. I have heard that recovery is greatly aided by eating chocolate as soon as you awaken from the anesthesia, so I just might ship you some from Brussels.
Best wishes. Keep me posted. Sue and I are thinking of you.
Whe you get back to Clemson, I have a funny story to tell you!
Steve
On May 18, 2010...
Ricki, thinking of you today as you go through tests. Rick
On May 18, 2010...
Hi Ricki,
You will be in my thoughts and prayers out in Oregon. I am 4 months post op for a mitral valve replacement so I know what you are going through. The most important advice I can give you is let your body heal slowly. Take time to sleep sleep sleep after the surgery. I was off work for 10 weeks after surgery and started the cardiac rehab 3 weeks post op which has been the best thing for my heart and confidence to slowly exert myself. You'll do just fine and I look forward to your updates. Take good care, Lori Sobrero from Hood River Oregon
On May 18, 2010...
Well, Ricki,
You'll have to tell me how things went. My surgery has been cancelled once again. My new date is June 2nd. I'm about ready to hang it up and tell him to forget about it completely. This is so frustrating. Messes everything all up, I have family in from out of town to help out and now I don't know what is going to happen. This is nuts!!!!!!
I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers and you can share your pros and cons with me.
Love,
Diana
On May 18, 2010...
"See" you on the other side of surgery, my friend. My thoughts and prayers will be with you also.
We leave today for Danville, PA, where we are staying at the House of Care tonight, on the hospital grounds. Don't know what time surgery is scheduled for yet, but I would suspect it will be early.
Til then,
Diana
On May 18, 2010...
Hi Ricki. My prayers are with you. CC is a great place- you're in very good hands.
Beth
On May 18, 2010...
Well, you're there and the process starts. Be strong and be prepared for so many caring people who treat you like a person, not a number. As vast as they (CC)are, it would be easy for them to be so efficient that you are treated impersonally, not so, as you will learn. You are in my prayers. Know you'll feel better when your hubby arrives.
Fran Z
On May 17, 2010...
Two months ago today, I was meeting Dr Gillinov and getting ready for my surgery on the 18th. Time has gone by quickly when I see how far I have come and soon you will be writing about your recovery and can't wait to read it. Prayers for you.
Fran Z
On May 17, 2010...
Good luck Ricki
You are in the very best of hands for the next week. They will take very good care of you.
My thoughts and prayers
Mark
Keller. TX
On May 17, 2010...
Hi Ricki
Wishing you the a safe trip and much luck. I pray everything is very successful and look forward to seeing more postings once you're up to it. I'll be thinking about you.
Cheryl, Ontario
On May 17, 2010...
I know you are in good hands and have lots of moral support. I think it is way cool that you have this site for your friends to visit. With that said, thank you for having me as a friend! Debbie Jean
On May 17, 2010...
Ricki,
Good luck on your surgery. Keep positive thoughts, and know we are all pulling for you. I can not wait to hear you are on the other side....recovery.
Good luck,
Theresa Callanan
On May 17, 2010...
Gods speed, Ricki. Be safe.
Diana
On May 17, 2010...
Hi Ricki,
No, all my testing is done. I will meet with the anethesiologist (sp) the day of surgery. The wrist continues to improve. It has gotten a lot smaller in size, and is just pinkish now and is itching, alot. A good sign. 2 days away from the beginning of my new life. Scared, nervous, terrified, anxious. But, it certainly will be nice not to have all those symptoms when you exert anymore. Looking forward to that.
Hang in there kiddo, we'll both make it with flying colors.
Diana
On May 16, 2010...
Hope all goes well on Thursday. Debbie
On May 15, 2010...
Ricki,
If you get to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame,remember that my birthday is Aug 16th!Give the Stiff my regards---Love Me
On May 14, 2010...
We are thinking about you and Ron all the time. We know your surgery is going to make you feel much better. Looking forward to seeing you on THURSDAYS!
Jodi and Jeff
On May 14, 2010...
Know exactly how you feel, Ricki. Have fun with your manicures and pedicures. I'm doing the same thing, checking things off my "to do" list. Have a fabulous weekend.
Diana
On May 14, 2010...
Hi Ricky,
I too will be traveling to the CC to have my mitral valve repaired in about 5 weeks. My surgery is scheduled for Monday, June 21. My surgeon is Dr. Gillinov. (Didn't see anywhere in your journal as to who your surgeon was, although there are many excellent heart surgeons at the CC as I am sure know).
Just wanted to drop you a note to wish you the best on your surgery next week. Like many of the other guestbook posters, I know first hand what you are going through and that's what makes this journal blog that Adam Pick setup so great, because the people who respond have been there themselves and know what you are experiencing. I will keep you in my prayers.
God Bless,
John LaDisa
Milwaukee, WI
On May 14, 2010...
Hi Ricki
I say anything that occupies the mind right now and helps to pass away the time is a good thing so have fun.
Hang tough. You are both in my prayers.
Cheryl, Ontario