Page 3 - Guestbook of Selma Kaplan

On May 16, 2012...

Ok ok I don't mind being lumped. Into " all you guys".

Hope u get out n Thursday. Didn't the week just fly by.

So glad u r doing well
Am in Denver - then Houston. This 10 city tour has been / is great.

Later. Hugs. Nancy st Louis Avr 2/9/12

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On May 16, 2012...

Selma,

I don't think I've ever been on a "Things That Are Awesome" list.

Thanks so much for including me.

:)

Keep on tickin!

Adam Pick

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On May 16, 2012...

"I look like a blimp"

Do you look like one of the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade balloons??

Not to worry - they'll get the water out of you.

Jerry Vernhout

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On May 16, 2012...

Selma,
Glad you are doing so well. I signed up to get your posts, since I am a fellow Mt. Sinai Alumni. Your posts concerning the tasteless food, are hilarious! I too, enjoyed the jello and frozen sherbet. By the way, did you get your heart pillow? When I was there I had to ask for it a few times, because they had none in. It was important to me to go home with it, so they finally found one for me. Hope you are home soon,
Theresa C. Mitral Repair mt.Sinai Dr. Adams
3/2/10

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On May 16, 2012...

They gave me a vitamin B12 shot today and I zoomed home and mowed the lawn! My car was filled with about 2 gallons of water from a leak somewhere, so I wet vacuumed it all out and put some duct tape in a suspicious spot on the windshield. It's supposed to rain again tonight. OY!
I can't wait to hang with you and watch movies! Did you listen to the mp3? It's so boring it will put you right to sleep! And relax you as well! Hugs and Kisses! Love, Lyn

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Selma Kaplan Hahah. Yeah, they're talking rain rain rain. Hopefully my car won't leak, too. I may get sprung tomorrow. I went down a floor so I'm closer to the ground!

On May 16, 2012...

Texas Heart Inst. = Steak, steak, steak and more steak. Don't believe me??Ask Oprah, lol!!!

Linda Dixon, AVR 3/13/12

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Selma Kaplan OMG!!! And barbecue. And and and .... Girlfriend, I'm in the wrong state! Well, I *did* have an amazing surgeon so I'll stop my whining.

On May 16, 2012...

Thanks for the link. Now I know what's really happening to you! Gotta go to Kingston now....I'll write more later. YOur heart just needs to get used to it's new rhythm. Breath a lot! Slow and easy! I have a relaxation mp3 I'll email it to you. It really works! Love, Lyn

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Selma Kaplan Hey, Linnie,
Can't believe that in a few days we'll be hanging out on recliners recuperating together and eating chicken soup. Have you noticed I must be getting ... Read more

Selma Kaplan Hey, Linnie,
Can't believe that in a few days we'll be hanging out on recliners recuperating together and eating chicken soup. Have you noticed I must be getting better all I'm talking about is food. I'm baaaack!

On May 16, 2012...

You are cracking me up! At least you are getting some solid food. They kept me on liquids so long and kept trying to feed me "cream of mushroom" soup that was really dredged from a swamp somewhere. The only thing that kept me going was the raspberry jello!
Has your heart rhythm resolved itself? Sorry I don't know more about that. Mine beats fine but aches sometimes...
Kerry Thomas

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Selma Kaplan Oh yeah, I'm all over that jello. Someone who was here earlier told me I could ask for Italian ices so that's my plan. Someone else said you can't go wrong ... Read more

Selma Kaplan Oh yeah, I'm all over that jello. Someone who was here earlier told me I could ask for Italian ices so that's my plan. Someone else said you can't go wrong with a turkey sandwich. Clearly, if they can do it wrong, they will. Still having low BP and some rhythm issues. 2 steps forward, 1 back seems to be the reality of this journey.
S

On May 15, 2012...

I agree with Jerry!!! You are just too funny! Didn't even think a New Yorker knew what Possum Primavera was, thought that was a southern dish, LOL!!!!

Linda Dixon, AVR 3/13/12

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Selma Kaplan Hey, we Yankees know how to eat bad food, too. Bet the food at Texas Heart a institute is great!!!!!

On May 15, 2012...

Hi Selma.

You should consider comedy writing as a career!

Jerry Vernhout

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Selma Kaplan That would be a great gig!

On May 15, 2012...

That's right--what Holly said about protein! They really emphasized that, since the heart muscle is protein--it needs protein to rebuild. So eat your possum!
--Donna

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On May 15, 2012...

Jim had something called junctional rhythm for awhile post surgery--irregularity of the atrial ventricular node, I think, says Wikipedia. It resolved. The heart does some funny things while it's getting back to normal. It's amazing what they can do there; I remember Dr. Adam's PA telling us before surgery that they monitor you so closely there, watching for everything. It was very reassuring. I hear you about the coffee!! I'm a coffee addict. I get headaches if I suddenly quit. But it's probably good that you're not over-caffeinated right now, I guess.
--Donna Smith

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On May 15, 2012...

Selma, Selma, you KNOW you need protein to heal, so eat some protein along with that fruit!!! Glad you are feeling well enough to complain. From what I know, A fib is much more common than V fib.... are you hooked to a temporary pacemaker? What is your heart-rate running? I'm sure they're watching you closely, it takes several days to get the heart back in shape! Each day will be better and soon you will be drinking caffeine again!
Holly

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On May 15, 2012...

HI Selma, Sounds like you are having a good time. Possum and valves sounds yummy. But the fruit salad etc sounds a whole lot better, think I would take that instead. How is the hobbling to the bathroom doing?You take care. Maybe tomorrow you will get some other yummy little dish.lol
For the long haul

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On May 15, 2012...

oops, forgot to sign
Jim Smith (Mt Sinai Mar. 13-19)

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On May 15, 2012...

Selma, you're doing great if your biggest concern is your meal plan.

Ya, the food was lousy, but they made up for it with poor service. Lunch would arrive anywhere between 12:15 and 2 pm. Breakfast sometimes around 8, sometimes 9. Dinner time varied too. Often my roommate got his meal at least 1/2 hour before I did. The explanation I got was that the food department had just started a new "delivery system" (whatever that means, it wasn't working).

I usually had to harass people to get any food at all -- that diverted my attention from the food quality; hard to complain too much when you work so hard just to get something delivered.

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On May 15, 2012...

I agree--the food looked awful; but Jim didn't have an appetite so he did what he could. Jeff Shebovsky who was in at the same time told us about Italian ices--have them bring you Italian ice--they will!
--Donna Smith

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Selma Kaplan Ooooh, good idea. Cool things seem to go down easier. The worst is, they secretly decaffeinated me. You don't want to be around me when I haven't had my coffee.

On May 15, 2012...

Glad to see you're sense of humor is intact!

I'm not sure possum is part of a heart healthy diet!

We need a way to attach pictures to our post. I need to see if this food is as bad as you say. I've been eating hospital food daily for 20+ years and it hasn't killed me yet.

Nancy B

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Selma Kaplan I guess some hospitals are better than others in that department. When my motherinlaw was at rehab after breaking her hip, the food was excellent!

On May 15, 2012...

Oh yeah I forgot to sign it. Nancy. St Louis.

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On May 15, 2012...

Bob had Atrial Fib. I hope someone responds soon. It'll straighten itself out.

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On May 15, 2012...

Stop bitching & focus on getting better. Lol

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Selma Kaplan Hahahah. You slay me. That could ONLY be Nancy, what a Sister of Mercy she is.

On May 15, 2012...

Bob agrees totally. Sounds like you are getting a bit grouchy. That means you are close to getting out. Be assertive!

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Selma Kaplan Yeah, I need to pin these folks down. They swear I have no staples , just gooky glue. I owe Bob a message and will write him in a bit.
Selma

On May 15, 2012...

Selma,
I work in a hospital...send the food back and ask for something else. They can make you a sandwich anytime of day. If they know you're not happy, they'll go out of their way to make it good...just like a restaurant.
All hospitals have to participate in a common survey program called Press Ganey. They will send you a survey and ask you all sorts of questions right down to the temperature of the food or if a complaint was rectified in an acceptable manner. Speak up if you don't like something! They'll go out of their way to not get a bad survey score!

Glad you're feeling well enough to complain about the food!

Nancy B

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Selma Kaplan This seems to be a regular feature of getting better. The food is less tolerable. The fresh fruit is okay though and so far I don't have much of an appetite.

On May 14, 2012...

Party on - forever.

Gret to talk with you. It's all downhill from now on. But Do not over do it.

Talk soon. En route to Denver & Houston for some programs.

Best. Nancy. Avr 29/12.

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Selma Kaplan Have a great program and rack up those frequent flyer miles.

On May 14, 2012...

Way to go Selma! Sounds like you are doing all the right things: walking, eating, socializing. Keep at it, you're doing great. -- DVB

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Selma Kaplan Eating?? You have got to be kidding. I've never had food as nasty as the stuff here. Im living on fruit and Apple juice. They're at least related to something found in nature.

On May 14, 2012...

Great news, Selma. You've taken one more step forward. It sure feels good when that last drain pipe is out .... felt really weird being pulled out, but is it worth it
- Jim Smith

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Selma Kaplan It really WAS a weird feeling. Kind of Felt it more in my back than my front. But yeah, what a relief.

On May 14, 2012...

Hey I see thats the reason. They just don't want you to get compfy in bed. Thats their way to get you out and about. Guess I will be in trouble when that day comes cause I have these wings now for arms. It all just hangs there and I can't do anything about it yet. So maybe I will just start calling them my water bottles lol. Hang in there
For the long haul
LInda H

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Selma Kaplan I have built in inner tubes. I call them my personal flotation device!

On May 14, 2012...

Hi Selma, Hearing all this water stuff, now I know why the doctor wanted me to loose weight. lol He just didnt tell me that, so I guess I better keep going with it. Glad you are doing good.
For the long haul
Linda H

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Selma Kaplan Like everyone says , it'll come off eventually. The catheter was a blessing at first , now it's just hobble in and out of the bathroom.

On May 14, 2012...

Hey little blimp, lol, don't feel bad, I gained 17 pounds during surgery and I didn't even get chocolate!!! Don't worry, I lost it all before discharge and I bet you will too. It was quite a shock, but my face looked younger with some of the wrinkles gone!! Keep up the good work, the "real" recovery starts once all the drugs are out of your system, lol.

Linda Dixon, AVR 3/13/12

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Selma Kaplan Little Blimp. That's my new name. I love it. :-)

On May 14, 2012...

Selma, my toes looked like little sausages when I was in the hospital! Don't worry, you will lose all that weight quickly and then some! Good to hear how well you are doing, keep it up!
Holly

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Selma Kaplan Yes, I feel like a pork product !!

On May 14, 2012...

How much water weight did you gain? They must be weighing you every day. Does it go to your ankles or distribute itself all over?

I'd love to hear every detail of your experience...maybe we can talk on the phone once your home and feel up to it.

So glad you're doing well. Hope you get sprung soon.

Nancy B

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Selma Kaplan Oh probably 20 pounds -- it's EVERYWHERE! My thighs look like hams and my toes look like little sausages. I know it will come off , and then some cos I'm going to be GOOD and walk all
Over the place.

On May 13, 2012...

Good to hear from you and glad you are up and about! Keep walking and rest when you can, you'll be home soon! Stay strong!!!!
Holly P

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On May 13, 2012...

Hi Selma, glad you are starting to feel a little better. Walk as much as you can. The walks really help. I can't wait to read they are shippping you put. Soon, I hope. Take care.

-Mitch Friedman

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On May 13, 2012...

Selma,
Best of luck on that sleep at night. I certainly didn't get much on Seven West; one reason being the luck of the draw on roommates. Take care -- you'll be discharged soon
- Jim Smith

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On May 13, 2012...

Hi Selma!
So good to hear from you!
Glad to hear you're doing well. You 'sound' great!
Hope you are able to get a good nights sleep.

Nancy B

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On May 13, 2012...

Selma,
So glad you're baaaaaack....alive and in person. Your friend Pam did a great job with the updates, but we've all been waiting to her from you.
Getting out of ICU and into a regular room and eating and walking all sound good to me and you are making good progress. I do hope you can get a good nights sleep tonite too. When do you expect to get sprung?
My surgery date is about a month away and in NYC too, but oer at NYPresbyterian. That's if they don't try to change it again!!!!
Can't wait to hear more from you.....meanwhile I'm rooting for you!!!
Many blessings,
Joan D.

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On May 13, 2012...

Great to hear you got up and about. It must be nice to be visting and getting to eat a bit. Keep us posted on your progress.

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On May 13, 2012...

Oh good, Selma. So glad you are feeling better. See you tomorrow (sort of).....Kate R

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Selma Kaplan You'll do great. They have this down here when you get up to 7 west I'll cOme find you.

On May 13, 2012...

Way to gooooo. So happy

Will call. But enjoy life now

Hugs. Nancy. St Louis. Avr 2/9/12

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On May 12, 2012...

Hi Selma and Pamela, Happy to hear the good news. Now you are on the other side of the mountain. Every day will be better. Good luck to you.
For the long haul
Linda H

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On May 12, 2012...

Glad to hear Selma is making progress. She has arthritis, doesn't she? It must make lying in the same position difficult.
Hope she take a big turn for better tomorrow.
Please give her my best.

Nancy B

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On May 12, 2012...

Hopefully today you are without as many tubes, and up walking the hall! Keep those ice chips handy, and sit up in the chair. I knew you would do well, and will continue to do so! Soon you'll be home, but for now, rest as often as you can, and keep taking those deep breaths! It's over!!!!
Holly P

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On May 12, 2012...

Best. News. Ever. -- DVB

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On May 12, 2012...

Selma,
Glad to hear the great news! You will be home soon sharing your experience with the HVJ.
Good luck and God Bless,
Theresa C.
MV Repair Mt. Sinai 3/10

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On May 12, 2012...

Selma,
Way to go! I'm so glad to hear that the surgery was a big success. Like you, Dr Adams also repaired my tricuspid valve, making the decision during the surgery. Take care. Today you'll leave ICU and make your was to Seven West, where I stayed and gradually got stronger, less cranky, and ready to go home.
- Jim Smith (surgery 3.13-2012)

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On May 11, 2012...

Good old Selma - ya did it. I sent a personal email to Pam's email.

So glad it's over. You'll recover quick.

Hugs & best

Nancy. Avr. 2/9/12. St Louis

Stewart. Think jewelry ! :).

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On May 11, 2012...

Way to go Selma! You made it over your mountain. So happy to hear the good news, and sorry that you're going through some pain at the moment. But its temporary and soon you can focus on the recovery. With your personality and great attitude I am sure you'll be flying through rehab in no time.

I'm 5 days away myself now, and will be heading in when your posting away here on HVJ. Hoping to hear from you by then!

Good luck and take care,
-Thomas Hunt

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On May 11, 2012...

Glad it's over and went well! Will continue to pray for a speedy recovery and a good night tonight!
Holly P

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On May 11, 2012...

I'm happy for you Selma. I knew you would do well. You can get stronger and start thinking about going home in a few days.

Jerry Vernhout

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On May 11, 2012...

Hi - thanks so much for the update. glad she is doing well! Kate Rooney

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