Linda's Heart Valve Journal

Hi everyone. I just saw Sherry's post on here and discovered I missed my birthday in September when I was introduced to my new friend Elsie, who is keeping me alive today. Last time I saw my heart doctor he said I was still doing good. What he doesn't know is that the rest of me is having other issues. On my 70th birthday I was in the doctors office supporting a walker cause my back went out. Ouch. Well that is getting better but my left knee has really been troublesome. I can hardly walk on it. I thought it was the cool water In the pool at the Y but it is not getting better, so now I am getting a little worried. I have read so many time on here the heart goes then the knees seem to follow. My right knee does have arthritis in it, but right now it is doing ok . Its not fun getting older. I wish there was a pill to take for that. There seems to be one for everything else lol
I keep in touch with some of you on facebook, like Mitch, Linda, Janis, Jimmy and some others and of course Adam. This has been such a wonderful site. I am so happy that I did find it, and I have meant so many wonderful people world wide. Its just like we are one big family but as time goes on we kind of grow away from it. But I do keep up with the posts that come along so thanks Sherry. I hope everyone has a wonderful day and remember God is so good to all of us.
Linda and Elsie AVR 9/19/12

I am posting on here for a friend of my daughters and a sweet little 2 year old boy named Gabriel Reck. His mother, Amanda is reaching out for prayers for her sweet little boy. One year ago he had a heart transplant. He has a blog on Facebook called Gabriels Heart Journey. Right now he is fighting for his life with a nerovirus and another one as well. He has lost 6 pounds since February. This is very dangerous to him. He is in Charlottesville Hospital VA. So please send lots of love and lots and lots of prayers to him and his family. We have been watching this miracle of his life change so much and now we have to help him. I have never meant him but I love him. Thanks and God bless everyone.
Linda and Elsie

Yesterday I celebrated 3 years out from my open heart surgery. I can say that when I started this out, I was told that I would probably have about 3 years to live if I didn't have the surgery for my aortic stenois and anneursym. So now it is 3 years out and I thank God for my new lease on life.

I have meant a lot of very nice people on here as well and I don't know what I would have done without this site and Adams book. It is what helped me get thru all of this and with a lot of prayer.

Thank you Adam for doing this for all of us. You are a blessing. I don't post on here any more but I do watch and see what is going on, and I still do keep everyone in my prayers.

For everyone that is going into surgery, don't worry God will take good care of you. I do have a cow valve and still feel like mowing when I see cow. I still do have a little pain not going to lie, I think it is just those little wires. I still go to the YMCA. It helps a lot to stay active. When I miss a week I can really tell.

So I am going for now but I will be watching all of you out there. You all take care. Still love you all.
Linda and Elsie AVR 9/19/2012

Hi All, Just updating for Adam.. My surgery will be 3 years ago on Sept 19, 2012. I had my aortic valve replaced with a cow valve I named Elsie and also had an annuerisym with my aortic root being replaced with a 3 inch Dacron graft. My heart is doing real well no problems. Doctors all say it sounds great. Unfortunetly I have gained some of my weight back but I do feel good. I still go to the YMCA and that helps a lot. When I miss a week or two I really know it. I also walk my dog, sometimes she walks me everyday. So keep up with all the excerise..
Hope everyone is doing good keeping you all in my prayers.

I just saw on facebook Gabriel was taken into surgery at 930am . At 1219pm his new hero heart was put in and beating on its own. The last update was he was taken off bypass and about another hour to go before Angel Gabriel starts a whole new life.
God is so good.
So everyone waiting out there for surgery God will take care of it all. He is the best healer he does have angel doctors working on us.
Im sure the family thanks everyone for all of their prayers as well and the prayers of the donor family also. That is a mighty big gift from God.
Everyone have a wonderful day.
Linda and Elsie

Today I read from his Mother Amanda Reck, that Gabriel had surgery today, a trachemonty (sp) a gtube and another picc line put in. He did wonderful with that and now tonight she has on facebook or Gabriels HSLS Journal, that he will have his new hero heart late tonight if all goes well. She is asking all the prayer warriors to send lots of prayers and also to the donating family. Gabriel is only 11 months old and I just found out it is Amanda birthday this weekend. What a gift from God.

We all know what it is like waiting for heart surgery but this is 10 times worse and I think most of us who have been there know exactly how she feels .

I will keep everyone informed when I hear something. Hope everyone is having a good night and the best to all who are waiting.
Hugs
Linda and Elsie

Just thought I would drop a little line. I just had my annual echo this week and EKG and guess what. I get to live some more. He said my valve was doing excellent even though I have found and it showed a few extra little beats but not to worry. Dr Bittrick was wondering why when I got a cow valve why I didn't get a side of beef to go with it. Good question.

Anyway I do have some news to share with all of you. My daughter Stephanie has a good friend in Culpepper Va who has a son, Gabriel who is 11 months old. Little Gabriel was born with a CHD and has HHSL. He has just been placed on a heart transplant list. Amanda is asking everyone to send prayers her way for little Gabriel. For God to place him in his arms and give him a new heart. You might find her on FB Amanda Reck under HHLS Gabriels Journel. So please send lots of prayers out to Gabriel at UVA hospital in Charlottesville Va.

I guess that is about it under later. Hope everyone is doing good. I still keep you all in my prayers always and forever. And thanks Adam for the Valentine wish. Your son is so cute.Hugs to all
Linda and Elsie

Cleveland Ohio from the rooftop of hospital

Cleveland Clinic campus

I got up to Cleveland and back. Stephanie had her surgery on Tuesday November 4th. Cleveland Clinic is huge, thought I was in a 5 star resort and not a hospital. Anyway I learned that the second surgery is much worse than the first. She was in much more pain than the first, of course she got a full zipper this time. She got a new type of mechanical valve, top hat valve, hope it does a lot better than the first one. Oh said she didn't enjoy her trip to Hawaii. lol. She left yesterday but not before she took the sheets off the bed. I think she was getting a little bored being there. Anyway I got back ok but not before I had to go thru a bad storm in Beckley Va had rain hail blizzard of leaves. I was a little scared espically after sleeping in the hospital with Stephanie the night before and didn't get a good sleep. Glad to be back home.

So everyone out there just remember the waiting is still the worse and after you have been on that side of the fence of having surgery the waiting for your loved one to come out of surgery is even worse. Five hours seemed like 5 years. You just know exactly what is going on. Hope everyone is having a good day and all of you in recovery it takes a while but it is worth it.
I enclosed a couple of pics. Thank you Adam for making that better as I could never get any on here before. Hugs to all
Linda and Elsie

Left my house this morning at 530am and arrived at this huge amazing hospital at 8pm. It took me 20 minutes to figure out where the garage was. But then being super tired what can I say.
Had fun driving thru Va in a truck with high wind warnings out. Hope its better on the return.
Having some nice quality time with her before surgery. She wants me to let you all know that the chicken here is really good.

When she checked in she thought she was taking a trip to Hawaii. She was told to enjoy the beach and she would show them the pics afterwards, and she would give her husband the peanuts. Bet she not saying this on Wed. Well that's it for now, probably a lot of mistakes here as I cant see to straight right now. But really this is a beautiful hospital. It is like a big resort. So signing off for now. Will keep you all updated on her blog next time. Hugs to all and good night.

Meet Rosie and the snow that I did not want to come right now. Thank heaven being in the south it is gone. But it is cold.

What a trip this has been. I never thought for one minute that I would be joining on the other side of this journal and caring for my daughter Stephanie Spencer. So tonight I have started that little walk for her as her computer isn't working at the moment.

So on Sunday I will be getting into my husband truck and driving the 600 plus miles to Cleveland. And guess what there is snow yes I said snow predicted here in SC. The thing I have been dreading. I have two ways to go over those mountains so I have elected to go by the way of Charlotte. Ashville is suppose to get 1=3 inches and it is still October. Then I have to go in a truck. It is a nice truck but my car is better lol. He says its better cause of 4 wheel drive ok.
Anyway I will be able to have a little quality time with her as she is being admitted on Sunday and surgery is on Tues.

I have had so many wonderful people helping me get to be with my daughter. All of you sending best wishes and prayers thank you and my wonderful church family gave me such a very nice gift of money to help me get there. God really does get things done every way possible. He is such a loving God and he will be there for everyone of us. I still keep you all in my prayers for all the surgeries and recoveries. Bless every one of you.
Ok Im going for now see you on Stephanie Spencers space. Pray that all of the snow will be gone by Sunday Please. Hugs to all
Linda and Elsie

Hi All, I never thought this would be happening to me. As you all know my daughter Stephanie Spencer is going to have her heart surgery very soon. So I will be posting for her until she either gets her computer back running as she is having issues with it. Please keep her in your prayers and I am going to attempt to write for her in her journal for her as she is having a few little minor set backs. So here goes.

I had my surgery 2 years ago, but now I see what my daughter Stephanie Spencer is going through and now I have questions. It makes me wonder of what if...
1. I always thought scar tissue happened while you are healing not five years after surgery. Do we keep adding scar tissue around any of our scars for all of these years or for life?
2. Can living with stress all the time make for more scar tissue to build up. I know stress is a killer but can I add that to the list? Im always stressed out for something .
Hope someone can find those answers for all of us to change our lives even more and for the better.
Hope everyone is having a good day. I still do keep you all in my prayer list. Oh my how it is growing wow. But God is so good to us and I thank him all the time. I know he is going to take good care of my daughter once again and now I am so thankful that she will be at the big Cleveland Clinic.

Hi all, I have told you about my daughter Stephanie Spencer. She had OHS 5 years ago for Aortic Stenois and had a valve put in at the age of 29. Now 5 years later she is facing the same thing. She just called me today and said she had her echo done and the doctor was waiting this time for her. He hated to tell her that she had to have surgery once again after just getting over a hysterectomy. Her St Jude valve is not working. It is not opening or shutting and will have her surgery at the end of this month. I have told her she needs to get back on HVJ so please look for her and send her lots of prayers.

HI Everyone, I am happy to say that today I am celebrating my 2 year birthday. My doctor said I am doing great heart sound perfect. Glad to hear that. All thou I still have that annoying pain that turns out to be the wires. I figured that when I got a beautiful German Shepherd puppy who wants to be a lap dog at about 50 plus pounds. She knows right where to get me so I have to protect myself from all of her loving.
Otherwise I feel real good except you get your heart all fixed up and then the ole knee starts going out with Arthur. So it is hard to walk sometimes. I am still going to the YMCA. When I miss a week I do feel it. So guess I will be going there for a long time. It really does help.

I still keep everyone in my prayers. It is wonderful what the doctors with the awesome power of God leading the way can do. I am so thankful for having such a God. He will get all of you through this as well.

I also want to give a special thanks to Adam for having this site. I don't know what I would have done without it and his book. And also to all the wonderful people I have meant on here and now share some of you on Facebook.

So hear is to another year. Hope everyone stays healthy and is going to be healthier in there new life.

Oh my daughter Stephanie Spencer might be facing OHS again after 5 years. The good thing is she wont be on cumadian any more and then we can moo together. Please keep her in your prayers. She needs to get on here and get going again.
Hugs to all.
Linda and Elsie

I just had my 6 month check up a few days ago. Its been awhile since I have been on here. But I do check on here every once in a while. I still send all my prayers out to everyone.

Anyway he said everything was perfect. My heart sounded perfect, but I told him I still hurt a little. I told him that I now have a puppy who loves to love and maul me. Of course she likes to put her paws right where I don't want them to be. So I have discovered that what I am feeling is the wires. If I turn a certain way it feels like a pinch. He agreed that is what I am feeling and I will have to put up with it. I do try and ignore it but when it gets on my nerves I just take my buddy Tramadol. That is probably one every 2-3 months. Going to the YMCA still helps. All those stretch exercises helps a .lot.

I still worry about doing things like lifting heavy things. Afraid something might unravel lol. I guess the mind does strange things after you have been thru all of this.

Meanwhile I hope everyone is doing great. If you are headed for surgery, it will be ok and your life will change for the better, it is worth it, better than the alternative of hearing you only have 3 years to live.
For all in recovery it is long but you can do it. So until next month I will say good night

Hi All, I promised I would get on here after seeing my doctor. He likes to keep in touch every 6 months. I don't mind, makes me feel safe.
Well I haven't had an EKG for a while so was surprised with that. He said everything is looking good and I said well? Why do I still have some pain? It is just the nerves and muscles, and my incision is still a little pink. His answer was, most people get over the pain in a year, but some don't and some never do. Thanks. I just take a Tramadol when it gets on my nerves. I just try and ignore it most of the time. He said that was fine. I took one a week ago and it helped my knee more than what I was aiming. Good old Arthur and the cold we are having here. I did get some Cocoa Butter cream and I think it is helping a lot.

Im still going to the Y and doing swimming having a hard time when it is in the 40's and swimming. Still doing Silver Sneakers and Balance and Stretch. We call it almost balance as we all sway in the wind. I think Elsie was a water cow as the water feels pretty good when it is warm. Sometimes it is a little to cool and she don't like it neither do I.
I'm good for another 6 months and then another echo after that. Then Elsie and then Elsie and I can see eye to eye again and smile.

So glad that Rachel is going to be getting out. She is quite a trooper what a story. Would love to meet her. Sorry the Broncos didn't win the Super Bowl. Oh well maybe next year, but they are still my champions.

Hope everyone waiting gets along amazing and with the best recovery. Your life will be so much better. Keeping everyone in my thoughts and prayers. Still love ya'all.
Linda H and Elsie

Ok I have been thinking about putting a post on here and then Jim Jones asked me to put something on here. So here goes.

Since I am 15 months post surgery, what a difference the holidays were. My doctor said I would be fine last year and I was BUT it was so much better this year. Last year I over did just a little and it let me know. This year I put the tree together all 71/2 feet if it. I got that top on all by myself which was a little heavy, with no problem other than being a little to short. I got the whole house dressed for the holidays and really enjoyed the season, while all the time I was thinking of the past years and how much different it was this year. Wow. It did come with a few little problems like gaining a little weight. But that was because I baked this year which I did not do for the last several as I was getting ready for surgery. Also went thru two Thanksgiving dinners, two Christmas dinners and a party with lots of food at all of them. I even managed to get it all put away but I did call in my husband to help. Think it kinda caught up.

We did go thru some unhappy times with all of this. My neighbor at 39 years old passed away with an aortic annuersym. Made me feel how lucky I am to be living. Also have a friend who has cancer that she is fighting. And my Uncle passing away with cancer. With all of that makes me feel like I was lucky to have the heart problem that has made my life so blessed.

I am finding that reading all the posts on here, men do go thru this much better than women. I still have some nerve and muscle pain, not bad, I just kinda ignore it for the most part. I really notice it when I haven't gone to the YMCA, it really does help. I think Elsie is a water cow cause swimming sure does feel good. This has made my life so much different, I feel so blessed and cant thank God enough for it. He is wonderful.

I have been on here peaking at whats going on espically our friend Rachel. I wish the best for her and hope she gets her new heart very soon. Her and her family are amazing holding out this long. For all of you in waiting it will be ok. Life will be so much better for you. The recovery is long but the wait is even worse.

I hope everyone has a wonderful New Year and a very healthy one. So until later, probably around January when I see my doctor again. Take care all. Hugs
Linda H and Elsie

I just wanted to take this moment to thank everyone for all their prayers for my Uncle. Last night he went to be with God his brothers and sisters and parents. He was the last of my Dads family.
RIP Uncle Raymond Raygor

I haven't been on here very much as everything is pretty much back to normal now. I am still having a little of the nerve pain, but I have changed my way of sleeping from the right side to the left. I think it is helping a little. My doctor said it take a long time to get all of those nerves and muscles back in shape. And considering I had two scars well I guess that's why.

Yesterday we took a nice ride to the mountains for all the leaves. Got out and walked a little and I was feeling so happy and bragging how I was walking up a little hill and climbing on some big rocks how I did not run out of breath. But on the other hand I have some arthritis in my knee and that is slowing me down. Get one thing fixed and something else goes. Not fair.

A week ago we just lost our neighbor who was 39 years old to a rupture of an aortic anuersym. Sure did make me feel so lucky to be living.
Please keep your prayers going for my uncle who I just got word of a severe stroke. He is the last of my Dads family and needs all the prayers he can get. Also keep prayers going for the coach Fox of the Broncos. I am a big Broncos fan and hope for them to be going to the Super Bowl this year.
Well I guess t
hat is it for now. Hope everyone going into surgery comes out with flying colors. God will be with you and all in the recovery it is all worth it. Take care all and God bless you all.
Linda H and Elsie

Well here it is, my 1st birthday with Elsie tomorrow. Just can't believe this year has gone by so fast and so healthy. Thank you God.

First of all I feel like I have a lot of people to thank for being there. Thanks Adam for making this site. It is so wonderful and so helpful for all of us. And the book to. Then comes all of my doctors, Dr Casey for starting this journey and getting me all started in the right way. Dr Bittrick for getting things done and thinking that I was not all that old lol. And Dr Mazeriez also known as Dr YumYum for fixing me all up and making me a new person again. He is wonderful and good looking. All the nuses and techs at Greenwood rehab and of course at the YMCA that I am still going to.
All the the wonderful people that I have meant on here. Ricki Shine ( still have the orchid) Linda Dixon, Mitch Friedman for watching, Chuck Holmgreen, Jimmy Johnson, Janis K, all who have become friends on facebook now. Don my surgery partner, Happy Birthday to you also. Connie T., Sara, Christine Kline and of course Ernie and Toro who is on the mend. There are a lot of others also not to mention my family and close friends and neighbors. Pastor Justin who got to Greenville in such early hours of the morning along with Betty and Bill and the rest of my church family, oh and of course everyone at Weight Watchers who helped my get to my new weight for pre surgery. And last but least my husband. Don't know how I would have managed without him taking care of me. He is wonderful and makes a good nurse. Thanks. I feel like I just got an emmy.

A little of what is happening now that I have reached my 1 year goal. I am now telling everyone 14 years to go and I can start thinking about this again. NOT. I'm not worried when I will be 81 years old then. Folks it really does take a full year to recover from all of this no joke. I still do have a little pain ( nerve pain) but I do think it is getting better. It feels a little different. To help I just keep stretching myself out with chest movements and putting my head back a little. It helps along with all the stuff I do at the Y like swimming. I think Elsie is a water cow, cause it feels so good to be in the water, getting out is what sucks.
when I went in for my echo in July the doctor said everything was looking good. Asked him if I could get off bp meds. He said try it and see. Well my bp went up a little but not bad but Elsie was thumping so hard I thought I was drilling for water. It didn't hurt just was annoying so I got back on my bp meds and now all is ok. Guess she likes her drugs. lol. Last week at chuch somebody blew the speakers so loud we all jumped I thought Elsie was coming up. Don't want to do that again. Otherwise life is wonderful. I keep thinking of all the things in my past that was due to my heart and didn't really know it.

Just like everyone else, I haven't been on much lately but I do keep track of everyone, see how you all are doing. If you are waiting for surgery, just like everyone before me the surgery is rough but the waiting is rougher. The recovery is a long hard one but you can do it. God will be there for each and everyone of you waiting and he will help in the recovery as well. So all of my friends. I love each and everyone of you we are family.
Linda H and Elsie AVR 9/19/12

Hi All, Well I can't believe my first year is coming up very soon. Just the other day I was thinking just what and how I was feeling a year ago and how my life has changed for the better.

In July I had my echo done with DR Bittrick. Was nice to get it all done the same day so I wouldn't have to drive to Greenville twice. My echo was perfect. I saw Elsie she is cute and working very hard, just like she is suppose too. Dr Bittrick said everything looks good bp is good, and I could try and get off bp meds if I wanted to try it. So I did lasted about 6 days. Elsie was beating and pounding so hard, I felt like I was drilling for water. The sound kinda got to me even though I knew it was ok that I was still living. But I decided to get back on my Bystolic but take it at night. Now everything is back to normal.

I also found out that I do have to watch what I do. I had an old tv that I wanted out. My husband thought he might be able to lift it himself and he asked me if I could help him. Well forgetting that I just had major surgery 10 months ago, I tried and promptly put it right back down as it was going right against my incision. I was a little sore for a few days. Oops guess I learned.

My regular doctor decided to give me a physical. He decided now that we have the heart stuff out of the way lets see what else I have, looking for trouble. So far I think all is good. But one thing ladies be careful with a mammogram. She was very gentle but it still got the good ole incision. So again I was sore for a couple more days.

Still have the floaters I am chasing around, even with new glasses. Hope they go away soon. I think they are getting fewer though. Otherwise everything is going great.
Yesterday at church I was asked if I wanted a ride up to my car which was a little up hill. I just kinda laughed and took off loving that I could do this without running out of breath. I would have taken her up on this last year. I still brag how I am getting around and feeling so good.

So for all of those of you waiting out there, life is so good and worth the wait to feeling so much better. Pretty soon Elsie can talk to Toro soon.
So until later all of my friends. My prayers are still with you all. God is wonderful to fix all of our hearts and I am so grateful to him. Life is good.
Hugs to all
Linda H and Elsie AVR 9/19/12

Hi y'all, It seems I wasn't the only one with a bad heart. My computer died of coronary artery disease It had a very slow death. I only thing I can do on it is play solitare( which is ok, keeps the brain going) and print things on it. May it rest in peace. Now I'm trying to figure out the new one.

I am doing very well. I am still going to the YMCA and enjoying the swimming. I think Elsie is a water cow lol. I seem to be doing really good in it and now am going to get a pool for the back yard so on these hot days we can cool off.

I still have a little pain off and on, I thought it was completely gone when I tried to help my husband pick up a tv and it rubbed right on my incision. So I have some of that nucience pain back. I cant believe that I am almost to my birthdays next month.

I have been trying to watch all of you but I just couldn't write anything weird things would happen. Hope everyone is having a wonderful summer even though it has been a very wet one.

For all of you waiting for your day, you wont be sorry its better then you think. The waiting is the worse part of it. Its down hill from there and everyday is a better and more blessed day.
Until later.
Linda H and Elsie AVR 9/19/12

Hi All, Time is getting away from me. I still read some of the posts here and haven't forgotten anyone. I still have everyone in my prayers for a good recovery and the best life ever. But:
Im almost 8 months out and getting some other feelings that I really don't like, and that is some depression ugly little head seems to be popping in the door. For being in the south it has been rather cold, I think Im being in PA still espically when it is warmer there than here. We have some friends who have been having their own problems. Her husband is getting over a double bypass and she is fighting MDS. She asked us if we would like to go to Charleston SC. I have never been there and have been wanting to go for years. So I said yes, but now my husband doesnt to go and it has me upset. He needs to get out and have a little fun in his life as well. So I was talking to my instructor at the Y and she told me I should go anyway and not let him stop it. It is important to have a little fun in life. So last week I went to Abbevillle 's Spring Festival by myself and enjoyed listening to the band playing. I just let him know that now that I feel better its time to start enjoying life some. Now that Im feeling so much better for the most part its time to really enjoy life. Its to short.

I have been going to the YMCA and doing the swimming class for arthritus but later will spice up to Zumba. I did start out a little to much but I enjoyed it so much it finally caught up with me. Had to cut the swimming back to an hour instead of two. If I dont go one time I start feeling it. I really think Elsie is a water cow valve. I feel so good in the water. lol. and now I have been meeting new people, one already had OHS . So everyone out there check out the YMCA, I think you will find it helps a lot but not until after rehab.

I hope everyone out there is doing good. And if waiting for your time it will come and you will feel good afterward. It is like a whole new life to live, and I am just starting. It is so nice walking and keeping up with everyone and not running out of breath. I just can't get over that feeling as I had it all my life and didn't even know it. So with this enjoy life it is short. Until later
Linda H and Elsie AVR 9/19/12

Just read Sherry blog thought I better add to it. I am 6 months out as you all know. Well I can say life is real good and don't really wish for the old life back. I am enjoying walking and not getting out of breath or wondering if I might pass out Nope dont want any of that back. But I still do have some of the pain. I never thought it would last this long. Its not really bad, I just put up with it and occasionally take a pain pill. Its just the healing process all those little nerves trying to find their counter parts. I think they are really lost. lol. Anyway I wasn't able to go to the YMCA for a week and that is when I was hurting a little more than usual. Yesterday I went for the swimming class and really enjoyed it. It seems like everything changed. I really think I have a cow valve that likes water. The gentle water over me felt good and no hard pounding of Elsie.
Now on the otherside of this story. My daughter Stephanie had a problem last week. She had an obstruction in her throat. She finally listened to me and went to the ER. She found out her INR was down to 1.9 and had to have a procedure down. My other daughter called and said she was going into surgery. Well I freaked and so did Elsie. I think she turned into a bull and was really stomping around pretty hard. I thought she was going to come right out of my chest. Not a good feeling. She is fine now and so is my daughter after they had to go down with a probe and get rid of the pot roast that was stuck there.

So Sherry as I said you Connie T and I shold b the Three Muskateers hold hands and go for it. Life is good, dont go back to where we were. It will even be better pretty soon. Look at Mitch running marathons. I just I learned that I better be staying at the YMCA forever. I am meeting new people and enjoying it although I will never do yoga again. With my bad right arm never thought I would get off the floor. I have been doing the simming class for arthritus 4 hours week and on Wed. I go to Silver Sneakers and balance and strength. They don't miss a muscle lol. So after rehab is all done for all of you this is a real good way to keep it all up. So until later guys, life is still good.
Lind H and Elsie AVR 9/19/12
PS Elsie says hi to to Bessie

I can't believe it is now 6 months post opt. How time has flown. Like all of the others I really don't post on here very much but I do try and keep in touch with you.

About 3 weeks ago I did finish up cardio rehab and now I miss all the wonderful techs and nurses there. I made a lot of friends there. But now I am onto the next stage of my new life. I have joined the YMCA, and not with the Village People lol. Although I do like the song. I have been twice. I got into Silver Sneakers. It is very good. It goes slow and they don't miss a muscle. I think that will help a lot. I also got into Balance and Strength. That is working on the new step (piece of cake) and also two others pieces from the Matrix for lower back and adomen. I also have gotten into arobics swimming. I think that is really going to help a lot. Wasn't sure how all that water was going to feel. but it actually felt pretty good. The water gently moving around felt pretty good on my zipper. The worse part was getting out of the pool.

I might be 6 months out but I still do have a little pain. Not bad, just all those little nerves trying to find their buddies. I really dont have to take any pain pills at all just once in a while. My scar I think is finally starting to get a little pail. uess I have gotten use to it as t reminds me that I am so much better now than I was.
So much has changed for the better, like walking and not running out of breath. My husband decided he was going to race me in a parking lot and I won.

We have had friends go thru OHS with a double by pass and a triple bypass. Now they are coming to me and asking questions, and compairing things kinda funny.

I am so loving seeing everyone on here going thru their first anniversaries. It is so nice to see and I can't believe that I have been here for so long wow. I will be here spying on you all and helping where I can.

My prayers go out to Sara as she is about to meet Bessie.Hope her daughter is going to be ok and I know she will fly thru this with amazing colors. And to everyone else in waiting, you really wll find that waiting is the worse. The surgery isnt all that bad, the recovery is long but each day is a new blessing. Gods speed to all of you and all of us in recovery.
Luv ya all
LInda H and Elsie AVR 9/19/12

Yesterday I just finished up my cardio rehab. I had so much fun there. I had all the challenges right to the end. Two days before the end the treadmill was pushed up to incline of 4 and I made it. Then the last day Tomzara said lets try theellipical. He said just for a minute.ok I couldnt get it started and one step was enough for me. That scared me. I felt like I was riding a horse galloping and I don't go above a trot, plue its been years since I've been on a horse. Well I guess he thought it was for a good laugh at my expense. I was given a nice notebook with a lot of info in it on how to take care of my new heart and a shirt for me and my husband to wear. I will surely miss them but I can go back for maintenance if I want to. Right now I am going to check out the YMCA or curves, as they want me to keep up with this. I plan to as it will help keep my weight down along with walking. Nest month I plan on walking with the docs up in Greenville. Its a start then go shopping at Haywood Mall. Never been there.

Hope everyone is having a really good day. Dont worry about surgery coming up. Our friend just had his bypass last Thursday and got out of the hospital on Sunday, came straight to see us. Wow with his cute pillow named Whoppi. So see it is ok. Oh well guess thats it for now.
Linda H and Elsie AVR 9/19/12

Instructions for Life
1. Take into account that great love and great
achievements involve great risk.
2. When you lose, don't lose the lesson.
3. Follow the three R's
Respect for self.
Respect for others and
Responsibility for your actions.
4. Remember not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.
5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.
6. Don't let a little dispute injure a great relationship.
7. When you realize that you have made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
8. Spend some time alone everyday.
9. Open arms to change, but don't let go of your values.
10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
11. Live a good, honorable life; then when you get older and think back, you'll be able to enjoy it a second time.
12. A loving atomosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.
13. In disagreeements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don't bring up the past.
14. Share your knowledge. It's a way to achieve immortality.
15. Be gentle with the earth.
16. Once a year, go someplace you've never been before.
17. remember the best relationships is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.
18. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.
19. Approach love and cooking with reckless abandonmnet

Follow the instructions and see how your life improves. I received this from my stress management class in rehab and thought some might like to read it..
And to finish this my husband is ok but waiting for results of his stress test. Thanks for all your thoughts, I relayed them onto him.

Not me but my husband. I went to rehab on Fri and all was good. I was setting up for my stress class on Thursday while our friend Rodney is in surgery. The nurse Betty thought I was talking about my husband so I told her this story about him. About1 week ago my husband had a very heay radial arm saw that he decided to move then had chest pains after that. He told me he thought is was a pulled muscle, so I bought it. Well on Friday as we were going out to breakfast with friends, he told me he had another chest pain. So I got a little worried. I told Betty about it and she thought I should have him checked out espically when I told her he had high triglycerides. I told her I would stop by the doctors office to make appointment. He told me to take him right to the ER. Well he got very mad at me but everyone said I did the right thing. He was afraid of having to sit and wait. I know in a hospital just say chest pain, that works then the wait started waiting for all the tests to come back. His EKG came back pretty good but not 100% good. So now he has to have a stress test. Im not telling him its a nucular stress test,, surprise. So all that happens while we are waiting for our friend to come out of surgery. I guess it beats sitting and wondering. I just told him better safe than sorry. He took care of me and now its my turn.

I was telling the nurse how everyone I know is coming down with heart disease in some way. She let me know its not contagious lol.

My husband yesterday let me know that he does notice how I am getting stronger and walking a lot faster these days. Glad all the hard work is paying off. Made me feel good. Oh well guess thats it for tonight. Hope everyone is having a wonderful day. My hat off to Mitch for his marathon good job. Don't worry if you are in the waiting period, you are going thru the worse right now. Surgery is not all that bad and recovery just makes the time fly by. All is good and we all are so blessed. Hugs to all.
Linds H and Elsie AVR 9/19/12

Hey to all, Either the world is going to fast or Im slowing down. I prefer the world is going to fast. I was told the other day at rehab that before I leave there I am going to be walking the treadmill while crocheting. Right! I sure will miss it there when it is all over :(
Tom continues to make life harder for me. He came over yesterday and put my level up to 6 on new step, but he did give me a little break by letting me do level 6 for 10 minutes then going down to level 5 for the rest of the time. Its amazing, I had trouble with level 5 when starting it with my knee, but all of a sudden it was ok and now to level 6. Then on the treadmill I am now doing an incline of 3.5. Just because Im from Denver Im not climbing Mt Evans or Pikes Peak.. It is so wonderful when doing rehab and you start feeling the difference, how I started in Nov and couldnt do the things I am doing now. zmskrd you realize how much gets taken out of this before surgery.
Today I went for a nice walk with my friend and for the first time I didn't have to tell her to slow down. I was able to stay right up with her even while going up our little hill. I just can't get over how I dont get winded any more, its wonderful.

My prayers go out to our family friend who today was diagnosed with aortic stenosis and has to have surgery asap. Told him I was jealous, that I had to wait and he doesn't, so maybe we will be mooing together. So Rodney here are my prayers to you and Connie.
Hope all are doing good and waiting for surgery is the worse part it will all be fine and life will be good. And best of luck to everyone in recovery. It really does get better.
Linda H and Elsie AVR 9/19/12

Life is getting more back to normal. Been busy getting all of my New Years resolutions done. Slowly but getting there. Just finished over the half way point of rehab. It keeps getting a little more challenging But I do see the results. I have been doing a level 4 on the new step and when good ole Tomzra pushed me up to a level 5 well that was to much. So I decided to go back to a level 4 and level 5 alternating. That seemed to work. What happened was it got my right knee that I have some arthritus in. So just the other day I broke my step record doing mostly level 5 and it was easy yeah.

Yesterday I saw my cardio doctor and he said I was doing great. I told him I was enjoying rehab and had them all crocheting now. He kinda looked at me funny. I will miss that when it is all over in Feb. But seeing the doctor being a little on the wet side was no fun. I'll explain., we had to go to Greenville and the beautiful weather that I always brag about decided to be very nasty. Did a little shopping before my appointment and the rain was going sideways. We were soaked by the time we got to the car.Yuck. So glad they have valet parking at doctors office. Dr Bittrick siad I am doing great and Elsie was mooing real good and see you in 6 months for an echo. So I have until July to get rid of soreness. I asked the doctor how long is this pounding going to be going on. His reply was 6 months to a year. It has slowed some but if I get all stressed out there it goes again. So hang in there folks it will get normal again.

Things must be getting back to normal. Did a hug in church and found out still have to be careful. Oops :(

So glad to hear from Don my surgery partner. Was wondering what happened to him. Glad he is doing good. Alex is going to do real good to he will be joining the club of saying waiting was the worse part of this. Hope everyone is have a blessed day and it does get better. You all are in my prayers all the time.
Linda H and Elsie AVR 9/19/12

Hope everyone had a blessed New Year. This year will be much better than last year wondering when I was going to be fixed and feel a lot better. I am amazed at how much I do and don't run out of breath. I am doing really good in rehab. My BP is always different but not bad. I think it is the stress that I live with. I am now up to level 5 on the new step and oh boy. Its now getting a little harder. I just started with the level 5 and I always start out slow but before long I am going faster. Have to watch my right arm with all the problems I have there. They just have me do it without using my arms. What a difference. I didn't realize how much my arms work on it also. I am half way thru it. Just seems like I started. Still have a some pain once in a while. I think it is just everything trying to heal. Dont take pain pills very much. Had my dietary class the other day. It was interesting but the plastic food kinda turned me off lol. Now Im looking forward to the stress management class. Can't wait for that one.

Hope everyone out there is doing great. For all going into surgery dont worry it will be ok. Prayers are very powerful and work. Hope all in recovery are doing great and life is good. Until later
Linda H and Elsie AVR 9/19/12

Sorry I am so late. Life seems to be going faster than I am. I hope every one had a wonderful Christmas. I was enjoying the celebrating with Church ativities, decorating that slowed me down with a little reality check. Another thing that I have been celebrating is that I reached my goal at Weight Watchers. Keep it a secret but I have been enjoying with some goodies of the season. But now I will behave myself, our little secret Connie H. lol.
I continue to do good at rehab. After not going for 5 days I was put up to level 4 on the new step. Well after coming off the treadmill for 20 minutes with a grade of 2 and level at 2.2, I was rather tired. I got on that yesterday and boy did I feel it. It was just like the very first day. Not good at all. Today was a different story. At a level 4 for 24 minutes I did 1495 steps. Thats the best so far. So I was very surprised I did that good. Hope tomorrow it will be 1496 lol.

Now that cool weather is here, I have been having to wear sweat shirts and it is bothering my incision. I just try and ignore it but after a while will get a pain pill to take the edge off. It feels like it is shrinking up and I have to stretch, that doesn't feel very good. She told me I could put cream on it, that might help. Just putting the cream on I really saw just how tender it still is.

I hope everyone out there in valve land has the best New Year yet. We all have been so blessed and I look forward to the best year yet. And to Adam congratulations on the 7th year anniversary. Hope you have many many more of them I know you will.
For all of you in waiting it will be ok, you are headed for a much better life and you will do fine and find that the hardest part really is the waiting, cause time flies afterwards. It just seems like yesterday I was in the hospital and now I am doing great and getting better each day. So Elsie and I say Moo with a Happy New Year.
Linda H and Elsie AVR 9/19/12

My heart has been really sad in all the 26 lives that were lost this week. I feel so sorry for all the people in Newtown Ct. God bless them all my thoughts and prayers go out to each one of them. I didnt know I had that many tears.

Now tomorrow will make my 3 months out. Cant believe it is already 3 months and I am doing great. Not 100% yet but getting there. I am now doing a level 3 and doing about 1450 steps in 24 minutes on the new step. I like that one. If I meet someone I tend to go over my time limit. Then Tom adds more time to me the next time lol. On the treadmill I am doing 20 minutes at 2.2 level and1.5 incline. He tried to pust me up to 2.3 but I was allowed to go back. There is an olympic poster there. Hope Im not being trained for the olympics.lol. My BP is staying pretty good and my heart rate is doing excellant. I was told the other day it got to 102 from around 65 BPM when I came in. It doesnt take any time at all to get back to normal. It is so wonderful. Since I have been doing the new step I decided that I might try and vacuum the carpet some going slow. I just do one room at a time and take my time in doing it. I told the nurse and it was ok.

We went to Connie Maxwells Childrems Home for the lights. It was a beautiful time. The lights were georgus and I was able to do the horse drawn carriage ride. I was able to get myself up into it with no help. Then we had hot chocolate and a cookie and sat around a bond fire for a good time. It is well worth the trip if you ever get to Greenwood SC the first weekend of Dec.

For all those out there headed for surgery, what a Christmas gift that will be given to you, a new lease on life. The worse part is getting there with all of the waiting. For all of us in recovery keep doing good. We all have been blessed and that is something very special. God bless us all.
Linda H and Elsie AVR 9/19/12

I have slowed down pretty much and have been doing all my crocheted throws finished for my 2 grand daughters for Christmas. When I told them at rehab on Monday that I was sore, he goes and up me on the treadmill from 2 to 2.2 and 18 min and on the new step to level 2. Then on Wed I find out that on the treadmill I am starting a little incline. Told them Im not a mountain climber. Well on Friday I did the new step first and did 1200 plus steps in 20 minutes. Thats a little over 1/2 mile. Well on the treadmill, I get on it, strattle the treadmill to turn on and start speeding it up before I get on the belt. I didnt make it that far thank heaven but I was turning the speed up higher to 2.2 and forgot to take my finger off. Pretty soon I was running whoa. Glad the nurse was there to slow me down, I was just trying to keep up. It was good for a good laugh from all. Then when I took off the little magnet the whole thing came off oops. Wonder what next week has in store. Tune in later for more. Better go get dinner started now.
HOpe everyone is doing real good and dont worry for those waiting you will be fine. All of us in recovery hope all is going good for you and dont let that treadmill run away with you. And DVB that was my little marathon
Mooing all over
Linda H and Elsie AVR 9/19/12.

Oops I think I really did have surgery in Sept. But everyone kept telling me that I didn't look like it. Well cause my doctor had told me before the surgery that I would be fine for Christmas, thats what I remembered.
Friday after I got home from rehab decided to get the house ready for Christmas, decorate the tree. etc. Well I think I kinda overdid it a little bit.Stretching with a 7 foot tree and moving things around I guess was just a little to much to soon.After all I have been feeling pretty good and doing more. Now I really love the Tromodol. My main incision is now letting me know that it is there.I guess I could call it a delayed reaction. So now I am just relaxing some at least until tomorrow for rehab.But no more stretching and moving things around. So this is just a little reminder, it takes longer than 2 1/2 months to recover from all of this.

Everyone is having a really good day and all those waiting you are in my prayers. And all in recovery it takes longer than a couple of months, just relax and enjoy slowly getting back to normal. At least its better than the past.
Mooving all over
Linda H and Elsie AVR 9/19/12

Hi All, Well I just completed my first week of cardiac rehab. I really do enjoy it and find it fun, BUT, I am sore. Now the pain and stiffness kick in. Oh boy. They have me walking my 2 laps on the tracks which I really do like. I could just keep going lol. Then I get on the treadmill and then the new step. Of course when i announced I was sore and under a pain med they uped it on me. I started out on 2 on the treadmill and now it is up to 2.2 and 2 minutes longer. When I get off that I feel like I just had one to many. Really dont want to walk very fast if at all. Then off to the new step. Of course that went from level 1 to level 2 up to 20 minutes. Im doing pretty good on it. I did 841 steps in 20 minutes. My heart rate has been around 62 resting and gets up to around 82. The nice thing is it goes right down. It is so nice doing all of this without getting out of breath. I just cant get over it. The good part of all this is I cant really feel Elsie beating hard and loud while doing all of this. I will be so glad when she gets to be normal. I like hearing my heart beat its always a good sign but it could be more normal and not vibrate through my body and keep me awake at night. They say it will come.

Hope everyone waiting for surgery will do good. Believe all of us the waiting is the hardest part. Afterwards time will fly. Everyone in recovery I hope it is going good for you. God is so good to all of us. Until later guys.
Mooing all over
Linda H and Elsie AVR 9/19/12

I finally got started with rehab today. Had a little trouble with insurance not being covered HMO. But finally got that all settled for somplace that is a little closer to me.I will be going thru Feb 9th. I really did enjoy it as I have never been on any of this equipment.. Had to start off with an EKG.Of course that came out perfect. Then it was off to the track and walking. I did 4 laps in 6 minutes. I think it was due to all the walking I did before surgery. It was so nice walking and not running out of breath. I could have just kept walking. Then it was off the the new step machine for 14 minutes. Well I was on level 1 and it can just stay right there. It was interesting showing the calories you were using. So no wonder you get hungry after this is all over with. Then it was to a tread mill. That was weird as I have never been on that either. Cause I walked on the track a little faster the treadmill got pushed a little faster after I got use to it. Then he started to slow it down as time was about up and I was trying to make it go faster. Well needless to say after getting off that I felt a little wierd, like I had one to many. Then it was back to the track to walk slowly for a cool down. I did just that. So this time I had fun. Now when it gets harder I will let you know just how much fun it still is lol. I will be going on Mon Wed and Thurs. They wanted me to start on Mon Tues and Wed this week but I thought of Sherry and said no thank you. So I am done for the week. Hopfully this is going to help Elsie from pounding so hard. I love hearing my heart working but the volume could be turned down some.
I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving tomorrow. We all sure have so much to be thankful for. A wonderful God to fix us all up with the help of blessed and good looking doctors to get the job done.
For everyone in recovery keep up the good work. It is so wonderful being on the other side of the mountain. So heres to a speedy recovery.
Mooing all over
LInda H and Elsie AVR 9/19/12

Hey Ya'all, Been busy getting XChristmas projects done and getting back to normal. I keep doing little things around the house.

Can't believe it has been two months already. I finally got my rehab in place and will do the walk on the track on Wed, then go back on Mon Wed and Thurs. up to Feb 9th. I should be super woman hear me moo loudly by that time. lol. Elsie is still being loud and strong. Cant wait for that to die down to a little moo. The pain on big incision isnt that bad just once in a while a get a jolt of things coming back to life again. The worse problem I have is the shoulder hurting so I hope rehab will help out with that. I have a bad rotator cuff and arthritus there so that whole area has taken a beating with the recliner and leaning on it all the time.

I hope everyone out there has a wonderful Thanksgiving. I know I sure have a lot to be thankful for. God for getting me the best looking and remarkable doctor. My husband for taking such good care of me and Stephanie for being there even though she had a hard time dealing with it, and so many wonderful friends on HVJ and in my church. For all of you waiting for surgery it will be ok. And all of us in recovery it is good and getting better.
So my friends until next time Elsie and I say good bye.
Linda H and Elsie AVR 9/19/12

I guess things are starting to feel more normal now. Im driving around on short trips and shopping better without the electric cart. Even made myself empty the grocery cart. Felt good after I made it.

Tomorrow I start rehav by visiting the nurse and walking on the track then on Friday the real work starts. Hope it helps my right shoulder. It is always stiff and pulling with the arthritus and bad rotator cuff and the bypass incision all being there. Thats the only place that I have been feeling bad. Really dont need pain meds that much. I take one at night time.
Late breaking news, just got a call and rehab tomorrow is canceled until Nov 14th. The doctors didnt do the paperwork with insurance so now I am on hold oh well, Im retired thank heaven.
Well guess thats it for now. Hope everyone is having a good day and not to worry for those going into surgery its really not that bad, the wait is much worse then the surgery. And all of us in recovery keep doing good it is so worth it. Until later
Mooing all over
Linda H and Elsie AVR9/19/12

I happily pass the torch of fame onto you Sherry. And thanks Adam for the fame. I hope Sherry is ok.
And on onther note hope all of my friends up in New York and the NE will be ok and ride out Sandy ok. I will be thinking about you all.
Ok last Thursday I went for orientation for cardiac rehab. So here it goes. On Nov 8th I go for the nurses interview and then here I go. I have been doing a little more walking like at the festival last weekend. I think that helped out a lot. Last night I walked with my husband and dog and went a little further up the road. This time I tried pushing myself to go a little faster. While I was waiting for them to catch up to me. It just hit me that I wasnt really out of breath. Oh Wow that was a first. Now I will be glad to get the pounding of my heart that Adam had on his blog today. I might have another month of this. What bothers me is that it is mostly on the top of my incision where the anuersym was located. Im just trying to deal with that, but otherwise I am doing pretty good still. I have driven some but have my pillow beside me. And Connie H I didnt catch you last Tues. lol.

Well that is all for now folks, life is getting back to normal. My pain has changed around. Now my nerves are all coming back to life and I get sharp pains around every once in a while, but Im hardly taking any pain meds. If I start feeling something I will take a pill and all is ok. I am just so amazed how this has all gone. Life is good and God is better than life. He has blessed me in so many ways.

Hope everyone is having a good day. Dont worry about any surgerys the waiting is a whole lot worse. And all of us in recovery speed to us all going down this mountain, but I have a problem of grazing occasionally. Grass is pretty good.lol
Mooing all over
Linda H and Elsie AVR 9/19/12

Hey'yall. A few days have slipped by and I havent even been on the computer at all. Shame on me. Well here is the latest.Well guess I have been busy following doctors orders. I tried driving on Friday to town and found it to be very uncomfortable. Its cause I had my pillow in front and the seat belt kept wanting to slip around. Not fun. Think I might just put that off for a while longer as long as Nurse Frank will hold out on me. This weekend we went to the festival in town. My husband is on 7th heaven as he meant the young Elvis from Honea Path. It was all over the thank you thing. So now we have to go to his show next month and sit in front with his parents to make sure Elvis says "Thank you thank very much". He had a real good time and thats all hes talking about now. Then the next morning the older Elvis was there and of course we were there. This time we walked all over and I did pretty good, but by the time we were ending that I was getting a little shaky. He caught me wobbling around and wondered if I was ok. Just tired. The longest walk I have done, but I had to do it. Of course that night we had to go back. I think that was a mistake to many people and I got very nervous. Today didnt do much of anything after all of that. What was even better I did all of that with no pain pill yeah. But last night I did take one and got all the way to afternoon today.
Well I found another new friend. While in the doctors office we all started talking about all of our surgerys and I had mentioned HVJ and found another HVJer. So she got ahold of me and we will stay in touch. I sent her my autograph.

So this Thursday I go for orientation for rehab. Hope Im ready for it. That will be a big step. I even managed to do a couple of loads of laundry the other day. The visiting nurse is cutting me down to 2 days a week now. She is pleased how things are going too.
I just cant believe how this has all gone and oh so fast. It just doesnt seem like it has been a month already. Seems like it was just the other day.
Believe me when we all say the worse is the waiting. It really is true. The rest just kinda all falls in place and just do it one day at a time.

For all those who are going into surgery dont worry God will be with you and see you thru this. You will come out with such a blessing like no other. And all of us in recovery hang in there we will be so strong soon.
So Elsie and i bid you all a good night.
Linda H and Elsie AVR 9/19/12

Well here it is. Tomorrow makes one month since I got my heart all fixed up by the most wonderful doctor, Dr Mazaraz (alias Dr Yum Yum) and Dr Dennis. I also have to say that my cardio doctor, Dr Bittrick for putting me into this whirlwind. and I should also say Dr Casey for noticing the swishing sounds going on and paying attention to my family history. Thanks to all. I also have to thank St Francis Hospital in Greenville SC. They all were so wonderful there. For having OHS I was having a good time in a weird sort of way. I enjoyed all of the nurses. It is a wonderful hospital and I would recomment it to any one.

Now I saw Dr Yum Yum today for the last time :(. He released me today said I am doing great, just start working on getting stronger and I can drive as of today. I let my husband drive back home. Wasnt going to go that distance for the first time. It will be like starting over. I went into a grocery store for a few things without my pillow and pushing a cart and I made it pretty good. Couldnt do a lot of shopping like that but it was a start. And if I dont have my pillow and someone gets to close to me, boy I go into gaurd mode. I feel pretty good with my pillow to protect me. Without it I feel like I missed something. Well now onto the the next stage. On Oct 25 I go for orientation for rehab. I was looking forward to it now Im a little nervous. Just hope I can do as good as I have been doing. Oh well I did all of this so I can do this too.

In the doctors office today meant a lot of other people and we all sat around sharing what we went thru and Dr Mazaraz is a very busy doctor we were all there to see him. I had mentioned HVJ and she knew of Adam Pick. I told her I was the featured patient this month and she wanted my autograph. Not use to that lol. I guess thats it for tonight. Tomorrow will be a big test of going to our little town for the fall festival. See how far I go.

Hope everyone is having a good day. Those waiting dont worry its not that bad and the hardest part is the waiting. After its over the time will fly. And everyone in recovery hope your recoveries are going great. And Happy Anniversary to Don S as we share the same did with our little cows.
Mooing all over
Linda H and Elsie AVR 9/19/12

Hey all, Cant believe I missed the 3 week mark on here. What can I say I guess life is good. Stephanie called and told me of what she is facing in the near future. That didnt go over to well with someone just recovering from OHS. If you dont know At age 29 she had a mechanical valve put in and now takes comadian. Now she is facing a hysterectomy very soon and that kinda sent my BP up to 150/? Well on the 11th I saw Dr Bittrick. He said I was doing great and the vacation of no blood pressure medicine was nice. haha. Now I take Bystolic 10 mg once a day. It looks like it might be working. I worry about everything anyway. Stephanie and I are pretty close and now her daughter says we are twins cause we have the same scar except mine is bigger. I also asked the doctor what the 3 inch one on my right side was and he didnt know so now I am really curious as to what went on in that OR for 51/2 hours that day. From day one everyone says I have such good color and you would never know I just had surgery. Now I wonder what I really looked like before surgery. lol.

Well I think I told you for the last 3 weeks I have been sleeping in the recliner. I have actually done pretty good in. Found a way to wiggle around so I was a little on my side without hurting. Well Tues night the cat decided it was play time with a mouse for the last 3 nights. I woke up thinking the house was being destroyed. It happens this time of year. After I starting hearing the noise in the dining room I called for my husband and he found it. Walking by me was a mistake with a mouse in his hand as I was a typical girl and freaked. Then I heard another noise and he never heard it but the cat did. Thought I was loosing it again but the cat heard it too. It was a cricket with a weird chirp and it is still hear. But the good news was the doctor said I could start sleeping in my bed. I we fixed it up with pillows. Ok the pressure was there. So we took the pillows away with just the one I always use. It worked out ok but I wanted to sleep on my side so I was fighting myself just to find out that is a no no. I was so stiff when I woke up. But the good news was with my big red pillow I was able to get up. So I decided to try the wedging again except added the travel pillow and it worked. So just a little progress was made again. On Oct 25 I go to An Med in Anderson for orientation for rehab. Should be fun. I was looking forward to it now Im a little scared. So guess thats it for tonight. Do good on spirometer reached up to 1500 with the ball between arrows yeah.

Hope everyone out there is having a good night and dont worry about surgery. The recovery is a long road to go but you can do it. I think the worse thing in my recovery is my spelling. The doctor said that will take months to get it all back to normal again. The worse being to forget the rinse the shampoo out of my hair while showering. Couldnt believe it lol. Good night all
Mooing all over
Linda H and Elsie AVR 9/19/12

Nurse was here today and continues to say Im doing great. This time I had a few questions. I asked her about sleeping in bed at night and how to get up. She told me but with Frank being on the other end of house could be a problem. We will have to discuss that. The recliner is very comfortable but 2 times it has held me hostage and couldnt get the bottom to go in. I can get out of it now real easy as it is a rocking recliner. So I know I am getting stronger.

Went to church yesterday, what a response. I walked in and everyone turned around and I was standing there holding my big red pillow (George). Everybody was so happy to see us. While in church I put my glasses on and everything turned blurry. Hum sounds like my eyes have turned for the better. I could even read from my Bible. Wow.

Elsie is kinda loud. I can hear beating and sometime feel it in my chest, beating kinda hard. Sometimes it keeps me awake at night. The nurse said it could just be the valve just getting settled in and it should go away in time, but to tell the doctor on Thursday. I think maybe its cause I have a southern cow in a northern body. lol. She said my vitals are all very good. Yesterday had a nasty sinus headache so just pretty much slept it off.. Showed nurse today how I could get up to 1500 on spirometer but she said thats good but the little ball has to stay between arrows. Told her that will come later. I still get out of breath but it does come right back.

Im also finding out the incision is doing real good but oh so sensitive. Just a shirt touching it, well its like a tissue paper that is going to tear. Thank heaven it is just the part on top. Oh and for all the ladies out there. I got a surgical bra from the hospital and it has worked out great. I was really scared putting it on as it went right over the incision but it didnt bother me at all. So last night I had a bra on that snapped in front. It is ok but not as good as the other, so I found a new use for the neck travel pillow. Its also called a boob pillow but i worked and my red heart pillow on the other side. So I guess thats all for today.
Hope everyone is having a good day. For those waiting this really is the hardest part. You will be fine and on your way to recovery. And I hope all of us in recovery hope you all are doing good.
Mooing all over
Linda H and Elsie AVR 9/19/12

Lets see I missed a couple of days. Monday my visiing nurse said it was ok to start getting out a little bit. So on Tuesday my first baby step was to Weight Watchers. Everyone was surprised to see me there. I really enjoyed it and seeing everyone. Althought that was the first time out and I think I was a ittle up tight. While sitting at the meeting I got a little dizzy and scared. I might be that I was hungry. But I know not to eat and then get on a scale lol. Right after the meeting we stopped at KFC. It was good but still not to par. Couldnt finish dinner. I was pretty worn out when I got home but made the first move and felt good about that. The next day Wed. we had to go to Greenwood to refill medicine. We stayed and waited for it as I thought it might be a little better. Good choice. Then we went to Lowes as a few things in one bathroom decided to brake. Everything brakes all at the wrong time. Go I got the good ole electric cart and was having a good time. On the way home I had to stop at Family Dollar to pick up some cards. I even walked there from the grocery store and that was about the end of the line. Got my cards and pretty much lost it in line. Had to stand around and wait for people to check out and they were taking so much time in doing it. She knew I was a little ticked. Any way manage to get back to the car. Boy waht a day, but all in all I guess it was probably good for the challenge. Today went to breakfast with friends and just doing nothing for the rest of the day.

Hope everyone out there is having a really good day. And those still in waiting believe it the hardest part is the waiting. Every morning I wake up I feel so blessed and feel just a little stronger each day. So with all this life is good and getting better. And being on the other side of the mountain, it is so beautiful and the grass isnt bad either. The incision is looking really good. Some of the scab is starting to fall off and not looking bad. My incision really doesnt hurt at all but my right arm really does. Its from using my new friend the recliner. I feel like i got punched in the arm pit. My neck has been a little stiff and my back really doesnt hurt. But I think I do get tense when Im out walking and then get out of breath. So until the next time.
Mooing all over
Linda H and Elsie AVR 9/19/12

Im still dong pretty good. Pain is only maybe one out of ten. I can usally go longer than 6 hours. Yesterday I got out and walked around the yard 4 times. I still get pretty tire and out of breath easley. I felt a little surge of energy so thought I would put it to good use by getting. My weight is still going down Yeah. I asked the nurse today if I could get out tomorrow.She said yes. So my first little baby step out will be going back to Weight Watchers. So watch out Connie H. It will be a surprise.
Well guess I better get going for now I think dinner is around the corner. Moo at y'all later.
Mooing all around
Linda H and Elsie AVR 9/19/12