Tim 's Journal

On August 3 it will be 90 days since Tim's surgery.
He returned to work part time last week and continues to walk 3-4 mi each day. Feeling energized ! So grateful for the time he has had to recover.
Chris

I have not written in the journal for about a month. On July 3,Tim passed the 60 day in recovery mode. He has committed to walking every day and is up to 3 mi right now. I am so proud of him . He is adding some core exercises as well and hopes to be back to work by the end of this month.
He is feeling good and energy level is increasing...onward and upward.
We are so grateful for all of your support and encouragement.
Chris Alonso

So on June 3rd it has been one month since my OHS and slowly I can feel my energy returning. Walking 1.5 miles everyday has definitely helped make the difference and I hope to double that in my 2nd month of recovery. Above all, my spouse Chris, my two sons Scott & Erik and my friends have been so understanding and encouraging me to think positive and keep thinking forward. I am a lucky guy!

Today is the one month anniversary of Tim's surgery. A reason to be grateful, thankful and
celebrate the new valve. Tim is healing well,walking daily and getting his energy back a bit more each day.
We are both so blessed to have such wonderful friends who have been so supportive and encouraging through this life changing event. Love to you all
Chris and Tim

Last week Tim had 2 follow up check ups. One here in Sonoma with his cardiologist
James Price. BP great, weight down about 10 lbs.
Dr Price was pleased with his recovery wants Tim to walk, walk, walk up 30-60 min every day.
He will be working up to that goal.
No driving yet but ok to do normal activity . He said go out and do things, drink wine have fun!

Check up # 2 was in Marin with his surgeon-Dr. Scot Merrick. He also was very pleased
told him okay to use arms, and to just use common sense with daily activity. No need to use
the breathing flow meter-Walking is the best!!
No need for his to have Cardio Therapy, and okay to drive in a few more weeks.
The best news for Tim was the OK to use our hot tub..doc said just don't stay in too long
short soaks are okay..
We had some fun outings with friends this weekend so let the healing continue.
Thanks again everyone for your encouragement and good wishes
Chris

Sunday-5/15-1 week at home and doing well
First outing today to park and lunch in the park . A beautiful day here .
Looking tin the week ahead with plans to
Visit friends and meet with Doctors for follow up post surgery
Wishing those of you with surgery coming up all the best
Chris

Well here we are on Friday and a week has passed since the surgery on 5/3. Each day is a bit better. Tim is taking his walks, using his breathing apparatus, getting back to normal daily routines slowly.
We have scheduled follow up check ups with doctors next week so looking forward to those report cards!
Have a great weekend everyone and thanks to all of you who are sending messages and cards.
Chris and Tim

Have been busy with nursing duties past few days so a bit behind on my updates.
Tim had a rough first night home, really hard to sleep . We got an ok from Doctor for him to take a mild sleeping aid so night 2-Monday was a full 9 hours of sleep!
He has been up and walking around the house an property so that is all good.
Eating 3 meals a day but small portions
for now.
Yesterday, Tuesday he wanted to be out in his"man cave" for a bit so that is a sign of getting back to his normal routine.
Each day is a step forward.
Thanks again for your encouraging messages!
Chris

Sunday, May 8
Discharge day! Yay. We made it through the week and now going home to continue the healing and getting stronger. Thanks to everyone who posted prayers and good wishes for Tim. If you think of it , continue to send words of encouragement as the reality of the recovery road sets in. Slow and steady wins the race!

The best Mother's day gift for me is getting my guy back home with a brand new pink valve.
Love

Chris

Saturday. Tim up and walking at 6:30 am
whole loop around the floor! More upbeat today and eating better. He needs to keep doing his breathing exercises for lung capacity but he is doing well.
Lots of visits from nurses, OT, PT etc preparing him for coming home -maybe tomorrow!
Pacemaker is gone now and only a few monitors remain. He is learning how to get in and out of bed properly-no pushing off .
He had 2 more walks while I was there and hope to get one more in before the Warriors game today.
Off pain meds too!
All good.
Chris

A year ago at Hafner Vineryards in Healdsburg. We will be back soon!

Friday -Tim walking up and down hall at a pretty good clip !
We had a date in the hall by the window
Had a glass of water toast the week!
He is anxious to get better and getting bored . Wants to read his book and watch the Warriors game tomorrow .
We do appreciate your thoughts and prayers and notes . It means so much
To have your support.
Love to you all
Chris & Tim

After a walk today around the ICU and some PT Tim was transferred from ICU to a room on 3rd floor. They are still monitoring everything of course . He is doing very well. Maybe up to reading a newspaper and his book.
Looking forward to more good news on Day 4
Chris

Tim is much better today
Sitting up watching TV
Had some soup and sorbet
Energy is better
Hope to leave ICU later today

Day 2
Or as his nurse says "His hit by a Mach Truck Day!
He was sitting up had a short walk
Now back in bed for nap
Up again for 10 min
Another nap
Occupational Therapist came by to
Give him his guidelines for care to practice
Before discharge and once home
He has his big red Heart Pillow which will be his BFF for the next 6/8 weeks❤️
Hope to get into a private room tomorrow
Wil keep you all posted
Thank you all so much for your notes and good wishes .
Love you all
Chris

Ok we are over the big hurdle
Tim made it through surgery just
Fine ! Surgeon said all is good and he will feel so much better
He is on his way to ICU
Will post more later
Thank you all
Love you
Chris

Just got the news today about my heart valve replacement surgery which will be on
Tuesday May 3. At Marin General Hospital.