Tim's Journal

It is now a week after my surgery and all went successfully. The surgeon was able to repair my Mitral Valve and perform a triple bypass. The first thing I remember upon awaking from surgery was seeing my wife and kids. It was a marvelous moment. AFter that I then realized that d*mn tube was in my throat. That for me was one of the worse parts. I was soo relieved when it was removed. By morning time I decided to sit up in a chair. They kept me in the ICU for 2 days as par for the course. On day two I felt strong enough to take a short walk, the only chest tube left kept causing spasms. I came home from the Hospital on the 12th. I thought the night sweats were bad but I think the insomnia is worse. And I am so lucky to have a Doctor that does not prescribe sleep aids. I,ve tried Benadryl and Unisome with very little success. If anyone has any ideas, please let me know. I have some pain mainly at night and I\'m up to walking 35 to 40 minutes. At this point I feel I\'m coming along pretty well.

Hi eveyone! This is my first journal entry. I am 3 days away from surgery and of course as most people, I am getting very anxious. I just did all my pre-op work yesterday at Ocshner Hosp. in New Orleans. I am hoping my wife, Bridget, will continue my journal writing till I can get back to it myself. I also wanted to thank Adam for this wonderful website and his book. It has been very comforting to have all this information, as well as, to read other peoples entries. Thanks to all of you in this community.