FEBRUARY 22, 2007

Well, it has been a while since I have posted any news so thought I might add a little information.
The Dr. (cardioligist) has released me to go back to work part time. So I am working 4 hours in the mornings. Started Tuesday, wasn't too bad. A little sore, but to be expected, I had been active at home and walking( although NOT as much as I should be) Wednesday, a little worse than the day before but bearable!.
Now we come to Thursday, oh my! I ache from the back of my neck to my waist, every muscle is wanting to know just what the heck I am trying to accomplish!.
My chest aches also, it is funny how we take for granted the things we do on an ever day basis and never think anything of it.
Wow, what an eye opener for me.
Try not driving for 6 weeks- you would be amazed at the movements you make while driving.
I now come home from work and nap for 3 hours!!! Needed, believe me.
I don't feel like I am very active at work, but the bending and twisting and pulling are taking their toll.
By the time I leave it is an effort to make it to my car (my boss wants me to park next to the building but I tell him no cause I do need to walk more.) Dumb me, by the time I make it to my car, my legs are rubber and I wonder if I will make it.
I will be glad to continue this so I will get stronger each day, (HOPEFULLY, SOONER THAN LATER)
I will be able to work full time as of March 5th.
I am healing very well, the scars are going to be minable and we believe everything has mended properly as there is no grinding or movement in my chest. Makes ne nervous every time the cardioligst asks me this question.
Didn't know until Monday that I am wired with stainless steel wire and no I won't set off any alarms at airports I am told.
The worst part is trying to sleep flat in bed again. (have been sleeping in my recliner-we are such good friends.) Have to have a few extra pillows to help with the pressure points for a while longer.
I am very grateful to all the people who have asked about my progress and wished me well.
Will post again next week for those interested.
Jackie

JANUARY 23 2007

Another trip to the Dr. today. Says I am doing fine and to come back in a month and see her again.
Worst part of this whole thing is the coumidin thing and trying to regulate how much I need to take, looks like this will go on for a while.
I am feeling great and getting around pretty darn good.
This being grounded cause I can't drive is for the birds, may have to think of something to do to pass the time!

JANUARY 16th 2007

Made the trip to see the Surgeon today and he is releasing me into the care of Dr. Frost (the
cardioligst) .
The surgeon took the 8 staples out of my chest and a stitch out.
Said it is a little red but looks like it will heal fine!
Got to the appt. with the cardioligst and she had to cancel all of her appointments today.
Wants me to see her Wednesday P.M. , so we will see what the weather will bring and hopefully
we will make it.
I am gaining strength each day.
My sister Jean has been such a BIG help to Dwight and myself. She is going back home Thursday
and I am sure going to miss having her here with me.
Thanks again for all the well wishes.
Jackie

JANUARY 14 2007

I am up and around, meaning I sleep most of the night in my big recliner and then during the day I alternate between other chairs in the house . As a matter of fact it is actually fun for me. I came home with a lot of reading to do. The home health nurse has indicated to me that I learn all I can about coumadin(blood thinner I have to be on because of my mechanical valve) and yes, once in a while I can hear it! Pretty trippy I might add.
I have to thank Gary for setting up my blog, it has been great reading comments about my progress and all of your comments. Thanks for participating.
I will post again in a couple of days.
Jackie

January 12th

Just thought I would put in another update for you.
I went over yesterday and spent most of the day visiting with mom and aunt Jean.
Other than having some technical difficulties with a can of tomato sauce, they are doing just fine.
We sat in the front room and watched it snow for the better part of the morning. It was very beautiful outside. The neighbor kids were all outside making snowmen and enjoying the snow day.

Mom is up and about and getting around fine.
She still gets a little winded when she is up too much and has to stop and catch her breath, but other than that she is doing great.
She said the pain hasn't been too bad.

I got her logged in to this blog so she can update everyone herself now, so this may be my last post.
I will let her keep us all updated on her progress.

January 9th - Mom's Home!

Dwight called to let me know mom got home at about 1:00 pm today.
I haven't talked to her, but I am sure she is glad to be home.
Aunt Jean is staying with her for a while, helping her out.
I will be able to visit her tomorrow and post how she is doing then.

January 8th - 06:30 am

I stopped to see mom last night for an hour or so before I headed to work.
She is doing fantastic.
She is getting tired of the hospital already, and is ready to go home.
I don't know if that is going to happen for at least a couple more days though.
She said the staff at the hospital have all been very nice.
Some are a little more attentive to details than others, but they have all been nice.

Not much else to pass on.
Just know she is making great progress, and appreciates everyones thoughts, well wishes and prayers over the last few days.