Wednesday, March 31, 2010

4-0

Thanks everyone for the well wishes on my 40th B-day yesterday.
I have to admit, I have a completely different view on the number 40. Instead of dread, it was a relief to myself mad my loved ones that I made it. (HA , barely) It's going to be a trying year for myself and those close to me. Which means when I feel better and up to it. I'll be travelling some this summer.
I'm feeling pretty good today. Just about to have some breakfast.
Talk to you later.
~r

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Uneventful Sunday

Fighting off some nausea. I don't know which med causes it for sure these days. but it's not as bad as it used to be. I am eating more, but losing weight. (not at an alarming rate) a few lbs. per week if that. (been meaning to shed those Christmas / New Year's spare tires anyway.)
I've been working on legs which a little weight on them. It does feel like they are getting stronger.
I can walk a lot further than I could before. I accept it's a long process But it's great to notice improvement.
Monday I'll start Cardio-rehab. That will boost my strength I'm sure.
Another quick thank you to those that helped me out this weekend. Mike and Dee, great work on the walls!
Love you guys,
~R

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Saturday night

The building is really coming together I need to Thank Tom and John & LaDonna (Harteis) my Brother Gregg and Sista P for the work they have done. There's many more who helped, but I just wanted to mention the tireless ones. Who, instead of going home, stay and chug along till they drop. Thank You guys,
I Pray you know how much it means to D & I.
~R

Saturday

D & I went t6o Pittsburgh the the LVAD/AGH discussion dinner. It went pretty well. I felt very comfortable explaining my thoughts and ideas on the device. a lot of Q n A followed which I enjoyed even more. All in all it was a great evening until we got back to the hotel. For some reason I couldn't lay down with out struggling for air. Must have been something in my lungs so I got absolutely no sleep. I really wasn't that concerned about it though. I figured I fluctuate severely during these first months of recovery. I feel ok today just tired and somewhat fatigued. (Which is a norm) but I walked and did sonme weight training today. I could really use a string of these kind of days. I'm sure that's a round the corner.
Later,
~R

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Thursday

Hey All, Feeling really good today. Energy and Spirits are up.
D & I are getting ready to head into Pitts for the day to speak and a dinner discussion focusing on the two major ways the HeatmateII can be used. (I'll speak on the aspects of being a bridge to transplant Patient)
also, we'll most likely be painting this weekend So we'll need cleaners and painters fri and sat.
If you can come either day. We'd so appreciate it. We'll need some to was down walls and others to paint. (most everybody has some kind of painting supplies. So if you bring them, that would help out a great deal. We'll feed you great food that Bev will be cookin up most likely.
The more people we have helping the quicker and easier it will go. Thank you to all that have offered to help us. We need take you up on it.
But like I said It's still a little up in the air about this weekend.
I'll let you know definitely very soon.
~Richard

Monday, March 22, 2010

Monday

I feel pretty good today. I had some breakfast and got a god report from the home care nurse. I also made arrangements to start cardiac rehab sometime next week. It's overcast today but I'm going outside anyway.
Later,
~R

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Sunday

I feel much better today. I got some sleep and that makes a huge difference. I'm not nearly as nauseous today. I feel that fading fast. I sat outside by myself for a couple hours this morning and read the Sunday paper. The fresh air, solitude and sun helped me tremendously. I have somewhat of an appetite as well. My cousin Bev dropped off some more food for the laborers of the building and the food's just excellent. I can't pass that up.
A few of you asked about her catering services so here's a number you can reach her.
Bev's Catering 724 537 3322 She has a very diverse menu. Thank You so much Bev for helping me out these past weeks. We all appreciate it!
OK that clinches it. Time to eat something.
Later All,
~R

Saturday, March 20, 2010

sat.

Did not sleep. up the entire night with nausea and absolutely no appetite again. worse than before. nausea medicine was no relief at all. called the doc today and he had me quit the latest antibiotic. I just can't take them now. I'll have to wait a few days for these to leave my body before I'm feeling like myself again. and praying the appetite comes back soon. going to take some sleep meds and try to sleep through this.
i will post soon.
rich

Friday, March 19, 2010

fri evening

Had a pretty good day. But really didn't eat. Then the nausea came back. I'll try some meds and get some sleep.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Thursday, Mar. 18

I slept pretty good last night. No nausea when I woke up and had an appetite as well. I feel very good today. A lot of energy so I plan to hit the exercise equipment for a bit today and go walk out in the sun later.
I had a slew of tests yesterday including a six minute walk while monitored, chest X-rays, blood work, you get the idea. All is looking well. I was reduced in dose and meds as well. (So I have fewer pills to take everyday) YES!
The cardiac team really wants to move me into the transplant phase a.s.a.p. (Put on the list) They'll need to see some strength and endurance improvement in the next few weeks. Thanks Lemmos and Raschelle for the equipment! You are the best.
So far, today is one of the best since I've been home and it's only 11:25am. Getting a lot done. Phone calls. Emails. Appointments. (hundreds of appointments) All the stuff I need to catch up on.
Feels good to get it out of the way.
Later,
~R

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

doctor's appt. (Bi Monthly check up)

Hey, we're back and I am so tired. Good reports all around. A lot of walking today. But I feel pretty good. My Docs switched some meds. and don't have to take as many now. And I got something for nausea. I'll tell you more tomorrow. I'm beat.
Night all
~R

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

posting comments made easy

What I hear from a lot of you is that you can read the blog but not leave comments. it can be tricky but here's some easy steps to post a comment regardless if you have google accounts or whatever. We'll call it the anonymous method.


When you go to the blog and read that days, (or any days update) 1.) click on the red comments link at the bottom of the paragraph.
Then at the end of all the comments, there will be a place for you to comment. 2.) Type in what you want but, at the end of your comment put your name (you'll understand why in a second.)
3. )Go to the down arrow where it says "Select file"
4. )Click on the last choice, "Anonymous" and then 5.) click "Post Comment"
after that...6.) Type in the word that's shown in the "word verification" box. 7.) "Post Comment" ....and that's it!!! It will take a second or two but then your comment will be posted.

You see, in the comments sections that we see, there will be a comment from "anonymous" but if you put your name at the end of your comment...We'll know it was yours.

Hope that helps.
Just got back from the docs and some minor running around. Good report from the doctor. My edema has gotten much better, which indicates my heart is working better. (In so many words)
Haven't gotten nauseated yet today and don't expect to. I do need to eat though. lack of energy is evident.
So you people who just learned to post a comment....try it. Just remember to include your name
later,
~R

Tuesday, Mar 16

Hey all,
It's 10:40am and already it's a very different kinda day. I got more sleep (uninterrupted) since I can't remember when. When I woke up I felt the constant nausea I had for over a week had left me. Now, granted, my appetite is not a huge one, but I'm having a light breakfast as I blog. I took my meds a few minutes ago and they're staying down in my stomach. (my apologies to anyone else eating .) My Mom flew in early this morning looking tired but very content. She had a wonderful trip to Georgia to see her new Great Grand-son. (She's got quite a few now.)She said the flight down was a breeze and also stated that she "overcame her fear of flying"! I was not expecting that. (I'm smiling)
I got a call from one of the docs at AGH and was invited to be a guest speaker at a symposium next week. Basically tell the docs there and from other hospitals what my experiences are like being a "bridge" patient with the LVAD. (The heart pump). "Bridge" meaning I'm relying on the Heartmate II LVAD only until I receive a donor heart. (bridge to transplant) I welcome the invitation and almost already know what I want to say. I'll jot down a few key points and just be honest from there.They want the positives AND the negatives of my experience so far.
I think I'll start out with a joke. I mean c'mon...I HAVE to. Maybe something about being stuck in an elevator with a group of psychologists and them all reverting back to their childhood at the same time. Luckily I had 22 lollipops I carry on me because it's happened before. (yes, I DID bring enough for everybody!) Dunno, we'll see. (The comments for this entry should be heaping with bad suggestions for an opening joke, I'm sure. I expect one from Angela at least.)
It's good to feel like my old self again. My spirits are high, my energy level is up and most of all I don't feel like I have the flu. Thank to all keeping me in their prayers! I think I'm going to sit on the front porch and soak a little sun and jot down some ideas.
Later on,
~R

Monday, March 15, 2010

last couple days

Some rough couple days this weekend. I thought I was on the upswing from the stopping the antibiotic, but it took much longer than I thought to get out of my system. I'm still a little queasy with barely an appetite. But this is the best I've felt in a long time. So, I'll take it. My home care nurse stopped by to get my blood sample and check the vitals...all of which look good. I was a little concerned about my blood oxygen since I'd been having difficulty trying to breathe when I laid down. But the level looks very good today. I have an appointment w/ Dr. Bursch (Latrobe) tomorrow and I head back to the clinic on Wednesday. I'm praying I walk out the SAME DAY. I really don't want to be admitted for ANY reason. So keep praying.
I need to get some real food in me as well. It's just so hard to eat still. I'm not eating nearly enough. But I need the energy. Thanks everybody that's been concerned and calling. I really couldn't blog these past few days. I'll have someone report in when I can't. Sorry to leave anybody hanging.
I'm expecting a good week with good reports all around. My spirits are rising the better I feel.
As always I'll let you all know what's going on when I find out.
Take Care,
~R

Friday, March 12, 2010

Yesterday

I had a pretty rough day yesterday. The nausea was too much. I tried to stay asleep as much as I could. So I didn't blog. I did feel alot better when my Mother-in-law stopped by to pay me a short visit. (Yes, my Mother-in -law) We actually have a great relationship. We have deep discussions and have more in common than one would think. (Thanks Mom R)There was a slight breeze coming through the window and I felt better for a while. (It smelled like spring outside) and a lot of the snow has melted. But as the day went on I regressed back into a flu like nausea that I could barely move. I talked to my docs and nurses and we isolated an antibiotic I was put on recently. (Avelox) I stopped taking it yesterday and feel much better today. I had a burger n fries in the middle of the night. And some fruit for breakfast this morning. (that's a lot of food compared to the last 4 days) I still have a ways to go before I feel my old "Post Open Heart Surgery Self" but any relief is still relief. My for today is to hit the treadmill easy sometime today, read the newspaper on the porch and play with the kitties. (Rough agenda I know) Beats being stuck in bed!

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Wednesday

The first warm and sunny day in a long time!!! I sat on the front porch and absorbed all I could. Today was a good day. Thanks Lisa n Tom for the bear. Miss you guys!
My Mom's flying out tomorrow to see her Great Grandson for the first time. (Georgia) That should be interesting. You'd understand if ya knew my Mom. (Mom, I love ya. You'll be fine.) She's maybe not the "best" in flight. But once she sees the baby, the plane ride will be nothing. I plan on doing a lot of travelling when I get more strength. D and I have some great friends in other states I'd never been yet. (Like Vermont, I'll warn you ahead of time, Lisa and Georgia, I won't warn you, Barb.) I guess it's nothing new in my situation, to feel the urge to start seeing that which you'd not seen before.
Anybody got any other suggestions? Where are the must see places you've been too? (I expect some comments here people.) share. It's neat to share. Won't you be my neighbor? (and the meds kicked in)
Goodnight all

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

tuesday

Didn't sleep well and started to feel sick around 3 am. So I was up for a while. Still no real appetite. and those of you that know me, know the I'm eating something every couple hours. Saw my doc this afternoon and we discussed the nausea and what we can try to do about it. I'm praying this works. I need more energy from food that's obvious. Even the food I'm not allowed to eat doesn't appeal to me. C'mon, Hot Wings? You gotta be kidding me. Hotel Loyal Pizza? No. That's a little scary. I know a lot of you are praying for me. Include an appetite. I realize I have a lot of adjusting to do yet. and I'm keeping my spirits up. But I gotta eat, people. Dig?
I did eventually start to feel better, and I'm feeling ok right now. I even walked on the treadmill today. (twice and not very far.) I can breathe deep and clear and that's a relief after this week's little "sidestep". I can also sleep (for a little while) on my right side. I can't tell you how sweet that is. The more my chest and ribs heal the more I'll be sleeping the way I'm used to. (Oh Yeah)
There are things I realize I've taken for granted everywhere. I look at this in a positive way. I really do. I'm learning to re-appreciate things in my life. Something, I've needed to do for a while I believe.
Someday I may list them here. From the very obvious to the nearly unnoticeable.
I'll post more later. Time to eat.

Monday, March 8, 2010

Home again

Hi all,
This is Rich. I'm home again! My hospital stay was unexpected to say the least and I finally got home Saturday evening. Then I needed a day to recoup from the chest tube and other things. My left lung was filled with fluid and it took days to drain. I didn't realize how much fluid a lung could hold. Well, I never thought about it before, so...............
I'm still getting my blood checked to adjust certain drugs. It'll have to balance out sometime.
I don't have much of an appetite lately and I think it's because of all the meds. They really play havoc on my stomach. But all I can say now is that it's nice to breathe again. The docs tell me that fluid like this is expected after major surgery but rarely happens more than the once. (Thank God)
I'm still pretty tired from the week and haven't exercised yet, but I can't wait to start. I know I'll feel a lot better when I do.
You'll all know. Thanks yinz guys.
~Richard
P.S. Brynn worked on my back again today and really loosened it up. THANK B!

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Sat 3 PM

Heading home soon!

Sat 6th 10:!5 AM

Good morning,
Just sending you a quick note to let you know that we are still at the hospital..... Hurry up and wait is the name of the game.
Will keep you posted,

Friday, March 5, 2010

Friday 3:30 PM

Hi,
It's still me (Dorcas) giving you an updated report. We got good news and some not so good news..... We will not be coming home today, but shooting for tomorrow morning. The good news is, they will be taking out the tube soon and this should lessen Richard's pain. He also has been given the OK to take a shower, which makes him extremely HAPPY.... They will be taking a new x ray at 5 AM, so we are hoping that we will be out of here early tomorrow...
Keep praying and thanks for your prayers and love
Hi,
Everyone is probably wondering what is up.... We are still here at the hospital... Rich just went down for a chest x ray. If this comes out looking good, they will take out the drain. So, we'll let you know how things progress.
Thanks to Duke for giving me a parking pass today!

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Thursday afternoon

Rich's pain is being managed and looks like he is coming home tomorrow! MORE GOOD NEWS... Dr. Benza came in to see Rich, if Rich can get to a certain strength by March 10th.. Dr. Benza is considering putting him on the transplant list. So once we get home he will need to do a lot of walking, and leg exercises...
Our prayers are getting answered so keep them coming!~
update.... Rich is back in his room. They drained A LOT out of him and continues to drain. He is in much more pain from this, than from both of his other operations.... Pray he will sleep through some of this painful time until it lets up some.
Good news.. what they took from him was clear fluids and not blood. The doctor said this is a good sign.
Thanks
Good morning all,
Just a quick note from Dorcas to keep you up to speed... Rich and I went to AGH for two follow-up appointments yesterday. We got a lot of good news! The Defib. incision looked good and was working well. The cord from the Heartmate II is looking good. So good, that he got the approval and equipment to take a shower! This was great news!!

However, he has a little fluid in one of his lungs (a very mild concern). They have kept him overnight and is going in this morning to have this drained. The doctor said that he wants him home by the weekend if not sooner (depending on how long drainage takes). We know that you love him, but no trips are necessary to come to see him at the hospital.

Very happy about all the good reports and life is good... Will post soon
Thanks for all of your support

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Follow up tomorrow

I'll be at AGH (The hospital that installed my heart pump 2 weeks back) all day tomorrow. First, I'll meet with the electro-cardiologist to get the stitches out from the defib. site and have the defib. checked out. Later on I'll meet with the cardiac team and discuss everything so far. I have pages of questions. I'm sure I'll be put through the ringer with tests and questions as well.
This hospital, especially this cardiac team, excels at providing information in ways we can comprehend without putting more fear in your life. I feel pretty good about going. I haven't had many issues since I've been discharged. I've been short of breath and weak most days but I half expected to be.
I know a lot of you will be praying for me and I thank you. I have faith in a good report.
As always, I'll post what I know when I know it. It's going to be a long day, so I need to crash and get some power sleep. D's not feeling so hot tonight so she's been lying down. I really need her to go with me. (and I know she'll fight to anyway.) So pray this illness or feeling passes tonight.
Thank you all so much for everything.
~R

Monday, March 1, 2010

Pain in the neck?

Hello all,
Pretty rough start to the morning. I got some good rest but I woke up very short of breath. The nurse visiting today said my pulse ox was low. ( needed more oxygen in my blood) so I was using oxygen for most of the morning and feeling pretty weak.
But then a good friend, Brynn Adams, Myotherapist/Massage Therapist/Healer/Damn Good Egg came over around noon and did some trigger point therapy on my aching legs, back and neck. What a difference! After a month of lying only on my back all day and sleeping on my back (which I do not do), I was locked up with so many knots and muscles that would spasm randomly. She released it all. I haven't felt this good in a weeks. no pain in my back at all! So much more energy, stronger breaths, just generally, incredibly better. Well, this is what she does for a living and meant to. So today's HUGE thank you goes to Brynn.
I imagine a lot of you will be wanting her info. now and that's great. Just email me and I'll give it to you. Trust me, she's good for whatever ails ya. Dorcas has her appointment already scheduled for this week. And she'll be a different person when Brynn's done with her as well.
Ok, gonna grab some lunch. I'll post later today most likely.
Ciao,
~R