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