Wednesday Wrap Up

Feeling better today. Chest X ray was clear, but antibiotics have kicked in. still having some coughing fits that cause pain. No fevers today and feeling stronger. Blood Pressure is great - (like a teenager - said the nurse!) and heart rate strong and healthy. Energy still a bit zapped. Monday and tuesday wiped me out.

Visit with Cariologists assistant today went well. Some blood results back. . .some levels are still a little low - which is not unusual after such major surgery and 3 transfusions. Still a bit anemic. Still have lower immunity tools. I must learn greater and greater patience. . I thought I might be "released". . however there are still a few appointments yet to come. .3 weeks from now with the assistant again. . and then to determine Cardiac Rehab. I'm determined to spend the next 3 weeks surpassing the capabilities of Cardiac Rehab. It would be quite a lot of driving 3 times a week for 6 weeks. IF I can accomplish the goals independently then I can be excused. I'll have a stress test in a few weeks, another followup with the Surgeon, a full exam - appointment with the cardiologist, a process of approval for the home protime monitor, and a training class, and and echo cardiogram in 2 months just to look at the valve and heart flow. Right now the heart is a bit enlarged but this again is very typical after surgery and no cause for alarm. Driving will come very very slowly and cautiously because of the continued healing of the sternum. I'll be hitchin rides for a while. . . good thing there are a few drivers in the house.

While the guys in the house were stepping back into the world of football coaching this evening. . I geared up and walked the indoor track at the school. I did a very solid/strong 35 minutes in a therapeutic target heart range. Felt Awesome. would never even attempted it 5 weeks ago.

Food and I are still trying to work things out. . So much that I liked before does not taste good at all. . This is very common after such a major medical procedure. Sometimes it all comes back to before and sometimes it doesnt - so i'm told. I'm relearning everything and trying different things just to see if it tastes good at all. Lowfat Cottage Cheese was a great snack today but even the peaches were too sweet. I still love shrimp but the batter is too sweet. The only drink I can swallow is water water water and lots of it. A sip of koolaid made me shudder. other things that I cant eat right now because of taste are: sweet bread, cola, cookies, ice cream, any desserts, almost all fruit, cole slaw, sweet salad dressings, ketchup (oh my dear old friend ketchup!, pizza - Some things that I Love right now are: eggs, salads with very little dressing, peanut butter on wheat grain crackers, tuna salad, mmmmm bacon, roast, potatoes, grilled cheese, chicken noodle soup, almonds, sunflower seeds, and plain cheerios.

Just for a point of fascinating heart surgery trivia: We received the Insurance statement for the hospital today. . . The hospital admission alone was almost $84,000. and our insurance paid every penny. All the bills are coming in and our eyes widen when we see the cost. still have no idea what our own bottom line out of pocket might be. . but already the statements have well surpassed $100k. .amazing amazing amazing.

I know that you can't put a price on health, a restored heart, a hopeful future. . . but apparently the health care providers can. . . and it AINT CHEAP!

Thank YOU again and always for your faithful prayer and encouragment!

Peace to you and yours this night!