Today was really a pretty good day.  When I don’t dwell on the 10 inch scar down my chest I move on to help myself get better.  Did a lot of walking, napping, eating, and scrabbling today.  My father-in-law never played. Huh?  Anyway, we had a nice two hour game of scrabble.  Also started Tim Tebow’s “Through My Eyes” today, very interesting and motivated guy. Especially now that he his turning the NFL upside down.  I am most amazed that I don’t feel like my brain has lost a step at all.  This will be a source of trouble as my body takes its good old time catching up.  The kids decorated the Christmas tree today; beautiful!  Almost seems normal around here.

I continue to cherish the circumstances that brought this to fruition.  I just heard from a friend  of a young man on the west side who had my same condition, undiagnosed previously, who suffered an aortic dissection on Saturday, collapsing after baseball practice, and had emergency repair at CCF and is going to have a much tougher road ahead of him.  He is the father of three and I wish him my prayers.

My faith, family, and friends continue to be my true source of inspiration.  I know it will be a long journey, but I feel very motivated today and will press forward tomorrow.

Ella’s birthday party was a Disney/Barbie success!  She had a hard time going to bed because she said “that means my birthday is over”.   I had a decent breakfast and look forward to a turkey sandwich for lunch.  Kathy and the grandmas made a fantastic  turkey with all the trimmings dinner last night.  A second thanksgiving!

Today is again a better day.   I did some laps and stairs and surprised Kathy  with cleaning the basement.  I woke with a little more pain this morning, but I did more yesterday and I had such a good sleep that I missed my tylenol in early am.  I have cut back to just regular strength Tylenol.  I figure if I can feel a little pain, I know both my limits and my strengths.  My body is talking to me more than ever before.  Sometimes it’s hard to interpret what I am feeling.  Obviously, I don’t want to hurt myself or cause any problems.  Kathy is keeping a close eye.

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At this time last Monday, I had just come out of Mather OR with a dozen tubes exiting my body. I had survived a 20 minute heart attack and 6 hours of my body being half dead. Dr. Markowitz and Dr. Avery had taken me to the brink and brought me back safely, albeit painfully into the world. I will be eternally grateful to them and their teams for guiding me through that treacherous surgery.

I had a good breakfast, another shower, and am wearing my first t-shirt. Today was the first day I could lift my arms enough to put on a t-shirt. I did some laps today and had a nursing visit for some blood work. I am running out of veins to stick!

Today, my Ella turns 5. We have a birthday party planned for her this evening with grandparents and sibs. She happily agreed to postpone her BIG party at the kids salon until daddy was better. She is dying to open her presents.
Just like yesterday, TODAY is a better day.

As the end of week one draws near, I can reflect on the improvements I have made. Although I still feel like a shadow of my self last Sunday, I am exponentially better than I was last Monday. It was an extremely difficult week and I would hope no one ever has to experience it. My transformation in the last 24 hours has given me the faintest shimmer at the end of this long tunnel. A week ago a butterfly could have taken me down, now it is not even a fair fight. The weakness I can see will be my biggest struggle. I was so used to doing anything physically I wanted to do. I will be very motivated to regain that confidence again and I look forward to that 6 month target in early June when I can run five miles or play 36 holes. Losing my caterpillar speed and child-like strength will be more than welcome in the next few weeks. Getting a second chance on my life is more than worth these inconveniences. Thanks again for all the support. If it were not for all of you, I don’t know where my spirits would be. Love you all.

Had best night’s sleep in a week. Woke up to fresh waffles, oatmeal, and a happy family. Amazing what a better night’s rest can do. Still feel a lot like I didn’t see that truck coming, but it’s a sunny day and I am determined to have a better day. Hate the pills still. Lily has been a very good helper. All the kids have been great. My in-laws are in town from the south and making life easier for all of us, although my father-in-law doesn’t like our cold weather (Florida transplant). More later.

Ive been home a few hours now. It’s been a pretty rough day but great to be back with familiar surroundings and family. They kids are excited but having trouble seeing me so weak. Had a real dinner tonight. Tasted soooo good. I feel like a bad flu and no relief coming in 24-48 hours like a typical illness. Hard to focus on the end. As Dr. Markowitz told me yesterday this is not an illness, but a temporary disability. I will get better. I am about to take my first shower in 6 days, finally.

Like most of my days, the morning was ok at 4-6am. Then my waves of nausea and lightheadness started again. I stopped all my pain meds except regular Tylenol last night because I think the drugs are a big problem. Ill take the pain over the nausea any day. It’s noon now and I will be leaving in the next few hours. I am ready. Many of my pills will stop when I leave so I hope that helps. I feel like I have the worst flu but no fever or vomiting, just feel blah. No appetite but I keep forcing food down; I know I need it. Mind versus body in epic battle. Tryin to stay strong and post again from Solon. Love you all.

Getting ready for another restful (ha ha) night in the hospital. If all goes well tonight and with a few morning tests and paperwork, I should be outta here by mid afternoon. Thanks to everyone for getting me through week one, but the blogs will continue. There is certainly a lot more work to do. The kids are very excited to see me, as am I. Goodnight and love to you all.

Still on launching pad for tomorrow afternoon. Having a pretty good day. No nausea or lightheadness today. Pain is becoming tolerable. Contemplating which mediocre dinner I will order. Had quite a few friends visit today, really helped keep me going. Continuing to thank God for aligning all this to happen. My life would never and will never be the same. I get a second chance! I initially did not see this opportunity. Life challenges us to recognize our opportunities, which are not always evident. Keep your eyes open. I have another 7 weeks at home for reflection, I hope I make the best of it. Peace.

Started the day early again, but feeling pretty good. Kathy and I took laps and did crosswords at 6 am today. Had a good breakfast and met with Dr. Markowitz. He ordered my pacing wires out and going home tomorrow (as long as no problems) A little scary but if they think I’m ready I have to listen to my doctors. I will continue walking today to build my strength. Pulling my wires was not pleasant. The pacing wires are coiled wires resting against the heart wall (one atrial and one ventricular) and then are sutured to my skin on my chest. Without being too graphic, pulling a wire off your heart and out through your chest wall is a little freaky. It’s done now and I have to be closely monitored all day. Pain is better and fatigue is high but I am really set up at home for support. Just cannot believe after all I had done this week I can go home. Even as a doctor that performs high tech eye surgery, the human body never ceases to amaze me. Until later.