Today, I woke up with the same stiffness and achy incision pain that has been fairly constant for the last week and a half. It improves significantly as I move throughout the day, which is why the walks have become so motivating.  I don’t think I move much during the night because it hurts to shift in the bed. So when I get my body moving and stretching, I feel much better.  I went to our workout club this morning and walked over two miles and almost 40 minutes on the treadmill. No fatigue,but I didn’t want to overdo it.  Then I stretched and did some very light weights.  I was really feeling good.  I had a steam after the workout and I was definitely feeling loose.  We then took the kids and nephews and nieces (11 total) bowling for the afternoon.  I just watched, but everyone had a great time.  I was wiped out after all that and a long nap has revitalized me for the evening.

As I approach the end of what has been a difficult close to 2011, I can reflect again on the accomplishments I have made with my recovery in the last week.  I think back to early November when I thought everything in my life was in order and on track.  It was “perfect”.  Then my news arrived and I remember the anger, denial, and eventual acceptance of what would change my life forever.  December 4th and morning of December 5th were by far the most frightening of my life.  I think of those early days of recovery and the intense pain, nightmares, and frustration.  I didn’t think just 3 weeks ago I would be where I am now.  I was very depressed early on that I would be just a feeble copy of my old self.

The end of 2011 will be an end to those fears.  I am motivated to be a stronger and even more active copy of my old self.  I still have a small fear of having to repeat the valve in 20 years, but technology moves so fast and it’s so out of my control, that it is a tiny spot in the back of my mind.  I am only three and half weeks post surgery and I know problems can still arise.  I have heard the gammet of stories from quick recovery to loads of problems, reoperations, and even death.  If anyone reading this is or knows someone going through this, my advice is to surround yourself with loved ones.  I definitely would be struggling if not for the motivation and constant support of those around me and praying for me, especially my wife, Kathy.  She has been the rock of love and support, the general of my recovery army, and my shoulder when the hour or day is just too much.  There will be minutes, hours, or even days when the mountain seems too high to climb, but if you have someone to pull or push you, those feelings will pass.  I am by no means recovered.  I have months and months to go, but my glimpse of the future is bright and I am confident in 2012.