Post Surgery Update

[Don McCombs]

Grumpy asked me to post an update on how things are going after my bypass surgery, so here goes.

Since I came home from the hospital a week ago today, I have seen a noticeable improvement every day. Thursday, my wife drove me into town for a much needed haircut. Friday we went grocery shopping and I pushed the cart around with no adverse results. The incision pain has been manageable from the beginning, but I experience less pain each day. I'm only using the medication first thing in the morning to help loosen things up and at night to help with getting sleep. I hope to be able to start cardiac rehab this coming week or the next. The weather hasn't been conducive to getting outside and walking, so my muscle tone and pulmonary capacity is still a little diminished. Beyond that, I feel just fine and have not had much trouble sleeping or getting around. I'm anxious for warmer weather, so I can get outside more.

If anyone has any curiousity questions about the procedure, just ask.

[Joe Malinowski]

Glad to have the update. People I know that have had it sound like you, it takes time I guess best wisnes and good luck.

[Pete1941]

Good news Don! I certainly am looking forward to warmer weather as well, I had much rather play in the dirt than in the snow. Sounds as if you are doing all the right things, just keep them up and maybe you will be better than new in no time. Pete

[John *.?-!.* cub owner]

Glad to ehar the news Don, I know recovery always seems to take forever.

[ScottyD'sdad]

Good news ,Don. Thanks for the update. Ed

[Rudi]

Don:

Nice to know that you are recuperating nicely. No Heart Pillow? Do you go walking in the malls? That is where they told us to go in Dec 04.. too cold to walk outside especially for a cardiac patient... so I had to walk a klick per day in the mall. Had to start at 30 mins and work my way up to a 15 min klick.. took about 2 weeks. Had to walk holding the pillow against my chest to ensure that the wires didn't break.

How is the coughing? Does it still illicit a groan or two

Keep up the good work.. it gets easier every day.. pretty soon it will just be a memory.. a sharp one, but a memory nonetheless...

[beaconlight]

Glad to hear you are coming along Don.
Bill

[Don McCombs]

Rudi,

No pillow. They gave me a bear. Sir Koff-A-Lot. Same technique, different tool. He does help with the coughing.

http://www.muffinenterprises.com/sir_koffalot.asp

Unfortunately, the closest thing we have to an indoor mall is the Walmart. That's why I'm anxious to get the cardiac rehab started.

[cowboy]

Hi Don

Very glad you are getting better. Best wishes

Billy

[Bill Hudson]

Don,

Great!! I'm glad it is going well for you.

Bill

[VinceD]

Great news Don Thanks for the update. Keep up the great recovery.

[Barnyard]

Rudi,

No pillow. They gave me a bear. Sir Koff-A-Lot. Same technique, different tool. He does help with the coughing.

http://www.muffinenterprises.com/sir_koffalot.asp

Glad to hear all is working in your favor. The bear sounds as thought it would be most fitting. Is it a bear cub?

[Rudi]

Rudi,

No pillow. They gave me a bear. Sir Koff-A-Lot. Same technique, different tool. He does help with the coughing.

http://www.muffinenterprises.com/sir_koffalot.asp

Unfortunately, the closest thing we have to an indoor mall is the Walmart. That's why I'm anxious to get the cardiac rehab started.

Don:

Pillow, Bear.. same thing.. yours is cuter than my Pillow...



but I can tell you I sure was glad they sent me home with mine. When I had the abdominal surgery 3 months later.. the pillow became my best friend..



I hope you can get walking soon and get into Cardiac Rehab. If they have the track and pool for after the incision heals, you will be well ahead of the races. Em's and my prayers or with you both.. Be well my friend, looking forward to that Brat in September.. (+)

[KETCHAM]

Glad to hear Don Maybe i ought to get a cub bear.Less costly than the women i've been with. Kevin not to many malls around there

[grumpy]

Thanks for the update Don. Grump