Little Walks of Mine

Progress has been slow it seems but when I do go out to appts, etc., everyone seems to comment on how well I'm doing. Of course, I usually find someone who is an expert in the field of cardiovascular surgery and insists on keeping me informed. I have to admit I hate that. I'm thrilled that these people have researched the surgery and are aware of what they are doing or a family member is going through, but I am less than interested in hearing about it. At this stage of my recovery all I'm focused on is my progress and how I feel. So when I started making a loop around the living room, hallway and kitchen and walking for 10 minutes, I was pretty proud of myself. In addition, I felt wonderful and full of energy. But then if I take a couple steps a little too quick, I'm down for the count, huffing and puffing. I suppose I should expect those setbacks and work toward the bigger goal which is stamina. I find myself more able to do things in the kitchen like cleaning up, emptying the dishwasher, etc. and I even made chicken and biscuits last night for supper. Of course, it was leftover chicken and the biscuits were already made but it was a project for me. This week will be 3 wks. since my surgery and traditionally that has been a milestone for me with other surgeries. Only 3 more wks. until I can get behind the wheel and drive!

Slow Progress

Progress in my recovery does seem to be slow or I'm just more careful that I don't overdo it. I vowed yesterday since we didn't have anywhere to go that it would be an easy day of knitting. I felt good after a good night - a little more sleep but I'm not there yet. I went outside and walked to the mailbox for the mail and then one more time to the middle of the neighbor's yard. I must have looked strange out there inching along like I had lost something but I made it. Other than that and a little cleaning, laundry and watching a movie, it was an easy day but full of things I needed to do. I've decided there will be no napping during the day and by 7 last night it was getting tough. I still rested but didn't recline. The only problem is that after seeing me like that my husband gets the impression I'm back and nothing could be further from the truth. I also realized yesterday that I made the right decision in choosing the mechanical valve because I would never, ever redo this surgery. The inconvenience of bloodwork and regulating my coumadin is nothing compared to the exhaustion I feel after open heart surgery.

Little bit of sleep

Last night was a little better in the sleep department. I kept my bra on to help hold everything in and what a difference it made. I bought a couple front closure bras for my recovery and just hate wearing them. They have no support but basically just keep everything front and center. And besides I looked forward to the freedom of not having it on at night along with the fact they wanted my incisions open to the air. But things were difficult at night in bed so I left it on. I didn't feel that tugging and didn't find myself trying to squeeze the pillow in every nook and cranny. I actually got a little sleep and didn't take a pain pill. Tonight I thing I will sleep in another bedroom just so I can move around a little more, maybe with some more pillows. Braden was right when he said "Rest makes you gooder!"

New Journey

It's been awhile I know and here's the explanation as quickly as I can. Three years ago during and EKG for a gall bladder procedure, I found out that I needed a new aortic valve. I've had yearly visits with the cardiologist since then and this Jan., he decided it was time. Of course nothing goes as planned and the same held through for this. On Mar. 14, I went to Cleveland Clinic for a series of pre-op tests and they asked me to stay and have the surgery, that was scheduled for the end of the week, the next day. I was a little relieved to be getting it over with even though I still had things planned to do. The surgery and ICU stay were not without their complications but all in all I guess I came out pretty well. In addition to a new mechanical valve, I now have a pacemaker built into my shoulder. So this new journey of mine is really just beginning with building my strength up, managing my coumadin use and resuming my life. I am in a much better place now than I thought I would be - moving around on my own, feeling no pain, eating whatever I want (and all that goes along with it) and working on easy projects that I've saved for this time. The one thing that has got me stumped and has me stymied until I overcome it is not being able to sleep. I might doze off a little here and there but absolutely no real sleep. It is not good for physical and emotional stamina in the least which has me concerned. But I will continue this quest and report my progress.

Quilting Twist

I know I mentioned before about wanting to make a Garden Twist quilt with those floral prints I have. I even bought my two shades of green so I have everything I need for the top of it, but I might have bit off more than I could chew. I haven't even started it but I've been going online looking for the pattern or at least a good picture of it to use. I felt a little like trying to get it on the quilting black market because everyone is selling it, even ebay. I found a good picture plus the yardage requirements but I want something, at least for my first real quilt, that I can make very defined square blocks and this doesn't have it. So, I've decided to work on other blocks and improve my piecing technique first. Of course the easiest is the log cabin block which I want to use in my cabin quilt anyway, so that's what I've been doing. I've made 4 already, most of which I'm using those fabrics that were in the books from Padden's so I feel good about using those up. They are very rich looking fabrics and they do up very nicely in the log cabin blocks. I have a good idea of what blocks I want to put in this quilt such as a cabin, sun, star, bear paw block, pine tree block, fish and other animal blocks and now the log cabin blocks. When I was shopping the other day, we found a little quilt shop and I picked up some fat quarters in different shades and prints of pinks for a quilt I have in mind. I think I'll have some others in mind for my next trip.

Sex Talk on Glee

I was very impressed with Glee last night - no, not about the whole sexy subject but the sex talk that Kurt's dad had with him. I think it should be used as an instructional video for all parents. I think that's one of the things that freaks parents out the most so we usually leave it to the so-called professionals at school. Well, they're not doing it either. Kurt's dad is one of my favorite characters on the show anyway, but this sealed the deal. It's bad enough talking to a straight kid but to a gay kid is a whole different story line. He gave him some brochures on the technical aspects, which was pretty easy, but then he went further and talked about emotions. I remember in one of my kiddy lit classes at Edinboro we read Forever by Judy Blum and that was another one I thought should be on the required reading list for adults and teens. I know there was alot of controversy surrounding it and I myself hid it in the cupboard for fear of it getting into the wrong hands. Of course, I remember the Penney's catalog, the bra section to be exact, getting into the wrong hands once, too. I think we're all searching for information of all sorts and at all ages.

Girls Having Fun in Airport

I got a kick out of the episode in the airport with Cyndi Lauper. What surprised me was the extent she went to in going incognito with the sunglasses and black hood up. She evidently didn't want people to recognize her and then she grabbed the mic and started singing. Could she not control herself or what. I'm sure she could have made it all through the airport had she not started singing. It makes you wonder about these celebrities and how much they like their audience. To me it's all about the public for them and some celebrities have even said that they are what they are because of their fans. They don't shy away from the cameras but give them a little dose anyway. That's really all they want. I know they are entitled to a private family life but they should realize that being in this career requires them to deal with a public. Of course, we as the public have to know when to stop, such as Charlie Sheen. We're just feeding him and promoting his behavior. Anyway, I'm not criticizing Cyndi but I wish Braden and I had been there to meet her.