Staying the Course -- September 9, 2020

[Superbob]

Late start on starting the Stay the Course Week. Hope all's going well with all our Coursers.

I don't have much cheerful news. Hope someone else does.

Dark and gloomy day. Tropical system bringing heavy showers (squalls?) in here off the ocean from this morning through (they forecast) the end of the week. At least this system doesn't bring 100mph winds with it.

Broke out a new grill for Labor Day, all set to cook up a storm. Wife prepared a bunch of sides in the kitchen. We anticipated all 4 grandchildren coming to eat. Turns out we were 0 for 4. They're growing up. Two have part-time jobs and got called in. One had to take a beloved cat to the emergency vet. The oldest one (an adult by age) simply never showed up. Kind of a downer, but at least 3 of the 4 were doing constructive things.

I naturally consumed too much holiday junk food. Got to cut back to avoid added pounds now. Want to hold the 25 pound loss over the past year.

Okay, let's hear some happy news from you all.

Whatever the news, let us all take care to stay the course.

Cheers,
Superbob

 

[MartinF]

Working from home today. Last weekend was HOT here, hit 108 in the shade on Sunday. But cooled off by Monday to the 80's. We have fires that have put smoke into the atmosphere and it's "cloudy" now. Not low enough to smell.
Still getting in regular run/walks. Weight still around 169/170 so that's good.
I actually got out the hand weights and did 2 sets of 6 different exercises for arms. I need to do that 3x a week but making it a routine has been hard to do.
Pandemic seems to be tailing off. Hospital numbers are down to where they were in May/June. I'm glad I'm able to get out into the outdoors regularly or I would get bored.
Stay healthy.

 

[Superbob]

When I wrote this week's starter, I was obviously in a gloomy mood. I find that happens more than usual in this strange year of 2020. But you know what snaps me out of it, more often than not? Going on a good walk.

As evidence here are two entries from my walking journal last night and this morning:

So on dawgwalk tonight a gorgeous gal looking fit enough to be Ninja warrior stopped us and said, "I see you walking...and don't you EVER stop!" Could be she thought my final step was near but I am taking it as an ego boost.

Sweet old dawg didn't want to walk this morning. (Lately she prefers evening strolls.) So DW (Dear Wife) said, "You know, you could walk on your own." So I did, strange though it was not to be holding a leash attached to a squirrel-hunting dawg. And it was a good walk! No reason I couldn't have my own walk in ayem and dawgwalk in pm, and maybe get to 10,000 steps a day.

So it is that walking helps adjust this old guy's attitude. What about fellow Coursers? Is walking on your path to greater happiness? Or hiking, jogging, swimming, Silver Sneakers, Core Fitness,... other forms of recreation? Let's look on the sunny side. I'm trying.

 

[MartinF]

SB, I still walk/run and go hiking when I can. In my youth I ran ultramarathons in the mountains. My favorite distance was 50 miles. After 40 I stopped the long stuff due to work and family hoping to get back to it when I had more time. Then the OHS. Mind still thinks that way but body won't go that far. I'll keep walking/running, our dog will make sure of that.

 

[Duffey]

My weight is up, and I do seem to lose weight when I’m getting in a regular walk. Unhappily my knees and ankles don’t seem to appreciate it. Riding a stationary bike seems easier on my joints, but once I miss a few days, it is really difficult to get back at it. Just returned home Monday from a trip, and I hope to get my first session since our return, in today. My motivation needs a boost.

 

[dornole]

Being out alone hiking or paddling helps adjust my attitude. This year has been a challenge.

 

[skeptic49]

Walking is definitely an upper for me, even without Katiedawg, who is back in the city with my husband. Next Monday I'll drive back to drop off Lokicat (pictured relaxing near the roof deck)and pick up Katiedawg for the trip back to the beach, where we will spend the final two weeks getting the house ready to close for the winter. The autumnal equinox is coming up, a day to celebrate the change of seasons and the progression of life. The Atlantic ocean is warm at this time of year, and soothing to swim in when the great storms to the south are not churning the waves as they are today. I can't complain though as long as none of them head our way.

 

[charlottekaye]

What a beautiful life you enjoy! My sincere thanks for sharing your thoughts about getting outdoors for our health. Like Duffey, I need encouragement.

 

[Cici]

Im getting ready for OH AVR on Wednesday 9/16. I can’t see the Littles (Grandchildren) for about next 4 weeks due to Covid guidelines. It is hard. 2/7 yr olds, 1/5yr old, 1/3 yr old and 1/ 14 mo old. My husband doesn’t agree with not seeing them, thinks it is all hyped so have that to contend with. I had severe sepsis last year: 5 days in hospital. Covid w OHS doesn’t sound like a good risk....but I come close to breaking down and agreeing to have them visit.

 

[MartinF]

Hi Cici, you need to do what makes you comfortable. If that means the grandchildren stay outside and no hugs, they need to respect that and your husband should support you. 4 weeks will go fast and you will be busy recovering. Focus on your recovery. Post to this site and ask questions. There are a lot of resources here. I think there's a thread on what to take to the hospital. Hope your OHS goes well and you have no complications.

 

[Cici]

Thanks, Martin
picked me up, I sure miss my babies!

 

[dornole]

Certainly given that you are pre-surgery, Cici, you are right to be careful. With any luck, both your surgery and COVID will all be a blip in the long scheme of things. Wishing you the best.

 

[Freebird]

Good luck Cici! I'm almost 3 weeks post-op and doing well. I was told to be extra careful to the threat of any infections post surgery for 4-6 weeks. I'd think this is a great question for your doctor.

 

[Superbob]

Cici, so glad you checked in with us! Wishing you all the best with your OH AVR. I've had two of them, and as you bounce back from yours, please let us know how you are doing. I bet you will do well. As for COVID concerns and grandkids, I can relate! Ours live nearby but my son has been extra-cautious about bringing them by for regular visits since last spring. My wife and I are in the 8 decades of life range (won't put her exact age her or she will kill me -- lol) Anyway, we have treasured those brief visits we've had with them and look forward to regular get-togethers in the not-distant future as the pandemic subsides. I know you will, too. Again, all best wishes, good vibes, and prayers for you.

 

[Cici]

Thank you all... 2 days out...it is getting close! I’m ready! Appreciate the support!

 

[LinH]

Thank you all... 2 days out...it is getting close! I’m ready! Appreciate the support!

My 83 year old mom is almost 4 weeks post OH sternum, replacement of Mitral and Aortic (bovine) and repair Tricuspi. She is doing very well! Make sure you have comfortable recliner when you get home. Getting in and out of bed is the hardest for a couple of weeks. She is taking 2 Tylenol every 8 hours and hoping we can start to reduce that soon. She had Minimum invasive 4 years ago for Aortic replacement and came through that with flying colors! (It’s amazing what doctors can do these days!!! Don’t worry and be positive!) Her surgeon said the particular manufacture pig valve they used 4 years ago was not what the company touted to be so great at the time a and it ending up tearing. Family was stressed to learn she had to have an even more invasive surgery, this go around, for her age, but comforted to hear the surgeon say that she will get through the surgery. The confidence in his ability and experience gave us comfort but he also said that her will to fight and push through afterwords, at her age, is going to be on her. It made us all feel so good that he had so much confidence in the procedure and then we knew my mom would do well because she is a fighter and has 7 children, 16 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren to live for. This Italian Nonna was ready, willing and able! She has been blessed with graces from God, tons of family prayers and intercessions from the Saints to get her through and push past the worst, especially the few weeks. Watching the daily progress is quite amazing. Several of us sibling are Quarantined and caring for her 24/7. A walker has helped tremendously to give her balance getting out of recliner, to bathroom and doing walks. Now she really doesn’t need walker, although she will continue to use for as long as possible.
We have a white board on the wall to check off her medicine schedule, daily walks, minimum water intake, daily weight, blood pressure and heart rate. Daily showers important (in my moms case with assistance.) And lastly I recommend a heart healthy diet (for life!) Minimum salt intake around 2000 mg a day. All fresh vegetables. Hormone free meats. Chicken soup has pushed out her water build up from after surgery. I used water, (not canned chicken stalk as that has too much sodium), along with fresh vegetables. Nothing frozen! Lots of fresh garlic and herbs to spice up foods! She lost 25 lbs of water weight after 2 weeks. And for my Mom, no Gluten or sugar! She learned that Gluten free pasta is amazing! I’ll pray for your surgery and recovery. You’ll do great! God Bless!

 

[Cici]

Hi all -
Surgery on 9/16
Scheduled for a mini w bovine
in recovery went into cardiac arrest. Surgeon had to go back in and put in a new valve due to clots.
Got CPR and shocked 4 times w paddles. ( I think I remember 2)
Went home 5 days then back to hosp with HIT, a heparin reaction.
Been in hosp 6 days as they build my platelets back up and get inr high enough. It is a slow process but Im getting there.
it has been a bigger challenge then expected but I have survived!

 

[Superbob]

Sounds like you had a battle, Cici (make that battles plural) but have fought through and are now looking to staying your course. So happy you and your doctors are meeting the challenges. Please keep us posted! Soon you should be able to enjoy those grandkids. All best to you!

 

[Freebird]

Sending you good wishes for a smoother road ahead. Sounds like you are in good hands.

 

[MartinF]

Sorry to hear that Cici, but sounds like you're tough and getting thru it. The INR will eventually get there. Hope to see reports of your Cardiac Rehab in the future.