Rob's Photos

Rob Sparling  This was at about 1pm in the afternoon. Normally all seats are full and people walking/standing in this hallway.

Herb Greenberg  Thanks for the memories. My discharge was on March 8 with final visit on March 9, the day Ohio closed down. That day was eerily creepy b/c of the lack of people. No wait at the lab. But...nothing like that.

Catie B  How great is that?

Reading through the list reminds me, there was nothing better than chest tube removals!

Rob Sparling  Note the “clinical trial” language at the top. We’ll see if this gets legs or not. It was pretty cool. At extubation it was a Godsend.

Rob Sparling  I worked out four of the days we were there and walked several miles each day. It took several days of being responsible to get the heart rate back down! I felt pretty crappy for a couple of days.

Judy S  Wow Rob that’s pretty amazing. I must say that low sodium is hard, particularly when you’re out. I’ve been experimenting with lots of recipes to have some go to a that are low sodium but actually still taste good!

leslie terjesen  I am almost six weeks post op for aortic valve replacement at NY Presbyterian with the marvelous, wonderful, fantastic Dr. Craig Smith. My issue was found as my primary care doc wanted me to go for an echo as my murmur getting worse and I am in my 60s. We watched for 4 years till almost critical. I never had one symptom but knew the risks of not getting it done. I have had a wonderful recuperation and go up to NY next week for my six week check and start cardiac rehab the next day. So far my only issue is getting my heart rate down. I am now on two b/p beta blockers, my b/p is perfect but still working on getting heart rate down into 80s. If it would ever get warm in New Jersey, I'd go walking more but am dong it each day with a down coat and hood! Looking forward to walking several miles a day!!!

Rob Sparling  This is a screen shot taken yesterday. It goes back 30 days. The biz trip was Feb 18-21. I worked out at the gym twice while there, like normal workout routine.

Rob Sparling  Kirk, this isa FitBit Charge 3. The app is on the Apple site and a screen shot from an iPhone. I recommend. It doesn’t get the “stairs” right as it confuses flights of stairs, elevators and exercises but other than that the thing is very helpful.

Mike Roskowinski  I would love to have that but I am not having surgery quite yet. Don’t want to take it away from someone else.

Phyllis Petersen  I still use mine! I don't really need it anymore, but I find it makes the seat belt more comfortable. But, then, I'm probably built a little differently than you.

Mike Roskowinski  Thanks Rob. This is something I would never even had known to get. You guys are the greatest out here. I am hoping that after I meet with the Mayo on 4/4 I can schedule my surgery for the end of April to get on the road to recovery so I can still enjoy the summer.

Rob Sparling  ...going to pick up my granddaughter!!

Those in the waiting room, be aware of how quickly you will rebound and how meaningfully your quality of life can improve!

Let the sun warm your face, close your eyes, say a prayer or two and recognize how beautiful (and short) life is. Make a promise to be better and healthier tomorrow than you are today.

“KOKOPOR”. -My Dad

Dan Vechiola  Right on Rob! Its funny how differently we look at life now. Its going to be in the 50s here today and I am so looking forward to my walk outside. New year! New you my man!

Joey Hardee  Awesome Rob! Thanks for the constant inspiration and the timely reminders. So glad you are doing great!

Bob Guzzo  Such a wonderful contrast from a time worry to today...Peace and Tranquility. You captured a beautiful photo & moment this morning Rob. Wishing you many, many more moments such as these!

Rob Sparling  Another thank you to all above! Great pics and posts since yesterday. Here as well as well above this one. I will have to catch up...but AFTER a 45 min walk! Beautiful day in Michigan (as you can see from Tracy’s pic!) so gotta get out there.

Barbara Wood  Oh what a sweetheart! Those shoes! Pic 3 so cute, thanks for the smiles:)! ( That Santa's a little skinny looking imo:))

Rob Sparling  Yes, skinny. Real beard, though! But best option given the short line and indoor set-up given inclement weather elsewhere in Traverse City today.

Dan Vechiola  She's adorable Rob! Enjoy your Christmas and lets march into the new year together happy, strong and healthy!🚶‍♂️🙂💪❤

Rob Sparling  Let it be known that henceforth said “Fraser Fir” shall be known to man- (and women-) kind as “The Heart Tree of Life”. A further proclamation shall be that all gifts placed under THToL shall be wrapped in red. All in favor say Aieee. All opposed say Neh. Motion passes. Dilly dilly. It is done! ❤️

Rob Sparling  For Philip (and others) working out details for a hotel stay at CC. Not sure it is comfortable as what you would have at home but it is a “recliner”.

Dan Vechiola  Woot! Woot! Way to go Rob! Are you getting tired of walking yet? haha When I started cardiac rehab I stayed away from the treadmill for 2 weeks lol. I was sick of walking but now I am back on the treadmill. Just needed a break from pounding the pavement. Great accomplishment Rob so be proud of yourself. That's big time stuff!

Rob Sparling  No problem there! Sehawks fans everywhere in the stadium. Including the five seats immediately in front of us. Impressive!

william borland  Your recovery must be going well. MSU/Michigan last week and the Lions today. I'm a Bears fan so I am feeling better today and ready for rehab this week.

Rob Sparling  Things are going well, William. I feel better than before the surgery! But it is also about achieving the goals. I was hopeful I could utilize the tix purchased before the diagnosis! And it is coming together. I took my 81 year old father to the game today. The tix were originally purchased so that I could get him to the stadium. Now it is about getting us BOTH to the stadium. 👍🍾

BTW, I took fewer steps today than I normally would in my regular walking regimen! And fewer stairs, too! So a sporting event is actually a modest amount of effort compared to my 60 mins of walking and 5+ flights of stairs goal. Hope you are doing well! Bottle some of that California sun and send it my way!

Dan Baltazor  You know Rob, I shouldn’t be getting too flustered this close to my surgery date. You should probably root for the Hawks as I sit here on my sofa rubbing my chest.😑

Rob Sparling  Did not end well for me. Your Hawks earned a W (Stafford and the refs seemed to contribute, too.). Wilson is pretty special.

Dan Baltazor  Fun game to watch, don’t necessarily agree with the new rules even though it worked out in our favor.

Rosemary Bobicz Creutz  As long as the footing is good, and you are healthy it is good to get outside! My brother-in-law is a farmer and he lives by an old Norwegian saying " there is no such thing as bad weather only inadequate clothing".

Jill Mullikin  😄. We won’t hold it against ya! There’s a sign hanging at The Henry Ford Museum that says, “Legs. The original exercise equipment.” It always makes me chuckle when I think of it but it’s true.

Rob Sparling  Rosemary, I have logged more than 1000 minutes walking in the last month, 100% of it outside. Today we had to go to Target to get something and we thought we’d do the mall.

Yo! Not interesting to me! So I posted the sign as a funny. I was surprised they actually make signs for mall walkers.

Amazon and the internet killed our mall, so more than 50% of it vacant. A sad but dry/warm walk.

Nancy Luth  Rob, I solved the problem of getting my outdoor walking in during those mean Montana winters by buying a place in Phoenix. My husband is positive that I have found the "add to cart" button on zillow.com. I just think it's all part of cardiac rehab and my surgeon would approve.; )

Jennifer John  Rob, good for you! Hoping you don’t have a shiny polyester sweatsuit like the dad on “Modern Family.”🤪👍🏻

Rosemary Bobicz Creutz  I apologize, I meant no insult to you. You and everyone recovering have been amazing in your commitment to exercise. I have mall walked before and I know the boredom.

Dan Baltazor  But these California “kids” have a hard time walking in the Pacific Northwest rain We were just talking about probably hitting the mall for walking since we are fair weather. Nancy has the best plan.

Terry Goin  This thread brought a smile. I was just telling my neighbor I never planned to be a mall walker at my age. I won't be unless the temp is below 45.

Rob Sparling  Rosemary, no offense taken. Thicker skin than that! 😎. Nancy does have the system beat! “Add to cart” on Zillow is not a bad idea! LOL. No shiny polyester suit, Jennifer. I avoid adding flammable items to my wardrobe! Terry, your “below 45 threshold” is already in the rear view mirror here in Michigan. I held out as long as I could!

Dan Vechiola  I have become one too Rob. It does seem to work on bad weather days however nothing is better that a trail outside in nature. The cold outside is tolerable as long as the wind is not bad. I have cardiac rehab for the rest of the year so that will provide most of my exercise through the end of the year however I think mall walking and my treadmill will take me to spring. Keep on grinding brothaa you are doing great!

Catie B  Oh, is that gorgeous! I miss seasons' colors, having moved south from Indiana. Enjoy! And great work, Rob, with all your walking!

LINDA ROBERTS  I miss the fall for I live in Florida and we donot get the changing of the leaves. Beautiful picture.

Joey Hardee  NICE!!! I'm still excited about your report about sleeping on your side. I'm a side sleeper and I may be MORE worried about having to sleep on my back for an extended period than the actual surgery. : - ))

Rob Sparling  Valerie, I like how you think. But Michelle and I were already made aware of the 6-week or 2-flights of stairs test! I’ll be doing steps. 🤪

Bradley Dunn  Joey - I sleep on my side and back now. I have been for a couple of weeks. It hurts turning over, but usually when I get in position, I am okay. I am currently almost 6 weeks post.

Rob Sparling  Philip, I didn’t see your earlier post so I will answer here and leave for you in your guest book.

When we went for the long stay we stayed at the Holiday Inn. Main driver was my wife was most comfortable with this option. I give more details in my journal but the main point is that it was a more practical and affordable option where she felt safe. It was also the furthest away of the three on CC campus but that doesn’t matter because of the free shuttle. In fact, when she walked the distance she was faster on foot than the shuttle was. The Holiday Inn has a more flexible set-up with the cafe/bar and in-room fridge. We stayed at the InterContinental when we came for testing in early August and it was more comfortable, in my opinion, but more expensive. It was also attached to the J Bldg by a walkway, so literally attached to the Miller Pavillion. We will go back on Nov 6th for my follow-up and we will stay in the InterContinental Suites. That is about $20 more per room per night than the Holiday Inn. Not sure if it is worth it or not. We did dine there a couple of times and the outdoor section is very cute and cozy but the weather has now changed. The IC Suites is one blocks closer to the Miller Pavillion than the Holiday Inn but the shutttle stops three, too. Worthy of note is that the Holiday Inn gave us a weekly rate for CC patients not available online (you have to call). We made all our travel arrangements ourselves; we did not use the CC concierge services. I hope this helps.

Maryann Gomez  Rob. Day 3. Congrats. I’m day 6. Everything is out but one IV line. Trying to walk a little more each day. Water retention is my big issue. Taking tons of Lasix. Hope all is well with you.

Rob Sparling  Thanks, Nancy! I am praying everyday for you, me, our surgeons/teams and all the folks here. I also did a 45 minute relaxation guided meditation and found it to be helpful. Stay calm, positive and focused!

Meredith Geneja  Hi Rob! Just like you, I am clear all but one, which is also minor. Going forward we will do all we can to eat & think right, that's for sure. Thinking of you and your family. Keeping everyone here in my thoughts & prayers.