Jim's Journal

Tim Goff  great news Jim. When work is so much of who we are it is great to hear your validation. It buoys my spirits to hear your story.

Jim Gleason  Typically I walked 2-3 miles a day at work. After one mile I am kind of tired now. Can't wait to get moving again.

Jim Kelly-Evans  I walked 5-6 miles a day every day before surgery. I have no idea how I'll get back anywhere that now.

Jim Gleason  Just posted I walked 6 miles at work the other day. Lots of emergencies all over the facility. 4 different contractors I had to keep an eye on etc. You will get back to it and feel better than before. No shortness of breath at all. Amazing!

Jim Gleason  Since this post I finally hit the 2.5 target. Go back next week. Got to skip a week this time. YEAH!

Jim Gleason  Thank you all. When I remember how I felt pre-op and how great I feel now a little pain is easy to handle.

Terrie Syvertsen  Whoa! Isn't it great to get those staples out?! Good news and hope you have heard that Afib issues are common right after surgery and the heart will settle down or your meds will help with it. I had both Afib and SVT's which again were dealt with using meds for them both. Afib left the scene and I will have an ablation if the SVT's keep coming round. Today's technology is superb, eh? You take it easy now and ease into the healing portion of your life. Happy for you.

Jim Gleason  Been 12 days since operation. Right side of chest pectorals are still sore. Seeing surgeon tomorrow for followup. I probably did something wrong.

Meredith Bray  I leaned heavily on my cPap the 36 hours after surgery. It helped me breathe easier, and I didn't worry about stopping breathing. I also had issues with my blood gasses. I just blamed it on the dog (haha!). Every day will be a little easier than the one before it. The worst is over - no more waiting!

Clay Rowe  You have a lot of folks praying for you to have an easy surgery and recovery...including a guy in Wake Forest.

Tammi Gunwall  Wishing you peace in the hrs up till surgery tomorrow. All will go well and soon it'll be over and you will start the road of recovery! Prayers for you, your family and your surgical team.

Gary Schott  You will come out of the surgery rebuilt and ready to go! God's blessings on you and your family Jim.

Meredith Bray  Hey Jim, I was at .7 when I had my surgery 3/5/14. The next few days are going to draaaaaaag by, but at the same time, there won't be enough time to do everything you think needs to be done. It was the night before my surgery when I realized everything was out of my hands, i had no control of the events of the next few days. Only then was I able to relax a bit! I'm going to follow your journal - sending up prayers that this week will be a jillion times easier than you think it will be!

Clay Rowe  Hi neighbor. This surgery takes up a LOT of mental space that will free up once you're on the other side. The information, encouragement, and support I found in this group made a huge difference I'm my preparation and recovery so far. You're in a good place.

Jim Gleason  Thank you all so much. I am very fortunate to have stumbled upon this group. Reading everyone's stories somehow puts me more at ease. Packing my bag tonight. Pre-op tomorrow, and then back at 0500 Wednesday to get fixed up. I look forward to getting more oxygen to my brain and stop the palpitations and dizzy spells I have been getting. Looking forward walking and running again. The long dormant athlete in me wants to get out.
As you say it is out of my hands. Similar to taking my car to the shop for warranty work. Just plug myself into the hospital and wait to come out.

Michelle Maring  Hi Jim
Wishing you lots of luck on your surgery Wednesday. I was anxious and worried about having my chest open as well but for me, it was not as painful as I imagined it would be. I had a great surgeon and wonderful nurses. I Did not even have any pain meds after a couple days in the hospital except tylenol. I also have a mechanical valve . If you need to know anything else about my experience I would be happy to answer questions.

Bob M  Jim, welcome to our awesome Community! We are here to pray for you, share our specific experiences and answer your direct questions. God bless and rise up!

Janet Garland  Welcome to the site Jim. My surgery was 1/5 and if it wasn't for this site, I don't know how I would be. Everyone here is great! God Bless.