St Patrick's Day Update  (one day late, sorry!)

Donnie and Rebecca are becoming familiar faces around the AU Heart Failure Cardiology team.  They met with the cardiologist for another follow-up today.

As expected, they increased the dosage of Donnie's heart medication that works to keep his blood pressure at a low-moderate level.   Hopefully, his body will adjust well to the increase without experiencing any adverse symptoms.

What wasn't expected is the cardiologist put the brakes on Donnie's use of his electric bike to help exercise his knees.  The risks of riding outside (similar to those of riding a "regular" bike) are more than she was comfortable with at this point in his care.  Maybe later, she said. 

While she did this out of concern for his best interest, it was a gut punch for Donnie.   Even though physiologically his heart function is severe, he feels great.  Imagine yourselves feeling like doing an activity you really enjoy but having that nixed.   Riding the e-bike has served multiple purposes:  exercising his knees without exerting his heart, being able to get outside, and breaking up the monotony of the days by doing something he really enjoys.

SO, time to put our heads together to figure out something else that will accomplish these goals without the risks.  Got some ideas?  Donnie and Rebecca are all ears!

As for Donnie's knee rehab, he has been walking without a cane for the past several days which is a major milestone!  The muscles surrounding his knees are strengthening nicely.  He continues to go to Physical Therapy several times a week in addition to doing exercises at home.  He has a floor bike pedal exerciser to help keep his knees and muscles limber.

All in all, Donnie, Rebecca, and family are pacing along on this marathon of a journey.   It seems appropriate to mention an old Irish quote In the spirit of St. Patrick's Day:

"May the hinges of your friendship never grow rusty."

It's tremendously important to encourage this family, especially when limitations are placed on their lifestyle.  Please keep the hinges of your friendship with them moving actively!  Prayers, calls, visits, activities that get them out of the house will help lift their spirits.  Blessings to you all!

”May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the warm rays of sun fall upon your home,
And may the land of a friend always be near."

                                      - excerpt of an old Irish Blessing