Hello Family and Friends. I survived my 2nd open heart surgery in 9 months! Yesterday, marked 6 weeks post-surgery. Basically, 3 weeks in the hospital and 3 weeks at home. My surgery and hospital stay were much longer and more difficult than even I had anticipated. I only remember about the last 4 days of my stay when I became more cognizant. When discharged, I functioned about 30% of my person. I still had lots of difficulty doing all tasks from swallowing, speaking, walking, thinking clearly, eating, and general functioning. Each day I make very small improvements, sometimes hard to notice on a day-to-day basis. However, on a snapshot from 3 weeks to 6 weeks post-surgery I am less weak and shaky. I’m functioning about 60% of my person. I can swallow and talk better, walk farther (30-40 minutes most days even though I am very slow), and generally think more clearly. I still have daily and constant headaches and wooziness, nausea, and GI issues. The cardiologist is very pleased with my progress. He regularly reminded me how sick I was and to be patient with my recovery. He also said not to compare my two surgeries and their recoveries, since this surgery is definitely harder to recover from than my December surgery. About 2 weeks ago, I spent the day in the ER with severe chest pain. There was lots of testing and the ER doctor talked findings with my surgeon Dr. Youssef. Dr. Youssef said the pain was probably from muscle spasming as the sternum tries to mend itself, again. I was grateful that it wasn’t worse; knowing I have blot clots in my arm had me concerned it could be a stroke.

Healing at home with the love of family and friends is the best part of this experience. I am so grateful for the prayers, well wishes, texts, phone calls, cards, visits, meals, gift cards, and flowers from so many. I felt hugged by those prayers during some dark times in the hospital.

Thank you, my friends and family, for caring for me and family during these long and difficult healing weeks. I appreciate and love my life and each of you. Continuing an upward trajectory of healing is my plan. Please continue prayers for healing.