Quick update. Had a great visit with Keith in the hospital yesterday. He had a nice private room and was down to only two pic lines, one in each arm. The other plumbing and the heart defibrillator wires had been removed. Took him a get well card from the local model railroad lunch and breakfast groups, a couple of magazines and a Frisco coonskin coffee mug. One of the magazines had nice Frisco photographs, one with passenger units and train at Birmingham and the other freight units with a couple of FA-1s bracketing a couple of F units and train. I know Frisco stuff and the coonskin always make me feel better and improve my disposition. I sure had hoped it would be beneficial for Keith too. After seeing him in person, I think both Keith and his wife saw the benefits also. I could tell he was feeling better when he asked for a Pepper Jacks Philly for dinner. A week of isolation and only hospital food, even though really good, was getting old. Made a quick run, picked up dinner and was back in his room in just about 45 minutes. He wolfed down dinner, so knew his appetite had returned. The weather was/is very cold with dangerous temperatures and even lower wind chills. Inside is the place to be. Visited with Keith this morning on the way to an operating session on the Katy's Kansas City Subdivision. At that time his surgeon had just been in and indicated he would be released later in the day. Now the best news. Things got rolling and when I checked in after the operating session, Keith was home! He was released shortly after noon. His daughter is cooking dinner and she, his son, the son's wife, their the grandson, Keith and his wife are getting together for dinner at the house. Should be quite a celebration! I know his grandson and Keith will be excited and happy to see one another after a prolonged absence. Keith still has some recovery to get through over the next few weeks. Then he will start cardiac rehabilitation. Rehab will usually last about 3 months, 3 sessions of 1-1/2 hours each per week. It includes visiting with others that have also just been through cardiac surgery and covers self monitoring of vitals, warm up and cool down techniques, physical exercise, anti-depression advice, diet suggestions and sharing recipes. During the exercise sessions folks wear heart monitors that the on site staff monitors. The information is also recorded and sent to the individual's respective cardiologist for assessments, just in case any follow up, other procedures or changes in medications are warranted. Hopefully not, but in case you or a loved one has a heart procedure, I highly recommend taking full advantage of any cardiac rehab available or offered to you! Again Keith, his wife and their family are all very appreciative of all your concern, kind thoughts and well wishes. Hope this helps. Thanks! Mark
As a open heart quad bypass recipient back in 2008, after getting back to feeling normal, went out and got me a '06 Mustang GT 5 speed and started on my layout. Glad you're home Keith!
Hello FRIENDS! I can't over-emphasize the meaning of that word and what you all mean to me. The well-wishes and support are very heart-warming and Frisco Folk know how to do it best. I see Mark has done a superlative job of keeping you updated, and a big tip of the Frisco Conductor's hat to him. He is the greatest friend anyone could have. Now the road to full recovery starts. Dr. Davis assures me that his heart valve handiwork was 100 % successful and will have healed within the week. The incision sites from the thoracotomy have to heal and that will take a little longer. The only issues I have now are being able to breath deep due to the pain at those locations and coughing is not pleasant. I do not like strong pain meds and only use them if absolutely necessary to accomplish a goal. Mainly, I need to build strength and lung volume, but the Cardiac Rehab exercise routine will form good habits.
My mom had a thoracic aortic aneurysm repaired a couple years ago. Her biggest issue after surgery was sticking to her sternal precautions. She also had cardiac rehab, and it made a HUGE difference in how she felt afterwards. Stick with it, and I’m sure you’ll be just fine!
Very good to see you posting to us again, Keith. As you can see, you mean a lot to us here at Frisco.org!! Now, buckle down and do what the Doc says and get yourself all better. I've got engines that will need your expertise!! Andre
Great to hear from you, Keith. It's terrific to know that you are well on the road to recovery. We are all praying for you and cheering you on! When this is all done you might find that you have much more energy than you did previously. Health, Hope and Blessings to you for the year as you recover.
So happy to hear your operation went well and you're able to recover at home now. Keep at it with the rehab, hope to see you at another operating session this year.
Glad to see you improving and in good spirits, Keith. Keep up the rehab. I will keep up praying for you.
I have one last appointment with Dr. Davis this coming Wednesday and I anticipate a full release. I will post an update after that appointment, leave the thread up for about a month and then pull it down from the website.
