Willy is back

Lydia · Post by **Lydia** » Sat Mar 25, 2006 8:11 am

To all my friends here:

I am back. Will be reading the mail as usual, and occasionally adding my bit. I notice that I am still on the member list.

I had a long hiatus and barely survived. Major, major heart surgery. In hospital for almost two months. Now 99% better, what with physical therapy and a handful of pills.

Dressing in the hospital is easy - the universal, unisex, backless gowns. Now at home, I am back to dressing up. I now have a waistline - thanks to losing about 40 lbs. I intend to keep it off. Still get tired easily, I walk a lot, eating well and healthfully, and actually back to my part-time job as well as some volunteer work.

My SO and I have been considering joining some sympathetic group, but the nearest Tri-ess chapter is a few hours drive from here. Actually, we don't have a problem, and she accepts my change of clothing readily. Even helps out.

At any rate, it is good to get back to my old routine, and keeping up with the adventures of all of you whom I consider understanding friends.

Hugs,

Willy

Virginia · Post by **Virginia** » Sat Mar 25, 2006 8:45 am

Willy,
Honey we are SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO glad you are back and came through your episode so well. Follow the Dr's orders, diet (keep that weight off) it has its benefits - you can apply for a new wardrobe!!!! YEAH! and exercise!!! We did miss you and look forward to your participation! YOu now have additonal incentives with the weight loss. You can dress, look at that woman in the mirror and know she is worth taking care of so, "dress with style" and your recovery will be faster!
So gald you are back with us!
Love ya,
Virginia

Anita · Post by **Anita** » Sat Mar 25, 2006 2:31 pm

Welcome back, Willy. I am glad you have pulled through the heart surgery. Two months in the hospital is a long haul indeed. I have read Dr. Dean Ornish's book on reversing heart disease through diet, so I'm familiar with what you might be doing.

I wish there were easier access to Tri-Ess meetings. We're in a major metro area here, and the nearest chapter is 70 miles away. I'm happy that your wife is working with you on this.

Post by **DonnaT** » Sun Mar 26, 2006 12:27 am

Welcome back Willy. Did you have that valve repaired yet?

Hayley · Post by **Hayley** » Sun Mar 26, 2006 8:28 am

Welcome back Willy.

It is such a relief to hear that you are almost fully recovered from your surgery. Keep safe and well, happy and healthy we don't want to lose you! Too many of our family have passed us by in so many ways.

Enjoy the life change to the fullest and it's great to hear you are even back in the workforce, even if it is part-time and volunteer work. Keeping active is a sure fire way to a healthy heart. As for the new figure....way to go. Forget fad diets to keep it trim, stick with good sensible meals, and get out and about, and the wardrobe will runneth over....LOL

Also glad to hear the SO is helping with the dressing, it's a special relationship when a couple share's each other's journey's, be they individual paths or travelling together. Sharing bring you together in heart and soul.

Carol Ann · Post by **Carol Ann** » Sun Mar 26, 2006 9:58 am

back Willy,
My sisters have said it all and ain't much I can add to it. Please don't push yourself to hard and try to do to much. Humm 40# I wish I could drop 20.

Carol Ann

Sally · Post by **Sally** » Sun Mar 26, 2006 7:01 pm

Lovely to see you back Willy and in much better health and may it continue for you.

Kind Regards,

Sally.

Lydia · Post by **Lydia** » Mon Mar 27, 2006 7:36 am

Thanks to all. It really feels like I'm back home.

To Donna T:
I have a new mitral valve - along with 6 bypasses and a repaired hole in the heart (foramen ovale).

I went through the most fascinating hallucinations while in the first week of recovery. Mostly cobwebs and insects swarming on the walls. Being a biologist, I tried to figure out the species and actually tried to pick them up.

Hugs,

Willy