Category Archives: Recovery

First Anniversary

Posted on November 28, 2012 by Loren

This morning I am rejoicing and thanking our Lord Jesus for a significant day today. It was November 28, 2011 when they rolled me into the operating theatre at Royal Columbian Hospital for my mitral valve repair surgery.  One year … Continue reading →

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Met with my surgeon today – three month check

Posted on February 22, 2012 by Loren Warkentin

I received the “thumbs-up” from Dr. Latham today.  He reviewed my recent echocardiogram and indicated that I am well enough to go back to work – and even to badminton.  I will probably return to the office at Northwest on … Continue reading →

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Week 12

Posted on February 20, 2012 by Loren Warkentin

It is hard to believe how fast the time goes – when you are having fun.  Today marks 12 weeks since my surgery and I am doing well and feeling well. I have been doing a regular regimen of walking … Continue reading →

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Day 42 (six weeks)

Posted on January 9, 2012 by Loren

Surgery day plus 6 weeks This morning I celebrated this marker day with two brisk laps around the block.  Last week I began to add a lap to my walk around the block and timed myself at 16 minutes and … Continue reading →

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Day 39 (a red-letter day)

Posted on January 6, 2012 by Loren

Today was a red-letter day as I regained some more “freedom”.  After I dropped Bec off at work I went on to the clinic for my routine INR check.  Then I spent the rest of the morning dropping in on … Continue reading →

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Day 33

Posted on December 31, 2011 by Loren

This is the last day of 2011.  Becky and I went out this afternoon and did a fairly brisk walk around our block.  The sky was clear and the temperature was about 3 degrees C.  It felt good to walk … Continue reading →

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Day 23

Posted on December 21, 2011 by Loren

As I approach the 4 week mark (next Monday) I am beginning to wonder about a rehab exercise program.  All the literature I have read suggests that a heart surgery patient should enroll in some sort of formal cardiac rehabilitation.  … Continue reading →

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Day 21

Posted on December 19, 2011 by Loren

Surgery – three weeks ago today! Today marks three weeks since I underwent open-heart surgery to repair my mitral valve which was prolapsed and had severe regurgitation.  These three weeks have had their share of ups and downs but as … Continue reading →

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Day 20

Posted on December 18, 2011 by Loren

Well, I made it out to church today – in Chilliwack.  My grandson Ben was playing the part of a sheep in their church children’s Christmas program and of course I did not want to miss that.  The 45 minute … Continue reading →

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Day 18

Posted on December 16, 2011 by Loren

Lab day today – to keep track of how the Warfarin is doing in my system.  My INR seems to be stable at the level the doctor wants it. I am very thankful for a dear wife who is willing … Continue reading →

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Days 13 to 16

Posted on December 14, 2011 by Loren

I have not posted much these past few days as my progress has been a bit discouraging.  I have had a number of ups and downs and may have pushed myself too hard that first week home. One of the … Continue reading →

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Day 12

Posted on December 10, 2011 by Loren

Well, the steri-strips came off today.  They were holding my incision together since all the staples were removed on day 4 (my release day).  They actually came off quite easily. So now I am left with a distinctive 20 cm … Continue reading →

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Day 11

Posted on December 9, 2011 by Loren

Surgery day plus 11 Now I know why they taught us to “hug ourselves” (or hug a cushion) when ever we were getting into or out of a chair and not to try to push off or set yourself down … Continue reading →

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Day 10

Posted on December 8, 2011 by Loren

Surgery day plus 10 I started the day a bit more tired than I had been.  I wonder if I pushed things too hard yesterday?  More naps today seem to be indicated… However the sun was shining this morning here … Continue reading →

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Day 9 (sorry, I have been messing with different themes for this blog)

Posted on December 7, 2011 by Loren

Surgery day plus 9 This has been the best day so far.  I have kept myself reasonably busy with phone calls, Skype calls, exercises and a 2 hour nap right after breakfast – hmmm…. I wonder if I could get … Continue reading →

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Day 8 (ok..boredom is becoming serious…)

Posted on December 6, 2011 by Loren

Surgery day plus 8 For the most part this was a good day for me.  I was able to bring Bec her morning hot tea in bed as has been my custom for many years.  I also made contact with … Continue reading →

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Day 7

Posted on December 5, 2011 by Loren

Surgery day plus 7 This has been my busiest day yet.  Bec and I were up at 6:00 in order to be at the medical lab by 7:30 so that my INR (Warfarin levels?) could be checked.  After that Bec … Continue reading →

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Day 6

Posted on December 4, 2011 by Loren

Surgery day plus 6 (Sunday) A lovely quiet day spent at home. A delightful surprise and definite reassurance was to receive a phone call from Susan at the hospital checking up on my progress.  She encouraged me to get out … Continue reading →

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Day 5

Posted on December 3, 2011 by Loren

Surgery day plus 5 My first full day at home.  It has been delightful but also challenging.  Last night I had a bit of a panic attack.  I was sleeping in the bedroom while Bec and Esther were out in … Continue reading →

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Day 4 – I’m home!

Posted on December 2, 2011 by Loren

Surgery day plus 4 I’m actually home!  I was discharged from the hospital at around 4:00 pm. Overall it was a great day despite the fact that I don’t think I slept a wink last night due to disruptions in … Continue reading →

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Day 3 (ouch day)

Posted on December 1, 2011 by Loren

Surgery day plus 3 I still needed some morphine at least once today – but I think that may be the last.  I am definitely noticing a reduction in the intensity of pain levels.  I was able to get around … Continue reading →

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Day 2 – I am now in 2 South

Posted on November 30, 2011 by Loren

Surgery day plus 2 Again, I do not have a lot of great memories of this day.  I think I was served breakfast sitting up in bed.  I do remember learning to get out of bed later that morning (with … Continue reading →

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The doctor was right!

Posted on November 29, 2011 by Becky

It DOES hurt. Loren was moved from the Cardiac Surgery ICU to another area in the Columbia Tower this morning right before I arrived at 11 am. Some of the tubes were removed, but he still is on an IV, … Continue reading →

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Day 1

Posted on November 29, 2011 by Loren

Surgery day plus 1 I have to confess I do not remember much of the previous night or this day.  I do remember, however, that the nursing crew that was on most of the previous night were predominantly Filipino and … Continue reading →

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