April 29, 2009

Today was a good day at St Paul's. I had a heart echocardiogram done and then went for a Pre Heart Transplant appointment.

The docs were very pleased with my progress. My enlarged heart has shrunk from 70cm to 50cm, meaning that my heart is getting back to normal. So what's normal for me? I don't know because nobody has ever accused me of being "normal". ;o)

In addition, my ejection fraction (heart pumping out) has gone from pumping at 30%, up to 50%. Yippeee!! This mechanical heart pump (VAD) that was implanted on Feb 2nd is obviously doing it's thing, along with other factors such as the doc's knowledge, the care received while in hospital, rest when needed, diet, walking..... and yes, I even have to give the "I don't like it" Healthy Heart exercise program some credit. Of course, I also attribute my well being to the excellent caregivers who see that I stay in line and don't do anything I shouldn't be doing......... well, at least anything that they're aware of! ;o)

Here are a couple of pix of me and my "Harley". Note the Harley Davidson decal on the back of my seat. It was given to me by Christine & Brian who were visiting from Ontario last year. They actually have a pair of REAL Harleys! I use my Harley when I'm going on longer trips around the West End of Vancouver. Better than using cabs and I get the added bonus of fresh air.

April 25, 2009

My mechanical heart pump is set at 9400 rpm........... faster than a speeding bullet, wouldn't you say? Well, I may not be as fast as that but I am beginning to feel better than I have for a long time. By the time I go home before the end of May, I should be ready to rock 'n roll!

TWICE this past week I walked (albeit at a snail's pace) from St Paul's Hospital to "home" at 1280 Nicola St, which I believe is about about 1.5 miles........ or for those of you who are metric literate, I think it's close to 2.5 kilometers (of course, that's just a guesstimate). The first time I had the assistance of a walker and the second time I tried it without the walker. I'm sure the distance is not a big deal to a lot of you but considering how weak I was in Feb/Mar, I think I've come a long way.

So far I have completed three weeks of Healthy Heart (cardiac rehab) sessions, twice a week, on Tues and Thurs at St Paul's. It's a "prescribed" excercise program (I refer to it as "forced") that I am not crazy about doing, but by the same token, I know it's good for me and will make me stronger/healthier. As long as I have this mechanical heart (Ventricular Assist Device or VAD), I will have to continue with the twice weekly program, which they also have at Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria. I keep reminding myself to "THINK POSITIVE" and not be such a wimp about exercising!

My caregiver this week is Lorna and as promised, here is her photo. I still need to show photos of caregiver Derek (my nephew) and the two drivers, Marie and Diane. Stay tuned for those, as they become available.

April 18, 2009

Hub Does Shirley's Income Tax

The weather here in Vancouver is wonderful today. Hub is my caregiver this week and we have just returned from a few hours of being out and about. I was on my "Harley" (three wheel scooter) and Hub was walking. We had lunch and then went along Davie St from English Bay to Burrard St.

This past week I have been to St Paul's for various appointments/tests and that will continue every week until I return home to Victoria. I am feeling well and the docs are pleased with my progress. Before the end of May, I should be back on the heart transplant list. In the meantime, my mechanical heart is serving me well.

I'm attaching some photos of Hub (he did the updates to many of you while I was in hospital). As you can see, he is busy doing my Income Tax for me (yet another of his talents!). I'm hoping for a refund!!

On another note, it's very interesting to watch the "Dumpster Divers" who rummage through the re-cycle bins on a continual basis from early morning to late night. We can see them from our windows, down in the laneway below us. They are out there in any weather and I must say it makes me very thankful for all that I have. To help them, we make sure that our "paid for" bottles are put in the re-cycle bins for them to collect and cash in.

April 12, 2009

March 11, 2009
Shirley and Jen (in blue), the nurse-educator, in front of trainees

Left to Right: Judy, Mary Lois, Sharon, Libby, Pam and Bill

February 3, I had surgery to implant the heart pump. A cable comes from the pump inside my abdomen, to a computer which I wear around my waist. From the pump, a tube goes into the aorta to take over the pumping action of my heart.

For walking around or going outside, the computer is powered by two big heavy batteries. When I'm in bed, I am hooked up electronically to a machine called a PBU. The computer and all the other components are vital to keeping me alive.

I need to have 24/7 care and I have been so fortunate as to have friends and family volunteer to stay with me a week at a time. Cameron and Lois co-ordinated and maintain the volunteer roster.

The volunteer caregivers all required training on the device at St. Paul's. That has been a day in addition to the week they spend here with me.

My friends Marie and Diane, both from Richmond, volunteered to drive caregivers from the ferry and back.

The projected date of my return to Victoria is the 3rd week of May. I long for that day!

The doctors, nurses and staff at St. Paul's Hospital have been extraordinary with their care and knowledge. I feel that I'm in the best of hands.

I have to stay in Vancouver 3 to 6 months post-op and at the suggestion of my nephew Derek and his partner Mary Rose, I was able to arrange an apartment swap with their friend Elizabeth, which took a ton of weight off my shoulders.

Through the generosity of friends and family, I have received money, phone cards, restaurant cards, grocery cards, which are all appreciated very much. Some caregivers have had their cars here, which saves me money for cabs. At this point, I must be driven to and from St. Paul's for the many appointments I have.

Currently, I am feeling a WHOLE lot better than the first five weeks post-op. When I get back to Victoria, I plan on entering a jive contest - not for style (which I've already mastered), but for longevity on the dance floor!

Like ole Dean Martin said, "keep those cards and letters coming in" (and phone calls too).

Watch this blog for more info and photos of all the caregivers.

A new beginning

I've never blogged before so this is all new to me. I'm getting the blog site ready for communication with family and friends post-op, after I receive my heart transplant. Stay tuned .