Ramfins59 Posted April 13, 2020 Posted April 13, 2020 Hello everyone... I'm happy to report that I made it through my heart surgery, not without some drama, but I'm now home and recuperating nicely. The triple bypass surgery was back on February 26th. After it was done they moved me from the Recovery Room into ICU. There my right lung collapsed and they had to fix that. Then my heart stopped beating for about a minute and they had to do CPR on me to get me running again... That explains why I had such pain in and around my rib cage as they most likely either cracked or broke a couple of ribs. I spent 2 weeks in the hospital and then they sent me to a Rehab Facility for a week to get me up and moving again. I am home for several weeks now and have finished with an in-home Physical Therapist. and an in-home Occupational Therapist. I still have a visiting Nurse coming in once weekly to check me out. I'm extremely thankful for all of the prayers and well wishes from everyone, and especially for the talents and skills of the surgeons, doctors and medical staffs who worked on me and helped me through this ordeal. Another side note...... I had what I'm hoping was my last cigarette on February 25th, the day before my surgery. Please stay very well everyone.
Nazz Posted April 13, 2020 Posted April 13, 2020 Richard! Glad to see you back! I am sorry I missed your birthday. I saw it but wasn't sure if I should send a birthday wish. So belated as it is , Happy birthday!
Pete J. Posted April 13, 2020 Posted April 13, 2020 Congratulations and wishes for a long term recovery! One piece of advice from someone who has battled heart problems for over 30 years. Be vigilant! Falling back into old bad habits is like starting over again and is insidiously slow. We also tend to do what we have always done. It takes more strength to break those habits that it did to acquire them. Be strong!
Belugawrx Posted April 13, 2020 Posted April 13, 2020 Wow..So happy to hear you made it through Rich.?? .Glad to hear about the quitting smoking too !! Now get back to the bench !! (when you can) Cheers
Tom Geiger Posted April 13, 2020 Posted April 13, 2020 Glad to see you posting! I've been keeping advised of your progress through Tom V. Hope you are feeling well enough to get back to building, and can spend your former cigarette money on new models! And sorry you came through everything to step out into this brave new world! Stay home and stay safe!
Ace-Garageguy Posted April 13, 2020 Posted April 13, 2020 Glad you're OK. Missed your "class of..." builds.
slusher Posted April 13, 2020 Posted April 13, 2020 Glad to see you back on the forum Rich, keep getting better and take care.
espo Posted April 13, 2020 Posted April 13, 2020 Glad you're back and doing well. Look forward to seeing some of your builds again soon.
Lunajammer Posted April 13, 2020 Posted April 13, 2020 Really glad to hear you're okay. Just in time be in the safety of your own home too. Just this morning I was looking at one of your builds in an old contest annual as I've been boxing up a pile of mags. Keep on keepin' on.
crazyjim Posted April 13, 2020 Posted April 13, 2020 Great to see you back on the forum Rich. Take care and mend well.
Ramfins59 Posted April 13, 2020 Author Posted April 13, 2020 I thank you all so very much for all of your kind words and well wishes. I look forward to eventually getting back to my modeling bench.
High octane Posted April 13, 2020 Posted April 13, 2020 Welcome back Rich and I hope that your recovery goes well. Glad you quit smoking as that's something I did years ago and if I didn't, I wouldn't be typing this.
Miatatom Posted April 14, 2020 Posted April 14, 2020 Welcome back, Richard. You had one heck of a ride! You can beat the smokes. I did in 1972.
OldTrucker Posted April 17, 2020 Posted April 17, 2020 Great to hear you came though it all. My wife says she knows what you are going through and wishes you well and sends her prayers. Bet you can feel the difference now post surgery and realize how bad it really was before! My wife's next surgery has been put off due to this coronovirus stuff.
Xingu Posted April 17, 2020 Posted April 17, 2020 Glad to hear you are doing better Richard. Besides the pain from the surgery, have you noticed a difference in how you feel?
GeeBee Posted April 17, 2020 Posted April 17, 2020 Glad to hear your doing well Rich, you'll feel much better without the smokes....
Ramfins59 Posted April 18, 2020 Author Posted April 18, 2020 Thank you all again for all of your very kind remarks and well wishes. I'm feeling pretty good overall, but just still don't have a lot of energy. I'm getting around OK mostly with a cane, sometimes with nothing. I folded up the walker last week and feel pretty secure getting around without it. I don't really even miss the cigarettes at this point although I do think about them at times. I'm keeping my weight down to 172 lbs. even with picking at some chocolate now and then. I'm sort of proud of myself for my will power over the past years.... I've lost a bit over 70 lbs. over the past 2 years and kept it off (I started at 245 lbs.)...... I haven't used a drop of salt on or in my food since last September (I used to salt everything before I even tasted it). I haven't had a cigarette in almost 2 months so far. Here's hoping that all this "good stuff" continues.
bamadon Posted April 18, 2020 Posted April 18, 2020 Hang in there Richard. I'm sure you're motivated to keep making headway.
jeffs396 Posted April 18, 2020 Posted April 18, 2020 So good to hear Rich! Jill's been keeping me posted ? Too bad the world is crazy right now and there are no model shows...but time will heal YOU and the world! We will get together as soon as things normalize ? Take care my friend!
crazyjim Posted April 18, 2020 Posted April 18, 2020 Just keep it going Rich. I'm off the butts for 5 years now and still get the urge.
Tom Geiger Posted April 18, 2020 Posted April 18, 2020 Rich, glad to hear things are going well for you. Looking forward to seeing you in September!
Dave Ambrose Posted April 19, 2020 Posted April 19, 2020 Welcome back. I’m glad you made it through. I hope your recovery continues to go well.
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