February--Return to Normal?

We returned home on February 5th after being in Idaho for a few weeks. When we walked through the doors of our familiar house, we were greeted by some old friends, Routine and Normalcy. I had looked forward to seeing them again, but they looked different than I remembered--one of them must have either shaved his mustache or lost weight. When I got a little closer, I could see that one had actually grown a beard and the other gotten new glasses. And I exclaimed, "My, what changes you've made since December 1st!" And they returned, "The better to change you with!"

January 29, '09 Improving!

We've been in Idaho for just under 3 weeks now. Rest, the bright sun, blue sky, exercise and the absence of stress have been the perfect equation for increased stength. Although, Paul still has some days that are better than others, his foundation of stamina is growing. The doctor and he will develop within the next several weeks a reasonable plan for how and when he will re-enter his pastoral responsibilities.

Thank you for your continued prayers, encouragement and support.

January 13--Idaho Sunshine!

We've travelled to Idaho where the sun is shining and the diamond dusted snow is bright and beautiful. This is a restorative place to rest and we'll be here for a couple more weeks. Paul noted yesterday that the tightness in his chest has finally dissipated. Adjusting to the medication, however, is still a a challenge.

Each day, the weather has been fabulously sunny (albeit cold) and has provided the option to exercise in the fresh air. Some days he feels better than others, but overall can see a gradual improvement over the weeks.

January 05, 09--It Takes Time

We met with the cardiologist today to evaluate how Paul is doing and to review the results of the nuclear adenosine stress test. The test showed that he had good blood flow to the heart and that the heart was functioning well in light of the coronary heart disease and the sluggishness of his right ventricle.

He encouraged Paul in his efforts to slowly increase his exercise but reminded him that an injury to the heart is significant and requires time and patience and that it's best to resist pushing too hard in order to avoid losing traction in continued recovery. He reiterated that heart attacks of this nature are life-altering events and that the process of recovery takes time--at the very least least 8-10 weeks of concerted rest before re-entry and about a year for heart recovery.

Overall, the doctor was encouraged by the progress Paul has made since he first saw him in the hospital a month ago. They will meet again at the end of January to re-evaluate his health. Until then the daily activities will include rest, exercise and more rest.

December 30, 2008--A Visit with the GP

Paul saw his general practioner today. This is a doctor that he has seen for 23 years and who knows Paul well. He had good advice and information for Paul concerning his heart medication and was also eager to guide Paul in a healthy strategy for continued recuperation and future re-entry. It was an encouraging visit and he was glad to be in good hands.

December 29, 2008--Moderate Exercise--Yay!

Paul spoke with the cardiologist's nurse today. She told Paul that the doctor said the results of the nuclear adenosine stress test looked good and that he would meet with Paul in January to give him a more detailed explanation of the test results. She also said the doctor released Paul to increase his exercise conservatively (he has already been walking a bit). That was music to his ears.

December 24, 08--Rx: Snow!

The 5th medical prescription: Snow! It makes you feel like a kid again...