Cardiac Rehab

Hi, Well I started cardiac rehab Wednesday at Ku med, I go on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, so far it's been pretty easy. I guess they start you out pretty slow, I've been doing 8 minutes each on the treadmill, recumbent bike, elliptical trainer and a machine that you peddle with your arms. They tell me that they will make things much harder as time goes by. I tried to explain that I think my new heart has a lot more horsepower than my old one It seems that I have been working much harder at home just walking for 30 minutes each day on my street trying to keep up with Susan's pace. I'm feeling stronger and stronger every day and can't wait to get to go golfing next month. I've had some swelling in my left ankle the last couple of weeks so the Doctor is sending me for a ultra sound of my legs to make sure I don't have a circulation problem. I look pretty lopsided when you look at my feet but at least it doesn't hurt. Susan and I are getting out of the house quite a bit so that's been really nice, I feel like it's the old days when I actually felt like going places So I hope to see you out and about . My next biopsy is not until August 11th so no road trips to St Louis for a few weeks. Please keep me and my Donner Family in your thoughts and prayers.

Cheers

Frank

Back from St Louis

Hi all,

Susan and I just returned from St Louis, for my two week biopsy. I got great news that the biopsy came back a zero. that's my first zero and hopefully the first of many. We had a great time while we were there,We brought Molly with us this time so that was fun, we took a long walk through the west neighborhood and side shopping area and then had a great Mexican dinner. we sat outside so Molly was able to sit under the table while we ate. Later we went down to Bush Stadium and took in some of the atmosphere of the All Star Game, It was quite a site. the next day I walked from the Parkway hotel to the hospital while Susan took Molly for a Spa treatment. after we were both finished we returned home that night, Molly and I were just exhausted, Next time Susan gets the Spa treatment.

Ku test results

Hi all, well I had some blood test at KU on Tuesday and the blood levels of all my heart drugs are looking very good, Rudy came home for a few days and he had to give some blood as well. Earl yer in the year I had enrolled in a family related study at the University of Miami for family's with a history of congestive heart failure. This study is to try and see if there is any link to heart failure and certain genes that are passed down from generation to generation. Carl, Rudy, Me, my sister and nephews are part of the research study, we all had to give blood for the study. This was the first time Rudy had time to give his blood so I brought him with me when I had my blood test. I had to laugh when the nurse found out Rudy was starting nursing school she gave him a lesson on how to stick the needle in the vain. Susan and I will be going back to St Louis on Tuesday for another biopsy, It kind of nice not having to go every week. As far as I'm concerned I have been feeling great, I have noticed that the last week or so that I'm starting to get stronger and stronger. I should be starting cardio rehab in the next week or two, hopefully that will help give me some strength in my legs, they seem like the weakest part of my body. well I will post again when I get the results from my biopsy. Thanks for all you thoughts and prayers, and please keep my Donner family in your prayers as well.

Cheers

Frank

Happy forth of July

Hi All,
Hope everyone has a wonderful forth of July. This is the first year Susan and I will not have a forth of July get together. usually many of Carl and Rudy's friends show up to shoot there fire works, but the boy's won't be home this year so I guess it will be quiet on the home front. In years past it has been like a zoo out here at night, I remember years where there were 50 or more teenagers shooting fireworks in all directions, I wont miss that part. but I will miss seeing Carl and Rudy. hope everyone has a safe and happy Holiday.
Cheers
Frank

My biopsy results

Hi all, Well the results are in from my biopsy on Tuesday and they came back a 1A so all is going great. I have really started to feel a lot stronger this last week. Yesterday I felt a little fatigued. but maybe that was from the biopsy. I have noticed that the days I feel a little week are the days that I seem to retain fluids in my ankles, I guess the extra water just sloes me down. but I'm not complaining I can't compare the way I feel before and after the transplant, its like night and day. Unfortunately when we got back from St Louis our pool had turned green so I have been trying to get it in shape for the forth, I think I have got it going in the right direction now, I was a little disappointed that I couldn't walk in the pool when we got home, maybe tomorrow. I hope everyone has a safe and happy Holiday. Thanks again for all your thoughts and prayers. and please keep my Donner family in your prayers as well.

Cheers

Frank