Clinic, Thank You Cards, and Rehab

Another quick post to keep you all up to speed - I had a clinic appointment this morning that went great! They drew labs, which they later called and said everything looked good and just how they want it, so no medication changes today. They just kept saying how great I looked, and it was exciting to actually have made it to one of my appointments! Each time they would schedule clinic, I'd somehow end up back inpatient and I'd never see them downstairs in the offices - but today we changed that! 

I gave the whole heart transplant team a card that I had made to say thank you for the wonderful care that I've received since the transplant. I made three of them and delivered the other two to the ICU staff and the staff on the regular floor where I spent over 3 weeks in the hospital! It wasn't much and the cards were so simple, but I wanted them to know how much I appreciate the kind of care I received. 

The best part was that I was able to find TJ, who was hands down the best nurse in the ICU. I don't know what it was, but he had a way that calmed me down that no other nurse could do during those first very rough days right after surgery, where I was so drugged and in pain and had so many tubes, IVs, and wires. I was so happy to be able to give the card to him personally! I made it for them to hang in the hallway on their board, but I don't think it's going to make it there. He said he was going to take it home with him, and I wouldn't be surprised if he did! 😉

I then had an appointment later this afternoon to start cardiac rehab, so it's definitely been a busy day! I am excited to get started with that and slowly work my way up to being able to work out and get my strength back. I'm still not cleared to use my arms or any upper body muscles, but they have me starting on a step bike and treadmill. I'm ready to keep this heart strong and make sure it lasts me a long time coming!