It’s been six full weeks since I checked in for open heart surgery and just as long since I last ran. I did have a dream last night where I was running and suddenly stopped, remembering that I wasn’t supposed to do it. In reality, I haven’t really had the urge, although I am on occasion envious when I see someone doing it. Today, for the first time, I walked a full two miles without stopping for a break. My lower back did not ache as badly as it has on previous attempts, so hopefully my inner core is strengthening. However, I did walk up some stairs at the ballpark yesterday and found myself badly out of breath.

Three days from now, I go in for a procedure that will withdraw some of the fluids from around my lungs, by sticking a needle in my side. Being inside a hospital again will not be a pleasant experience. Nine days was more than enough – thank you. I still have a cough, probably the result of pneumonia that I incurred following two days of intensive surgery. Talking on the phone seems to incite it, otherwise all seems normal. The area around my scars is still sensitive to the touch, a burning sensation, so an occasional pain pill or muscle relaxant is necessary. Tylenol does not quite do the trick. My shoulders get sore and I tend to slouch.  A follow-up visit to the cardiologist is in four days and that should conclude all post-operative testing. 

I’ve gone out to dinner three times, played cards one night, made some grandfather errands, went to the movie theater, stopped by the card shop, completed my twice-daily walks, and went with some neighbors to yesterday’s Braves baseball opener against the Red Sox. Other than that, it’s been TV, writing, and a little bit of reading. In nineteen days, we leave on our month-long cross-Atlantic adventure. In the meantime, we signed up for Music Bingo and my wife has a number of neighborhood activities to attend. She’s teaching school today and Thursday. 

I cancelled my Regal Unlimited membership, Paramount Plus and Netflix subscriptions. I think we’re getting the most use out of Apple TV. We are currently watching the Mindhunter series on Netflix since the agreement doesn’t end for a few weeks. I still have Prime, Peacock, Hulu, and HBO to keep us entertained. I should cut back some more. Time to take the dog outside – try to keep busier than I am!