48 Comments
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Brent Scott's avatar

Truer words were never spoken.

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Michael's avatar

Mardy, we rejoice at your successful operation and recovery. I think your quotation at the end of your post is the best statement yet on the reality of recovery and our role in it. I wish you continued good health and more sharing of your insights into words and their meaning in our lives.

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Dr. Mardy Grothe's avatar

Thanks for your kind words, Michael. I feel extremely fortunate!

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Nick Arden's avatar

Delighted to experience the result of your fast recovery, Mardy!

I shared your sweet tooth. As a Brit, it was a culturally-appropriate vice. One of my first life lessons involved a choice I made every elementary school day. Do I take the bus home? or do I take the long uphill walk home - and use my bus fare to buy candy?

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Dr. Mardy Grothe's avatar

Thanks, soul brother! It's taken me a long time to get it under control, and I still have a long way to go. Hope you finally got control of yours.

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Sharon Joseph's avatar

So grateful for the joy of reading this post this morning! Also, for the gifted physicians and the marvels of modern medicine that have restored your heart and health! Praises also to the Great physician who guided the hands and the minds of all who performed their part in your restoration! I pray that you will continue to feel stronger and stronger each day. You are a blessing!!!

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Dr. Mardy Grothe's avatar

Thank you, my dear Sharon. You've been emotionally supportive for many years now, and I'm grateful for it.

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Harvey Stanbrough's avatar

I'll bet writing that post was a seminal moment. Each step forward is a new step, a new beginning. Welcome back, Mardy.

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Dr. Mardy Grothe's avatar

Thanks so much, Harvey. Now we'll just have to see whether that seed will sprout, and then blossom!

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Harvey Stanbrough's avatar

I have zero doubt and every confidence.

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John's avatar

Happy Days!

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Dr. Mardy Grothe's avatar

Thanks, John. I'll drink to that--but only with a glass of OJ this morning!

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arlene's avatar

Listen my friend....don't overdo it. Spring chickens we ain't. And given the rate of bird flu, the last thing we want is to be a spring chicken. I'm amazed to see you back at the stack so fast although I knew your surgery would be successful. So many well-wishers and positive energy senders. So...what will next week's topic be? I must have missed it. Here's to a very long and happy 'Beyond'........ hugs

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Dr. Mardy Grothe's avatar

Thanks, Arlene. Don't worry, I'm not overdoing it. Took my first walk yesterday, as the doctors strongly recommended, and will continue that for a few more days. Then, an extensive 3 days a week cardiac rehab for 3 months! My topic for next week remains to be chosen, although it will almost certainly be on a topic not related to my personal health!

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Manisha's avatar

Mardy - don’t be too hard on yourself. You have lived a fun, amazing, & spontaneous life. As Maya Angelou said, “…when you know better, you do better.” I have full confidence that you will be the star in cardiac rehab. They offer a nutritionist so take full advantage of that opportunity. :)

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Dr. Mardy Grothe's avatar

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Manisha. I don't believe I've been too hard on my self; just trying to be honest. I really looking forward to the cardiac rehab, and I'm certain it will be of help in a wide variety of ways.

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Blayney Colmore's avatar

Christian Barnard is a perfect mystery person for you and us this week, Mardy. I am in awe, no only of your strength in recovery, but your insight and discipline in the breadth of your life choices. Here's to a long, healthy, happy life.

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Dr. Mardy Grothe's avatar

Thanks, Blayney. I'm honored by your words!

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Roger Baron's avatar

Dr. Mardy is back! Yay! My wife Claudia and I have been praying for you, my friend! And when I read your message describing the type of replacement valve you received, Claudia (who is a retired RN) said, "it sounds like he received the top-of-the-line, state-of-the-art, valve! Your message and your personal quotation at the end is wonderful and applies in my life 100%.

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Dr. Mardy Grothe's avatar

Many thanks to both you and Claudia, Roger! She is 100% correct in her assessment. Also happy to hear you like my final observation.

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Lawrence A Hagemann's avatar

We are very thankful that the medical procedure was a successful one. Rehab will be a breeze as you entertain all of those involved in your recovery process. We wish you only the very best in your return to normalcy and the next phase of your life!

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Dr. Mardy Grothe's avatar

Thanks, my friend. I'm certainly off to good start; now I've got to keep the momentum going.

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Louis Phillips's avatar

"Now it’s on to cardiac rehabilitation—three times a week for twelve weeks!"

Steo $1: Do all actions whole-heartedly.

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Dr. Mardy Grothe's avatar

Thanks, Louis. I believe you meant "Step # 1," and I heartily concur (see, we can both play the same game!).

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Alita Ashmore's avatar

Good words for me to read/hear today as I just bit the bullet and scheduled a knee replacement, in two months. Dreading all of it, I look forward to the recovery! And you will do well with and enjoy cardiac rehab.

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Dr. Mardy Grothe's avatar

Thanks, Alita. Glad to hear you're being proactive and courageous. Keep me apprised.

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Kathy Swango's avatar

I’m so thankful for your healing surgery and recovery! Blessings on you as you continue to improve, gain strength, and get back to your life!

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Dr. Mardy Grothe's avatar

Thanks, Kathy. It certainly helped to have the support of so many wonderful people!

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Barbara E's avatar

So glad to get this good news of your successful surgery! And wonderful that you got such immediate benefit!

Keeping your recommendations in mind too!

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Dr. Mardy Grothe's avatar

Thanks so much, Barbara. Glad to hear you may be doing some "Re-Establishing" thinking as well!

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Mary Northey's avatar

Shared joy is double joy. I don't know who this quote belongs to but it seems timely. Thank you for sharing your journey.

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Dr. Mardy Grothe's avatar

Thanks, Mary. I believe we'll have to credit "Author Unknown" for that one, which does indeed seem timely. Thanks for being with me in spirit on the journey.

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