My Dream Team

The first few days at home were rough, but everyday since has been better than the last. I'm walking over a mile a day (almost 2 miles), but spending most of my time napping, knitting, or visiting with friends.  Our bodies are very resilient and mine amazes me daily. 

The one thing I must do is acknowledge the team of doctors, nurses, CNAs, along with the hospital, IMC that made it possible for me to go on.  (The IMC link has pictures and info on the campus.)  I am very fortunate that this facility is 4.4 miles from my house (Smith's checked the mileage as he was back and forth frequently) and that it houses a fabulous team of cardio specialist.

The man on the right is one of my favorite people in the world.  He is Dr. Doty, a very skilled heart surgeon, all around great doctor and man.  He would show up, unexpectedly, at all my tests or procedures (as long as he wasn't in surgery). He is kind, gentle and very caring.  On the left is Dr. Shane, one member of the large team of PAs (most of whom I met) who monitored my care and progress.  Both men came to see me the afternoon of my release and stayed to visit for several minutes.  Dr. Doty even signed the pillow, seen in the picture below, above the valve he replaced.

Torg was the only CNA who washed my hair and bathed me while I was flat in bed. He rigged an ingenious way of making a shower head out of a glove finger so he could wet my hair, then wash and rinse it.  He also created a dam of sorts that went directly into a waste basket and kept the water out of my bed.  He wore bunnies or fairies on his scrubs and his shoes never matched (crocks: one salmon, one green).  He made me laugh often and was as gentle as anyone I've ever met.  Every nurse who cared for me was gentle, knowledgeable, caring and always walked in with a smile.

Knitting has been accomplished and one project, in particular, I am very, very excited to share.  I'll be back soon.

Comments

[Teyani]

I want to give every single one of them a kiss and a hug for taking such good care of you. Bless them all.
I am also completely amazed at you.. walking 2 miles per day. You are a little rock star!

[marianne]

What lovely and wonderful men and it does this crusty old heart good to hear there are such caring doctors, PAs, and CNAs in the field... loving what they do and doing it with such grace. of course... how could they all help but smile at you?

[sil]

Your heart surgeon may be a genius, but he looks about 12 in that picture. I'd card him :) We're so happy you got the most wonderful care you deserve. Happy healing!

[Sarah H]

Looks like you are well on the road to recovery thanks to a wonderful team around you at the hospital and the wonderful family of friends you have!

Glad to see you on the mend.

[Doris]

So glad you were well cared for. Imagine my feeling of "what a small world" when I looked at the picture of Dr. Doty and realized he worked on my father-in-law while he was training at Johns Hopkins! He trained under my best friend, Steve Yang! Small, small world.

[Vicki]

You are amazing!!

[Tan]

Wow, are you really allowed to walk a mile already? You go, girl! Glad you're OK.

[Nancy]

Margene, I am so happy to hear about the wonderful care you received! I work in the medical field, and it is always nice to learn about such positive experiences. I teared up when I read your post, and I am so happy about the good outcome. Now we plan to enjoy many more years of your wonderful blog, knitting and sense of humor! Knit/nap on!

[Kym]

It's such a treat to meet people who are passionate about their work --- especially when we really need them to be passionate about their work! I am so happy to live in a time of medical miracles -- thanks for sharing yours. And keep that healing juju working! :-)

[AmyP]

I'm so pleased that you are moving forward in your recovery.

[Maureen]

I have no doubt that your medical team gave you care extraordinaire...it's so easy to be nice to nice people! Laughter truly is the best medicine...and Togr sounds as if he was blessed with the gift of making people smile as he nurtures and cares for them! Two odd crocs and a "rubber glove" shampoo would make anyone laugh...even on the worst of days!

I'm reminded of a line from an old Woodie Allen movie..."the heart is a tough little muscle". And you, Margene, are a "tough" lady who will keep one foot in front of the other and will take no hostages as you work to regain your health! I'm so glad to hear that you're well on your way! God bless!

[stephie]

Okay, this is funny, we both live in Salt Lake, are knitters, both have Cecelia Disease, have a valve replaced (mine was the aortic valve and 10 years ago). My original surgeon was Dr. Doty Senior (but he broke his hand mountain biking). I am so glad that you are doing well. Have a great week!

[stephie]

okay can't spell Celiac Disease.

[Sunnyknitter]

So glad that you have an excellent facility and caregivers available to you. I'm even more happy to hear that you're on the mend and walking and taking care of yourself! It really is teamwork that brings it all together and it sounds like you have an fabulous group both professionally and personally. Sending an extra hug for Smith and your family, they've been through an ordeal too. Wishing you all health and many smiles in the future.

[Beebs]

As former pediatric ICU RN (in Boston for a gazillion years) I can only say: "Blessings upon Torg" People who make a difference with the 'little' things are the people who make the biggest difference of all.

[Cookie]

Are those doctors old enough to be doctors? o.0

I am so happy to know that you had such a wonderful team of caring professional looking after you. Before you know, you'll be able to walk over and see them ... as long as you can get a ride home. ;^)

[Lucia]

Let's hear it for the team who took care of you so well: YaaaaAAAY Team! And let's hear it for you and your continued progress.

[Lorette]

Oh Margene, it's so good to see your smiling face again! Two miles!! You are truly an inspiration to me.

[Manise]

That's a super Dream Team! I remember using a dam to wash undelivered moms hair who were on strict bedrest in the hospital. What a big difference having clean hair makes on ones outlook. Love your heart shaped "coughing pillow", though it must have killed to use it initially.

[ann]

I am glad that everyone was so caring and exceptional. We look forward to hearing about your progress! Best of luck and hugs xxx

[Laurie]

What a fine team! I love Torg's ingenuity, and how he understood you really wanted your hair washed.

[Norma]

Wonderful, wonderful. Bravo to IMC and its great people for taking such good care of you. XOXO

[Robin in VA]

It's so good to hear your getting around! What an amazing team of "caretakers" you have/had...Torg sounds like a real hoot--good thing you had your "huggy-heart"!!

[Dianne]

Sounds like a 5***** Resort!..I'm so pleased you had such a caring team of Drs., PA's and nursing staff..it makes for a more pleasant stay during such a time.
Torg appears to be someone you'd want to keep as a friend..I love his attire..healing is accelerated by laughter and being made to feel and look good!
My praise goes to the team that is making you all WELL!

[Wanda]

So happy to hear that you are home safe and sound and doing well. Keep recuperating and taking it easy. Big HUGS to you!!