Another week, another step forward. This part of recovery feels less like a dramatic hospital story and more like the slow, steady work of rebuilding a real life again — one walk, one rehab session, one workday, and one decent night of sleep at a time.
Cardiac rehab leveled up
This week I was approved to start doing arm exercises at cardiac rehab. That might sound like a small thing, but after open-heart surgery, every new movement and every new permission feels like unlocking the next level of the recovery game.
The rehab work is slowly helping me rebuild strength, stamina, and confidence. It is still a process, but it feels good to be trusted to do more and to feel my body responding.
Work and routine are getting easier
Work is still going well, and I am getting used to the new routine. There is a big difference between returning to work once and actually settling into the rhythm of it again. This week felt like more of that rhythm coming back.
Walking, energy, and small wins
I have been walking twice a day now, if not more, and I am starting to feel some more energy coming back. It is not all at once, and it is definitely not linear, but the trend is finally pointing in the right direction.
One of the funniest little milestones this week: I was able to stay up past 9 p.m. That probably sounds ridiculous to anyone who has not been through a recovery like this, but for me, that felt like a legitimate victory.
Gretchen has promoted herself to lead therapy cat
Gretchen has been a lot more lovey-dovey lately, which I am taking as her official approval of my recovery progress. She may not have a medical degree, but her purr therapy program has been very consistent.
Extra love. Extra purrs. Extra therapy.
Gretchen’s unofficial recovery report
Hopefully getting back outside this weekend
I am hoping to get out this weekend, fly some drones, and take a stab at flying FPV again. That feels like a big mental milestone — not just because it is fun, but because it means I am starting to think beyond appointments, symptoms, and survival mode.
Weight update
Weight is down to 257 pounds, which is one pound down from last week. It is not a dramatic drop, but it is movement in the right direction, and I will take that win.
Still healing, still human
I am still dealing with plenty of aches and pains, and sleep is still a work in progress. Some nights are frustrating, and some days still remind me that this was major surgery and a major infection — not just a quick bump in the road.
This week’s wins
- Approved for arm exercises at cardiac rehab
- Work is going well and the new routine is settling in
- Walking twice a day or more
- Energy is starting to improve
- Stayed up past 9 p.m.
- Gretchen is extra affectionate
- Hoping for drones and FPV this weekend
- Weight down to 257 pounds
I can do hard things. I am building my comeback story.
This week’s mantra
The big picture this week is simple: I am still healing, but I am moving. I am working. I am walking. I am rebuilding. And for the first time in a while, the future feels a little more open again.
