This week felt like a major turning point.
For the first time since my hospitalization, life started feeling a little less like recovery and a little more like living again.
The biggest milestone was completing my course of IV antibiotics and having my PICC line removed. After weeks of carrying it around everywhere I went, it felt incredibly freeing to finally be done. While I still have some aches and pains in my arm, closing that chapter feels like a huge victory.
I also completed my first full week of cardiac rehabilitation. Every session reminds me that recovery isn’t about giant leaps—it’s about showing up consistently and letting the process work. Some days are easier than others, but I can already feel improvements in my strength and endurance.
Another major milestone was returning to work full-time. Just a few weeks ago, my days revolved around hospital rooms, medications, doctor appointments, and trying to get comfortable enough to sleep. This week I was back attending meetings, contributing to projects, and reconnecting with my team. It felt good to have a sense of normalcy again.
At home, I’ve been focusing on rebuilding healthy habits. I’ve been cooking dinner every night, trying to make heart-healthy choices, and keeping up with household chores. Those things might sound small, but after major surgery, even everyday tasks can feel like accomplishments.
The scale continues moving in the right direction as well. I’m now down to 258 pounds, which is encouraging and gives me even more motivation to continue making positive changes.
That said, recovery is definitely not perfect.
I’m still dealing with aches and pains, especially in my shoulder and arm. I recently met with an orthopedic specialist to begin addressing some of those issues. Sleep continues to be one of the biggest challenges. Some nights are better than others, but finding a comfortable position after open-heart surgery can still be difficult.
Perhaps the most emotional milestone this week was being home by myself for the first time since everything happened.
My mom, who has been by my side throughout this entire journey, returned home after helping take care of me during recovery. There were moments during this experience when I simply couldn’t have managed on my own, and her support meant more than I can put into words.
Mom, if you’re reading this: thank you. I love you, and I will never forget everything you’ve done for me.
As I look back on the last few months, it’s hard to believe how much has happened. Endocarditis, open-heart surgery, weeks of antibiotics, countless appointments, and now the slow process of rebuilding strength and confidence.
If you’re reading this because you’re facing heart surgery, recovering from endocarditis, or helping someone who is, I want you to know that progress does come. It may be slower than you want. It may be harder than you expect. But every walk, every therapy session, every healthy meal, and every small victory adds up.
This week reminded me that recovery isn’t just about surviving what happened.
It’s about building what comes next.
Current Recovery Stats
- Weight: 258 lbs
- Antibiotics: Complete
- PICC Line: Removed
- Cardiac Rehab: First full week completed
- Work Status: Returned full-time
- Energy Level: Improving
- Sleep Quality: Still a work in progress
- Outlook: Optimistic
This Week’s Mantra
“I’m not where I want to be yet, but I’m proud of how far I’ve come.”
Until next week’s update,
— Colin
