Winter wood shop time

[forrestb]

I had my quintuple CABG 23 years ago even though I thought I was living 'healthy,' but I guess not the case. You never know, but the point is you can have a good life after CABG. Your only long-term restrictions will depend on how much, if any, damage was done to the heart. Six years after the surgery I was fortunate to be able to lead a team of us senior citizens to the USTA Southern California Senior tennis championship - so life after CABG can be good.

Whatever exercise you can do in advance of surgery will help your recovery. The heart heals very quickly, I was told, but the incision takes quite a awhile before you should do much lifting at all. Before the surgery my doc said I would be back on the tennis court in 3 or 4 weeks. After the surgery he said don't touch a racket for 3 months. But listen to him/her for advice on recovery.

Being in SoCal, we don't have much in the way of winter so my winter tasks are putting on a sweatshirt if the shop gets too cold. I used to have a kerosene heater but it really isn't needed here. Now Chuck up in the Antelope Valley may have a different story - it gets cold there (I hear).

My best wishes for a speedy recovery and remember typing is not a prohibited item so let us know how you are doing.

Forrest