On my second day in the hospital, my nurse gave me a heart pillow. The heart pillow was made by a group of three women who call themselves Take Heart. They donate their heart pillow creations to children in the pediatric cardiology ICU. The pillows come in all sorts of sizes and fabric patterns. The nurse who chose my pillow said she tried to get the biggest and least childish one…but you’ll notice it does have two patches of Disney’s Cinderella and–not going to lie–it’s a bit ugly.
But what’s important about this pillow is that I press it against my chest when I stand up, walk around, or cough, it makes the incision feel a lot less painful. When we go out on walks or take a trip in the car, I shamelessly bring along my pillow. It’s like my security blanket. Thanks Take Heart!
Here’s a photo of me with my pillow:
Is this picture taken after your surgery? You look GREAT! We were talking about you in advanced today. I just let everyone know that Dave had said you did really great on that first week. I knew I needed to check in and see how you are now. Hold that pillow with pride!
Love it! I got something similar (I think it was a bear) when I had abdominal surgery. It really does help. You look great!!!!
Vonnie, I am glad I stumbled onto your blog, and glad to hear you are doing so well in your recovery from heart surgery! Do you think your flexibility is helping? Or your flute playing? (Although I assume you are not doing backbends these days.)
Take good care of yourself. I’ll be checking up on you!
Joanne
Thanks for your comments!
Yes, this photo was taken just a couple days ago. The pillow really does help a lot, but I’m happy to say I’ve needed it less and less the past few days.
I am practicing my breathing, but I’m not strong enough to play flute yet.
You look FABULOUS here. So glad you are recovering well!