Finally Back at Work - Mission Accomplished!

I'm officially back at work, full of energy, gusto, and all the other things one needs to keep an orthodontic practice running. My patients were glad to see me "vertical" instead of "horizontal", and my thrill to see them was evident every time I greeted them! It was great to see my staff in both offices as well!

My cardiologist who did the surgery, Dr. Peter Murphy, was very pleased when he saw me yesterday at my first check-up, and gave me a "clean bill of health"! My other cardiologist, Dr. Bob Kopitsky, said that I could do cardiac rehab IF I wanted to, as long as I do go for some extended walks every so often. "Just stay on your medicines, and you'll be just fine!"

This completes the ongoing story of what happened to me during these past five and one half weeks. The Lord granted me a reprieve, a second chance....mind-boggling when you think of it. How gracious and merciful a God we serve! I give Him all the praise and glory for what He has done not only for me, but how He has revealed Himself to those of you who might have doubted. He is faithful, and loves each one of immensely! How fortunate we are to be able to know Him!

Thank you all again for your kindness shown me and my family through your prayers, phone calls, visits, flowers, gifts, and emails. Each one of them moved us deeply. Thank you for your love as well. I am humbled and overwhelmed and very indebted to all of you! Thank you - from my heart to yours!

Ernie

PS - All of what I have described above could really not have taken place as easily had not my good friend and teaching partner at Saint Louis University, Dr. Jeff Cupps, offered to come to both of my offices and help out three days a week. To you, dear Jeff, I am very much indebted. Please allow me to again publicly thank you for your incredible willingness to see my patients. I will never forget this!

Getting Bored!

November 1, 2010


One good sign of a healthy recovery is the onset of boredom! Guess what? I'm bored sitting around and I am anxious to getting back to the office!

My visiting nurse, Erin, stopped by again last week and was amazed as to how I was doing. "When the Lord has His hands in it, it's amazing to see what He can do!" That's I how I feel - the Lord has orchestrated this remarkable recovery for me!

On Thursday of last week Susan drove me up to the Florissant office to see the staff and some of my patients who were being seen by my hero, Dr. Jeff Cupps, who has set time aside from his busy orthodontic practice and university duties to take care of my patients in Ste. Genevieve and Florissant. He is literally one of the most self-effacing and humble men I know - all being done out of his love for the Lord and our friendship. Jeff, I am very much indebted to you! Thanks a million for your kindness shown to me, my staff, and all of my patients!

As of now, barring any unforeseen circumstances, I am planning to be "back in the saddle" again on Tuesday, November 9th. On November 16th I see the cardiologist, Dr. Peter Murphy, again and get set up for some much-needed cardiac rehab.

Thank you, dear friends, for your cards, phone calls, visits, gifts, concern and love. To be showered by such amounts of love has been overwhelming and deeply moving for me and my family. Thank you! Thank you!

Much love to you all from one who is exceedingly grateful to you all!

Ernie

Flying along!

10/23/2010

My visiting home nurse came by again Thursday  morning, checked me out and said: "You're just gonna' fly right through this!" Everything looked great, vital signs were normal, and stitches come out next week (some real small ones, nothing major). She mentioned that my biggest problem will be is trying to hold myself back until I am not just mentally able to get back to work, but physically as well. My incredible and amazing wife has a very sensitive finger on the pulse of what I am able to do, and will make sure that I do not exceed that which I am truly able to do.

I have been continuously amazed and touched by the never-ending arrival of flowers, fruit baskets, meals, emails, cards, visitors, and phone calls from friends everywhere. How sweet of you all to do this! We are simply blown away!!

As of now, I am planning to get back to the office on November 9, and will use the time here at home to increase my strength and stamina. My first visit with the doctor won't take place until the second week in November, and I will, at that time, start on a good cardiac rehab program, which I am looking forward to.

Thank you again, dear friends, for the incredible outpouring of love and affection shown me and my entire family. How appreciative I am! May the good Lord continue to bless you all!

Much love to all of you!

Ernie

Off to a great start!

My home health care nurse stopped by yesterday morning to see how I was doing. Very much to her surprise she found that I am progressing much faster than she expected. All the various incisions sites looked great, my lungs sounded strong and clear, heart rate and blood pressure were excellent, and my stamina is increasing wonderfully everyday. The Lord is good!

Yesterday my dear friend and teaching partner at Saint Louis University, Dr. Jeff Cupps, started seeing my patients in Ste. Genevieve.  On Tuesday and Thursday mornings, he sees my Florissant patients. I have known Dr. Cupps for many years, and he is the consummate orthodontist. He has an incredible servant's heart, and his willingness to see my patients when he has his own patients to see, is, professionally speaking, the closest example to "laying down our life for a friend!" I am deeply moved and touched by his friendship.

I thank all of you again for your wonderful cards, flowers, meals, phone calls, and emails. My good friend, Bill Holmes, from Midland, Texas, emailed me from Vietnam upon learning of my operation and said his: "Ernie, you will do anything for attention!" It is during times such as these when the true meaning of "friend" becomes exceedingly clear. The mere fact that you all have shown an interest and concern for my well-being and that of my family has moved and touched me deeply. For that I thank you all as well.

Much love to you all.

Thank you!

Now that I am home again, walking around, climbing steps , going out and getting the paper, I am simply overwhelmed at the goodness of God and His mercy and grace. Who would have thought that the operation would be textbook, that I would be surrounded and attended to by the very best staff at Missouri Baptist Hospital... or to be blessed with so many friends showering my family and me with visits, cards, and flowers?

 

I thank all of you for your thoughts and prayers - the Lord provided me with a great sense of peace just before the operation. I attribute that to your faithfulness. I also thank all of my wonderful patients for their understanding and patience - they are the best in the world, and I thank the Lord for them as well! We'll continue keeping you up-to-date on the blog my daughter made. Much love to you all!

Installed Safely at Home

Ernie is home!  He is where he wants to be, asleep in his favorite recliner.  His body is healing well, but now is when the boredom and the frustration of slow healing will set in.

Dad is not supposed to work, drive or do much of anything other than rehab for the next four weeks.  Mom is is full-time "person."   Who do we feel more sorry for? :)

Your visits are welcome!

Asleep in his favorite recliner

Homeward Bound!