24th of November

Since several months Franz had troubles with his heart. On 13th of Dezember he will have Mitral Valve surgery in this hospital in Vienna

5th of December

I went to the final review of all exams to the hospital and feel now that there is logical consistance in the whole thing, which makes me feel better. Also my airway problems might have been caused by the backflow from the Mitral regurgitation. I will have a few days left to settle things, especially the future of the GIVE association and project. Thanks to people who send kind words (please write them here and special thanks to Annerose for being with me. Franz

Dec 17th

Email from Annerose: "Franz was moved out from the intensive care unit, a step towards "normality". He feels better, step by step, although still very tired, deeply exhausted. But he has already a reputation as an exemplary, cooperating, responsible patient. Who would have thought different ;-) ???"

Good news continue on the second day after th operation. Low fever (38°C about 100-101°F) is not uncommon. Franz is still weak but his circulation is stable and he already ate and drank a little.

Dec 18th, 2007

Franz was today relocated from the intensive care unit at the wake-up station. A first step towards "normality". I's now a little better, he ate a soup and makes very dilligently his lung function training. His friend, cardiac surgeon at the Central Hospital in Vienna (AKH), gave, after a surgical consultation with the surgeon Prof. Grabenwöger very hopeful statements about the health situation of Franz. Franz is still very tired, deeply exhausted deep, but a mature, cooperative patient. Did we expected him otherwise ;-)???"

January 7th, 2008

This is Franz again, since one week I am at home, and things are slowly, slowly getting back to normal. Life will not be exactly the same with an artificial valve, but life can continue.