The Last Installment of the Blog

It has been a while since I last made an entry. I guess as I have been getting better and getting farther from the surgery things have been getting more and more back to normal and I've need the blog and its therapeutic value less and less. I hope the blog has helped everyone who has read it understand how I'm doing as much as it has helped me share my emotions. So one last entry...

This week I started back to work full-time. It was a short week since I took vacation on Monday and we only have 3 days this week with New Years Eve and New Years Day as holidays. It is a short sample but I feel good and my energy level has been good this week. The real test will come next week with a 5 day work week. Sounds tough but I'm sure I'll be fine.

It is interesting, although it has been 8 weeks to the day since the surgery, it has all gone so fast. I'm not sure I would have believed it before the surgery, but it really has gone quickly. I feel good and almost back to normal, although every once in a while I have a pain in my chest if I move my arms the wrong way, and there is the long scar on my chest as the reminder. I learned a lot about myself, my wife and kids, my friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers. I am a very lucky person in so many ways. I think I'll use my scar as a reminder of that.

Thanks everyone for all you have done from the visits in the hospital, to the food you brought, to the calls to see how I'm doing, the cards, the well wishes, the "Glenn sitting", and gift baskets. Thank you most for just being there for us. I wouldn't wish open heart surgery on anyone, but I am thankful for the positives that have come out of it. Thank you.

A Happy Thanksgiving Weekend

It was a good Thanksgiving weekend. A lot to be thankful for this year. As always thankful for the good things like family, friends, a good job, and a nice house to live in. This year I am also thankful for the bumps in the road. Without those bumps we just might not recognize how good the good things really are, so for the bumps I am thankful as well.

Although we didn't get to go home to Jefferson City for the holiday, our family had a nice Thanksgiving day with Tom, Robin, and Trisha. A good meal and Kim made some very good pumpkin pie. On Friday, Kim still got in her black Friday shopping and on Saturday Grandma Susan, Karen, Esta, and Aunt Lillian came up to visit. The kids were home, it was a good weekend.

Getting a little better each day still. Progress is a little harder to recognize, but each time I can reach something I couldn't before or that I can walk all the way around the walking path near the house, I see I am getting a little better. More rehab this week and more blood tests. Starting to hone in on the medication level to get my INR where they want it. We will see how it goes. Talk to you soon.

Surgeon Visit

Today I went to see Dr. Forman for my post-op follow-up. He said everything was progressing fine and I could begin resuming normal activities as I was up to it. He said my heart and lungs sound great and that everything seems to be healing just fine. He was a little less concerned about my INR levels, but indicated it sometimes takes a little while to get the levels in-line between 2.5 and 3.5. (By the way, my level was 1.9 on Monday and I needed to get more shots starting today. Kim was soooo happy to give me some more of those.) All in all it was a very good visit and I am very happy with his report. :)

Since the surgeons office is very close, I decided to stop by "the cave" for a short visit. It was good to see a few people from work and let them know I was recovering well. Hoping to have enough stamina and less soreness to return to work at least part-time by the end of the year.

The Bad, the Ugly, and the Good

Well it has been a little while since I last checked in and a few things have happened. First the bad and ugly and I saved the good for last.

The Bad: Kim and Kathleen have had colds the last couple of days. Kim is OK, but a little tired. She took Kathleen to the doctor today with an ear/sinus infection that got into her eye. I guess tomorrow there will be 3 of us at home since Kathleen can't go with her eye like it is.

The Ugly: My blood INR level has been lower than the target range on the test on Thursday. Low enough that the doctor prescribed some additional medicine, shots :( Five shot (2 a day) over the weekend into my stomach. I'm not sure if it is harder on me or on Kim who has to give them to me. They don't really hurt, but it is a bit of an unexpected pain if you know what I mean. Hopefully the Coumadin/Warfarin dosage will get worked out this week, and I can move on. It's frustrating, and I think this really made me realize that the blood testing will be an ongoing regular battle that I will have to get used to. I'll have to offer it up.

The Good: I really wanted to save the good for last, because the last few days haven't been as bad as they may have sounded. I am feeling better each day and getting less sore. Went to church again today and watched the Chiefs (they won, miracles do happen). Still getting great support from friends, neighbors, and co-workers. The meals and desserts everyone have brought have been very good and very comforting. Thanks guys! The good definitely outweighs the bad and ugly. We have alot to be thankful for this week.

Talk to you soon.

2 Weeks

So today it is 2 weeks since the surgery. I remember going into the surgery thinking that the recovery would take some time and to be patient with it. I have to keep reminding myself. Everyday a little better, but I'm still sore and get tired pretty easily and I wish it would be faster.

The weather the last few days has limited my outside walks, so I have taken to walking the house. Today Kim took me to Target and Dick's. Whoopie. The walking was good but I was surprised how quickly I got tired and was ready to come home. Christmas shopping is more work than it looks like.

Thanks again to everyone for all the support, the cards, the prayers, the food, and the well wishes. It is all good and helps me keep patient and let the healing continue.

Another blood test tomorrow as they try to get my INR level in range. Hopefully this one will get us a little closer.

Talk to you soon.

Good Weekend - Bad Weather

I had a good weekend. Feeling a little better each day and we had several activities for the girls. I have started to slip into a routine of morning walk, lunch, afternoon nap, and afternoon walk. A nice routine. I'm still sore and still get tired easily, but I can see my chest healing and I'm getting a little more range of motion and a little more energy each day.

I went to Mass yesterday morning. It was good to see everyone from church. I think they were surprised to see me. I sat for most of Mass, but was able to make it to communion without my trusty pillow in tow. A major accomplishment.

My new heart valve even made it through a Chiefs game. We watched with the Wankum clan, and I made it through OK. The Chiefs can sure test your stress level so this was a good check, and I passed.

Another blood test this morning as they try to narrow in on what my dosage of blood-thinner medication should be. Maybe some already know this, but I hate giving blood. I have a real problem with it. I told Kim I have a 6th sense, that I can feel the blood leaving my arm and I immediately start a cold sweat. Well I guess I better get used to it, as it will be a regular occurance. This is one I guess I'll just have to offer up.

Talk to you soon.

Another Good Day

Another good day today. Feeling well enough to knock a few items of the computer to-do list that have been hanging around for a while. I feel pretty good, but really notice the soreness when I get close to the time for another pain pill.

Longer walks each day and a little higher on the Spirometer (I can get it to 2000 now).

I had another visitor today. Jason and his son Ryan stopped by for a visit. Jason was off for the day and stopped by for a little bit. Thanks Jason, it was good to see you and Ryan. Knowing how Ryan started out when he was born with special heart surgery and is now an energetic 17 month old. Makes me think I can recover and get back to being an energetic person too.

First Lab Visit Today

This morning Kim drove me to the Quest Diagnostics in Lee's Summit for my first PT/INR test. The PT/INR (Prothrombin Time or Pro Time) blood test measures how quickly the blood begins to form clots. With the new mechanical valve I'll have to take blood thinners to maintain between 2.5 and 3.5 on the INR (International Normalized Ratio) scale.

OK now that you are all experts, on with my day. A pretty good one. After taking me to the lab for the test. Kim and I went to lunch which was very very nice. There are some benefits to having heart surgery.

After a nap, the energy draining morning has not had too much impact on how I feel.

I'll leave you with one interesting point. Yesterday while in the quiet bathroom I thought I heard the sink dripping. I looked around and it wasn't so I thought the toilet might be running a little water and thought I might have to fix it when I was back up to snuff. Didn't think anything else about it. Next time I went into the bathroom the same noise, and then it dawned on me. It was my mechanical valve ticking. Rather interesting noise, sound just like a clock (or water dripping / Kathleen thinks is sounds like PopRocks). Something to get used too. I hope it just keeps on clicking.

Another Good Day

Had a good day today, Veteran's Day. With the holiday, I had several visitors who were off work for the day. Our friend Robin, came to visit in the morning and my sisters Carol and Rachel, and my niece Laura came to visit for the day. Thanks guys for visiting.

Another good day, with a little longer walk and higher readings (1500 to 1750 regularly) on my Spirometer. Little steps and getting better each day.

First Full Day at Home & Other Firsts

Well today is the first full day at home. Lots of first to keep things moving along.

Although I didn't have what you would call a good night of sleep, it was nice to be back in my own bed. Stack the pillows high enough and I didn't have to lay flat, which really hurts. One thing I learned is that my new valve does tick. When it is really quiet you can hear it. Let's just hope that it runs like a Timex from here on out.

Today lots of firsts. I was feeling a little nauseous and my first first of the day made me feel 100 times better and less nauseous. I had my first walk outside since the surgery. Seven whole minutes and I almost made it to the end of the street. First shower and shave since the surgery. Kathleen and Megan had threatened to cut me off the kisses unless I did something about the whiskers. I think they wouldn't have, but I shaved just in case. Better go know, all these firsts have made me tired. Talk you tomorrow.

A Glorious Day - Coming Home!

Today I came home from the hospital. It is great to be home and be with my family. Still a little tired and still taking the pain medication to keep things under-control. The relief I have though to be home is incredible.

I owe a debt of gratitude to everyone for their thoughts and prayers. It is amazing how uplifting it has been through this hole process, to give me the courage and trust to move forward with the surgery, and the strength and encouragement after the surgery to start the recovery process. I am truly a lucky, and blessed person. :)

Last Day Before Surgery

Up early this morning, about 4, with lots on my mind. Trying to prepare and get ready before the surgery tomorrow. Yesterday was an early morning too, before work. I feel everything is in good hands at work and everyone has done an excellent job of making me feel at ease with being gone for a number of weeks.

I think Kim and I are going to go eat lunch at school with Kathleen today. She's been asking and there's no time like the present.

Thanks again to all who have offered to help, and given the well wishes and prayers. Before this insight giving gift, I would have never realized how good they make me feel and how much they help me feel more at ease. Thank you!

I'll check in soon.

Happy Halloween!

Halloween! Ready for the trick-or-treating. Maybe that is why I woke up and couldn't sleep, or maybe not.

Yesterday afternoon after school Kim brought the kids to the office for a Halloween party. At work they had games and candy and even a Haunted Lunch Room (Great work John). The kids had a great time and it was good seeing them at work as well. Last night Kim wasn't feel quite up to her normal self so the kids and I carved the Jack-O-Lanterns. Each one is different and special in its own sort of way, the pumpkins are pretty cool too.

Looking forward to a great weekend. It will be a nice distraction.

Pre-Op Checks Today

Today I finished my final checks before the surgery. They took blood twice (and I didn't pass out) and they took chest X-rays. I got to see the waiting room and got more familiar with the layout of the hospital. The nurse gave me the spirometer that I will use after the surgery and gave me instructions cleaning the day of the surgery. The nurses were extremely helpful and encouraging. It made me feel confortable and encouraged that everything ran so smoothly.

I also got to meet Sharon from Cardiac Rehab. She talked about the importance of getting up and moving around after the surgery and she trained me how I will get up from a chair after the surgery. Her group will be helping me with walking in the hospital 3 times a day starting as soon as I am ready and out of ICU. She also talked about a Cardiac Rehab group in Lee's Summit that I go to 3 times a week after coming home to help the recovery process.

I had a good feeling leaving the hospital after the pre-op checks. I felt like and knew the drill for next Wednesday and that there were skilled and kind people that were going to help me through this.

Popcorn Celebration & Visit with the Surgeon

Last night we had the weekly Scout meeting. I was Popcorn Kernel again this year and I thought I would try something new. I promised the boys in the Troop that the top 5 sellers could put a pie in the face of a Troop Committee member. Since the popcorn sale is over we did the reward last night. As you can see Ryan made the top 5, actually he was the top seller, and he picked me for the pie. It was fun, but even after a shower I did smell whip cream for the rest of the night.

27 Oct 2009 - Kim and I visited with Dr. Forman today. The visit went pretty well. He went through the caterization test and the catscan test to with us and answer a number of questions.

We finalized the plans for the surgery. I'll be getting a St. Jude heart valve and the surgery will last about 4-5 hours. I guess everything is set for next week regarding the details. Thursday I do the pre-op tests at the hospital and then everything is in place.

Nothing Special - Just Some Information

Yesterday I spoke with Sandy the nurse at Dr. Mazzella's office. She is very helpful and answered all our questions (at least the one's we could come up with right now) about visits in the hospital and medications. It is has been really interesting meeting with different people through this process. Sandy has been great about answering and anticipating questions and not making me feel like she needed to move on to the next patient. Dr. Mazzella should give her a raise.

I had alot of questions about the bloodthinners I will need to take after the valve job (Thanks for that image Brian). I think I am setup for the blood testing that I will need for the bloodthinners. There is a lab (Quest Diagnositics) that is covered by the insurance and has locations close to work and close to the house. Sandy said they could get the information they need from them online, so it sounds like that is the one. She said getting this done now gets us ahead of the game. One step closer.

Flu Shots, Potluck & Football - A Good Weekend

Yesterday Kim and I got our Flu shots. Thought this might be a good idea to do before the surgery. We went to the CVS at Longview and it worked out pretty well. The nurse giving the shots was very friendly and helpful. One of the questions on the form I filled out asked if I took bloodthinner medication. I thought this was interesting and wondered if I would not be able to get the shot in the future, since I will be on bloodthinners after the surgery. She said it wouldn't be a problem to get the shot in the future, but you couldn't receive a shot if you had a bleeding wound at the time. I learn something new everyday. This was an opening to talk about my up-coming surgery. She asked where I would have the surgery, and she mentioned that Research was a good hospital to have it done. Which was nice to hear.

Last night we had a potluck dinner at the house with our neighbors. It was a great time. The food was good, lots of kids playing, and good company.

Today was a good day. We watched the Chiefs with the Wankum gang which is always fun and the Chiefs finally won. Miracles do happen.

Today I Scheduled the Surgery

Well today I scheduled my heart valve replacement surgery. I spoke on the phone with Lisa at Dr. Forman's office. She was very helpful and explained the next steps which will include some paperwork and a visit to RMC for a pre-surgery anesthesia test. I'll do that on October 29th.

With the 2 prepatory tests (the catheterization and the CAT Scan) out of the way, I scheduled the surgery for November 4th at Research Medical Center. I'll receive a St. Jude mechanical valve. Based on my visit with Dr. Forman, who will perform the surgery, I didn't want to put it off too long. At least this way I can look forward to pumpkin pie and turkey at Thanksgiving.

Everything I read I will be in surgery for 5-6 hours and in intensive care for 24-48 hours. I'll be in the hospital for 4-7 days and have a 4-8 week recovery. Hopefully all will go well with the recovery and I will be good as new for 2010.

Now that the surgery is scheduled it is both a relief and a little worry rolled into one. I appreciate all your support, your thoughts, and your prayers. Times like these it's good to have family and friends.

CAT Scan Today

Today I had a CAT Scan completed at Research Medical Center. This was the second test that is needed before scheduling my surgery. The CT was completed on my chest and only took about 10 minutes from the time I laid down on the table until the time I was finished. The nurse gave me an IV and the scan started. After 3 or 4 series of breathing in and holding my breathe, the nurse injected a dye into my IV. The dye she injected for the test really gave me a hot flash which was a really unusual feeling that I could feel warmth from my head to my toes. One scan with the dye and I was done.

The nurse said the test results would go to the doctor this afternoon, so I should hear something probably tomorrow.

My First Posting

11 October 2009 - Today I created a blog to post information regarding my upcoming heart valve replacement. I hope this is a good way to communicate with friends and family regarding how things are going.

We'll see how it works.

I wanted to capture a little history with this first post:

9 Sept 2009 - Visited Dr. Mazzella and had my regular Echo-cardiogram. The results indicated a change from the previous results. He suggested I see Dr. Forman, a surgeon to discuss.

12 Sept 2009 - By the way do you think this sweat heart in my shirt was a sign from God.

22 Sept 2009 - Visited Dr. Forman. He explained my condition and indicated I needed to have my Aortic valve replaced. He used the data to explain the how much my valve opened (0.6 square cm, normal is 2.0 square cm). He also talked about the pressure drop my valve caused and that this could harm my heart permanently if it were not addressed. I asked how worried I should be, and he said "you should worry about this everyday". Needless to say his words have moved me to action.

28 Sept 2009 - I had a cardiac catheterization completed today at Research Medical Center. They gave me medication, so I do not remember the procedure, but I do remember the prep and leaving the room where the test took place. Dr. Mazzella performed the test, it went well and I was home by 1:00. Kim was with me during the morning and the recovery.