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.