Home Sweet Home
Saturday, November 14th, 1998
I've been home now since about 11 o'clock yesterday. And there are no words to describe how satisfying this feeling can be. So instead, I've been putting this off. Besides just not having the physical energy I just haven't had the time. Believe it or not, my days (well, day and half so far) have been full. Between the phone calls, the naps, the gift baskets being delivered, the naps, organizing and taking my "meds", the naps, the visitors, reading over 50 personal e-mails received, the naps, more meds, more deliveries, more naps, more visitors, and did I mention the phone calls and the naps? - where has all the time gone? I need a nap. This is hard work. Don't folks know I have a journal to update?
Okay, let's see now...
Date: Sun, 08 Nov 1998 17:59:56 -0800
Dear Steve:
Our best wishes are with you...and both Vivian and I look forward to hearing that all is well.
I am astonished that I was Visitor 4783 since Nov 4 on your WebSite documenting your experience...do you know that many people?
Regards Victor Waese
Date: Sun, 8 Nov 1998 22:03:21 EST
Subject; Thanks...
Steve....
What a great help your web page has been. I'm a 36 year old husband and father of two and am looking at Aortic Valve replacement surgery in the next couple months. I had my angiogram on Nov 5, 1998.... Veins and arteries are clear..."That's the largest coronary artery I've ever seen" was heard somewhere in the middle of it. But the valve is leaking profusely.
Your blow by blow account has relieved some of the tensions I have been experiencing in choosing the type of replacement valve. I have a follow up visit with my Cardiologist on Thursday the 12th...seems there is a differing of opinions between the actual heart surgeon and the surgeon who performed the angiogram as to the urgency of the matter.
Will be watching for updates to your web page....I am praying for you Steve.
Tim Medendorp
Subject: Re: get well!
Date: Sun, 8 Nov 1998 22:57:16 -0500
Steve,
Just read your pages, wow!!!! you're a really great writer too!
see you on the mend.
Jerry
Monday November 9th
Slept ok thanks to two sleeping pills and a tranquilizer. Dory up first as usual and went out to Tim Horton's to get herself a coffee while I took my shower. When I got out she was back with a surprise guest, my brother Larry who'd been waiting for signs of life outside our front door for who knows how long. What a guy. I was glad to see him one last time before the big event since we hadn't seen each other since last Thursday when I signed-off at work. It was emotional ( in our manly, non-verbal, heterosexual way) but short as it was now about 7am and we had to hit the road. We said our good byes to Larry and the pooches and took off. This was really happening. The trip downtown was quiet and pensive. We arrived on time on the 12th floor cardiac reception where I was shown to a room. After about a 20 minute wait, our nurse, Mimi brought me a robe to change into. Say good bye to clothes for a while. Mimi was a sweetie. Even though she was only my nurse for the check-in process, she'd continue to check in on me from time to time during my entire stay just to see how I was doing. A male nurse came in shortly thereafter to shave my chest and groin area (again- just as it was finally growing back after the angiogram!) This time he used an electric trimmer and didn't shave right down to the skin, leaving a rough stubble. He said it would be better for me as it would grow in easier and would not be as uncomfortable. It was now about 9:20am and he was nervous because we were running late. Doctor David likes his patients down in the holding area as early as possible. Apparently he is very fast and efficient and takes you in early if possible.
I was feeling guilty as I told my parents not to come until about 10 and it was now probable that we would not see each other before the surgery. Something I hoped we could do. I thought they would be very disappointed. Duh- here I am about to go and get my chest cut open and I am still worrying about what my parents are going to think. It's ok. I got over that real quick when Mimi took me down the hall for a antibacterial shower. En route to the shower rooms I met Mr. Utter. (I never got his first name) a 33 year old fit looking, young man who was also in for a valve job. He seemed really freaked about it and I think I joked a bit with him to try and ease his nerves.
Not long after, "transportation" arrived to take me down to holding. It was a very smooth heavy duty type of rolling stretcher with heated blankets. Very cosy. And appropriate since my little exposed butt was freezing in that damned hopsital backwards gown. What is it with those things anyway? Why backwards? Well screw 'em. I took an extra robe and wore it front wards on top of the backwards one. Dory walked along side until we reached the restricted area of the operating rooms and we said good bye for the last time. That was scary. But no time to dwell on that. We were motoring it down the tiled hallways. I was given my little blue hair net and rolled into my docking area in the holding room. Was given a light tranquilizer and a stomach acid neutralizer and waited and watched people coming and going. I was docked right in front of the blanket warmer oven and just watching that door open and close made me feel snug and warm despite the sterile and intimidating surroundings.
Dr David came in, looked at my chart. Confirmed that he would do his best to the save my valve if possible but if not, we confirmed that it then would be a pig valve used as the replacement. He said not to worry and he'd see me in about twenty minutes. The anesthesiologist dropped by and asked some questions as well. Mr. Utter was brought in and docked two or three stations down from me. I was still disappointed about not seeing my folks one last time and knew they'd be upset. But again didn't dwell on it because before I knew it we were movin' again. Down the hall. Thru some doors and into the OR. I really don't remember much after that except for the mask going over my face and going out like a light.
Date: Mon, 9 Nov 1998 08:01:30 -0500 (EST)
Subject: GO, MAN, GO
Dear Steve,
>From Tessa we heard that you are in the "repair shop". No fun but in a short time you will feel better than before.
Today's technology and skill has improved so much that this is a routine effort, the same type of thing Mary had, a good year ago, with an abdominal "Y" bypass. She feels great and a scar is the only reminder.
Hang in there, we are sure that Dory will be a great support and comfort.
Be in touch, Love and greetings,
Mary and Adrian.
Date: Mon, 09 Nov 1998 13:01:13 -0500
Subject: We're Rootin" For Ya!
Dear Steve:
It's "D-Day" and you have been in our thoughts constantly. We read the journal from cover to virtual cover for the first time this morning and it is awesome!
We are standing by to hear the good news of your operation's success and in the meantime, our thoughts and prayers are with you and Dory.
"Afoot and light-hearted I take to the open road, Healthy, free, the world before me."
Walt Whitman
Lots of love,
MJ and Perry
Part 12 - Steve's Fixed! /
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