First night home

I went down to the hospital around 6pm last night in hopes that Dad would be ready for discharge. As he finished one last IV treatment, the moment came. I helped him put on his nicest clothes (which we couldn't get buttoned due to bloating!) and pulled the car around front. He was nervous to come home, which is completely reasonable.  We stopped by CVS to drop off all 7 prescriptions and arrived home around 9:30. It is SO nice to have him home. 

My parents have three crazy dogs. Well, okay, just one is crazy but that's because she's 7 and runs our household. The other two are 13 and 12. The 13 year old sleeps most of the day/night and the 12 year old spends time defending his territory when little miss decides she needs to be in charge.  I made a point to remind Dad several times that when Abby jumps up, he CAN'T push her down. We had her in her crate while he walked into the house. Almost instantly, she knew there was something wrong. Her head tilted to the side and she had a look that just said "oh my, my daddy is hurt". It was incredible. When we let her out, she ran to his feet and started to lick them. She wouldn't get too close and knew to stay calm. Animals are amazing. 

I went back to work today and my sister came by to help my mom. A visiting nurse stopped in and was amazed at the progress he's made so far. He's doing a great job maintaing what independence he can and pushing himself, but not too hard. It really got me thinking, never in dad's wildest dreams did he think my sister and I would be taking care of him. It's a good thing my brother had kids - he never would have been able to handle bodily fluids! At least I deal with it daily at work, so nothing surprises me. 

In other things, spring break starts Thursday at noon for me. THANK GOODNESS. I can't wait. With everything happening all at one time, I've stopped taking time for me and am beginning to feel the effects. I have a raging headache today and absolutely no patience. I'm exhausted and finished with doing any sort of work. I've gotten ahead on all of my projects and only have 2 finals to focus on and they are in May. I think I'm going to take the time to go get a massage and facial during break. I got my first pedicure for the season (before my next races take off my two lovely toenails). Now all we need is warmer weather so I can show them off! 

It's been a long, but surprising week

We are all hoping Dad can come home today. That would really be nice. He looks great, and I think he feels pretty good. He does talk about how tired he is and really didn't expect to be that tired. He's also a tad emotional which lots of people says happen after a surgery like heart surgery. My brother and sister both left Wednesday night and mom and I have been splitting up visiting shifts. We brought him some things from home that might make him more comfortable. One thing he wanted was his electric toothbrush. Friday morning when he went to use it, nurses came flying from every direction. Apparently, while he was using it, his HR sky rocketed to 150 beats per minute. Who would have known a toothbrush could do that!? 

As of yesterday there was slight concern about his low potassium levels. They started giving him a multivitamin again along with extra iron and potassium. His HR also drops between  midnight and 3am, and it drops down into the 40-50 beats per minute range. I think they are thinking that is due to the potassium, however, no one seems to be overly concerned - so hopefully there is no reason to worry.

He may come home today or tomorrow, and I think that will be crucial to the healing process. Although his room is nice, it's completely different when you're in your own environment. He has a lot of restrictions as to what he can and can't do. So, it seems like sitting still for at least the next 2 weeks is important.  We are all so thankful things seem to be going so well. 

The next day

Last night before we went to bed we placed a call to see his he was
doing. At 10:30, they were already getting ready to remove the
breathing tube and hoped he would be in a chair by midnight. They
encourage open heart patients to be sitting up to decrease the chance
of pneumonia and infection. He slept in the chair for most of the
night and enjoyed a cup of green jello for his first meal.

Mom and I hopped in the car around 9:30 to head back down. On the way,
a nurse called. They were moving him from cardiac intensive care up to
a private suite. This happened in less then the 24 hour time frame!
When we arrived he was sitting up talking with the nurse. What a
sight! He looked so much better then when we left him last night.
Although he does still have a lot of wires and machines hooked up to
him. We sat with him for almost 2 hours before he was noticibly
getting tired. As we were leaving, a nurse said PT was going to be
coming to get him up and walking.

What a difference a day makes. I am so so thankful.

Second update

We just finished talking with the surgeon. His words were "this
proceedure went beautifully". Dad had a significant leakage that was
fixed, and his heart should be back in regular rythem. We will be able
to see him in the next hour, however he won't be awake. He will have a
breathing tube, IVs in his neck and look pretty different. The next 24
hours are still considered critical.

We'll be able to see him for 10 minutes, then we're going to head
toward home. We are ready for dinner but feel so much better this is
heading towards healing now. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to
everyone who expressed care and concern. I know this is not an unusual
proceedure, but everyone is so different it's hard to predict the
outcome. Thankfully, the outcome was exceptional today.

First Update

Whoever had the brilliant idea of putting wireless in this hospital was brilliant. I only had enough reading material to make it through the morning! All 5 of us piled into my car this morning at 7:30 to head to Towson. We arrived by 8:30, walked in and got started. My mom and dad went back to begin the prep stages around 8:45. My sister, brother and I played Uno, flipped through some magazines - basically did anything to kill time. 

Around 10:45 a nurse came out to get the rest of us. We went back to the surgery prep area, met up with mom and dad, and joked around. As a matter of fact, we joked so loudly, we were asked to quiet down twice! Regardless, we were having fun and no one was thinking about the situation. Until, the chaplain came in. I had to excuse myself and walk away.  After I could hear the remaining family members back to joking, I returned. She prepared us for what to expect after, and asked if we'd like to say a prayer. We all stood around dad on the gurney and put a hand on him. I didn't look at my brother, but I know the rest of us had a tough time staying dry. 

They wheeled him off around 12:45 and we gave "hugs and kisses" (as they kept referring to it) and said goodbye. We headed to the cafeteria and had some lunch. Made a few more jokes and walked around. The food wasn't too bad, but now, all we can do is just sit and wait. A nurse just called us to let us know that surgery is under way and things are going well.  It took about an hour to finish prepping him in the OR before things even began. We are expecting to hear the (excellent) results within the next few hours.

Postponed... one more day

Came home Friday to a phone call from the doctor. Surgery has been postponed to Tuesday. First, we were in a mild state of panic, as many people have made plans to be available Monday.  But then, things began to calm down - plans were changed, and now I have to say... I think we're all ready. 

Oh another note, I'm hosting a surprise baby shower for a childhood friend today. I think it will be a lot of fun - I'll have to post some photos. As far as I know, she doesn't even know about it. That will make it even more fun! Have a great Sunday everyone! 

Newspaper Article

Check it out! I was in The Catholic Review today for a project I did with the kids at school. I couldn't post the article, OR a link to it, so I here it is:

No challenge too great for St. Elizabeth authors

By Matt Palmer   mpalmer@catholicreview.org    Margaret Patrick placed a hand on her son Jordan’s arm and smiled. Seconds later, her eyes dampened.   “When he was born, the doctors told me he wouldn’t be able to walk, he wouldn’t be able to talk and he would be profoundly retarded,” Mrs. Patrick said.   Like many of his classmates at St. Elizabeth School, Inc., in northeast Baltimore, however, Jordan is a published author. With the aid of a computer, Jordan read his work to class mates, parents and teachers at The Author’s Tea, a March 5 event at the school.   “When I grow up, I want to be a bus driver,” said Jordan, who has cerebral palsy.   Throughout St. Elizabeth, a school for special needs stu dents on the middle or high school level that is supported by the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi, emotions ran high among families as their chil dren read from their books.   Writing teacher Ann Marie Deigelman spearheaded the project last year and watched as students who once strug gled to communicate found comfort in the written word.   Ms. Deigelman encouraged students to choose a subject they love. They researched, wrote and edited their stories, which were sent to a publish er in Kansas. When the fin ished books arrived in boxes, excitement grew among the students.   “You can just see their self-esteem grow, because they have such pride in what they’ve done,” said Christine Manlove, the school’s execu tive director and principal.   Last year’s

Author’s Tea was such a success that students returned in the fall eager to start their new books. Even though Ms. Deigelman had worked with the students each day on their books, The Author’s Tea proved to be emotional.   “I think I went home last year and had emotional issues that whole day,” she said. “You go home every day and try to figure out how to make things better tomorrow.”   Barrie Avery, 14, entered St. Elizabeth this school year and started a Lego club. His pas sion for the blocks led him to research other enthusiasts of the beloved toy.   “It has a legacy for millions of people,” Barrie said, while holding a copy of his book, “Lego History,” which fea tured his photo on the cover. “This is exciting.”   Parents like Gail Weingram leaned in close to hear the sto ries of their children.   Her son Matthew has frag ile X syndrome, a genetic condition that causes various impairments. Last year, he wrote about cartoon character Ben 10; this year he turned his focus to comic book character Wolverine.   “You can see the change, just from last year,” Mrs. Wein gram said of her son’s writing. “The level of sophistication is incredible.”   Lives, parents said, are being changed daily at St. Elizabeth, thanks to the writing project.   “We’re just blessed,” said Mrs. Patrick, a Mercy High alumna who pursued a career in special education after the birth of her son Jordan. “He’s found a home here.”

Overly emotional

Last night my brother, sister and I had our family conference call to
discuss dad. I think that finally hit me. This is really going to
happen. Since I sill live at home, I appeared to know more info then
every one else. On the other hand, because I still live at home, mom
and I will handle most of this. Can't tell whether that's a good thing
or not.

My brother did the wonderful job of reminding us that the dad we see
on Monday night will be no where near the same dad we dropped off at
8:30am. So, we need to be prepared. That caused me to fall asleep
thinking about it, and work anxiety up into a big ball of emotional
mess...way to go female hormones. I just keep reminding myself that
after 6 weeks, things will be so much better. Except, looking at 6
weeks from day 1 seems so far away...

Heart Surgery

Quick update: my dad met with the heart surgeon on Wednesday.  After reviewing all the results, it appears he will be able to repair his mitral valve. He will have a replacement on hand just in case anything goes wrong though. The surgery will be on March 23 at noon. Should last about 4 hours. He will spend the next two or so days in the ICU and then be moved to a regular unit. Overall hospital stay will be anywhere from 5-7 days. While he's in the operating room, they will put him on life support. Therefore once they start his heart, they will be able to get it back into rhythm.  Once he comes home, he'll have 2 weeks with 24 hour supervision - provided by my mom and I. 

Am I nervous? scared? worried? relieved? yes. Do they do this every day? yes. Is there a mortality rate? yes, but it's small... like 2%. Over all will it be worth it? Yes. 6-8 weeks of recovery is certainly worth another 30 years of quality life.  My dad doesn't seem to be nervous at all, and if he is... he certainly isn't showing it. The surgeon he has chosen is highly recommended and comes with thousands of surgeries under his belt.  He is also known for the starting Cardiac Center at St. Joseph's and known for developing several different surgical methods.  He will be in the best possible care while there.  He's even studied state of the art heart surgery in France. Which means --- he's speaks fluent french! What more could you want in a heart doctor....

When my brother was down last weekend, as a precaution, he and my dad went through "the drawer". Not sure if anyone's ever heard of this saying, but the drawer is where the wills are kept and anything else my brother would need should something happen. That is a scary thought. Tomorrow night at 9, my brother, sister and I have a conference call scheduled to discuss how we are going to handle this. Maybe we'll even create a power point to share with others! Sorry, I have to keep this light or else the air will get thick with worry. 

Enjoying Weight Loss

Anyone ever try Hypnosis? As part of the Weight Watchers routine, I am on www.dwlz.com on a daily basis. This is Dotti's Weight Loss Zone. She has gone and found point values for dozens of restaurants.  Thank goodness. 

She also talks about these Enjoying Weight Loss Hypnosis cds. She says they've gotten her back on track and made her weight loss program better then ever. So, what did I do... I googled the title and read the reviews. Not one bad review on these cds. As a matter of fact, every review was positive and spoke real highly of them. I found a used set on Amazon and thought - hey, why not give them a try. 

I've been listening to them since Wednesday, and although I'm not sure they've worked yet... I do find them very relaxing.  A few times, I know from listening to them that there's no way I'm asleep, but I'm also not awake.  I'm in a gray area with my sub conscience open wide.  The point is to reroute sub conscience thoughts so you start living the habits of healthy, slender people.  Such as, turning away from sweets, eating chicken with out skin, enjoying water and an exercise program.  Over time, people have said that they've approached food and heard "you don't need that" or "that's not part of the program" and had the urge disappear and walk away. Will they work? I don't know... but I will certainly keep you updated! 

Update

My dad had a cardiac cath done today to check out his heart and all
the areas. Everything looks great except for his mitral valve. There
are 4 stages of "leaks", 1+, 2+,3+ and 4+. he is at 4+. My parents
will meet with the surgeon next Wednesday to pick a date. We are
starting to think it may have changed from a repair to replacement,
but won't know that for sure until Wednesday. So many people have
tested him - but only one can give him the real answer. This we have
to wait for. At this point, it's starting to get hard. I know it
happens every day, to dozens of people, but... It's just hard.

However, my father was a middle child - therefore he loves the
attention and is jealous that Robin Williams and Barbara Bush also had
heart surgery this week.... This was HIS problem first! In a joking
matter of course. (you almost have to know him... ) = )

My brother showed up today with the kids and I haven't seen them
since Christmas. They are incredibly cute and I can't wait to hang out
with them more tomorrow.

Plus, not to mention, Ritas opens back up tomorrow. Man, Ritas + my
brother + 70 degrees= one really good weekend.

Rocky Waters

I haven't talked much about the upcoming topic, simply because I don't know who is supposed to know and who isn't. But, at this point - I'm assuming those that need to know do, and anyone that reads it on here is cool. I'm also fairly sure no members of my family look at this.  

It seems that around the time my parents returned from China, my dad was under the microscope for bronchitis and a few small ailments. Through that process, they discovered a heart murmur. While following this for the last few months, it appears he has a leaky mitral valve. At this time, doctors are discussing whether to repair, or replace. My dad thinks they will repair it - which is certainly less major then a replacement, but slight cause for concern because it still IS heart surgery one way or another. It's been an interesting road to follow which will all come to a head soon. Friday is the last of the tests to determine the next step. 

My brother and his family are coming Friday for the weekend, and we're going to Arlington to see my sister and brother-in-law on Sunday.  I'm lucky that my family is so close and full of support for things like this.  I'm very sure everything will work out in the end, but you still always have to face the unknown. 

Running Update

Not sure if I shared, but last Wednesday I went to pick up my orthotics. I had been doing really well with the gel heel cushions I bought about a week and a half ago. I began breaking them in by wearing sneakers to work. That way, I could walk around and get used to them. My right foot adjusted right away and the next day I tried for a run. It was a complete change. It was so nice to be running outside again - or should I say just running in general. I could have run for hours... if I knew I could. I worked in an easy 4.5 miles and returned home feeling great. Since then, I've been watching my mileage build. Slowly but surely. Things are starting to look up! 

Snow!

Well, as promised, Maryland weathermen were right. Look at all that snow! I'm speculating we got somewhere between 4-7" in the Ellicott City/Columbia area. Naturally, all schools were cancelled - well, except for my Hopkins class tonight. So, I've already emailed the teacher seeing if she is willing to cancel. I've got other stuff to do! 

Howard County has this map which you can access that tells you what roads have been plowed, where the plows are and whether roads have been salted. My road is ALWAYS one of the last. According to the map, it appears  most all roads in the neighborhood have been done - but not mine. For some reason, they have our road marked down as a cul-de-sac.....   So, I'm going to bundle up and head out to start shoveling. With my dad's pending heart problems, it's probably best my mom and I attack this sooner, then later.