Yesterday was just a good day as Kristin continued to feel better, stronger and began walking more. I think being able to get out of bed for even brief moments helped the time go by - it gave her something specific to work at. Her voice is coming back (the breathing tube really beats up vocal cords) which helps people she speaks with over the phone believe she is, in fact, doing well. And the big deal... she gets to come home this afternoon! It amazes me that she can undergo the kind of major surgery she did and be ready to go home in five days, but she's just that awesome. Kristin will, of course, have several weeks of very limited mobility while at home. I think she has knitting and guitar classes lined up for he down time. She is in good spirits and seems to be sleeping better without all those tubes. The pain meds still make her a bit loopy (which is kind of funny sometimes); actually, I think she is afraid to post on the blog because she doesn't want to type while high. Kids, that is a doctor prescribed high - don't do drugs. Well, more to come, but I gotta get moving.
Shalom,
Brady
Rise and shine
My bed has wheels!!!
Friday, October 22, 2010
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The basics of my surgery:
This August, I was at a check up and my doctor heard a heart murmur and told me to go see a Cardiologist. Over the last 4 weeks, I have been doing multiple procedures to find out exactly what was wrong with my heart and how it could be fixed. After a few procedures, I met with a surgeon in Dallas and it was recommended that I have open heart surgery. I decided that if i needed this procedure, I would rather be in St. Louis with my family to have it done.
Two weeks ago I went for a second opinion in St. Louis. All the doctors that I have met with have confirmed that I need to move forward with open heart surgery. There are no other less-invasive options for the type of surgery I have to do. I will have the surgery done in St. Louis at Missouri Baptist Hospital on October 18th.
The doctor will be performing 2 procedures during the surgery to fix two problems. I technically have an Ascending Aortic Aneurism, which as led to an enlarged aorta. My aorta is 5.1 centimeters, which is double the size of the average aorta. To fix the aorta they will replace the enlarged part with a dacron polyester tube. This will stay in my heart for the rest of my life. Over time the tissue will grow over the new aorta. The second part of the procedure is to fix my valves. My valves are what cause the heart murmur and essentially the cause of the enlarged aorta. Until they open up my heart, they can't determine exactly how they will fix the valves. The first option is to surgically fix them using my current tissue. If that is not an option, they will replace the valves with an animal valve. The surgery will take approximiately 4 hours, then I'll be in recovery at the hospital for about 5 days before I am able to go home and rest for about 6 weeks.
To answer a few questions:
Did I know about this? No, I did not know until a little over a month ago that anything was wrong. I knew when I was young that I had a heart murmur, but over the years Cardiologists have told me nothing was wrong.
Do I feel okay? Yes, I still feel like my normal self. There were no indications that I had anything wrong, other than the doctor first hearing my murmur.
Will I be able to resume normal activity post surgery? Yes, after a few weeks of recovery I should be able to resume my normal activities. It may just take a while to feel comfortable playing sports for a while.
Thanks for everyone for your thoughts and prayers. It means a lot to my family to have so many people supporting us, we can't thank you enough!
If anyone is around St. Louis, feel free to stop by! Visitors are welcome!
Kristin we are so glad to hear you are doing so well! Holly was excited she got to talk to you. Will be back next week and hope to visit. Keep up the good progress. love, Jack and Margo
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad she is getting to go home. I'm certain recovery will be much easier there. What an AMAZING story you have, Kristin! Has God's gracious and protective hand been upon you or what??!?!? I love it!
ReplyDeleteHugs to you all!
Shannon
Awesome news! We continue to pray!
ReplyDeleteBrady, your post makes me laugh. Our God is awesome. We will continue to pray and our entire K-group will continue to pray for Kristin's recovery.
ReplyDeleteI'm amazed that after all you've been through, you look like a model in this pic!!! Lots of love and prayers coming your way!
ReplyDeleteNellie! So glad to hear you are heading home! We having been sending lots of thoughts and prayers your way:) Be on the lookout for a package from me and Dan. Love you!
ReplyDeleteLux