3-5-16
Continuing good blood tests when I saw Dr. Abonour on Wednesday 3-2. He was pleased to discontinue maintenance infusions so I could have the surgery described below. I am to see him again on Wednesday, March 30.
So, on Monday, March 7, Dr. David Heimansohn, surgeon, will perform a "port access mitral valve repair" on my valve which has been leaking for some 40 years. He does not have to open my chest; he will make a rather small incision in my right chest and work through it to the valve.
Yesterday Mary Ann and I spent about six hours at the St. Vincent Heart Center for a Pre-Op consultation. Had numerous tests, all of which said proceed with surgery. I have some easy preps before going to the Heart Center at 5:30am on Monday.
Post surgery sounds anything but easy. After 3-5 days in the Heart Center, I will be going home with more restrictions than I can now remember. Some examples: someone has to be with me 24/7 for at least one week to be certain I can get about without falling; I probably will not be able to drive for a month, maybe even longer; I will need to take walks without a golf club, maybe with a cane, though:; I may have to stop by St. V.'s Hospital three times a week to drip off some blood for testing. I think there is more, but that gives you an idea of the difficulties for Mary Ann - have good thoughts for her.
Chances are good that, with the remission mentioned and the valve repair, my fatigue will lesson, not enough to help with housework, but enough to enable me to get the garbage cans down to the street. Maybe, although it is counter-intuitive, I will be able to sleep more than 4-5 hours, thus arising at a more normal hour, 4:00am or so. Time will tell.
I should get back here sometime around March 12 to report progress on the heart repair. As with the cancer, but for the recovery restrictions, I continue to stay positive - whatever will be, will be.
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