A High Tech Ticker

J. had open heart surgery on April 28th. It was a day that we thought would never get here, but one that came way too soon. What started out as a simple heart murmur discovered 13 years ago, turned into a dangerous condition known as aortic stenosis. Apparently J. was born with a bicuspid aortic valve (basically the valve had two flaps instead of the normal three). Apparently this is a relatively common condition with the first sign of it being a heart murmur that develops in adulthood (although sometimes a heart murmur will be present as a child during illness). The stenosis, or hardening, develops later from the valve wearing out more quickly than it should. We also found out that this condition is typically genetic, therefore our children and grandchildren could also develop this condition.

J. was admitted to the hospital the day before surgery so that he could have an angiogram and some testing done. It was after the angiogram that we learned that "loopy" medicine made J. a very loving drunk. He kept trying to make out with me in recovery. Day of surgery arrived and I have to admit I was slightly nervous. Afterall, so many things could go wrong. But God knew just what I needed to get me through and sent just the right people to sit with me during the surgery to take my mind off of the what-ifs. J. got another round of loopy meds in the pre op room and again I was reminded of how affectionate of a "drunk" he is. Not only did he want to make out but he kept lifting the sheet to show me how they shaved him. It seemed like I waited with him for hours in the pre op room but I still wasn't ready when they wheeled him back to the OR. The surgery was surprisingly short, only 3 or so hours, and they kept me very informed as to what was going on and how he was doing. I breathed a sigh of relief when the surgery was over and doc came in to give me the update. Doc said that his valve was really messed up and looked like an old fish mouth (whatever that means) and he was surprised at how healthy J. seemed before this surgery considering how damaged the valve was. His new mechanical valve will last him the rest of his life.

When they first let me come back to see him after the surgery, I was a little surprised at his appearance. They had warned me that he would be swollen, but I wasn't prepared for him to look so green. He didn't really know I was there, but it was so good to see him. A nurse friend of mine came back a few minutes later to reassure me that the nurses were taking good care of him and that he was doing well. Then she took me out to dinner. After dinner I wanted to have one last peak at my hubby before I went home for the night and I am so glad I did. When I walked into the room and took his hand in mine, he opened his eyes for a second and said, "this is nice". It was such a good feeling. I wanted to stay longer, but my legs were swelling and I was so tired and drained and relieved that I just wanted to cry. He asked for a kiss on the forehead before I left and I drove home thanking God for His goodness and grace. When I arrived the next day, J. was sitting in his chair eating breakfast and looking good. He was in quite a bit of pain but he was in great spirits, joking with the nurses like always.

I spent every day at the hospital with him, while good and generous friends and family kept the children for us. J's recovery was remarkable and by the third day after surgery, he walked a mile (17 laps around the cardiac unit). Everyone was impressed with how well he was doing. The only problem with feeling so good is that he ended up using his arms too much to hug people, shake hands, reach, etc. Doc and I got on him about it, though, and he forced himself to slow down. He has a heart shaped pillow that will be his companion for the next 8 weeks. He uses it to help with pain as he coughs and sneezes and to remind him not to use his arms.

J. ended up spending a week at the hospital simply because of trying to get the blood thinners at the correct dosage. He received such wonderful care at the hospital that he almost didn't want to leave. Such a great group of nurses and doctors! And he got the opportunity to pray with and pray for several of the nurses, doctors, patients, and worried family members of patients. They place was full of Jesus freaks.

Recovery is a long process. It takes 12 weeks for his sternum to heal. For the next 8 weeks he will be in TRex mode....arms by his side and no lifting, pulling, or pushing anything over 5 pounds. And no hugging. That is going to be really hard for him, but he has to be very careful. If he damages the sternum before it is fully healed, it is VERY serious! In the mean time he has me to help him shower, dress, eat, take meds, and put on his lovely and fashionable TED compression hose. After only two days of being home, he is already getting frustrated with his inability to do anything. I know this is going to be a long 8 weeks, but I am so thankful that God gave him this second chance. Without this surgery, his heart a heart attack was inevitable. Thanks to everyone for your prayers and support. You have blessed us greatly.