Posted by Hugh Nations Signing Agents of Austin on 2/13/07 12:56pm
Msg #175500

My daughter bones up on surgery

I go in Thursday for open heart surgery to replace a congenitally defective aortic valve.

Yesterday, my daughter, who is an emergency room RN, and I were talking with the heart surgeon about the operation.

"Will you have to crack my chest open?" I asked.

"Yes," he said. "Basically, I'll fracture the breast bone from about here (pointing to just below my Adam's apple) to about here (indicating a spot somewhere around my knees, it seemed). Then I'll just pull the bone apart to get at your heart valve."

"What do you call that procedure?" my daughter asked. "A Napoleon?"

She is a constant reminder that genes are powerful things.

Reply by Dennis D Broadbooks on 2/13/07 1:04pm
Msg #175503

You'll Be in Our Family's Prayers...

...BTW, you do know the definition of minor surgery, don't you Hugh? It's ANY surgery not being performed on YOU!

Reply by DellaCa on 2/13/07 2:11pm
Msg #175516

Re: My thoughts are with you

hope your up and around very soon.

Reply by christiSocal on 2/13/07 2:15pm
Msg #175518

I'll be keeping you in my prayers too. n/m

Reply by AngelinaAZ on 2/13/07 2:45pm
Msg #175523

Me too! Get well soon! n/m

Reply by PAW on 2/13/07 2:16pm
Msg #175519

Re: My thoughts are with you

If his surgeon is anything like mine was, he'll be home in no time. I had a quintuple CABG bypass on a Monday morning. I was home recovering on Wednesday afternoon.

My after surgery schedule was:
Monday - Surgery and ICU recovery
Tuesday - Walk around the floor in the AM. Walk half way up and down a flight of stairs in the afternoon.
Wednesday - Walk up and down the full flight of stairs in the late morning and again early afternoon. Discharged at 4:30 PM.

All the time doing breathing exercises and drinking lots of cloudy fluids.

Reply by Hugh Nations Signing Agents of Austin on 2/13/07 2:41pm
Msg #175522

Re: My thoughts are with you

PAW describes his rehab schedule after a quintuple (I don't have that many arteries. I don't even have that many teeth) bypass:

***Walk up and down the full flight of stairs in the late morning and again early afternoon.***

I've had the surgeon construct an individualized recuperation program for me:

Friday: Chase the platinum blonde widow (no bass boat, no liquor store, big trust fund, recently installed maximum chest) around the room three times a day.

Saturday: Chase three times, catch her once.

Sunday: Back on the operating table.

Reply by christiSocal on 2/13/07 3:50pm
Msg #175532

It's good to see that some things Never change! ;) n/m

Reply by MikeC/NY on 2/13/07 9:47pm
Msg #175571

Re: My thoughts are with you

I don't know you other than what I've seen in the posts I've read from you here, but I'm hoping to hear more about that platinum blonde widow in the weeks ahead... Your positive attitude is inspiring, and my prayers are with you.

P.S.: Ask for a smaller room, so you don't have to chase her so far...

Reply by John_NorCal on 2/13/07 9:38pm
Msg #175567

Hey Hugh! Did they show the spot where they remove....

your wallet? Take care, get well and come back to the board!

Reply by NJ_Notary on 2/13/07 10:26pm
Msg #175574

You are in my thoughts and prayers...

and hoping all goes well and smoothly (well as best as it can i should say). God bless you and your definately being added to my thoughts and prayers .

Reply by DogmongerCA on 2/14/07 12:22am
Msg #175578

Gods Speed Hugh:-)

With all these prayers, you will be well looked after:-)

Reply by Mia on 2/14/07 6:29am
Msg #175589

You'll have to chase the platinum blonde

You'll have to chase the platinum blonde, with the heart pillow that they give you
up against your chest -- so catching her with one hand may be difficult.

Get well soon!

Reply by JanetK_CA on 2/14/07 7:59pm
Msg #175722

Sounds like you have an excellent advocate looking out for you. That is priceless. But what I want to know is whether or not anyone warned the nurses... I hope they know what they're in for! Actually, I suspect you will be one patient they won't soon forget. ;> With your sense of humor obviously firmly intact, I'm sure you'll do well. Wishing you a complete and speedy recovery!