SUMMARIES ON SUNDAYS

For the next few weeks I'll be posting a summary on Sunday. Unless something unusual happens, look for these wrap-ups on Sunday....

It has been 10 days since the surgery and it's a joy to see the sunrise out the front window. The worst lingering effect is not pain but lack of sleep. There is a sensation of tightness and tender prickliness in my chest, presumably because the breastbone is trying to knit back together. The meds are being doled out scrupulously by my own personal Nurse Ratchet, like Pavlov giving treats to the dog. But I repeat, the worst is a zombie feeling of very very little sleep.

Life goes on. Out here in rural-land, we became eligible for free satellite TV but only the 7 Canadian channels that got cut off in the switch to digital. Still, a pretty good deal and way more choice than we're used to. We gave away our 15' above ground pool to a deserving mom and her 20-year old twins. Also in our Urge To Purge, we donated a little-used telescope to a silent auction for the local astronomy club. It feels good to give stuff away to worthy recipients.

I'm not supposed to do any serious exertion yet, just specific exercises. So there's been a role reversal ---- for example, Pat does the lawn mowing and I Swiffer!! (Thanks, John, for reminding me to dust behind the refrigerator; I would have missed that spot for sure!) It will be a long road back to full strength but in the meantime it's great to wake up and smell the black-eyed Susans or the bluey Obedient plant. Go out and see for yourself!

THERE"S NO PLACE LIKE HOME

The surgeon came by yesterday to check me over. We had made a deal that if I met all the tests (like walking up stairs and having good blood pressure numbers) I could leave today. So after 13 days in hospitals but only 3 1/2 after surgery, I was able to say good bye to my roommates Snore-y, Smell-y, and Whine-y and just walk out the door to my equally excited chauffeur.

The sun had dawned through my eastview window, a good omen like getting an ace in a poker hand. Just fantastic to drive through Ontario farm lands where in my absence the corn had grown high and the cattle fat. Mennonites set up at roadside selling everything from gladiolas to Deutsche apple pie. And invariably, maple leaves have started their annual rainbow ride.

The drive up our lane was not as dramatic as I expected. The pondfish are OK, the tomatoes are sandwich-size. We did have some severe wind damage to the gazebo and everything needs a trim, like boys needing a haircut before back-to-school. It will take a while before I get my full strength back. But overall it is soooo good to be home. Thanks for all your support and prayers. Now do me a favour and count your blessings tonight.

THRILLS AND PILLS WITH THE 4 1/2

The surgery on Thursday went really well and I'm trying to convince them to let me out before the mandatory 5-day post-op.The irony was that 2 weeks ago I sold the 64 1/2 Mustang and this week I got 4 1/2 bypasses. The doc said the 4th bit was extra long, so he called it a 4 1/2!

They took replacement vessels from my right leg, left arm, and one internal artery. I look like a lamb that's been half-shaven And I got 2 toys --- a red pillow to hug to my chest to cushion the stitches. And a 3-chamber flute-like thing to show how hard I can breathe.

But I'm not used to being fussed over so much. And I have given more blood and taken more pills in the last 10 days than all my life til now. Enough already!

SURGERY TOMORROW

Today is the eighth day I've been in hospital, having various blood and other tests but generally just waiting for bypass surgery. It's been very very difficult for me, like a car parked in a barn (oops ---- got one of those!). The bright spot has been hearing from many friends and family around the world. Thanks, everybody!

But we got the word today that my surgery is scheduled for midday tomorrow, August 16. The medical team is topnotch, led by surgeon Dr. Salasidis who said "you don't have to shave tomorrow ---- I won't!". So I slipped out to drive around because the rules say I won't be driving for a month. When will the torture end?

Pat will be putting out updates via email, but my next blog post will be from the other side of the OR. Cross everything....

HEARTS ARE WILD

Not much to write about today except thanks to all of my friends and family out there that have called. I'm glad it's raining often --- this area needs it, and I'm not tempted to escape to put the top down. When you ask how I'm doing/feeling, the answer is a combination of bored, impatient, monotonous, and frustrated just waiting. As probably in your life and work, there is a lack of communication. No hint at when surgery will be, no comment on the criteria for that to happen.

After meals and meds I wander away from the room to avoid the shouts and hallucinations of the 86-year old in the room with me. On Speed channel (in the lounge) I see Apolo Ohno the Olympic skater go goo-goo over his pimped-out '60 Cadillac. It has Olympic rings on the dashboard, and a mini skating rink (real ice) in the trunk! Where will they get a mini Zamboni??

I'm on the cardiology floor, so staff have cutsie-fied it with lots of hearts. There are hearts on the doors, on wreaths, on notice boards, and strewn here and there like red confetti at a white wedding. My heart is on my sleeve for you-know-who and we want to make a run for it but it's obvious Everyone Is Watching.

MY OLYMPICS

It's day 6 of my hospital stay with many more days to come. I look the same, feel the same, and I've never been confined this long indoors in my life. Longing for fresh air! So I'm musing today that this is my Olympics....

I.O.C. = Institute Of Cardiology

Opening Ceremony: Last Tuesday when I casually strolled into this stadium. 2 1/2 hour ceremony started with that new group "EKG"

Relay Team: Wiarton Hospital, Ambulance Transfer, Angiogram, Kitchener Hospital

Doping and meds and blood testing: They actually WANT me to take drugs!

Team Canada Cardiology: blood Girl With The Dog-on Tattoo, RN's, RPN's, MRP's, and a (gulp!) Pastor

Village: no wifi, shower down the hall,  $11/day TV, but funny room mate in for same event

Meals: Customized for each participant, but oddly no alcohol or tobacco!

Weather: Gratefully, it has been overcast and raining all week

Security: One of the surgeons finally approved a 4-hr. pass to go out of the building but I had to watch his card trick first!

My events: I wanted to Sprint through all this but it looks like I'm in for a Marathon

Oh --- did I mention my team smuggled in some secret gear?? It should keep me until my Closing Ceremony next week!