What A Month !?!

Alright, it has been more then a while since my last post. If anyone is still checking this post it is full of new information. Maybe I'll just do a list:

1. Heart doctor says I'm doing fine. I can lift stuff and lead a somewhat normal life. I will still need to be on my meds for the next 4 months.

2. Kristie is fully at the new house. I will move in fully after the wedding. I am amazed how a one bedroom apartment can fill a 3 bedroom home. I feel like all the stuff just expanded like those figure that soak in water.

3. I can golf. That's right I can golf for the first time this year. I just haven't gone yet...anyone wanna go?

4. I did get to some Cubs games finally... and they were good! Playoffs?

5. Did some wedding planning. Tasted set the menu, tasted some cake, and got the tux in order. Only a few things left.

6. Went to see Billy Joel and Elton John, really good show.

7. Did I mention I can drink? It doesn't mess with the meds...wine anyone?

8. I went back to work. It was great being a productive member of society.

9. A week after being back I was laid-off. My last day is the 28th of August.

10. I'm looking for a new job.

11. I'm going canoeing tomorrow, it will be nice to do a "summer" activity.

I didn't get to go to lollapalooza but Kristie did get us Ray LaMontagne tickets. So, I will take these latest events and go forward a little wiser.

Who knows what tomorrow holds? One thing is certain, there is opportunity out there and I'm gonna find it.

Another Post On A Tuesday

It has been a busy few days. Kristie and I closed on the new place. We are both very happy with our new home and look forward to moving in soon. There is the matter of a few fix ups, some new paint, Kristie is a trooper with the roller, and possibly a new counter top. Kris will officially move near the end of this month because she still has her apartment for July. A slow move is what we need.

As for me, I'm still healing up. I didn't think it would take this long to get back to normal. For some reason I though that I can heal faster than a regular human being. But the fact is that I heal at the same rate as everyone else. So contrary to popular belief I am not special.

We head to the doctors on Wednesday morning to to get an ECG and to talk with the cardiologist. Hopefully I will get the clear to get back to work or at least get the OK to lift more than a gallon of milk. At any rate I am closer the being healed then I was a week ago. As I have been reminded rushing back won't heal me any quicker.

I know I have tried to do too much and have been "reminded" by people close to me that I can't do everything just yet. I have reached the point that I want to do more and think I can do more but when I actually do more, I feel it. This is the process and I will get past it.

BTW - I just recently found out that Steven Page left BNL in February. Crazy.

Insurance And Billing Fun

Everything with the physical part of the recovery, as you know, has been going well. Now, the fun starts with the insurance, billing from three different medical institutions, lawyers for the new home, and general organizational hullabaloo.

I am not the best in organizing my personal life (Kristie is much better) but everything with closing on the house next week, my medical situation, and getting things straight with the wedding has taken a minor toll on my mental state.

So, I humbly ask...what the hell? Do people just like wasting my time...their own time...the time in the cosmos? Did I find a new black hole in my cell phone? At least Verizon is happy with my situation, I have upped my plan each month for the past two months. Oh yeah, they are on my sh*t list now.

Also, when you make a phone call to people who want business, one would assume they would like to call you back. Or, proofread an e-mail so it has a coherent thought. Is it too much for people to know what the hell they are talking about?

Don't get me wrong, there have been people that have been very helpful. They actually talk to me like a person and not talk down to me because I don't work in their field. Forgive me that I want to actually know what the hell is going on with my bills/house/transportation/treatment/schedule etc. The helpful people have been very welcome from the other bullsh*t.

Since I brought up the cosmos, why is that a guy that has not driven for over six weeks gets a flat tire? And, he can't jack up his car or change his own tire. If the universe had a face, it's tongue would be pointed towards me. Other than that, things are well and looking forward to more time suck from my phone.

Side note "Tetro," good not great, but I like what's coming from Coppala's head in his seventies.

Peace.

Getting A Little Better

This past week was really good for me. I was reunited with my car and drove for the first time in a while. It was a little tight in my chest when turning the wheel. By no means am I 100% but I do feel better. Every time I try something "new" it reminds me that I still have a ways to go.

The baby steps are humbling but I like that I can get a plate down without feeling pain or sneezing and feeling that my chest is going to open. It hurts don't get me wrong but it's not like my knees are buckling and I have to lean against a wall. What I really want to do is swing a club but I don't think that will happen for a long while.

I did get the new Indiana Jones game. It's fun but it wears me out sometimes. Really? Yes, I know that makes me sound pathetic but the whipping is tiring. It really is a one day at a time thing.

Kristie has been great as always. She is supportive and reminds me when I try to do too much. I think she knows my limits more than I do. Other than that, I really appreciate all the support form everyone.

Missing My Car / I Wanna Whip Something

It has been a little bit since the last post. Kristie and I went through the meeting with the priest and marriage seminar. It was a really good experience and I am glad we did it. 

Other than that I am getting tired riding in the back of cars and relying on other people for rides. Hopefully soon I can get behind the wheel of my ride and start getting back my independence. Until then I will sit, wait, and dream of rolling down the highway in my Elantra Hatchback GT.

That leads me to the latest doctors update. My chest x-ray looked good (the best they saw all day) and I am healing fine. Unfortunately they said I will be out of work for an additional 6 to 8 weeks. So I have a long time to totally lose my mind. I guess that it is better to fully heal then prolong the process. I'm not sure if I mentioned it before but the home nurse said that it could take longer to fully heal on the inside (i.e. muscles, heart) but feel fine and be fuctional on the outside. 

Besides that still hooked on media. Lots of TV and video games, well more TV and Movies but that could change. I recently saw the promo for the new Rock Band Beatles and It looks awesome but that doesn't come out until September. What just came out is the new Indiana Jones game for wii. So, hopefully I'll be wasting time by whipping it from the couch. Kali-Mah.

Another Update

Tonight I will be taking one step closer to marriage. We meet with the priest from Kristie's church for this class for getting married. We both aren't quite sure what we are going to be doing but I envision a cross between a church faith thing with a police interrogation. As long as they don't separate us we can keep our story straight. Yes we want to get married.

Also, tomorrow I go in for a check-up with my cardiologist and surgeon. I get a chest x-ray and go over my progress, I'll also probably find out when I can drive and go back to work. Lots of info in a few days. So, as always I'll keep things up to date. 

Other than that same old same old. I can tell you how much I have been sitting and sleeping but that's not fun. I'm still sleeping on my back, it sucks, I can't roll over. Naps on the couch. I have been playing Lego Indiana Jones for wii. It's OK it's made for ten year olds so I'm on the same mental wave lenght. Other then seeing many good movies and doing some writing I have gotten sucked into the tv series Numb3rs. I didn't think that I would like a formulaic cop show but I really like it. I hate CSI, NCIS and the other initial ridden shows but Numbers puts a twist with the math angle and the characters are good with some real dynamics. So, if your board check it out on Hulu.

New Family Member

Yesterday my sister had 10 pound 4 ounce baby girl. Peyton Elizabeth is the newest addition to the family and I couldn't be happier. Being an Uncle for a fourth time is great and I love each of them greatly. Family is very important to me and this has put everything that has happened in perspective.

I know that I needed to have this surgery and I will need another one, maybe two in the future. As suckie as that is, life, family, and personal goals are what really matter. Fifty years ago I would be counting life in years on one hand. Now, I have this opportunity. I love my family and friends. I get to create a family of my own when I get married later this year. Not to get all mushy but we are all on borrowed time and we need to evaluate what we want.

Life will keep on ticking and I will enjoy everyone in mine. (I still may be an ass but, hey, that's me). I am not "born again" because as my newest niece and sister just proved your only born once. I'm not sure what my point is, maybe just be aware of yourself. I'm just happy at this moment for my Sister, Brother-in-law and the rest of my family.

Keyboard Therapy

One of the byproducts of this surgery was getting a keyboard. Not just any keyboard but a ypg-635. Those of you I work with know of this model as I spoke of it for years. It was a surprise from Dena (Kristies mom), my mom and brother. Dena went out and purchased it while I was in the hospital and set it up in Kristies Apartment. It was a great surprise after getting back and the questions Kristie asked about model numbers when I was doped up made sense.

Why am I going on about this keyboard? Because I have played it everyday. I am not great and only know a few songs but It makes me feel good. They say music is therapeutic and from my experience it is. I can't place it but when I play the pain goes away. I lose track of time. I am so focused the the combination of notes and chords that everything goes away.

After awhile it takes it out of me. Not being a hundred percent is very aggravating. Anyways, playing isn't something I always did. My grandmother use to yell at me when I touched her piano. I didn't start playing until after college and I'm glad I did. If I feel down, I'll play. Happy, I'll play. It doesn't matter what I play just that I continue to better myself.

One of the best features is that the keyboard connects right to a computer and can record and arrange songs. So, I started to think. Why not score my own media. I have goals and this is getting me closer. I hope everyone can have something that helps them the way this helps me. 

Pain and Creativity: An Update

Things are slowly getting back to normal. Scabs on chest are getting better, greater arm motion, and hair on legs and chest are growing back. Yes, if you did not know they shaved the inside of my legs in case they needed to take a vein. Fortunately for me the one in my neck did fine. 

Slowly but surely things are getting better. I am still sleeping a ton but I'm just doing what my body tells me. Last night I fell asleep on the couch after watching "Unfaithfully Yours" and this morning my body was screaming. It was hard to ignore my body cursing me for falling asleep with out my pain meds, I tried, but it was too pissed off. I had to take two pills to get back to normal. I really don't like popping the pills but I like being able to move better.  

Other then that, things are going well. I am watching a ton of television and movies and I feel my mind getting a little slower. On the other hand I have a ton of ideas for television and movies. Look out, Jon is gonna have a creative explosion and some of it might get on you. I'm excited to start putting some of this stuff into action and some of you will be called upon to help. Oh great more work. 

Superman Slippers

Before I went in for surgery Kristie suggested that I get some slippers.  She has never pointed me in the wrong direction, since I love and trust her we picked up a pair. At first I deliberated over what style and color to get. After five minutes, Targets store closing reminder hurried me to choose the old man slip-on style in Navy blue.

I did not wear them in the hospital. They were there but I did not wear them. Kristie suggested that I try them on. I was fine in the hospital issue socks with the industrial grip on the bottom. (I wonder if you can pick them up at Target?)

Finally after the hospital and about a day after laying around (Well not really laying cause it hurts too much, more like being propped up on a couch) I broke out the slippers. I placed them down and slid in them all old man like...what happened next might shock you...I liked them. I really liked them. 

I have not owned a pair of slippers in my adult life. The last pair I had was when I was Five. I thought the reason I loved them was because the had Superman on them. I pretended that since I had Superman on my slippers they would make me fly. I thought that's why I loved them...but it was because slippers are super comfortable. The slippers did not in fact make me fly but I'm sure they made me feel like I was walking on clouds. That's how I feel now.

I like slippers. I am an idiot for not wearing them past age Six. Someone should have stopped me at Ten, the latest, and showed me my errors. The great thing about slippers is that you can get them in many shapes, size, characters. I have seen giant "Bigfoot" slippers and pink slippers and snowman slippers and Sponge Bob slippers and on and on. The one thing that I realized (besides that slippers are comfy) is that we all need to feel like we are Five. 

I loved feeling like I could fly cause of Superman slippers, why not feel like I can crush the earth with big furry "Bigfoot" slippers. If that makes my weekend morning, so what?... slippers made me happy. They are making me happy right now. I now know that in our big, grown-up, serious life, a little cow slipper can make you feel your five-year-old spirit and that's O.K. with me.     

Someday Has A Date

What is it that you expect from yourself? I have expected to go to college, work for a media company, and write a script. I have done all those with little sense of accomplishment. Not to say I don't value them, just that I did what I expected to do. If I went to the store to get grapes, I'm not going to get overly happy when I bring home grapes because I knew what I wanted and knew what I had to do get them. (You want grapes now.)

Overly simple example? Maybe but one thing this surgery has done is put perspective to "someday." 

Someday - I want to write another script

Someday - I want to go back to Europe

Someday - I want to make a movie

I need to put a date to the "somedays."

I don't know what life holds for me three years from now but I do know what day of the week May 19th 2012 will fall on. So why not say I want to go to Warsaw that week? Write it down. It may or may not happen that week but once it down it's a priority and you expect to do it.

Like most of you I expect to achieve my long list of goals. But, until recently they were on my someday list. I know most of you heard something like this before. This minor event in my life really brought to light things I have already held true. Time moves in one direction. Just because you not sick and able bodied does not mean you always will be. Life happens and it will happen with you or to you but it always happens.

I jumped out of a plane and had open heart surgery. Neither have been the scariest or most daunting task I have faced. I will not be defined by my job or events that happen to me. Someday has a date and I need to assign them.  

Stuff Is Tired

The great thing is I can do stuff. I'm not limited by machines or hoses, but stuff is tired. I went to see Angels and Demons the other day and it wiped me out that night. Today I played the piano while my friend Rick played the guitar. It was fun. We did it for a couple of hours but soon after I was almost napping.

I am getting a glimpse at being a geriatric. They can't help but be tired at 3pm then again at 6pm. Also, I understand getting up in the middle of the night with creaking bones making my way to the restroom and then taking a pill. Kristie got a guy that was barley an adult then Poof  she gets someone who is into early bird specials (wait I was into that before).

I do appreciate that I have the ability to be active this soon after the surgery but, the activity has some consequences. I follow all the rules sent from the Doctors but every now and then I feel my sternum move against itself. The bone will shift ever-so slightly, it feels natural but totally odd at the same time. I know the breastbone is "wired" together but it does take three weeks for it to fuse. Until then I guess I just go with the flow. I never knowingly broke a bone (I probably have) so being aware of the healing is also being aware of the healing ache. There is a warm ache at the point where the bones meet, again odd but feels natural.

As far as the ol' ticker, it's going fine. No pain or fluttering. It feel normal, even though this "normal" feeling is new to me. I am lucky to have people coming over, calling and e-mailing. Your contact means a great deal. Oh, as far as Angels and Demons, better then the Da Vinci Code. It is missing many sub-stories from the novel but as a film holds up better. Less was more in this case. Where Da Vinci Code dragged this one moved, besides this story, as opposed to Da Vinci, was better suited for a film. I'd say 3 of 4.  

I Heart Poop

It's crazy, I knew things were going to be different. I knew of the pills and the pain and the recoup time, but there were things that took me off guard. Like, in the hospital, they wanted me to keep track of how often and how much I peed. I now understand that they wanted to know kidneys and other organs were working correctly. Fine to know in hind site, but for a few days, I felt like Howard Hughes.

Now, I have these pain pills that are great every 4 -6 hours, but they make me sweat. I did not think that a week and a half ago, I would be chemically simulating menopause. I spoke with the nurses, and everything is fine and my body temp is normal. I just am one of the lucky ones that wakes up in the morning having already taken a shower in my own dirty sweat. At least Kristie is staying dry.

Also, another benefit for being pain free is being backed up. Yep, I know most of you don't need to know this, but what the hell? You might learn something, right? Now, I knew hardcore narcotics would bind me up, thank you Trainspotting, but so will the CVS ones. I load up on the fiber, prune juice, and over the counter ass-lax and sometimes nothing. I miss the days when commercials during the Price Is Right didn't speak to me.

For now, I'm just gonna be sitting and waiting every couple days for that magic moment. The moment where I think Wilford Brimmly speaking for Colon-Blow is a waste of money and where fecal matter flows like lumpy cake batter.  

Robbin Williams, David Letterman, And I...

...all have something in common. Can you guess what? This Aired on Wednesday. 

Not to brag but I beat Williams out of the hospital by 2 days. So if you want to say I'm better then him... you would be accurate.

Bovine Boy Is On The Loose

That's right. I was released from the hospital and ready to get back to sitting. This valve replacement really takes it out of you. The drugs help but what has been great was everyone who called, sent and e-mail or sat with me in hospital. You know who you are and I just want to say that this recovery has been better because of you.

Little things like getting into bed and getting out of a low couch provide a challenge that I never knew before. I know theses creature comforts were not ganging up on me (That's what the voices say). Come on, a minute to get in bed and two to three to get out. What kind of joke is that? I want you to try and time yourself next time. I'm sure it will only take you like two seconds.

Not that I have places to go, but still... I have wonderful gifts to get me through the next weeks, golf books, movies and TV shows (that I may review), gift cards, ypg-635, jeffster clothing, candy, hats, and other things that bring a smile. Again, you all and the hospital staff have gotten me to where I am now...a part man part bovine creature with a non-leak heart. Coming to a town near you soon, slowly and with proper blood flow. Bovine Boy.

My Bitchy Blog

It had to happen. I just was too lucky with the staff here. Not to say that the staff on floor eleven has been slacking, and most others at the hospital have really been great. But I had to postpone an entry from yesterday because I was so upset.

It first started around midnight on Sunday. I was " lying in a hospital bed" with translates to: doing nothing as always. My favorite overnight nurse came in and asked if I wanted to move my CT scan that I had scheduled in the morning (5:30 to 6 a) to an earlier time. To when, I queried? She responded with.....Now. and the test takes only fifteen minutes. I pondered this decision longer than I should have and decided that I would not be a good patient at that time.

They awoke me a little past 4a for meds and to start prepping me for the scan. This meant more needles, latex gloves and tape. If I was into S&M, it would have been fun, but I'm not.....so it sucked as usual. So, since I was ready to go by 430a, they pushed back my pick up time till 11a. I understand that times in testing get flipped around all the time. Besides, this gave me time to catch up on some sitting.

I was dosing off when they stopped to pick me up for the test at 10:10a. I know they said 11, but since I was sleeping, just waiting, I let them slide and went with. On the ride down, I was getting excited because this was the final test before I could go home.

I got in the testing room, and it just felt like amateur hour. People were not sure how or where "people" should go. Since it was just me, it was obvious....."I" go to the small plank on the CT machine. Who am I to talk? I only had this test once before and no formal training. They had no idea what surgery I had because there was no effort in helping sitting me up or lying me down. Not that that bothered me.

So, the nurses are wiring all my monitor wires with disregard because occasionally, one would get stuck on a chest tube (those are used to drain fluid from around the heart) and try to yank it clear. The other nurse is muttering to herself some oral device on how to run the wires, something like "cross the brown trail to get some fire."

Then, they asked if I can put my arms above my head? I was just told not to have my elbows go above my shoulder by the physical therapist. But soon enough, the technician was trying to stretch my arm out to the side like the Da Vinci illustration of man. This action brought some pain, and immediately, I asked if I could try something different. And instead of pulling my arms out to the side, I rolled them up in front of my face, so there would still be a clear path to my chest from all angles. This was only after the tech said, "I don't know why they send people down here if they can't put their arms above their heads." I did not know that my technique was revolutionary and that nobody in that room had thought of doing it this way before, especially for someone who had just had heart surgery.

On top of the arm issue, the ct machine decided to have some issues as well. Though I never got an answer on what happened, I was fully aware of the results as I lie there on the plastic plank for an hour and 45 minutes, 6 X longer than the quoted 15.

After all was said and done, I found myself recounting the story to Kristie in Room 1137 about 2.5 hours after I went on my voyage. And then to the patient relations person later that day who heard of my disdain through an undisclosed source on floor 11. Even though the ordeal cost me time with my aunt who took her time to come down here to spend time with me, I was glad to hear that the hospital representative said that it sounds like they need some more education in that department and that steps would be taken to prevent this in the future.

All in all, this was my first and only glimpse at my time in the hopsital where I could see possible mistakes being made and sloppiness that can occur with patient relations. Because the staff, to this point, has been exceptional in every way.

From Kristie

Jon just asked the nurse if her ring is part of the Tiffany collection. I don't know why, but I can't stop laughing.

Notes from the Human Pin Cushion

Big test day today. An echo, EKG, and chest xray. Depending on how those turn out depends on if I will leave tomorrow or not. My surgeon is back in today, so I can ask him more detailed questions. Other than the regular tests and being a human pin cushion, I am enjoying the culinary experience that the hospital is providing. If you ever got lunch at a grade school, you will know what I mean.

Everyone that has been coming has been great, and Kristie has done a very good job making this place homey by setting up a painting that Kristin had made me and the rocking lobster that my sisters had bought. She also brought me an email that had been sent from Mike P with a very cute picture on it and hung up the cards that I had received. And Kristie, after about a year of looking at my head in shame because of my taterred Cubs hat, bought me a new hat for this upcoming season. Her being a Sox fan...I know how difficult this purchase is for her to make. But I enjoy every time she picks up a new Cubs sporting item.

I'm sure that once I get out of the hospital, I can recall more, such as me going into surgery and how it felt with different tubes in, by having some distance from the hospital. But at this time, so much else is going on, so I will wait until I am released to get into the nasty details. Speaking of nasty, we had an interesting conversation with Mary Ellen and Jim while I was doped up on Norco. It's not as bad as it sounds. It's all in the spirit of good marketing.

As always, thank you for your support, and I hope this has been educational.

Jon's First Doped Up Report

This is my first blog entry since the surgery. Thank you for everyone's support. I really appreciate all the well wishes. Everyone that is reading this has something to do with my well-being.

I never thought that a day I could get out of my bed could be a good day. But, in this case, I can get out of bed by myself, and I feel like a big boy. So, I can walk by myself, get out of my bed, and eat solid foods. So, I'm as advanced as a two year old. But I haven't felt as accomplished in awhile.

They measure everything here from urine to blood sugar to fluid discharge from around the heart. Things that normally were easy like taking a deep breath now have to be monitored as well. I know most of these things are expected, but since I haven't had much time spent in hospitals, it's new to me.

I really enjoyed getting different things pulled from my body, as it is a welcomed relief, such as the 6 inch IV that was in my neck, the catheter, and the heart tube that was draining fluid from around the heart. All very strange, but the strangest had to be the ventilator. It bypassed my vocal box, so even though I was up and wanted to communicate, I couldn't.

Also, I was amazed at the small incision that was left from such an invasive surgery. I'm looking forward to it healing up and showing my sexy body on the beach in St. Martin in December.

I will give more updates in the future. But...due to heavy narcotics and lack of energy, I am too tired at this moment.

Thank you for your support. And I will give an update or someone else will in the near future.

Incision Picture

Before (note the fire in the background for added drama)

After

Day 3 Afternoon Update

Hi all, it's Kristie.  I came home to shower (always a good thing...), and I thought that I would add a short posting.  Jon had a good night last night.  He opened some fun gifts from his sisters, and now, his room is rocking with an electronic fish bowl.  I slept on a lovely pull out couch in his private room. They did put the oxygen in his nose because he had an arrhythmia last night which they are keeping an eye on, but it's a normal occurence after surgery and not symptomatic.  They increased his pain medicine today as well, since he is in a lot of pain as expected.  This morning, Jon got up and took another two laps around his floor, and his goals today are to walk and sit in the chair a few times.  They said the earliest he will be released is Monday.  Also, they took off his neck and chest dressings today.  I will post a pic in a bit.  That's all I can remember for now.  What I want to add is that Jon has been a rockstar.  He is so strong and inspiring.  Also, he is grateful for everyone's support and love, and we are grateful that he has kept his sense of humor through all the pain. Thanks all.  Please continue to keep him in your thoughts and prayers.  

Neck IV removal = best part of the day

Day 2; re-cap from Kristin

Within 24 hours, Jon went from having tubes and IVs coming from everywhere to just having 2 chest tubes for drainage and one IV. He mentioned that it was awkward having everything removed and the catheter was especially painful. While it was bad, it was worth it. Jon was able to get out of his bed and sit in a chair today. He did so for about an hour in the middle of the night and again for two hours during the afternoon when he had visitors.

Today was another packed house, with Kristie and his mom staying overnight and Kristin, Ms. Rapp, Laurale, Mike and Marcia visiting throughout the day. Jon was fortunate that he was finally able to enjoy his ICU room view overlooking a construction site (that was entertaining to watch) and the lake as it was announced around 7:30 p.m. that they finally had a room for him on the 11th floor. After being moved, Jon celebrated with two victory laps. Determined to recover quickly, Jon took two laps around the hall on his own and was able to get in and out of bed himself. Not too bad for a guy who just had his ribs cracked and heart cut open less then 48 hours ago.

While the pain seems to be worse today, it was found out that our bovine boy was not sealed up with staples or stitches, but rather a "plastic infusion". The bandage doesn't come off for 48 hours in order to guard against infection, but when it does there will be photos. Other perks of the day included Jon's first real meal (it was fish, he was disappointed), Jon sneaking a chocolate cookie (purchased by yours truly), playing a rousing game of hang man (on the nurses dry erase board), and him discovering that his legs were half shaved (inner leg only).

I will be organizing a photo album over the next couple of days that will likely be posted to Picasa. Jon will probably be up and blogging on his own tomorrow if I can remember to bring him my lap top, so until then keep Jon in your thoughts.

Practicing breathing 

The set-up

Eating Ice

Sister Shots

Jon is getting his breathing tube out behind the curtain at this moment, however, none of the photographers were brave enough to face it. 

In the ICU after surgery

Everyone texting others after we got a call from the surgery phone line 

Pre-surgery

Owww/Mooo...

Today was the big day.

Obviously I am not yet up and blogging again, but my wonderful sister Kristin is helping me to record my adventure.

Jon wanted me (Kristin) to let everyone know about how his big day went. After arriving bright and early at the hospital this morning, Jon was brought back to get himself changed and ready for surgery at 6:30 this morning. The surgery itself was supposed to start at 8 a.m., but was delayed by an hour. Jon was lucky though because he was able to spend plenty of time with everyone who came to see him through his surgery this morning. Jon was in good spirits and joking around prior to going back for the procedure (see before photo). He also wanted me to say that all of the hospital staff was very nice. While his memories are hazy after he got his "cocktail" of drugs this morning before they wheeled him away, that is where the long wait began for the rest of us. 

We were informed that we should expect three phone calls during his surgery to let us know how things were going. The first call was to let us know when the first incision was made. This call happened around 10 a.m.. The second call happened quicker then we expected, only about 45 minutes after the first, this was to tell us that he officially was on bypass (meaning the blood was redirected to bypass his heart so they could actually get in there and fix the valve).  The doctor worked his magic and by 12:15, the doctor called to let us know that he was off of bypass and the bovine valve was in place and his aortic aneurysms was repaired. After they finished sewing him up and stabilizing him, we were able to see him in the ICU by 2:30. 

It took Jon awhile to fully wake up from anesthesia. At first he was on a breathing tube and not very responsive, although he heard more then he was able to express as he had a breathing tube in for the first few hours in the ICU. Obviously, he could not talk with the tube in his throat, but after I took the first after photo he did manage to give a thumbs up. After a couple more hours, Jon got his breathing tube out around 5 p.m. and was breathing on his own. His first word after it was removed, "Moo". This all was very impressive. Jon was great in surgery and actually did not require any blood or fluids during his operation. When the doctor did his rounds, about six hours after leaving Jon, he said that he looked how many of his patients look after three days!

Although Jon is in pain, he is expected to be moved out of the ICU and into a private room tomorrow early in the afternoon if space allows.  There will be more to come in the following days, please check back soon and take a look at some of the photos. 

On My Way

I'm leaving for the hospital. Ready to get this done. I thought I would be more nervoius but just a bit tierd. Lets do this.

Aortic Valve Song

This is kinda stupid but catchy.

I

Whats Wrong With My Valve?

Yep. That's how it started. A little fluttering of my heart turned out to be my Bicuspid Aortic Valve. But, isn't Aortic valves suppose to be Tricuspid? Yes. (as my doctor would say). Over time, in some cases, a Bicuspid valve will separate and leak. When this happens it is called Aortic Insufficiency. I will try not to be that technical but there are terms we all need to know.

So, how did i find out about this? I went in got and had an ECG done. Basically like an ultrasound on the heart. They saw that blood was leaking back in my heart. This is bad is because my heart will beat harder to compensate for the back flow making my heart larger as it builds muscle. As the heart builds muscle it stretches the Aorta and Aortic valve, thus letting more blood back in the heart. So, you see the problem. If left untreated the heart can fail or the Aorta could rupture, both outcomes are bad and inevitable if nothing is done.

After I was told this is December, I did the whole "why me," "why now," I'm 29. Then when I saw most the people that have this are in their 60's, 70's, or 80's the "WTF?!?" side of me kicked in.

After speaking with my uncle, he told me that this is what my grandfather, his father, died from in the 1960's. "I won the draw." The odds of getting this bicuspid valve in a family with a history is 1 in 4. So my two sisters and brother can relax. In the total population the odds are that you have this is under 2%. 

So, I can't win the lotto but, ta-da, I get an aortic valve replacement. I win. On the plus side this is the most common heart procidure.

After deliberating my options, I decided to go with a bovine valve. I didn't want to go with mechanical because I would be on blood thinners the rest of my life. I couldn't ski, scuba dive, or ride a bike because of possible head injuries. 

Bovine lets me go back to my life and begin my transformation from man to beast. No long term medicine (though I am looking forward to the narcotics). I will need to have another replacement in 10 - 25  years or the new "umbrella valve" once it isn't experimental anymore, but that is a small price to pay to keep my life as is.  

So, that was back in December/January. Today is May 6th and I go into surgery tomorrow at 6:30 am. I'm actually looking forward to this. The people at Northwestern Memorial have been great so far and why wouldn't I be excited. About 40 years ago they couldn't do anything for my grandfather. Now, I will be back to my active life in 6-8 weeks. Planning a wedding, moving to a new house, and moving job locations. I plan on keeping this blog for 8 months. I will chart my heart progress and my life until after the wedding. Stick around it my be fun. Plus you may learn something. I Heart Beef.