Dad Update

It was an extremely long (15-1/2 hours) and complicated surgery. Complications due to it being a "redo" arose because of scar tissue and location of the arteries from the previous surgery. It's probably quite amazing that he withstood all they did to him and lasted that long in the O.R. They can't "close" him until the swelling goes down and that will literally be a few days. Mom was quite upset. (Apparently this is common!)

He didn't leave the O.R. and get up to ICU until 11:55 p.m. We got to see him briefly at 12:20 a.m. They initially repaired the valve but much later in the evening had to go in and replace it as it was leaking when they tested and monitored it.

Bottom line - he's tough to have withstood all of this and his heart is strong and he's stable. The next couple days will be tough, the next few days will be tough as well as once the fluid and swelling subside they will have to bring him to O.R. to patch him up. I found this beautiful angel in the gift shop that afternoon before we knew of the complications and we were all feeling confident about the whole procedure. I was waiting to give it to dad when he opens his eyes but she's sitting on the shelf looking over him in ICU. Her wings are enclosed around her and she’s holding a delicate flower.

Thank you to Seamus, Osbasso, Chickie, Lapsis Rubber and Catscratch Diva.

Upon coming to work this morning, after dropping mom off at the hospital - the newest update is that he continues to do well, slow but sure, just like they want it. We're just waiting for the fluid/swelling to subside so they can close him. He's making progress and everything is going in the right direction for him.


Update: 1:23 p.m. - They're going to "close" him up today at 3 or 4 p.m.