Carotid Artery Surgery

After visiting the vascular surgeon (another ultrasound) - they found Ron's right carotid artery was 80% blocked.  He underwent surgery yesterday; and the doctor told us that Ron's artery was ulcerated as well as blocked.........."something would have happened".............so I'm glad to have this behind us. Ron spent the night in ICU (higher risk of stroke or heart attack after this surgery) - it was an uneventful night.  He was released this afternoon. He's sitting here relaxing; no lifting or driving for a few weeks.   So happy he's okay - like I alway say, "He's a tough old bird"!

TIA - Mini stroke

Two weeks ago Ron had an episode while driving; he had a tingling on his left side and lost control of his left hand. After a visit to his doctor,  Ron was diagnosed with a TIA (mini stroke).  An ultrasound of his carotid artery (neck) was performed and the doctor found a (50-65%) blockage on his right side.  Ron was referred to a neurologist and a vascular surgeon; his first appointment is this Tuesday, March 11th.

The Year in Review 2013

Here's our year in review!

The Year in Review 2012

Happy New Year!

Last year was no picnic - probably more difficult than 2011 when Ron received his liver; or perhaps it's like childbirth and I have a huge case of amnesia. 

 

Don't get me wrong, I am thankful for yet another miracle (Ron's open heart surgery in November).  We were plagued with lots of personal issues including Ron being laid off (in February) after being with the company for 28 years....and all the financial issues that come with unemployment.

 

Ron had issues throughout the summer and fall months - becoming light headed and sometimes passing out; he has a banged up nose to prove it.  The cause, come to find out, was an extreme prescribed dose of lopressor (7 times what he needed - TWICE a day); his blood pressure dropped everytime he stood up - and so, his lights went out!

 

In July we took a family vacation - which turned into 7 days of what we call, "The Gulf Shores Plaque" - a tummy bug - at least two people had it every day.  Oh, and Ron passed out while driving from low blood sugar and thank goodness for a couple of local fisherman who had a 'sugar-stash' in their truck.  We did enjoy time with the family at the beach!

 

September our Beau (Boxer) was diagnosed with lymphoma.

 

Ron was hit with depression - what can I say about that - it is what it is.

 

I'm having kidney issues - we are a walking medical dictionary!

 

I'm looking for a brighter and peaceful 2013!



Here's 2012 in review

 

January - Oliver's 3rd Birthday

 

February - Happy Birthday New Liver - 1st Birthday February 3, 2012

 

 

 

 

March - a family photo shoot at the farm

 

 

April - the unveiling - Libby and Anthony surprise us all - it's a girl

 

 

May - hanging out with Beau and Savannah

 

 

July - deep sea fishing off Gulf Shores - Ron caught the largest fish on the boat 16.5 lb Red Snapper and with the help of our son, Tony, Ron was able to land the fish

 

 

 

August - relaxing under the trees

 

 

September - a family picnic at Piedmont Park - Savannah inspects Papa's dog tags

 

 

October - hanging out with Oliver

 

 

November - chest pains and three blockages - Ron gives the traditional 'thumbs up' before heading into surgery

 

 

After surgery - he has his favorite heart pillow to hug during coughing spells (ouch)

 

 

December - resting and hanging out with our newest grandchild, Penelope

 

 

 

 

Depression after bypass surgery

Ron is depressed.  He can admit it, but he really has no idea how depressed he is.  I know it's normal after bypass surgery. I'm not sure it's just the heart surgery.  When you've spent the last 4 years entangled in health issues, sometimes, I just want to say ENOUGH!  I guess I'm depressed as well.  Coming home everyday to someone who spends the day planted on the sofa in the same clothes you saw him in yesterday.........well, is depressing. I do everything for him, and he can't seem to do much of anything for himself.

Bad with the good - or good with the bad - it's all a toss up.

Home again after triple bypass surgery

Modern medicine truly is a marvel - of course - a willing body.....allows the magic to happen. 

Ron spent very little time in the ICU - overnight basically.  The bypass surgery/ICU was Thursday, Friday he was moved to a 'step-down' room, Saturday all of his IVs were removed, and he came home Sunday.  Today he's at home piddling around - made his own breakfast - pain meds = tylenol.  It's amazing.

After his liver transplant in 2011 - the bypass surgery - has been a piece of cake.  I think he's bummed about not being able to drive for 1 month.  Thank goodness we have help - our daughter, Libby, is home on maternity leave until January - so she'll take him to the hospital for appointments and blood work.

During this ordeal - his liver has been perfect - no complications!

We are looking forward to Thanksgiving - all our children and their spouses - and our 6 grandchildren will be here to celebrate.  Much to be thankful for!

The Heart of the matter!

It's been an eventful month - Ron has been unsteady - falling - with a bit of 'dementia' in the evenings.  The liver team has been following him closely......but we now know - after a 'wake-up' call from his old heart - we were barking up the wrong tree.

Tuesday, November 13th

10:00am - a call from Ron - he was having chest pains - I told him to call 911 - and I 'raced' home.  I called and alerted the kids - Brittany loaded the kids and headed to our house.

Paramedics were in place when I arrived home - Ron was having chest pain with pain and tingling down his left arm.

He was transported to 'our' hospital, Piedmont (Atlanta) - the same hospital where he received his liver transplant in February 2011.

After a couple of nitroglycerin tabs - the chest pain disappeared - he was evaluated by the cardiologist (Dr. Taylor).........it was decided he would be observed overnight -  stress test ordered for Wednesday (with a back-up plan for a heart catherization, if needed on Thursday).

Tuesday evening he had another cardiac episode at 10:00pm. The plan changed - nix the stress test and straight to cath lab Wednesday morning.

Wednesday, November 14th

The heart cath presented with 3 blockages -  in the front top left main artery (90%), bottom front left main artery (70%) and a smaller one on the right side.

Because Ron's kidneys are a bit sluggish - it was decided he would be hydrated overnight to flush out the dye given during the heart catherization -  bypass surgery scheduled for first thing Thursday morning.

With a nitroglycerin IV drip - he had an uneventful Wednesday night.

Thursday, November 15th - Heart Surgery Day!

7:30am - Taken to operating room
9:45am - Vein harvesting (yuck)
10:12am - Chest incision
10:45am - Placed on heart/lung bypass machine
12:00pm - Surgery over - triple bypass - heart is good - watching the kidneys
2:00pm - Visited Ron in ICU - he looks good - looks better than after liver transplant - he opened his eyes a couple of times - nodded yes to a question from the nurse - breathing tube in place - Ron is calm.  If all goes well - the breathing tube should be removed in 4-6 hours.

I have to thank everyone (family and friends) for all their support - we've got a long road ahead - but with all the support - we're going to make it.

More updates soon.