Cath scheduled 7 April

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Thanks for all the good wishes, Folks. I'm going to update about the cath here, and then move to the surgery thread. I learned some things during the procedure that might be useful, and unlike many of you, I was completely aware of what was going on the whole time, so it was different from my last one.

The only problem I had was that I developed a pre-migraine aura in the middle of the process and was cognizant enough to mention it to my cardiologist. They popped something into the IV that prevented the headache from developing, and the aura was gone in a couple of minutes.

I can't say the whole thing was entirely without discomfort; The groin stickings (two, one in a vein the other in an artery) hurt, although not badly. I felt all the pushing and manipulating that went on--but he got good pictures, confirmed his diagnosis (critical stenosis at .6), and said my bypasses still looked good.

After it was over, we all decided that since I was already in the hospital, I might as well stay. Dr. Ryan is on an Easter holiday, so my surgeon's going to be Dr. G. Kimball Jett (google him and check out his website)--who started out at a little liberal arts school in north Texas called Austin College, which happens to be the alma mater of both my son and my sister-in-law. He's a nice guy and a prototypical Texan (my daughter immediately noticed the cowboy boots under his scrubs). Since the surgical suites are all booked today (it's now 6 am on Wednesday here) I'll spend the day taking care of pre-op preps like x-rays (done) and other such tasks.

After the cath, while they were keeping my leg stable, I had the foresight to request a catheter since I was filling up with IV fluids. I could have had a bedpan, but just couldn't imagine how they would accomplish that AND keep the leg still at the same time. It turned out to be a godsend, because I was pretty comfortable most of the time.

I did start to develop another migrane after the cath, and got that attended to almost immediately--so this may be something to look out for. I've only had about four migraines in my life (well, 5 now), only one of them full-blown because I catch 'em in time. They may be triggered in my by certain kinds of light sensitivity, like the on/off light situation in the cath lab.

Anyway, thanks again for prayers, kind thoughts, and good vibes. I'll move over and comment on the pre-surgery thread, where I'll try to update during the day. After some of the stories I've read about hospitals on this forum, y'all aren't going to believe this place!
 
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