I have seen the mountain...

[Swill]

And it's real big, and real close.

Went in for my catheterization yesterday, and before they had finished with the test they had an surgery appointment set up for me. I'll be going in on March 10 to meet the surgical team, then surgery bright and surly (as we used to say) on Wednesday March 12.

Little stiff and sore after the catheterization, but they've got some new stuff called Chito Soft (or something like that) that quickly stops the bleeding. Even though they went through the femoral artery I was up on my feet after 2 hours.

One of the doctors pointed out to me that at my age and being a scout leader that I might want to go with a porcine valve. It'll mean another surgery in the future, but if I fall in the backcountry while on a 50 mile hike, I won't be in danger of bleeding out. I'll talk it over with my family and the surgeon; the decision is still up in the air.

I'll try to get on a time or two more, but I'm going to show my wife, China, and my mom, Clara, how to access this site and keep you all up to date. Be nice to them, they are great people.

So much for getting the house cleaned...

 

[Phil]

Homeboy....

Homeboy....

I will be thinking of you Will, keep us posted.

Phil

 

[ccrawford]

See you in a bit

See you in a bit

Hey Swill - the rest of us folks in the waiting room hate to see you go, but hey, you'll be feelilng better before we will so that's good news. Seriously, I wish you the best and look forward to updates from you and your friends. Watch out for those good looking nurses. Chris

 

[Ross]

Be nice? You know full well that I don't know how to behave.

I'm so glad you don't have a forever wait on this surgery. I'm sure that you probably don't feel that way, but hey, you'll be fixed and running again soon.

I'll certainly keep you in thought and prayer on your big day and just between you and me, I'll be good to your wife and mom. I promise to tell them what a bad guy you are without their supervision.

 

[Ross]

Watch out for those good looking nurses.

Where are they? I didn't see any.

 

[Swill]

Hey Ross...

Hey Ross...

How did you know that you were the one I had in mind???

 

[Ross]

How did you know that you were the one I had in mind???

Could it possibly be that I'm the only one that creates chaos and mayhem? Nah.

 

[hensylee]

That was a quick decision, even tho you knew is was in the offing. Just enough time to pack your Georgia bag (paper sack). You will be in my prayers and we will wait to hear from your lovely family - we will be nice to them and thank them for letting us know. You know that we always wait to hear. Watch out for the truck on your way up the mountain - GODSPEED

 

[EVELYN]

Hi Swill

We WILL be nice to your family----well, I can't speak for Rossman, but.........then again no one can.

Seriously, you will be in our prayers till we hear you're up and kicking in the hospital.....Go with God, my friend.

Evelyn

 

[Rain]

A Boy Scout leader?!

A Boy Scout leader?!

My two boys are both Eagle Scouts, they started out as tiger cubs. It?s a great program. Something that makes a huge impact on their lives... they will be Eagle Scouts forever.

Good luck with your surgery! You seem to be in good spirits... that?s important. And we won?t let Ross pick on your special ladies.

 

[epstns]

Will - Our hearts and prayers will be with you. I'm glad you won't have much time go agonize over it, and kind of hope mine goes that way (whenever).

We will be waiting to hear the good news. Can't keep a good scout down!

 

[Johnny Stephens]

Go get 'em!

Go get 'em!

You're almost there, pretty soon it will be behind you and you'll be on the mend. Don't worry, we'll be really nice to anyone who comes by to update us. You've got a great attitude in place, and the value of that is priceless for your recovery.

All my best wishes for a great surgical outcome!

Johnny

 

[Granbonny]

Hi Will

Hi Will

You will be fine. Sounds like you have a whole troop of people home waiting for you..Let them wait on you hand and foot. but do remember to get up out of that recliner every 30 min. and walk around the house...Take your pain meds. Don't feel like a sissy if you do...They just help your body to relax so it can begin the healing process. which is very slow. By June..you will probably feel like a short hike..I will make Ross behave..after all he called me an ugly nurse and I have been his Therapist for so long. Just shows, he does not appreciate me. Tell China we are looking forward to hearing from her as soon as she can get back home after your AV..Will be thinking of you Wed. God speed. Bonnie

 

[JAMES W]

WILL - GOOD LUCK

WILL - GOOD LUCK

WILL,

WE ARE ALL PRAYING FOR YOU ON THE "BIG DAY". ONLY HEALING IS AHEAD FOR YOU. YOU HAVE MANY FRIENDS HERE @ VR....

JAMES W

AVR-ROOT REPLACEMNT
ST ALS RMC BOISE-ID
DR FORBES-DR MARKS
013103

 

[TIM W.]

Good luck and God bless Swill. You will be about a week ahead of me. I'll look for an update from your family before I go.

 

[Nancy]

Hi Will-

Well, you're almost on your way to better health. It'll be nice not to have a bad heart valve hanging over your head. You're in great shape, save for that, so you'll do just dandy.

We'll all be looking for posts from China and Clara as to how your surgery went.

Bon Voyage, smooth sailing, and welcome to your shiny new heart!

Talk to you later.

 

[terry40]

swill

swill

Your in our prayers, best of everything, and wishes for a quick and complete recovery.

terry40

 

[Guest]

Hey Swill!!
We'll be looking for you on the "other side of the mountain". If you can survive a campout/hiking/whatever with a group of boy scouts, this surgery thing will be a piece of cake!
Take care!

Julia

 

[pegne]

Swill

Swill

At least you won't have to wait that long. It will be over before you know it and you will be on your way to living your life. I wish you all the best and will keep you in my thoughts and my prayers. Peggy

 

[Les]

It will be great when it's all said and done with. Wishing you the best. You're in all thoughts and prayers.
___________________
Les AVR '93 / '95