Hi folks, George here. I was released from the hospital today...WOOHOO!! First I want to thank all of you special friends for your prayers & support. I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love from so many people, toward me and my family.
I did have some setbacks last week, as my heartbeat flipped into atrial fibrilation 3 separate times. Each time, it was necessary to undergo electric shock to convert it back to a sinus rhythm. I was told that this is the case in about 30% of surgeries of this type. Also, I may have been having episodes of A-Fib over the years, & it wasn't being caught during cardio exams. If Dr. Starr had been more aware of that, he would have done an ablation during the surgery. I think I should have been more forthcoming in discussing this. Perhaps I just accepted feeling crummy as normal. For now, they seem to have me dialed in with medication. I am also on coumadin for now just in case it should start again. We'll be watching it closely. If it continues to be a problem, he said ablation can be done by catheter. The comment was made by Dr. Sequira, cardiologist team member, "On the 9th, we had you in for an engine overhaul. This past week, we've had you at Jiffy Lube for some tune-ups."
I was fitted with a Edwards-Carpentier bovine tissue valve. in comparing it to a porcine valve, Dr. Starr said the porcine is a ballet slipper, & the bovine is a work shoe....let the debate begin
I can't say enough good things about Providence St. Vincent Hospital in Portland, Oregon. The teamwork was incredible. I had complete confidence in Dr. Starr & his assistants ...truly a world class organizaton. Every nurse & aid treated me like I was their own family member. Even the cleaning lady sang me a beautiful hymn that touched my spirit as she did her job.
For now I am staying in a skilled nursing facility to help with my recovery. The added inconvenience of having a form of muscular dystrophy is making it a bit tough to stand up. I'll be working with a physical therapist, doing the important work of rehab. I have walked about 50 feet at a time so far...whew! I expect to be in this place a week or so. I am very anxious to get healed up enough to go home. I will be sure to update you of this journey...over the mountain!!!!
I did have some setbacks last week, as my heartbeat flipped into atrial fibrilation 3 separate times. Each time, it was necessary to undergo electric shock to convert it back to a sinus rhythm. I was told that this is the case in about 30% of surgeries of this type. Also, I may have been having episodes of A-Fib over the years, & it wasn't being caught during cardio exams. If Dr. Starr had been more aware of that, he would have done an ablation during the surgery. I think I should have been more forthcoming in discussing this. Perhaps I just accepted feeling crummy as normal. For now, they seem to have me dialed in with medication. I am also on coumadin for now just in case it should start again. We'll be watching it closely. If it continues to be a problem, he said ablation can be done by catheter. The comment was made by Dr. Sequira, cardiologist team member, "On the 9th, we had you in for an engine overhaul. This past week, we've had you at Jiffy Lube for some tune-ups."
I was fitted with a Edwards-Carpentier bovine tissue valve. in comparing it to a porcine valve, Dr. Starr said the porcine is a ballet slipper, & the bovine is a work shoe....let the debate begin
I can't say enough good things about Providence St. Vincent Hospital in Portland, Oregon. The teamwork was incredible. I had complete confidence in Dr. Starr & his assistants ...truly a world class organizaton. Every nurse & aid treated me like I was their own family member. Even the cleaning lady sang me a beautiful hymn that touched my spirit as she did her job.
For now I am staying in a skilled nursing facility to help with my recovery. The added inconvenience of having a form of muscular dystrophy is making it a bit tough to stand up. I'll be working with a physical therapist, doing the important work of rehab. I have walked about 50 feet at a time so far...whew! I expect to be in this place a week or so. I am very anxious to get healed up enough to go home. I will be sure to update you of this journey...over the mountain!!!!
