Hello everyone;
Well, surgery went well, waking up in ICU with 2 tubes in my lungs...not fun...struggled until they pulled them. Next day (Sunday) walked from ICU to the cardiac care floor where things were very hectic, but everyone knew exactly what they were doing...amazing people. God bless caregivers is all I can say. They were pushing me to get my lungs back with various tools to blow and suck on, but very hard to do with 2 chest tubes riding over your lungs...painful. More walks, etc. Worked very hard to get out of there, thought I had it licked, and Tuesday evening, after shower, I couldn't get my heart rate below 137, THAT was uncomfortable. They gave me the news I wasn't going home and a bit of depression slipped in, but I knew they were right. Wednesday all the surgeons and cardiologists met and decided to put me on something to slow the angry heart down, it almost immediately took effect, and became consistent at 68-74 resting. Started walking again and all went well. Left the hospital today at 5PM with a book od dos and don'ts. Tonight, if the first night in my bed since the 25th and so looking forward to it. All in all, it was an adventure, and I'd go this route again.