Happy 4th of July! I originally told James prior to surgery to do me a favor and get us home before the fireworks show! Of course, he said as he chuckled that I was putting him in control of the outcome once again. Well here we are, the 6th sunrise since the big day and … Continue reading Post Op day 6
Poo Party! Day 5 post op
The name of today is Poo Party! James being a long time NON-med user, all the meds the past few days has clogged him up to the point of the worst type of discomfort one could probably have in this situation. James looked to have gained about ten pounds in his abdomen alone. I tried … Continue reading Poo Party! Day 5 post op
Time out!
I'd like to talk for a few minutes about Cardiac Depression. Prior to James diagnosis I attempted to prepare myself for any curve ball that may be in our future thru this journey. I knew that there was a possibility of many things happening post operative, main ones being in the first 30 days. I … Continue reading Time out!
Post-Op Day 4
In the early hours of Day 4, James blood pressure has been very low promting the need for meds to bring it up, his heart flips back into Afib for a couple hours, his kidneys have been barely producing urine causing his Creatinine levels to rise (his kidneys like his pressure higher to function properly) … Continue reading Post-Op Day 4
Post-Op Day 3
Day 3 starts with James feeling the effects of all the medications that were administered over night. Effects ranging from the Afib protocol meds to way too much pain meds given when when he was sleeping and not complaining of pain. The day shift Rn Andrew returns and is perplexed that James is in this … Continue reading Post-Op Day 3
Post-Op Day 2
So here we go! Day 2. The day shift nurse walks in at 6am for his beginning shift assessment. James is in good spirits, pain is ok and knows it's almost time to walk! Andrew was his name and I can say he was by far the best nurse we had the pleasure of having … Continue reading Post-Op Day 2
Post-Op Day 1
I remember walking into the room. James was still intubated and sedated. The feeling of relief swept thru me like a lightening bolt. I walked over, kissed his cheek and whispered in his ear "You did it Babe! I love you so much, I'm so proud of you, everything is ok" I promised James before … Continue reading Post-Op Day 1
The waiting is the hardest part
As I sit in the waiting area and attempt to maintain my composure as a multitude of thoughts are racing thru my mind, I can't help but silently beg... beg to god, beg to a higher power, beg to whomever it was that perhaps had some sorta power over the outcome of James surgery. "Please … Continue reading The waiting is the hardest part
Surgery time
The alarm sounds, it's 0345am. "James" I whisper. "I know" he says quietly "I love you bebe, let's get this thing done" I say "Ok" he replies with a somber tone. James has pre op prep he has to do before we can go, another two min antibacterial shower. We grab our things and head … Continue reading Surgery time
Pre Op, day before the big fix!
Today was pre-op day! Mercy has a pretty good process in place so that it's almost a rehearsal. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable about James case, very reassuring for us both. All James labs, vitals and X-rays look great. We are ready for this battle. Little did we know the Rn would be in … Continue reading Pre Op, day before the big fix!
Holding His Hand- Life After Aortic Aneurysm Diagnosis 