This blows. Sucks. Either, or both really. Eh well, chin up!

We went to the surgeon appointment yesterday expecting to be released for driving and what-not, but... well, the surgeon was not happy that I have a small wound with some drainage in the suture area. So he opened it up a bit and I was admitted back into the hospital last night so I could be hooked up to a wound vacuum device. It's basically this:

I'll likely be in the hospital over the weekend, which sucks (pun intentional), but the doc wants to be aggressive in getting this wound to close up. So, that's that. Not much I can do about it except get better!

First Cardiologist Appointment

Andy was seen for the first time by his cardiologist PA today. She (Amanda) was wonderful and informative. We got the cardiac rehab orders started, verified Andy's vitals, have a plan to modify medications a bit (some are no longer needed!), and were informed that he doesn't need to be seen for three months!!! She said, and I quote, "You are all fixed." :-)

The release for work/driving will come from the surgeon. That appointment is on the 27th. We tentatively expect clearance the first or second week in March.

His endurance continues to increase everyday. He is amazing. Of course, this is news to no one. Love to all!

Out and About

Steph had to go into school for a meeting so I took the opportunity to work on my own school work for the majority of the morning. After she got him we decided to get out of the house for a bit so we tooled around Target for a while. It felt good to be mobile (and out of the house). 

Random thought

How will my wired-together sternum react going through airport security? 

Saturday

Saturday was a good day. I slept the night (Friday) in the bed and it felt good to be back. Apparently too good because I overslept my pain meds again by an hour, but it wasn't so bad. Chris, Nikki, and Riley got in late Friday night but of course the kids were up early to start playing. I set up a local Minecraft pocket Edition server so they could all play together with their devices. They also spent a great deal of time on the trampoline. Nikki and Maya had some fun girls-only time while Chris did a bunch of odd jobs around the house and ran a few errands for us. I stayed awake for most of the day with the exception of a 45 minute nap in the late afternoon. We all reconvened for dinner and then the kids watched a movie while the adults hung out. Jeff and the Hansens came over for a visit. I played more guitar. It was a pretty long day and while I don't feel like I was too active I was definitely up more than normal which is a good thing. 

Guitar and Shower

Stamina is getting better every minute. He was particularly "springy" today. Took a shower with much less assistance, and even played a few songs on RockSmith (a computer program that allows "real" guitarists to learn new songs RockBand style). Appetite and all vitals are fantastic. If he wakes up rested and feels good, we are thinking of incorporating a bit of the outdoors in our day tomorrow. :-)

Chris, Nikki and Riley are due in tonight to hep with a few small, unfinished projects and general warm fuzziness.

Ukulele

We decided that the guitar was precariously close to exceeding Andy's 10 pound lift limit, so, alas, we now have a Ukulele!

Also, we opted for a post-op follow-up with the PA at the Cardiologist office on the 11th, so he would be seen sooner than the 24th (which was at the late end of the suggested window). We still have the appointment on the 24th with Dr. Devirreddy, but now he will be seen sooner as well. Certainly cannot hurt. :-)

Cardiac Rehab

I spoke with a few members of the Emory staff today at the Cardiac Rehab facility. Once we see Dr. Devirreddy on the 24th, we will receive and order to participate in the "Phase II Program", which will begin within days after the order is submitted. This will be monitored exercising, dietary plans and additional guidelines and support. The program sounds amazing and I am very glad to have the opportunity for Andy to transition back into physical activity under their watchful eyes. :-)

Reading Time

Fruit! Yay!

This beautiful fruit bouquet came today from Uncle Steve and Aunt Maggie. A minute later, the doorbell rang again and...

this beauty showed up too. This time, from Uncle Alb and Susan! The delivery woman was nearly as impressed as I was. ;-) Wonderful, thoughtful, and oh-so-useful gifts. Feeling the love from Littles everywhere!!!

Monday, February 3

Andy watched the Super Bowl from the comfort of his recliner. :-) Temperature has stayed under 99 degrees, with a few late-night exceptions where it got into the mid 99s, and TMI: Pooping like a boss.

I have made the appointment with his cardiologist (Dr. Devirreddy) on February 24th, and with his surgeon (Dr. Halkos) on February 27th.

Other than a brief pain med lapse, Andy is in excellent, positive spirit and snarky as ever. ;-)

My mom will be arriving at dinner time, so I will make a grocery run for staples. Other than that, I am happy to report, things have been relatively uneventful. As Dr. E would say #win!

Chillin'

Andy sat on the front porch and visited with Robert and Ally while the kids joined him at the patio table for their dinner. Andy ate a big dinner a few minutes ago, and is currently sitting in his recliner watching the Super Bowl. Temp good. :-)

Basics...

Andy took a shower! It was kind of exhausting for him, but it was great to see how his body is recovering as quickly as his endurance. The incision sites are healing very nicely, skin is re-fusing in several spots already. His temp was 98.5, which is the lowest it has been since he has been home. :-)  Appetite is great also.

Andy Updates

I wanted to create a place where everyone could follow along with the details of Andy's recovery from his quintuple bypass. I will post updates about general health, well-being, and physical accomplishments so you can know exactly how he is doing! Love to you all!