I finally talked to Aimee

So...more on that tomorrow. I have an appt. with a cardiologist tomorrow at three pm. I'm not sure what to expect, but I guess I'll know more at 4pm. I'll let you know.

Nothing new really. I'm pretty resigned to this whole thing at this point. I just want it over, and I want to start getting better.

trying to drink away the part of the day that I cannot sleep away

Here is something fun to do...if you haven't had the pleasure, make a will. At this point, I can't bring myself to actually do it, but just having the document open on my desktop is difficult. Oh yea, also write down all your log in and passwords to all you accounts. I think that I have about a million. And, on top of that, I need to get a note from my doctor so my mom can get out of work. WTF is that all about? Really? She's actually retiring at the end of the month anyway, but in order to use her sick time, she needs a note. A note! Do I really need to be dealing with that? That's some messed up shit! I need a drink.

I have to go to a pre-hospital meeting on Thursday at 3pm. But you know what's weird? On the phone, while scheduling this, they asked me if I was allergic to latex. So, I'm not sure if I should be looking forward to this "meeting" or what, but I think I may score.

c

Katie O-K

Katie's surgery went as well as could be. They removed all three lesions, and there was minimum to no brain damage. She'll be up and walking today, and out of ICU too. So, thanks to everyone for keeping her in your thoughts, and a big thanks to everyone who offered up miles. It seems that the response was so good for that, that they're all set for now.

In Chris News:
So, I had originally scheduled my surgery for Monday, May 18. However, prior to the surgery, I need to have a Heart Catheterization. Which sounds like an awful lot of fun! Basically, they shove a catheter into my leg, and up my femoral artery. This will then travel up above my heart, where it will inject dye into the aforementioned heart. Then, my heart is the subject of a photo shoot, designed to tell if there are other problems (blockages in my arteries, aneurysms...etc.). I would rather do the CAT scan, but Dr. Goober feels that, since I'm an athlete, the catheter is a better option. I don't know why. Goober...that's just funny.

SO, anyway, the surgery is now tentatively on the 19th, and the HC is going to be on the 18th.


Oh yea...I'm having the surgery at Porter Hospital. And I still don't know what valve to choose. But with all the swine flu going around, I should probably go bovine. It's not actually a cow valve, but rather a valve constructed from the heart tissue of a cow.

Hey...here is something interesting:

Surgical Technique for Aortic Valve Replacement:

Aortic valve replacement requires the use of a general anesthetic. Once the patient is asleep, the chest is opened and the heart is exposed. Patients are placed on the heart lung machine by placing catheters in the aorta and right atrium. The heart-lung machine does the work of the heart and lungs so that blood can be redirected from the heart. Once the patient is placed on the heart lung machine a clamp is placed on the aorta to stop blood flow into the heart. This allows surgeons to work on a motionless heart devoid of blood. The aortic valve is exposed by opening the ascending aorta. The diseased valve leaflets are removed. Sutures with Teflon felt bolsters (pledgets) are placed along the rim of tissue where the native valve was once attached. Sutures are then passed through the prosthetic valve. Prosthetic valve is then secured in place by tying the sutures. The aorta is then closed and the clamp removed from the aorta. This allows blood flow to resume to the heart and the heart begins to beat. Any air is evacuated from the heart; the support of the heart lung machine is withdrawn. Temporary pacing wires are placed, drainage tubes inserted, and the incisions are closed. The patient is then taken to the intensive care unit for recovery.

Sounds easy enough, eh?

Gin and Juice

You know what's good? Gin and tonic, that's what. Yea! It's a beautiful day, and I'm hanging out drinking some G&T's, and basically enjoying life.

Life, by the way, is also good, and as far as I know, better than the alternative.

nothing

new-- I'm going to call my dr. this afternoon to see what the hell is going on. I'm also calling Aimee, and this other guy (who've both had the surgery).

More when I know.

c

Focus your Brains

Good News! You now have more time to focus your good thoughts for Katie. She's actually flying out to Chicago this Sunday, and will have surgery later on this week. So, keep that shit coming.

In other news, my bluebird has turned grey, but I still got out on my road bike. It's a Litespeed, but I'm definitely not going that fast. It's great to be out doing something physical, but hard to keep my heart rate below 130. (Which, by the way...Won 29? 129? get it...it's where I'm living my life...sheesh. It's like pulling teeth trying to be clever around you people).

Anyway. You know what sucks? Getting passed by people on recumbents! Seriously. That just happened to me. Do you know how humiliating that is? At least he wasn't wearing sock garters and a pith helmet -- but I'm pretty sure he gave me the finger as he smoked past me at 12mph.

In other Katie news:: if anyone out there has extra frequent flyer miles that you're just going to throw away, please donate them to help out with the travel expenses. Not for Katie so much, but for others that are flying out to Chicago to help out. Hit me up if you can help, and I'll get you in touch with the right people.

chris

Sunny and 55 degrees

It's a bluebird day in Colorado. Sunny, clear and warm. If it's anything like this were you live, I encourage you to take the day off and go on a hike. I'm going to. I have a bunch of work to do first, but I think that this afternoon I'm out. So, if anyone would like to join me, feel free.

Katie is in Chicago, probably already in surgery. I hope it's a bluebird day there too.

Here is what's better to do than be at work:

• Sit on my sunny front porch
• Walk 25 feet out my back door to the North Ten Mile creek and go fly fishing
• Go on a hike
• Go on a road bike ride
• Well...pretty much anything other than sit in an office staring at a computer screen

Thoughts to Katie

c