Confessions of a Grandma

Prayers and positive energy of any nature are still needed from friends and family, including those from the world of web.  It has been nothing short of a terrifying roller coaster ride.  Mike has gone through respiratory failure, septic shock, kidney blockage, and colitis over the past few days.  I think they have it under control and, bam! something else happens.  One day at a time.

We had to call 911 yesterday.  Mike became disoriented and could not catch his breath, then started shivering uncontrollably.  While it looked like he was stable around 10 at night, he took a turn for the worse during the night.  His blood pressure dropped and he once again could not breath on his own. Positive thoughts and prayers, please.

Mike was discharged from the hospital yesterday and was very glad to get home.  He is getting a long, good night's sleep.  He was impressed with the care taken, but no matter how pleasant they try to make it, a hospital stay is still a stay in the hospital.  Sleep is always interrupted for some necessary monitoring, not to mention the needs of other patients. He is walking about and sat outside on the deck last night for a time.  I think his feet still hold him back more than the heart surgery. The heat has broken, but it is not the bright sunny day we were promised...at least not yet. I met my son for supper on Monday night and had a very pleasant time and a really good salad supper.  We treated ourselves to creme brûlée for dessert and it was delicious. On Sunday, Mike called me in the morning and told me not to visit that day.  He was still in the ICU--only because they did not have a regular bed available until that evening--and Saturday night h...

Mike continues to do amazingly well.  He is up and moving about.  He did say, "I probably don't really feel as good as I feel--they give me some good pain meds." He was waiting for his supper last night--a fruit cup and an Italian lemon ice--with his usual anticipation.  I was facing him when I saw his droopy eyes light up and he said, "Wow, now that's some waitress!"  I turned and there was the nutritionist delivering his meal in person.  She was the vision of a young Gina Lollabridgida .   Yep, same old Mike!

Mike's surgery lasted five hours.  His aorta was repaired but the aortic valve was beyond repair so the surgeon replaced that with a new part fashioned from bovine tissue. He went from surgery into intensive care where he was kept under sedation for the afternoon.  Towards evening, they started cutting back on sedatives and as of 9:30 our time, he was responsive. Fortunately, I have not had a whole lot of experience with visiting intensive care patients, but I have to say I was really surprised at how strong he looked considering the invasive nature of the surgery preformed.  This will be a rough night for him as they adjust for medications for pain and do the ICU monitoring.  It does look like he will be in a regular room sometime tomorrow.  So my outlook is remaining positive.  He will have a wicked scar, though. It has been a long day.

Mike and I relaxed all day yesterday and went out to get sushi for our supper.  It was a good way to go on a hot, steamy night.  We treated ourselves to some wine as well. It was up at 4:30 a.m. to get ready to arrive at the hospital for 6.  I am not much of a morning person, but it would have been kind of rude to call a cab for Mike. It was 76 degrees already when we left the house. I got to stay with him until they finished in pre-op.  It did not take so long and he is in surgery now.  The pre-op nurse happened to be a friend of my sister's growing up.  She also had some vicarious fame a while back because her husband is Capt. Phillips of the pirate capture story. So now I am in waiting mode.  I thank every one out there for all the prayers and positive energy sent our way.

I was very happy to notice these bright colors at the JCPenney store when I was there last. It seems as though it is always easy to find pastels and muted colors but not always brighter hues.  I snatched up some tee shirts and a flower patterned skirt. I am a "spring" but bright, clear colors of spring.  Have you ever had your colors done? ********* Scam alert!  We have gotten a few of these robocalls .  They say that there is no free lunch and we keep that in mind.