Yikes. Open heart surgery. And yikes again.

[Robb]

So first of all, thanks for all the kind words.

Second, for latecomers and everyone else, RobbMom's surgery went "well," according to the docs. About a week after diagnosis they popped her open and put in a new artificial heart valve and did a single bypass.

Amazing, really. She's a Hodgkin's (spelling?) disease survivor, from 35 years ago. The radiation she got led to long-term heart problems; interestingly, a few years earlier they were using too much and all the patients died, a few years later they were using too little and the disease didn't go away. It could be said she hit the "sweet spot," such as it is.

Anyhow, the surgeon said they poked around a bit and she had no other problems in there other than radiation damage... good strong heart otherwise, good cholesterol, good blood pressure.

So she's got her big incision down her sternum, and a few bruises and leftover holes from a plethora of IVs. She's got her little heart-shaped pillow she clutches to use as a splint to keep from tearing the incision.

Kicker: the surgeon signed her little pillow, after drawing on the back what work he did, and inscribed it "Parts and labor guaranteed for life." :D

...Which, as I think about it, is a little grim. :eyes: But after a few episodes of bad heart rhythm (which I'll count among the more terrifying moments of my life... you haven't lived until you've watched your mother be talking to you and then her heart stops and you can watch it on the little machine) she's home resting and recovering.

Also amazing: the whole wing was full of people getting similar stuff done. As dangerous as it is, opening up a person's chest and monkeying around in there just about counts as routine.

Finally: ask me anything. :evilgrin:

[Floogeldy]

1. Are you trying to depress me?

B-)

[Robb]

2. Only absent an ability to

...repress you. :D

[Bluzmann57]

3. Glad to hear that your mom is doing well

Its a good thing that there has been such great progress in medicine where a bypass is nearly routine. Hope your mom lives a long time. She sounds like a fine lady. Sounds like she raised a good son. And we only have one mom for our entire lives, so we should love and honor them, and help them if and when they need it.

[Droopy]

4. Here's to a speedy recovery for your mother

:toast:

[AwakeAtLast]

5. Have you gotten any rest?

I know you are worried about your mother, and rightfully so, but please make sure you get some rest, too.

Glad to hear she is better! :hi:

[KitchenWitch]

6. Wow, just wow

I am an 18 year survivor of Hodgkins Disease, and have been told that I will need heart valve replacement eventually (I, too, had the radiation, and they had the right "dose" for me as well.) Good to hear that all is going well for her.

[Lars39]

7. "popped her open"

:D I'm glad you're mom's on the mend. Hugs to you both. :hug:

[deadparrot]

8. Glad to hear it went well.

Best wishes for your mom's recovery. :)