Category: "Family"
April 15, 2005
Back From Nebraska
Sorry I didn't get a chance to update while in Nebraska...didn't have much internet access. I also just got to approving the comments people left for me this evening.
My grandma's surgery was postponed to Wednesday because they discovered an antibody her body built up from a previous blood transfusion and they had to round up some compatible blood to be on hand just in case. The surgery went very well. They replaced her valve with a pig(!) valve and looked at a bypass that was done over 20 years ago. They figured they would have to replace the bypass since they're only expected to last around 5-10 years (I forget the actual estimate), but the bypass was still in great condition so they didn't want to mess with it. The surgery only lasted a couple hours and she was on a ventilator for a couple hours afterward. Her first night was spent mostly sleeping.
The first day after surgery, she was doing great! They had her up and walking 18 hours after the surgery! They also had her sit up for all 3 meals and use the restroom (no more catheter!) and shower. The hospital staff was really impressed with her recovery (she's 83!).
The second day after surgery (today), she was a bit tuckered out and kept telling them to "lemme alone!" (in a jokingly manner) as they wanted to have her walk and shower some more. She walked, but kept putting off the shower. She also felt a bit nauseous and didn't eat much. The doctors and nurses said it was normal to feel worse the second day after surgery. One doctor said that it's usually the second day after surgery when you get up and see the train that just ran over you!
Anyhow, I am back in California now and have had my fill of hospitals for a while. I'm very glad that I was able to be there for my grandma and even more glad that she made it through okay. She's a tough lady, that one.
Posted by Rebecca at April 15, 2005 11:10 PM
Comments
That's wonderful news, Becca ... welcome home!
Posted by: Jamie at April 16, 2005 05:16 AM
Thank you, Jamie!
Posted by: Rebecca at April 16, 2005 06:44 AM
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