It is Official!!!

Dad will be discharged on Wednesday, July 27 around 10:30 am!!!!!.  We hope to be moving out of here quickly and home that afternoon.  Wooo  Hooo!!!

Let me outta here!!

Moooove On Over...I'm Coming Home!!!!!

Still "Hoofing" It

Dad had a pretty good day racking up laps around the Cardiac Unit.  We can tell he is really on the mend as he stopped to chat as he walked and checked out the cabinets and how they were made.  Of course Dad was quick to describe the cabinets as "cheap" and wondered "Who in the world would design something like that and put it in a hospital?"  (My dad is a retired architectural engineer who designed school equipment, labs, media center, cabinets, etc...)  He is looking good too...sat at the sink and shaved today, was given the thumbs up to take a shower and kicked those bright, yellow, non-slip hospital socks to the curb and is sporting his comfy, suede man slippers. 

Moving Day...Maybe???

Dr. Gaca, Dad's surgeon, stopped by today and said my dad MAY go home tomorrow.  Woo hoo!!!..That is quite amazing since tomorrow will be one week since he had his surgery.  He still has a  PICC line (peripherally inserted central catheter) which has to be removed in a sterile environment by a "PICC team".  We were advised to remind the staff early in the morning if he is discharged , so Dad will not have to wait around for that to be removed.  Sometimes that can slow down the process.  He has walked twice already today but was interrupted by his x-ray taxi.  Another look at his chest to make sure things are still looking ok in there.   My dad said he has had so many x-rays that he will glow at night and they will not need any nightlights in their house!! 

 

It Just Gets Better and Better!!

God is so good!!   Cooler weather....a little less stress....Today Dad had his last chest tube removed and is still working on being weaned off of the oxygen.  He walked three laps on his first trip this morning before we arrived and walked a quarter of a mile this afternoon.  We asked him he if he was ready to go and walk and he said "Let's get crackin'".  Someone had spilled something brown on the floor and he said it like a "leaky dog had been in here".  His lunch was a "gas station hamburger that was left in the microwave too long".  I managed to smuggle in some Lemon Loaf Pound Cake from Starbucks and needless to say no crumb trail was left behind.  Lots of laughter and jokes..good to see Dad almost back to his old self!!!!

Thanks For the Cards!!

Thanks so much for the E-cards!!  They were delivered bright and early this morning and provided both laughter and warm smiles.  I cannot express how much that contact from the outside world from friends and family has helped with his attitude and recovery!!  

Code Red!!! Where is Tommy When We Need Him?

Yes, folks there was a fire in the hospital this morning.  The nurse was in Dad's room and the "Code Red" call went out.  I asked the nurse what was going on..  She said matter of factually...."Oh that....Code Red means there is a fire so I have to close this door.  It is not in our part of the hospital though".  Oh....okay......my dad had been taken to the ECHO lab to have a sonogram on his heart.  When he got back he reported that there was a fire and he had to wait to come back.  No big deal...(Are they kidding?????)

Technology...Grrrrrr

Thanks to you guys who let me know the comments section had disappeared!!  I am not sure what happened but I think I have fixed it.  Please let me know by email if it poops out again!!! 

Removal of More "Stuff"

The dressing from Dad's chest incision was removed today as well as the wound pump that was connected to the incision area.  The chest tube is still there and continues to drain fluid from his chest.  Dad has 57 staples holding his incision together.  He is on very little oxygen and is being weaned off of that as well.  One day closer to freedom!!

From Track Star to Race Car Driver

Today has been wonderful!! We got to the hospital and found Catharine and Tommy there and my dad full of smiles and laughter.  Catharine made my dad  a "Build a Bear" named Bessy (good 'ole cow name no less) dressed in scrubs with a working, beating heart.  Tommy whispered something to him about watch where they pinch you and made my dad laugh so hard he had to hug that heart pillow.  Some sort of male bonding occurring there I suppose!!   It is so good to see him working slowly but steadily toward recovering.  He has walked twice so far;  once for two laps and the last trip was three laps!!  Woo hoo...Richard Petty's got nothing on my dad!  The OT (Occupational Therapist) stopped by and chatted with my dad about what he may need when he goes home.  She walked with him first and attached his "Batman Cape" (extra gown..no flashing allowed) and told Tommy to stand by his room with the lap flag.  The next "walker" Dianna, (or "Lady Di" as my dad had dubbed her) was able to get Dad to make three laps.  He did warn her that she better hang on because "natural combustion may take over and propel him forward".  She laughed and said let it fly because she was ready for some fast action.  That's the kind of day it has been!!  

Track Star in the Making...Great Day!!

Dad reclaimed his track star status and made his way around the cardiac unit floor 4 different times today.  Eighteen times around the floor is a mile and Dad made it around  twice on his last trip.  Only problem is that his body has not been clued in to the fact that he needs to walk and that "go to the bathroom" pill has finally begun to kick in.   Whoa, Nelly!!!  Gives a new meaning to "Bathroom Boogie"!!!!

Bobby Flay...Food Network...911

Dad has been quite the food critic.."the bread taste like it came from a cardboard factory", and the "pot roast" taste like "the hide of that horse on TV" ( we were watching the horse today on TV) and "everything else is downright nasty".  He said he would like to talk to those people who call themselves cooks!!  Dad has kept Nurse Katie busy locating orange sherbet, lemon yogurt and apple juice.  Seems to be the only thing he has a taste for!  We have gotten permission to bring him low sodium V-8 which he loves!!  

Mooooo...the Bovine Valve is Going Strong...Any Good Cow Jokes?

Arrived at the hospital and was greeted with that big smile my dad is known for!!  He started with three chest tubes and is now down to one.  Dad gladly made another trip to x-ray.  He said it is much cooler down there!  This visit may allow him to get rid of that last chest tube.  His nurse stepped in to let us know she was going to "give him a bath" and he asked if she was going to take him outside and hose him down.  She laughed and said it was too hot outside to do that.  He said "It can't be much hotter than in here".  Actually all of the nurses now come to my dad's room to "check" on him his because we have rigged his room up with three fans and it is actually cooler in his room than anywhere else.  Not to mention he enjoys chatting with them all!!  His favorite person today was the "transporter" who took him to x-ray.  He had his Ipod jumping with some "cool" music and let my dad listen.  Dad asked him to not bring him back for a while and could they tour the hospital!!  Lunch is here...more soon!!

Too Tired to Blog

Sorry everyone...mentally and physically exhausted....tough day for all.  Just returned and we all need sleep.....days at the hospital are all running together..more info tomorrow

Hit the Jackpot With Dad's Nurse Today

Valley Girl must have forgotten where she parked her car today (thanks Peach!!  Dad laughed so hard he had to hug that heart pillow) because Nurse Katie showed up bright and early and full of life and smiles.  (OK...she is blonde....well...with highlights but no VG or Cracker Jack box and she can speak in complete, understandable paragraphs!) She had all of his IVs removed and he just returned from a chest x-ray which translates into the chest tube hopefully being removed tomorrow!!  The Foley catheter was also removed earlier as well.  Today was more stressful than usual and I was relieved when Tommy arrived this morning at the hospital to see my dad.  Tommy beat us there and helped my dad with his scrumptious, "slick" oatmeal and other gourmet no salt, no taste breakfast goodies.  :) Tommy always seems to say the right thing (no matter how ridiculous it is) to make me laugh.  Not to mention he left me $60!!  That always helps!! Dad had a hard day with a lot of pain.  The meds made him "loopy" and he would tell us "I can hear you talking about me" and comment on what we were saying with his eyes closed.  He finally perked up and agreed to "dance" down the hall with Katie tomorrow.  I have always heard that the third day is the worst but my dad never conforms to those "wives tales" and said today was the worst.  Let's hope he is right!!  The plan is for him to walk aggressively tomorrow.   Bring those dancing shoes, Katie!!

Slow Day

Dr. Gaca left Dad with some goals:  Walk three times a day ( at least once around the cardiac unit), use the Air Flow Meter every hour using 10 strong breaths and start moving more around the room.  Easier said than done since the room is so small and three of us are constantly shifting places trying to find that Wi-fi signal.  Dad has confiscated a laptop and is now checking his Facebook.  Those of you who are his friend on Facebook, keep those messages coming there too!!  You are welcome to call him here at the hospital as well.  He got a call today from his neighbor and it sure brightened his smile and perked him up!!   He loves reading your posts and the nurses said to keep him laughing.  It will make him heal quicker.  Just removed another IV!!! Yeah! 

That Pesky Blue Devil is Back!!

Not only is it still hot as the Devil outside, but it is also sweltering in the hospital rooms.  Our bookstore friends brought another fan to my dad today and that has helped.  This hospital may have the best Cardiology Department but leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to handling a heatwave and Wi-fi.  When the temperature rises, patience goes down...and we are becoming very impatient with the maintenance department.  Dad is hanging in there though as he sits in his chair with three fans cooling him down.  He has had several tubes removed and down to 2.5 IVs.  Dad tried to walk today but is still experiencing a lot of pain in his rib area.  Hopefully those chest tubes will be removed soon!! He did walk to the end of the hall and back to his room.  Slow and steady!!!

Hmmmm....Not So Sure About This Blonde Nurse....

Okay....No blonde jokes here but I hope her credentials are real because she has Valley Girl written all over her forehead and a Cracker Jack box in her hand.  We stayed during her whole shift because we were not too sure about her.  Dad kept asking.."Isn't it 7 yet?  Can't she tell time well enough to know when to leave?"  The rest of the day was a struggle for Dad as he was experiencing a lot of chest pain and his lungs are full of "gunk".  He said my mom looked like she had purple spots on her face.  Kathleen and I looked at each other and wondered what type of pain medication did VG give my dad!!!   Thanks Goodness Dr. Gaca (Dad's surgeon) walked in and saved the day...again.  He said the purple spots were from the large amounts of anesthesia and Dad's spotty vision should subside tomorrow.   What do you guys think?????  Valley Girl said he was wheezing as well but he was not too motivated to use his Air Flow Meter today.  Hopefully Valley Girl will have a shopping spree to attend tomorrow and we will get Marie back.  My dad really liked her!! 

Want to Send My Dad a Card?

Check out this link...pretty neat idea...http://www.dukehealth.org/patients_and_visitors/ecard/ecard_form

Patient Name:  John Ryland

 Room Number:  3320

Ugghhh.....Arrrrrr...

Ok...I have solved the age old question of why this area has chosen the Blue Devil as their mascot....because it is hot as "the Devil" here in this hospital.  My dad is sweltering in this room.  Kathleen and I went on an adventure (on foot no doubt) to round up a fan to purchase for my dad's room.  Of course, today was the day for the gift shops to close early so we trudged on to the Duke University Medical bookstore.  Not an easy task with a bum foot.  So we arrived at the bookstore and asked if they had any fans for sale.....You guess it...noooooo.  But once again, God took over.  The two bookstore clerks listened to our story and GAVE us their own personal fans then offered to buy one for us tonight and bring it in tomorrow.  I teared up and Dave the clerk gave me a hug.  He said.."Hey we have a dad too and would want him to be comfortable".  Clerk Rebecca said she would bring her own fan in tomorrow so we would not have to buy a fan at all and just return it when my dad leaves.  Man.....God is soooooooo good!!   By the way...the that Blue Devil must have temporarily vanished because it has gotten a bit cooler in here.  Whew.....

Bit of a Setback

Guess I got a little too excited too soon.  Dad started walking and halfway down the hall, got very dizzy and his knees buckled.  I about threw up it scared me so bad.  Thought my mom was going to knock someone out and she gave the nurses one heck of an evil eye!!  The nurse yelled for someone to bring a chair and my dad turned to her, looked over his glasses and said..."I told you I was not ready to walk yet".  The nurses got him back in the bed and I had to leave the floor and regroup.  Sigh...............

Here We Go.....

Dad's nurse stopped by to let him know that he would be up and walking today between 2:30-3:00.  Isn't that amazing??   Dad is nodding off....guess the pain meds are kicking in! 

Loooooog Morning!!!!

Great News!!!!!!!!  We arrived at the ICU this morning and was told my dad was "not available".  We were very confused and inquired as to what was going on.  The volunteer went and checked with the nurses and reported that Dad was being prepped to be MOVED to a "step-down" room.  Wooo Hooo!!  God has again answered our prayers.  My dad was moved to the cardiacthoracic unit less than 24 hours after his surgery.   He is sitting up in a chair, got his glasses on and chatting away.  He has eaten a little yogurt.  He is in a fair amount of pain in his rib area and has taken some pain medicine. 

Speaking of Mom

Yes, she thinks she is Super Mom as us Moms all do, but do keep her in your prayers as well.  This has taken quite a toll on her both mentally and physically.  She is a tough lady though but hates to leave the hospital each night without Mr. Charming!! What 54 years of marriage will do to ya!   We love you, Mom!!

ICU Continued....

Isn't it amazing how some people just cannot get the hang of how to spell or pronounce the name "Ryland"???  I have spent the last 15 minutes on the phone trying to locate my dad and since it is after hours...well.. you can only imagine the problems I am having..."No...he's not in the Pediatric ICU" (Haaa haa...77 year old pediatric patient)  "Yes, I can spell his name again..and again...and again...ohhhhhh....He's on that floor...."   Anyway..finally found the right nurse...as of right now he is still sedated, using the ventilator (yuk!) and his blood pressure is low so they are giving him meds to help with that.  The bleeding in his chest cavity is "under control at this time" and the nurses hope to try to slowly bring him out of the sedated state tonight.  Kind of glad we are here at the hotel and not there to see that...kind of tough seeing my dad like that...My mom is giving me the evil eye and indicating that my technology time needs to come to an end.  Oh Mom!!!!

ICU Update

We were able to see Dad in the Cardiothoracic ICU.  He was still sedated and needing the ventilator to breathe.  The heart is going strong but he still looks a bit pale.   Off to dinner and relax with my mom and sister, Kathleen.   More info later.....................

Small World...

We have met so many friendly folks here in each waiting area.  Tommy and I got caught up in a conversation with a group of ladies from Tabor City, NC who seem to know half of Reidsville!!  Haaa haaa!!  (I had to ask where Tabor City is! duh!)  I have had a hard time blogging as everyone wants to chat and offer prayers...speaking of prayers....thanks so much...God has answered them all!!!!!...just met with the surgeon....quite young looking but obviously well trained!!  The valve replacement went GREAT!!  Dad's heart "jumped" back to life and he is now in ICU.  We are waiting for him to get "settled" so we can see him.  He struggled tremendously after the bypass surgery in 2006 with the breathing tube but he said he learned his lesson and is prepared to cooperate this time.  We hope he has remembered this!  Only two of us can visit at a time for 2-5 minutes....A small concern with bleeding but he is being closely monitored.  God is so good!!  Thanks again for all of the prayers but keep them coming!!  :)  Mom just went back....:) :)

Taking a Break....

Beeper went off and surgery should be finished by 1:00PM.  Lunch in the cafeteria....what that don't make off my dad's surgery they will make up the cost in the cafeteria.  Yikes!!  Good thing Tommy is here with his wallet!!  :)

What in the World??? A Blue Devil??

What is the problem here??? Too much royal blue and not enough maroon and orange.  We are waiting until Dad is safely out of the grasp of a lurking Blue Devil to proudly show our Hokie pride.  Won't be long!!  Another update......Wooo Hooo!!   The surgery started at 8am and the lead nurse came out at 11:15am and said the surgery was progressing wonderfully!!   The surgeon was working "aggressively" and should complete the procedure ahead of schedule!!

Update

Wow!!  We have been given a beeper so the medical staff can find us and keep us informed . Beepers are going off constantly!!...We have moved from one waiting room to another as my dad's surgery progresses.  Not an easy task with laptops, cellphones, snacks, magazines, backpacks etc....we have been on the move all morning.  Tommy and our friend Ben arrived this morning as well and have been busy loading up everything and moving it to our next destination.  Everyone here has been awesome!!!!  From the Pre-Op nurses to the surgeon himself....My dad has a fan club here at Duke Hospital already (imagine that!) and is known as the guy who loves to talk and tell stories.  One nurse came out to give us an update and said my dad was "behaving quite well" and no jokes thus far.  :)

Pre-op....July 20th, 2011

Good morning!!  We woke up at 4am and began our day at the hospital.  My dad had to take another "scrub shower" and he is even more yellow than before!!  Since he is a high risk for infection, they are asking us to constantly, sanitize, wash hands and we are only allowed to bring a few items with us in the Pre-Op area.  Dad is in good spirits and looks as good as you can with a red head covering on. Surgery started at 8am.

July 19th, 2011...Hospital Check-in

Whew!!  It is 11:35pm and we have finally made it to the hotel.  Kathleen and I arrived at the hospital and of course my dad was busy talking!!  Imagine that!!  He has been chosen to take part in some sort of research program for heart patients and was not allowed to be disturbed for several hours as he was being tested.  More info later....He was taken to X-ray, EEG's taken, peed in a cup, and had to scrub himself down in the shower and now looks quite jaundiced!!  Lots of doctors drawing pictures and explaining everything that will happen tomorrow.  Pops is doing quite well, very relaxed and making jokes.  My mom is another story.  She is very stressed and my dad is trying his best to put her at ease.  Sound familiar???  Very tired....will be up at 4am to go back to the hospital..surgery will begin at 8:45am but we need to be there early before they take him to the OR so we can see him off....IS supposed to last about 6 hours....