Meet My Dad!!

My dad, John Newton Ryland, III, (or Jack) is quite an amazing man. He and my mom Darlene have been married 54 years and live in Danville, Virginia. He is affectionately know as "Peepaw" to his three grandchildren Catharine, Emily and Jacob and "Pops", "Peeps" and "Daddy" to his four children: Jack IV, Dave, Suzanne and Kathleen. He is Uncle Jack to his nieces and nephews who are very near and dear to his heart. My dad has a great sense of humor and very quick-witted. He can also be a stubborn, strong-willed individual and needless to say is determined to recover quickly so he can return home. He is a Virginia Tech Hokie fan and is looking forward to football season! Since he missed his beach trip in July, my dad is also looking forward to some R & R at Emerald Isle in late September...maybe a birthday trip for both he and my mom!!

My dad is here at Duke because of Aortic Stenosis. Aortic stenosis is a narrowing of the valve. When this happens, the heart has to push harder to get blood through the smaller opening and less blood circulates through the heart and to the rest of the body. In older patients, aortic stenosis may be caused by calcium that builds up on the valve. This buildup also hardens the valve, which can hinder its ability to open and close properly.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

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.....................
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4 comments:

  1. peachJuly 20, 2011 at 7:43 PM

    Arrived home and immediately turned on computer to check in - am so glad surgery went well. I know it is tiring and stressful having to sit and wait so long, but sounds like you have good crew of supporters! I know Jack will be the favorite patient of all the nurses, not surprised he has fan club building already. Please tell him we are thinking of him and give Darlene big squeeze for me! Actually, hugs to all of you! Take care, we love you all! Peach

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  2. AGLUBIAKJuly 20, 2011 at 10:18 PM

    Best news ever! Been following your blog throughout the day. Glad to see noone has lost their sense of humor. Talked with Dot and my mother numerous times and they are so grateful and happy also. Jack has earned his vacation - give both him and your Mom a big hug from all of us Ingleside folk. So glad that Kathleen and everyone else on the main team are there. Hope he wakes up with a big 'Jack Ryland' smile. Love to everyone - Anne, Pete, and family

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  3. AnonymousJuly 20, 2011 at 10:36 PM

    It's fabulous that you set up this site so we can all be in the know. We know this has been a long, long tiring day! Glad to know everyone is there to support each other - that's a great thing! Love the yellow shower stories - brings back memories. Who couldn't love listening to Jack talk and tell stories?!? Wait 'til he gets out ICU and gets those floor nurses going! Lots of love, hugs and kisses to all of you from the 5 of us! Donna

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  4. SuzanneJuly 20, 2011 at 10:43 PM

    Thanks guys so much for taking the time to post!! He loves you all so much and it will mean the world to him to read your comments. I could not have asked for a better sent of cousins! You all are the best. Much love to everyone!!

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