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.

Friday, July 22, 2011

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!!!
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