WH Chronicle No. 7.20.13

July 20, 2013

We are finally out of the hospital and have spent a few days recuperating on the banks of Lake Erie. 

So now, Tom’s plumbing is tight and the pump has finally decided to maintain a regular rhythm—though, it took a few nail-biting (for me, not the doctors) days for it to settle down.  

Now the kids and I just have to monitor Tom’s activities and watch for any irregularities.  He is stronger each day.  His right nipple now points at 2 o'clock, but other than this, no huge scars to sport.   Sam does blood pressure every few hours and monitors bathroom/shower times.   Daryl is his walking buddy.   He is only left unattended for a couple of hours during his naps while we feed ducks and hold fishing rods. 

Tom is not always a compliant patient.   If we are not watching carefully, he wanders off like a toddler with a screw driver or hammer in hand looking for something to repair.  When I mention his reluctance to cooperate I hear him mutter something about turnabout being fair play. 

We have lots of post-op appointments and follow ups here in Cleveland.  Our journey southward depends on doctor clearance.  Lizzie flies in tonight and will assume the duties of co-pilot.  Even if she doesn’t choose to drive or fold a map; she is able to walk 25 yards without tiring while being old enough to buy beer.  This makes her over-qualified for the job.

"My doctor is nice; every time I see him, I'm ashamed of what I think of doctors in general."

  ~Mignon McLaughlin, The Second Neurotic's Notebook, 1966

Surgeons must be very careful
When they take the knife!
Underneath their fine incisions
Stirs the Culprit - Life!
~Emily Dickinson

Coordinating the convalescing, 

Daris 

Tom and a portrait of  his "Rock Star" heart surgeon.

View from his hospital room.

Bustin' out of the hospital!  They decided not to take the stairs.