Answered prayers and a Conversation with Jellybean

First off, I wanted to thank all of you for your prayers and concern for my dad. I don't know if I will get back to each of you personally but my heartfelt thanks go out to you.  The past few days have been a roller coaster of emotions for us. We  got to the hospital on Wednesday morning bright and early and my dad went back for his CTA. Then we sat in his room and waited for the surgeon. When the surgeon came in he originally said he was NOT going to go ahead with the endarectomy as the area he had to work with was extremely narrow and he felt the risk for stroke and complications was too high. He wanted us to hang out for a bit though while he waited to consult with radiology. The wonderful Dr. Waumett, I went to school with his son who is now also Dr Waumett, consulted with 2 Radiologists and another surgeon who all said - DO THE SURGERY! My dad was actually relieved to be getting the surgery as he knew that meant that there was a great chance that he would be getting his quality of life back. I on the other hand went immediately to basket case status since I knew how risky the surgery was.

The doctor though has amazing skill and hands and was able to remove all of the blockage. Dad's blood pressure was up and down throughout the surgery which we expected. The doctor left orders making my dad's room a private room so my sister was able to stay with him throughout the night. She is an open heart nurse so she knew what she was doing and it made everyone feel much better having her there. Dad was on a dopamine drip to keep his blood pressure up for about 12 hours. Then when they stopped that and had him start moving around his bp bounced around for a bit but ultimately stabilized.  24 hours after surgery - he was heading home. And we all let out a huge sigh of relief. Dad's at home now and resting. He's not antsy yet but I'm sure by Monday he will be - especially since he can't drive until his followup in 2 weeks!

I have to share his going home outfit with you because it is a sight to see!

He is such a trip!

Now by popular demand -

Conversations with Jellybean

 Jellybean - Hey Mom! Who's the guy in the funny outfit up there?

Me: That's your Dziadzus! He's the reason Mommy's tummy felt like a washing machine the past few days.

Jellybean: Gosh Mom! That was so annoying. I mean I couldn't get comfortable at all. You were swishing me all around.

Me: Well buddy. Mommy isn't very comfortable lately either. I mean she has these cankles to deal with -

and then there's this belly that just keeps on growing - 

which makes it pretty hard to sleep at night. Especially with you partying in there with my bladder all the time. And you're complaining about a little swishing in there!

Jellybean: Why does it always have to be about you, Mom? I thought we were talking about me here!