Dr. Sam Balkhy stopped in approximately 7:00 p.m. tonight and said the chest tube was ready to come out. They pulled out the tubes which was painful, but another step in the process to coming home. When Dr. Balkhy came he told us he had read this blog. Funny how this works and if I remember the story correctly (I am not quoting Dr. Balkhy here), the anesthesiologist (Dr. Ulatowski)'s husband was on the Internet and googgled Dr. Balkhy and found Jason's blog. The blog was printed and brought into the surgery room and they asked Dr. Balkhy if he had operated on this 37 [38] year old man and it turned out that was the surgery currently being conducted. Dr. Balkhy mentioned that what he did with Jason in surgery is the first time he put together the valve and tube on a table in the room and then grafted it into Jason (basically, the cow valve was sown into the synthetic aorta rather than sewing the valve into the patient first). He said he likes this method because it is a tighter fit.
Dr. Balkhy: I hope this doesn't bother you that we are having this blog. It has really helped our friends and family with updates and communication.
Disclaimer: This blog is not approved by The Wisconsin Heart Hospital (TWHH) and Tricia has no medical background so I apologize in advance if I mess up the words.
Thank you to Scott Smith, Jason's Brother, for making this blog possible.
I have to give a great big THANK YOU to Jason, too, for being so proactive in his health care and getting a heart scan when he felt extremely healthy. Upon learning the news almost four years ago that he would need this surgery eventually, he started his research and found the best surgeon and the best hospital to have this procedure. All his research paid off and we are all reaping the benefits from Jason's knowledge. One of the reasons he picked TWHH for the surgery was because it was a beautiful hospital and easy for visitors to get in and out. As my Uncle Bill would say, visitors should not be a reason why you pick a hospital.
Love,
Tricia
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1 comment:
Another step in the right direction! Great news. As for coming home, that couldn't be sweeter. Jason will feel much more comfortable in his own bed. Just in time for the two of you to relax and enjoy some quiet time alone on your anniversary. Congrats!
Thank you to the doctors and nurses for helping Jason and Tricia through this difficult time. You all are true gifts from heaven!
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