Chris Hanson - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

One Week to Go.

Journal posted on June 12, 2012

Hard to believe surgery is only a week away. Seems like only yesterday I was thinking a surgical date 3 months out would never get here.

We took the kids to the Wilderness Resort waterpark in the Wisconsin Dells a few days ago. We hadn't been there in a couple of years and wanted to do something special for them before I'm laid up for a while. The weather was great and a good time was had by all. I've got to give Ethan his props. He went on the new plunge vertical drop slide even though he got a little scared when he got to the top. The look on his face was priceless as the bottom dropped out from under his feet and he began to drop. When it was over he said it was fun, but wasn't real eager to do it again.

We had the pleasure of meeting fellow HVJ blogger Deb Ziegler a couple of weeks ago. We live about 15 miles or so apart. We traded stories and compared notes for a while. Deb was also kind enough to give me her wedge pillow for after surgery. I had a pretty rough time getting comfortable at night after the last surgery, maybe this will help some. Thanks again Deb.

Monday was my last day of work before surgery. Sam had the day off today so we ran some errands and attended Ethan's first ball game of the year. Aaron plays tomorrow.

We drop the boys off at Aunt Stephanie and Uncle Mikes house in Abbottsford on Friday. A big thank you to them for taking care of the boys while we're gone. I know they'll have a blast playing with the kids. I'll apologize now for the fact that they wake up around 5:30 every morning.

Sam and I will return home on Saturday and then fly to Cleveland Sunday morning. Monday the 18th I have all my pre-op tests (CT scan, echo, x-rays, blood work etc). We talk to Dr. Gillinov on Tuesday and surgery is on Wednesday. If all goes well, we return to Milwaukee on the 27th after my follow up visit with Dr. G.

It's about 11:30 pm so I'd better get to bed. The alarm clocks will be waking up in about 6 hours.

Chris