Grant's Journal

I was very fortunate not sure why. Iam 68 in decent shape certainly not fit in any sense of the word. My attitude was good because after the hurricane was telling on the negative condition I was The lack other additional operations. Your body will tell you when is ready, my worst issue was sleeping at night. I did learn one tip and that is raise the foot of the bed to keep you from sliding down. To those yet to have surgery you can do this it really is about taking charge and being in charge of you. Best wishes all In have a three hour ride home to the coast. Duke is a special place with amazing young nurses, practioners, And my Doctor is terrific.

Surgery was early Tuesday morning here at Duke. 5 30 a and it looks like a hotel, turns out this is the surgery facility. Surgeon said the surgery was quick without complications. I had the breathing Tube out 90 minutes later, PA said I was chewing on it as I came out of surgery. Everything has gone smooth not saying there isn't discomfort, I especially did not like taking the pacer wires out. Third day out of surgery walked without assistance so they are sending me home tomorrow. This was a full sternomy. Bless you all. Grant

Nc dot announced an open road between Wilmington and Raleigh/Durham which is great news. This was the last hurdle to finally accomplish the surgery.I had actually contacted a company about chartering a plane as a last resort. My wife makes a great case that had I had surgery earlier I would have been helpless during the hurricane. Preop is Monday afternoon with surgery Tuesday. I have a hotel we have used previously, which is in sight of Duke hospital, booked for my wife. I am ready and concentrate on picturing myself in ICU with my wife.

Storm has finally cleared and we have power but no ac. Unit under the house suffered water damage so parts are on order. Surgery is now scheduled for Tuesday the 25th. This will make the third scheduled shot due to the hurricane. Dr. Plichta`s assistant Chris has been amazing moving things around. They announced today that Wilmington is once again an island with no way in due to flooding. I40 is still under water and probably won't reopen before the 1st of October. I only hope I can find a way from here to Durham on Monday. The good news is all the fallen trees have been cut and moved to the street for FEMA and the one that hit my new shop removed without further damage. I have to believe this all happened for a reason and I can go into surgery peaceful.

Saturday, morning, getting light, rain bands hitting along with 50mph gusts. Eye came directly over Wilmington but I can say I have stood in the eye of a storm. Lack of power and repair estimates in the several week timeframe may be problematic for scheduled surgery . Have the small generator running for fridges and hot coffee. Made scrambled eggs, bacon and coffee yesterday on the grill. Hot food is comfort food.

I have been reading all the posts here prior to my Aortic valve replacement at Duke University Hospital. I was scheduled for surgery on Wednesday the 12th of August with Dr Plichta. Duke is 2 12 hrs from where I live but in my mind the right place for me. Surgery was moved one week at my request due to a massive hurricane aimed at Wilmington N.C where I live. Now we wait, generator is hooked up, car and truck full of fuel, hoping I can get out Monday with a home to come back to. Stress? No not at all LOL. Wishing all on here the best and smooth sailing.