Patrick's Journal

Hi all! It's been quite a while since my last post and some friends were asking me to provide an update. Everything is GREAT! Everything is completely healed and my scar is getting lighter by the day. I'm back to training to run a 5K in the fall. Most days I forget that I've even had the surgery until I see my scar and remember "oh yeah..." I can't say enough about the outstanding care I received at Morristown Medical Center and Dr. Brown - absolutely world-class.

It's great to be home! As Mimi posted on Sunday, I got out out of the hospital at about mid-day. Stlll having some trouble with fluids - need less around the heart and lungs so I''m on a 10 day regimen of Lasix to get things addressed.

One challenge I'm having that I didn't expect and would love suggestions/ideas. I've never been a back sleeper and now it's the only game in town for the next few weeks. Has anyone got a suggestion or trick that worked well for you when you had to sleep on your back while you healed?

Also, a word of thanks to everyone who took the time to send thoughts and prayers last week. It made a HUGE impact - thank you very much!

Onward and upward!

Pat is going home today!!! Waiting on final round by the cardiologist. His breathing is still tough but they’re giving meds meds they’re sending him home with should help. He is very anxious to sleep better at home.

Hi it’s Mimi again with a quick update. Pat had a tough night and morning with difficulty breathing. He’s had some treatments and is resting. His pain is managed now with just Tylenol which is great. He has some swelling in his legs so the doctor is keeping him here until Monday but if all goes well he should be home then.  I am thrilled to finally be able to visit him today, 72 hours after being fever free after a really poorly timed stomach bug.

Hi all, from Mimi Pat's wife. Pat had a really rough day yesterday with the pain. It was way worse than he expected and his spirits were low. Kelly was at the hospital this morning and both surgeon and cardiologist did rounds. The bleeding finally stopped and his drains were removed. They figured out the right  combination of meds to better manage his pain. He needs to use the spirometer more but he should be able to now that the pain is managed. I just got off the phone with him and his spirits this morning are so much better!!! The recliner that was recommended is being delivered this morning. Pat's doctors are looking to get him home as soon as possible may be even Sunday or Monday.

Hi, it’s Mimi, Pat’s wife with a quick update. After a rough night with chest pain and a subsequent chest X-ray, they had Pat up for a walk this morning. He has just been moved from the cardiac ICU to Gagnon 5 the cardiac floor. Making great progress!!!!

Pat was just moved to the cardiac ICU. I was wrong, his blood pressure was a little low not high but it’s normal now. Going to ICU as a precaution and hopefully to Gagnon 5 tomorrow! Making progress!

Kelly and Kevin got to spend a few minutes with Pat. He has been extubated and is alert. We FaceTimed for a minute. We should hear where they are moving him around 1:00. His blood pressure is a little high so they may move him to the cardiac ICU otherwise to Gagnon 5 - Pat’s wife Mimi

They kept Pat intubated and sedated because of bleeding. The bleeding has stopped so they stopped the sedation. Once he wakes up a little they will remove the intubation. He will be moved to another unit later which will determine visiting hours. Kelly and Kevin are going to visit hopefully around 11. I’ll keep you posted 

Hi all! Kelly, Pat’s daughter again. The surgery went well! Two of us were able to go in and see him. His color and circulation look good. He’ll still be coming out of anesthesia tonight, but so far he’s doing well! Thank you all for the prayers and well wishes! 🥰 Will update again tomorrow. 

Hi everyone! This is Kelly, Pat’s daughter, on Pat’s behalf. He checked in yesterday and had his cardiac cath and stayed the night. We’re with him this morning in between tests pre-surgery. So far, so good! Surgery is scheduled for 2:30. Prayers and well wishes are more than welcome! Will post again soon!

Hi all! A quick update... pre-surgery bloodwork and EKG is complete and all good. Looks like we're on for admission to the hospital on 2/10 and surgery on 2/11. Keep those thoughts and prayers coming!

Hi everyone! Thanks for checking in. I thought it would be good to create this blog to keep folks updated on the upcoming surgery and subsequent recovery.

Lots of emotions at this point - a mix of anxiety about the surgery and discomfort afterwards combined with anticipation about finally getting this valve issue addressed and behind me!

The support from my family and friends has already been unbelievable. SUCH a comfort! Thank you all very much for your kind words and prayers - keep them coming!

Stay tuned for details...