Just completed my now daily call with Mom. She called as I was finishing the cut-out painting of my living room (yes, even with everything else going on, I am determined to paint). I managed to finish the painting and then start the pre-trick or treating dinner, all while continuing the conversation.
The update is that he's most likely going to stay at UMMC, at least until Monday. They're definitely going to have him move to a live-in rehab facility, but Mom has no idea how long he'll stay there (despite my repeated requests for her to ask). She spoke with the cardiac care unit's case worker, who is trying to find him a bed in a facility near Hagerstown. Because his status has been changed from "sub-acute" (or something like that) to "acute" (due to his age and the type of surgery), there are fewer facilities from which to choose. The only one really close to Mom is the actual hospital in Hagerstown. But since it's (apparently) always tricky to find a bed, Mom and the case worker were discussing other nearby hospitals that may be viable. A few that were mentioned were in Martinsburg and Chambersburg. I suggested that she also mention the ones down here (Reston, Fair Oaks, Fairfax) so that at least I would be able to see him while he's in Rehab (sure wish I knew how long he would be there).
All I know is that first he has some physical rehab (walking, etc) and THEN he has cardio rehab. I'm not at all clear on how this works and neither does mom. Lots of things to figure out. I offered to go and pick him up on Monday, if he's sprung, but she thinks they may transport him via ambulance, which makes sense.
She told me that he was a bit depressed this morning, which I can understand. He's such a people person and isn't able to be around his people. So, I'm going to make sure I get to see him - hopefully tomorrow afternoon. Plus, if I try to go on Sunday, he'll probably throw me out if it's during the Steelers game! Let's hope his heart is strong enough to take THAT kind of stress!
That's all for now. Time to go make dinner and get my little trick-or-treaters ready for action!
Happy Hallowe'en!
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Random Leftover Pictures
This is a shot of the front entrance of the UMMC. Overall, it's a HUGE complex, taking up at least five or six city blocks. But this is the main entrance that we used multiple times.
I took this photo on Tuesday on the walk over from the parking deck.
This photo is of the main atrium area of the Weinberg building. It was just so beautiful in there that I had to try to take a few photos. Hugh is on the six floor to the FAR right.
This is a photo I took from the "Healing Garden" - the waiting area for surgical patients' family members. The atrium overhead was really beautiful. When I first plunked myself down, it was very dark, but gradually lightened up. Really pretty.
Another shot of the "Healing Garden." The nicest waiting area I've ever seen. Lots of private areas surrounded by trees with a pretty winding path. This is just one section of it.
Thursday 7pm Update
I have to admit I'm having just a little bit of "blog withdrawal." Can't believe I'm doing my first post at 7:14pm. It's hard to be so out of the information loop.
Anyway, I just spoke with mom, who spoke with Hugh after 6 this evening. The news remains good health-wise - he continues to do very well.
What came as a bit of a surprise is the news that after being discharged from the hospital, the doctor wants Hugh in a live-in rehab facility for an as yet unspecified period of time. They claim they've done what they can for him medically, but now he'll have to work to build up some strength and the only way to do that is through rehab. Apparently there are several live-in rehab centers that are within a ten-mile radius of Mom and Hugh's home in Hagerstown, but they'll have to see who has a bed available.
The crazy thing is that they're saying he could be moved as soon as tomorrow. However, Hugh really doesn't feel he's ready for it, so he'll lobby to stay until Monday. I suspect he'll be feeling a lot more confident with the extra time to heal over the weekend.
Our next update is due some time after 9am tomorrow after the doctor has come through and made his pronouncement about when is the right time for this move. Belinda - mom says she'll call you tomorrow since she won't have anything new to share until then.
That's all for now.
Anyway, I just spoke with mom, who spoke with Hugh after 6 this evening. The news remains good health-wise - he continues to do very well.
What came as a bit of a surprise is the news that after being discharged from the hospital, the doctor wants Hugh in a live-in rehab facility for an as yet unspecified period of time. They claim they've done what they can for him medically, but now he'll have to work to build up some strength and the only way to do that is through rehab. Apparently there are several live-in rehab centers that are within a ten-mile radius of Mom and Hugh's home in Hagerstown, but they'll have to see who has a bed available.
The crazy thing is that they're saying he could be moved as soon as tomorrow. However, Hugh really doesn't feel he's ready for it, so he'll lobby to stay until Monday. I suspect he'll be feeling a lot more confident with the extra time to heal over the weekend.
Our next update is due some time after 9am tomorrow after the doctor has come through and made his pronouncement about when is the right time for this move. Belinda - mom says she'll call you tomorrow since she won't have anything new to share until then.
That's all for now.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Houston - We Have Contact!
I just spoke with mom, who told me that she had good news and so-so news.
The good news: she had just spoken directly to Huey on the phone! He's now comfortably established in his new "regular" hospital room - still in the Cardiac Care area and just around the corner from the CICU. She said he sounded great and very much like his normal self. He had been up and walking around. She asked if he wanted other people to call him and he said, "NO!" I won't be offended if all of you wont. ; )
The "so-so" news is that he's been told that he probably won't be "sprung" until after the weekend - possibly Monday. I know he and mom are a bit disappointed about that, but in grand scheme of things, we're just so lucky that he's doing so well. I remember that Dr. Gammie told me that the first 24-48 hours after surgery offer the most possibilities for complications. He's now moved past that window and seems to be doing better all the time.
If anyone is interested and wants to have faith in the USPS, his mailing address is:
University of Maryland Medical Center
22 South Greene Street
Baltimore, MD 21201-1595
Attn: Weinberg 6/Hugh McVeagh
Probably no more updates until tomorrow.
The good news: she had just spoken directly to Huey on the phone! He's now comfortably established in his new "regular" hospital room - still in the Cardiac Care area and just around the corner from the CICU. She said he sounded great and very much like his normal self. He had been up and walking around. She asked if he wanted other people to call him and he said, "NO!" I won't be offended if all of you wont. ; )
The "so-so" news is that he's been told that he probably won't be "sprung" until after the weekend - possibly Monday. I know he and mom are a bit disappointed about that, but in grand scheme of things, we're just so lucky that he's doing so well. I remember that Dr. Gammie told me that the first 24-48 hours after surgery offer the most possibilities for complications. He's now moved past that window and seems to be doing better all the time.
If anyone is interested and wants to have faith in the USPS, his mailing address is:
University of Maryland Medical Center
22 South Greene Street
Baltimore, MD 21201-1595
Attn: Weinberg 6/Hugh McVeagh
Probably no more updates until tomorrow.
Wednesday am Update
Just spoke with mom who is reporting in with this morning's latest Hugh update. The news really is all good.
The nurses actually have him up and walking around a bit. The other great news is that his nausea has subsided and he's able to eat and drink a bit. I KNOW that will make him happy - he was so miserable to not be able to do either yesterday. He's also being moved to the "step-down" unit where he'll have a normal hospital room to continue his recovery. He's doing VERY well.
Just before I left last night, Dr. Gammie's PA stopped by and raved about how well his surgery went and took a look at his scar, which she called "beautiful."
When mom calls the hospital this evening she's going to ask if his "confusion" has improved. I suspect it has, if he was able to cut back on the pain meds. Hopefully no more clouds or mice on the ceiling, though what on earth will he do for entertainment?
Speaking of which, if anyone within the sound of my "voice" can possibly get away to go visit that man, please try to do so. My schedule for the rest of this week is shot to hell, and I would just feel better if someone goes to see him.
No word yet on when he might be sprung, but I believe the initial estimate was 5-6 days. I've asked mom to ask about that tonight when she calls.
Speaking of mom, she had her own little adventure last night when she accidentally tripped the house alarm and couldn't figure out how to turn it off. Before it was all over, the police arrived, lights flashing, and several of the neighbors came over to make sure she was okay. She was fine - just irritated with the alarm, which she claims she is ready to "rip out of the wall." After she got off the phone with me, her next call was to the alarm company to have them walk her, step-by-step, through how to properly operate it.
The nurses actually have him up and walking around a bit. The other great news is that his nausea has subsided and he's able to eat and drink a bit. I KNOW that will make him happy - he was so miserable to not be able to do either yesterday. He's also being moved to the "step-down" unit where he'll have a normal hospital room to continue his recovery. He's doing VERY well.
Just before I left last night, Dr. Gammie's PA stopped by and raved about how well his surgery went and took a look at his scar, which she called "beautiful."
When mom calls the hospital this evening she's going to ask if his "confusion" has improved. I suspect it has, if he was able to cut back on the pain meds. Hopefully no more clouds or mice on the ceiling, though what on earth will he do for entertainment?
Speaking of which, if anyone within the sound of my "voice" can possibly get away to go visit that man, please try to do so. My schedule for the rest of this week is shot to hell, and I would just feel better if someone goes to see him.
No word yet on when he might be sprung, but I believe the initial estimate was 5-6 days. I've asked mom to ask about that tonight when she calls.
Speaking of mom, she had her own little adventure last night when she accidentally tripped the house alarm and couldn't figure out how to turn it off. Before it was all over, the police arrived, lights flashing, and several of the neighbors came over to make sure she was okay. She was fine - just irritated with the alarm, which she claims she is ready to "rip out of the wall." After she got off the phone with me, her next call was to the alarm company to have them walk her, step-by-step, through how to properly operate it.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
6:00 News
I'm typing this from Huey's bedside as I watch him try not to doze off...but fail miserably. He was quite alert when I got here, but is clearly very weary, which has got to be expected. When I walked in he was reading the long note I left him yesterday. He claims I have bad handwriting.
He is mostly lucid, but definitely has some "loopy" moments, e.g., he occasionally sees clouds and mice roaming across the ceiling. ("Did you see that one? That was a big one.") One of the first things he told me was that he was sure he was dead and then when Dr. Gammie came in this morning, he accused the doctor of killing him. He has promised to apologize when Dr. G. returns tomorrow.
He only remembers tiny bits of yesterday, which is probably for the best. Overall he looks miles better than he did yesterday, but definitely still has a way to go. I'm just glad that he can talk (and talk, and talk, and talk) so that he can tell someone if he needs anything. That was my primary goal for today - to know he could look out for himself a bit.
He told me one story that made me laugh hard. That someone came in this morning and said, "what is today's date?" Hugh's response: I KNOW today's date. Then they asked what month it is and he responded, "I KNOW what month it is." At this point he turns to me and says, "while I was saying I knew the answer, I was thinking about what the answer was." He has a gleam in his eye as he said it - the real Hugh is definitely in there.
So, I've been sitting next to him and when he dozes off, I read a few pages of my book and then he'll just pop awake and start a new train of thought. We just pick right up. Though trust me, we have run a REALLY big gamut of topics of conversation today.
The staff already seems to like him - despite his self-admitted bad behavior. A few minutes ago someone came in and said he'll probably be moved out of CICU tomorrow - he doesn't need to be here anymore. That's great news.
And I just showed him the video of Isabella that Belinda sent (thanks, B) but I'm not sure it was the best moment and I'm not sure he really "got" it. The longer I'm here, the more obviously tired he seems. They also told me that they're going to try to forgo his 6pm pain meds because of the "confusion" he's been having. Don't think I want to be here too long after that!
He told me that the pain is very bad but that he can tell it's getting better, bit by bit. He's also informed me that he's "never doing this again." Fortunately, it's unlikely he'll have to.
He's got a beaut of a scar all the way down his chest, which he was happy to show me. And I'm so delighted that 90% of the tubes and wires he had yesterday are now gone. He's got his hearing aid back in and his glasses on, so he seems more like himself. He does complain about the bubbles from the oxygen machine interfering with his hearing. He's also suffering from pretty bad nausea and can't really keep anything down - even water.
That's all I can think of at the moment. If anything else comes to me, I'll post once more tonight when I get home.
Love to all.
K
He is mostly lucid, but definitely has some "loopy" moments, e.g., he occasionally sees clouds and mice roaming across the ceiling. ("Did you see that one? That was a big one.") One of the first things he told me was that he was sure he was dead and then when Dr. Gammie came in this morning, he accused the doctor of killing him. He has promised to apologize when Dr. G. returns tomorrow.
He only remembers tiny bits of yesterday, which is probably for the best. Overall he looks miles better than he did yesterday, but definitely still has a way to go. I'm just glad that he can talk (and talk, and talk, and talk) so that he can tell someone if he needs anything. That was my primary goal for today - to know he could look out for himself a bit.
He told me one story that made me laugh hard. That someone came in this morning and said, "what is today's date?" Hugh's response: I KNOW today's date. Then they asked what month it is and he responded, "I KNOW what month it is." At this point he turns to me and says, "while I was saying I knew the answer, I was thinking about what the answer was." He has a gleam in his eye as he said it - the real Hugh is definitely in there.
So, I've been sitting next to him and when he dozes off, I read a few pages of my book and then he'll just pop awake and start a new train of thought. We just pick right up. Though trust me, we have run a REALLY big gamut of topics of conversation today.
The staff already seems to like him - despite his self-admitted bad behavior. A few minutes ago someone came in and said he'll probably be moved out of CICU tomorrow - he doesn't need to be here anymore. That's great news.
And I just showed him the video of Isabella that Belinda sent (thanks, B) but I'm not sure it was the best moment and I'm not sure he really "got" it. The longer I'm here, the more obviously tired he seems. They also told me that they're going to try to forgo his 6pm pain meds because of the "confusion" he's been having. Don't think I want to be here too long after that!
He told me that the pain is very bad but that he can tell it's getting better, bit by bit. He's also informed me that he's "never doing this again." Fortunately, it's unlikely he'll have to.
He's got a beaut of a scar all the way down his chest, which he was happy to show me. And I'm so delighted that 90% of the tubes and wires he had yesterday are now gone. He's got his hearing aid back in and his glasses on, so he seems more like himself. He does complain about the bubbles from the oxygen machine interfering with his hearing. He's also suffering from pretty bad nausea and can't really keep anything down - even water.
That's all I can think of at the moment. If anything else comes to me, I'll post once more tonight when I get home.
Love to all.
K
Progress
I spoke with Mom a short while ago and she gave me two bits of good news. Number one, the dreaded breathing tube it out! And number two, Hugh is sitting up in his chair! I can't even fathom that, based on how "out of it" he was yesterday. But I'm delighted to hear it.
I have decided to trek up to Baltimore once more today just so I can see him doing fine for myself. I'll leave work around 2:30 and hopefully get up there around 3:30. I'll stay until 7 when the nurses changes shifts and hopefully the traffic will have subsided. So, hopefully, I'll have a more in-depth update this evening.
I have decided to trek up to Baltimore once more today just so I can see him doing fine for myself. I'll leave work around 2:30 and hopefully get up there around 3:30. I'll stay until 7 when the nurses changes shifts and hopefully the traffic will have subsided. So, hopefully, I'll have a more in-depth update this evening.
Monday, October 27, 2008
A Long Day's Journey
I just got home and I have to admit that I'm a bit weary. I wanted to stay longer with Hugh, but I was told that the nurses would change shifts at 7 and that I would basically have to leave from 7 until 8:30. At that point, I knew I would just be too darned tired and still have the drive home to consider. So, despite not wanting to leave him, I had to say goodbye for the day.
Hugh made slow but steady progress right up until when I left. He was definitely more alert, but only for brief periods - otherwise he was just sleeping, though somewhat fitfully. He would make gestures with his hand that I interpreted as, "get this damned breathing tube out," but I could be wrong. The pulmonary person stopped by several times to see if she could remove it, but at 7 she just wasn't satisfied that he was ready. She had him do some deep breaths and blow them out - he did great - I could see it on the pulmonary monitor. But since he still wasn't able to hold his head up very well yet, she opted to wait a bit longer. I had really hoped it would be removed before I had to go, but it was not to be. The good news is that he had nothing happen that would indicate any kind of problem. I'll definitely take the "slow but steady" route.
Before I left, I wrote Huey a long note and posted it on his bulletin board alongside the notes and pictures from Claire and Sydney. I also put a big note on the bag that has his glasses and hearing aids as I figure those will be the first personal items he requests. It's so hard not to be there to be his representative.
As I exited the hospital I was startled to realize it was raining. It was weird to arrive and depart in the dark. I made the quick dash back to the hotel to retrieve my car and from there it was an easy hop onto 95 South to good old Virginia. I was counting the minutes until I got home (literally since the GPS gives you a countdown) since I was just so darned tired. That 4:30am wakeup after a fitful night was really coming home to roost.
Before I close for the evening, I have to recount one last amusing story. Last night (was it really only 24 hours ago?) when Hugh and I were about halfway between Hagerstown and Baltimore, he turned to me and said, "do you have heated seats?" I looked down on the panel and realized that his seat was, in fact, set on low heat. I immediately apologized and said that yes, he'd been sitting on a heated seat for a good half hour. His response? "Thank GOD! I thought I was having a hot flash!" We laughed so hard for a good five minutes. He is such a kick.
I'm giving serious thought to trying to do an hour or two visit tomorrow afternoon/evening. I just really want to see him "up" if not yet "about."
Mom plans to call to check on him both tonight and tomorrow morning. She's promised to call me afterward, and I'll post any news then.
Love to all.
Kath
Hugh made slow but steady progress right up until when I left. He was definitely more alert, but only for brief periods - otherwise he was just sleeping, though somewhat fitfully. He would make gestures with his hand that I interpreted as, "get this damned breathing tube out," but I could be wrong. The pulmonary person stopped by several times to see if she could remove it, but at 7 she just wasn't satisfied that he was ready. She had him do some deep breaths and blow them out - he did great - I could see it on the pulmonary monitor. But since he still wasn't able to hold his head up very well yet, she opted to wait a bit longer. I had really hoped it would be removed before I had to go, but it was not to be. The good news is that he had nothing happen that would indicate any kind of problem. I'll definitely take the "slow but steady" route.
Before I left, I wrote Huey a long note and posted it on his bulletin board alongside the notes and pictures from Claire and Sydney. I also put a big note on the bag that has his glasses and hearing aids as I figure those will be the first personal items he requests. It's so hard not to be there to be his representative.
As I exited the hospital I was startled to realize it was raining. It was weird to arrive and depart in the dark. I made the quick dash back to the hotel to retrieve my car and from there it was an easy hop onto 95 South to good old Virginia. I was counting the minutes until I got home (literally since the GPS gives you a countdown) since I was just so darned tired. That 4:30am wakeup after a fitful night was really coming home to roost.
Before I close for the evening, I have to recount one last amusing story. Last night (was it really only 24 hours ago?) when Hugh and I were about halfway between Hagerstown and Baltimore, he turned to me and said, "do you have heated seats?" I looked down on the panel and realized that his seat was, in fact, set on low heat. I immediately apologized and said that yes, he'd been sitting on a heated seat for a good half hour. His response? "Thank GOD! I thought I was having a hot flash!" We laughed so hard for a good five minutes. He is such a kick.
I'm giving serious thought to trying to do an hour or two visit tomorrow afternoon/evening. I just really want to see him "up" if not yet "about."
Mom plans to call to check on him both tonight and tomorrow morning. She's promised to call me afterward, and I'll post any news then.
Love to all.
Kath
Almost 4:30 Update
I just got kicked out again. Huey is getting himself positively spiffed up in my absence - they're cleaning him up, changing his gown and changing all his bedding. I doubt he'll enjoy it much, though.
He continues to regain some consciousness. When he seems somewhat awake I can ask a question and he can either shake his head or squeeze my hand. I still swear he's trying to tell me something, but now I think it's "go home." I'm sure he means it in the nicest possible way.
He's still doing a bit of minor thrashing (sort of in slow motion) and keeps getting his feet out of the foot restraints. I want to say to the nurses, "did I mention he's a magician?"
He still has the breathing tube but they've switched the "mode" and now all his breathing is on his own. He's doing well with that, so I'm really hoping they'll get that damned tube out soon. I just want to be able to have some decent form of communication with him before I have to leave tonight.
Remy continues to be wonderful and even sings a little as she goes from tubes to computer to IVs and back again. Everyone here is just so amazingly nice. One of the orderlies from Hugh's room saw me in the foyer and knocked on the glass to wave to me. They're just that friendly.
Wow. According to the clock I've been in this building for about 11 hours. But at least I get to go home tonight.
He continues to do well and seems to be improving.
He continues to regain some consciousness. When he seems somewhat awake I can ask a question and he can either shake his head or squeeze my hand. I still swear he's trying to tell me something, but now I think it's "go home." I'm sure he means it in the nicest possible way.
He's still doing a bit of minor thrashing (sort of in slow motion) and keeps getting his feet out of the foot restraints. I want to say to the nurses, "did I mention he's a magician?"
He still has the breathing tube but they've switched the "mode" and now all his breathing is on his own. He's doing well with that, so I'm really hoping they'll get that damned tube out soon. I just want to be able to have some decent form of communication with him before I have to leave tonight.
Remy continues to be wonderful and even sings a little as she goes from tubes to computer to IVs and back again. Everyone here is just so amazingly nice. One of the orderlies from Hugh's room saw me in the foyer and knocked on the glass to wave to me. They're just that friendly.
Wow. According to the clock I've been in this building for about 11 hours. But at least I get to go home tonight.
He continues to do well and seems to be improving.
CICU
Just got back from an extended visit with Hugh. When I first got into his room around 1:15 he was just starting to wake up a little, but try to picture a guy who just got hit by a truck trying to wake up. He actually looks better than I thought he would - he does have the telltale swelling and the ventilator, but looks pretty much the same otherwise.
At one point his heartrate started to accelerate a bit so they asked me to "step outside." You gotta hate that. But when I came back in ten minutes, all was fine. They think he was simply in pain, which has a tendency to make the heart beat faster.
So I perch myself in the room and watch the many medical professionals do their jobs. It's remarkable how much they have to keep track of. At night they must dream of untangling yards and yards of tubes. Hugh's primary nurse is a lovely woman named Remy, who has a killer Caribbbean-sounding accent. I love the way she says, "Mr. McVEH."
When he starts to move around, I go over and hold his hand and it's like he's trying so hard to talk. All of you try to picture Huey, NOT BEING ABLE TO TALK. It's really making him agitated. I have warned all the nurses that they may actually prefer him with the breathing tube in. : )
I'll head back in now but have found out that I'm allowed to use my computer in there, so I'll try to do a few more updates today.
Love to all. Thanks for listening to my ramblings. Our boy is doing good. I swear he's trying to tell me he loves me.
At one point his heartrate started to accelerate a bit so they asked me to "step outside." You gotta hate that. But when I came back in ten minutes, all was fine. They think he was simply in pain, which has a tendency to make the heart beat faster.
So I perch myself in the room and watch the many medical professionals do their jobs. It's remarkable how much they have to keep track of. At night they must dream of untangling yards and yards of tubes. Hugh's primary nurse is a lovely woman named Remy, who has a killer Caribbbean-sounding accent. I love the way she says, "Mr. McVEH."
When he starts to move around, I go over and hold his hand and it's like he's trying so hard to talk. All of you try to picture Huey, NOT BEING ABLE TO TALK. It's really making him agitated. I have warned all the nurses that they may actually prefer him with the breathing tube in. : )
I'll head back in now but have found out that I'm allowed to use my computer in there, so I'll try to do a few more updates today.
Love to all. Thanks for listening to my ramblings. Our boy is doing good. I swear he's trying to tell me he loves me.
Update #1
I just finished speaking with Dr. Gammi, who informs me that the surgery is complete and everything went as expected. They were able to do the mitral valve repair (as opposed to replacement - yay) and the single bypass.
Soon, I'll be leaving my little home away from home, aka "The Healing Garden," where I've been posted for almost five hours. My next stop with be the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit's waiting room on the sixth floor. I'm told I should be able to see Hugh at about 12:45. Dr. Gammi did warn that I shouldn't expect him to look like the person I know and love - due to swelling (which is normal) and the ventilator, etc. It'll just be good to see him breathing. I was also told that they hope to have the breathing tube removed later this afternoon. I'm crossing my fingers for that.
Soon, I'll be leaving my little home away from home, aka "The Healing Garden," where I've been posted for almost five hours. My next stop with be the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit's waiting room on the sixth floor. I'm told I should be able to see Hugh at about 12:45. Dr. Gammi did warn that I shouldn't expect him to look like the person I know and love - due to swelling (which is normal) and the ventilator, etc. It'll just be good to see him breathing. I was also told that they hope to have the breathing tube removed later this afternoon. I'm crossing my fingers for that.
How Do You Mend a Broken Heart?
Definitely didn't get much sleep last night, despite the nice hotel room and very comfy bed. From my bed, I had a great view of the bright white sign for the UMMC - seeing it was both comforting and a little unnerving.
While I didn't get much sleep, it's probably safe to assume that Hugh got even less. I finally gave up and got out of bed shortly after 4:30. After taking my shower, I phoned Hugh's room to see if he was awake. I could tell he was WIDE awake and he told me he was ready whenever I was. So, after drying my hair, I knocked on his door at 5:15am.
After checking out of the hotel and stowing a few bags in my car, we took our cool five-minute walk to the UMMC. VERY few people wandering around at 5:30 in the morning and we arrived very quickly. Here's a photo of the entrance in the wee hours.
After arriving, we made our way to the "Same Day Surgery Waiting Area," which was an absolute zoo. Barely any room to sit. But after checking in, we found a little corner to call our own. Huey looked calm as a cucumber and immediately tore into his complimentary USA Today to find out just what happened to his beloved Steelers the day before. He was NOT pleased with their performance and was very generous in sharing all the details of the game with me while we waited.
Soon they called him back to get prepped for the surgery while I tried to figure out a way to carry all of our combined "stuff." About 20 minutes later they called me back to hang out with him until it was time for the surgery. Here's a photo of Mr. Personality as I found him:
I swear he was absolutely holding court: flirting with every nurse and picking on every R
avens fan! Needless to say, they all loved him. His nurse's name was Ilene Cavanaugh - though she was, sadly, only Irish by marriage. She told us a great story about her dad - he had been abandoned as a baby at Camden Station and later named after the police officer who found him and given the last name "Camden."
avens fan! Needless to say, they all loved him. His nurse's name was Ilene Cavanaugh - though she was, sadly, only Irish by marriage. She told us a great story about her dad - he had been abandoned as a baby at Camden Station and later named after the police officer who found him and given the last name "Camden." Dr. Gammie came by and reiterated the procedure for today: attempt to repair the mitral valve as well as a single bypass. After that, Huey had to surrender his hearing aid and glasses, so the nurses had to bend over and talk into his ear - which he loved. How that man manages to flirt without being able to see or hear is beyond me, but it's what we all love about him - his indominate spirit - which I am happy to report is in full effect today. He really did great and everyone should be proud of him.
Dr. Gammie estimates the surgery will take about 3 hours, so I don't really expect to have any updates until about noon. Later, I'll be able to go to ICU to see Hugh, but he'll still be on a ventilator and have no glasses or hearing aid, so I'll probably only be able to hold his hand and give him a big thumbs up.
I'll post later, as soon as I have anything to report. Feel free to email me - I'm delighted with the wireless connection!
Sunday, October 26, 2008
In Baltimore
The first leg of today's journey, from Herndon to Hagerstown went MOSTLY well. Except, that for reasons beyond my understanding, every time I drive to Hagerstown there is an unwritten law that major construction must occur and MUST block all but one lane of traffic. So, in a freaky repeat of my last trip to H'town, I SAT on top of a mountain and crept along. Good thing I left a little early. At least the foliage was nice!
Only stopped briefly in H'town - just 
long enough for Huey to do his final packing. Thankfully, I did remember to offload the lasagne and pie. It was a little tough to see Mom and Hugh have to say goodbye for what will most likely be five or six days apart. But they were both VERY upbeat and joking about how much trouble she would get into while Hugh is gone. Here's the happy couple just before we left.
long enough for Huey to do his final packing. Thankfully, I did remember to offload the lasagne and pie. It was a little tough to see Mom and Hugh have to say goodbye for what will most likely be five or six days apart. But they were both VERY upbeat and joking about how much trouble she would get into while Hugh is gone. Here's the happy couple just before we left. The trip from H'town to Baltimore was thankfully uneventful, other than some bad traffic on 695. We found the lovely Hampton Inn with no problem and even passed the UMMC on the way - looked like a very short walk. After checking in, Hugh and I went in search of some dinner and he suggested we try the cafeteria at the Medical Center as a chance to "try out" the walk before morning. It was an easy walk, but the cafeteria was closed. So we ended up walking around the Camden Yards area in search of food. Our hotel literally faces Camden Yards - too bad there's no game. We finally found some great crabcakes and a draft beer at the back of the Hilton Hotel. While we ate and watched the beginning of Game 4 of the World Series, Huey regaled me with lots of great stories. He seems in very good spirits.
A quick walk (and one more quick story) got us back to the hotel. It really is a prett
y part of the city - here's a photo I took on our walk. We made sure Hugh had a wake up call set up (I'm depending on my Treo to wake me up - though I did set two separate alarms. Then we said goodnight - me to blog and Hugh to go do his first of two head-to-toe pre-surgery scrubs with a special brush.
y part of the city - here's a photo I took on our walk. We made sure Hugh had a wake up call set up (I'm depending on my Treo to wake me up - though I did set two separate alarms. Then we said goodnight - me to blog and Hugh to go do his first of two head-to-toe pre-surgery scrubs with a special brush. So - goodnight all. Hopefully I'll find Internet at the Medical Center and be able to post lots of updates tomorrow. I promise to take good care of "our Huey."
Love,
Kath
T Minus One
Today is "T Minus One" for Huey's surgery and I'm hoping to use my silly blog as a way to keep people updated without having to contact everyone individually. Plus, it'll give me something to keep me busy. Now let's just hope they have wireless Internet at the Medical Center! So, to check on how things are going, just log on to the Blog tomorrow for updates.
This morning's project was to cook some goodies to drop off with Mom when I pick up Huey this evening. My goal is for her to have an easy dinner for at least a few nights while Huey is away. So I threw together a pan of lasagne and an apple pie. I know it's not comparable to food from "Freddie's" but it'll have to do.
I'll leave here around 3:30 to tackle the first leg of the trip - from Herndon to Hagerstown. I've got to find out if there's some way for Hugh to be able to listen to the Steelers game in the car - though knowing how excitable he gets, that may not be a good idea - he's likely to be screaming while I'm driving Leg #2 - to Baltimore.
Once we arrive in Baltimore, we'll be staying at the commodious Hampton Inn, about a four-minute walk from the UMMC. Here's a link to information about the hotel: http://www.hamptoninn.com/en/hp/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=BALIHHX. Though we really won't be spending much time there.
More interesting is information about the UMMC and the surgery itself. Here's a really cool link with info about the specific surgery and it even has a profile of Hugh's doctor, Dr. Gammie. http://www.umm.edu/heart/mitral.htm
Hopefully I'll be able to post tonight from the hotel and then periodically tomorrow throughout the day, as updates are available. Feel free to email me at kbdelapaz@gmail.com.
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