Wednesday, January 09, 2008

An update on Don...

As I sit and type this, I find myself literally exhausted. Today has been an exhausting day - in every conceivable way. The good news is that Don is recovering after receiving two more stints and will be home here with me tomorrow.

He was 90% block in one of his coronary arteries. There are two additional blockages that we'll be watching more closely. One 40% in the first stint he received after a heart attack in '98; and another 50% in another stint inserted a few years later. Due to possible complications with the necessity of these two new stints, these will be monitored closely. Unfortunately, we cannot get away from this condition as it is hereditary; so the goal is the same as it has been --- continue with the medications, frequent check-ups, yearly stress tests, and be aware of any and all signs and symptoms, watch the diet, excercise, and increase our knowledge as new knowledge is learned and documented.

Don had no symptoms prior to the stress test, so having being aware of the risk factors and compliance with his health care team has enabled us to stay on our toes and keep this situation under control before it presents any problems and/or complications. Today, I'm simply grateful! Grateful for God's amazing grace, modern medicine, his Dr.'s and healthcare team, Don'd determination and courage to do whatever is necessary, and the strength of God because I couldn't have gotten throught the day without his shoulder to lean completely on.

3 comments:

Janie said...

Just wanted to tell you that I am thinking of you!

Sue McGettigan said...

Hi Cathy - hope Don is up and running soon, so sorry to hear your new year started this way, but now he's clean and clear and ready for a great year, right? Be sure to get the rest and renewal you need too, it's not easy for caregivers. Best wishes for 2008.

Cathy said...

Thank you, ladies.