Where am I ? Improving.

[Jerry]

To: Jerry Esten <kayak4evr@aol.com>, Caley Eckhart <ceckhart@relianceasset.com>
Subject: Right cartoid endearterectomy

I doubt if I can say this twice. So here it is once.  I will repeat this letter to  a few friends and loved ones...

After many tests, none of which were fun. My Drs verified that I had at least 90% or more  blockage in my right carotid artery. It had to be a question of time till I suffered a stroke or worse. Initially the ultra sound test indicated both cartoids were blocked. The 2 Angiograms showed just the right one was.  One surgery not two!!!
Dr Oblath removed all the blockage plus a very LARGE clot!
On Monday the 10 th  surgery was done!  Dr Burnam, the Cardiologist said I was doing very well. He visited daily. "How do you know" I asked. " I read your charts and listed to your heart" he said! " " And you are a Dr, !  I added? He smiled barely
I feel awful and had no idea I was pierced so many times. Lots of little stuff that leaves one sore elsewhere. I think they use a pick up truck to remove the catheter !  Nah, not bad, but the anticipation is awful.

Sleeping is tough, but I think I'll be fine this evening.  I have since found that my reclining chair is best for sleeping!

My wife is, as always, is giving me the best care.

No driving for God knows how long, eight days,next Thursday i see the surgeon . Hopefully he will say" I'm good to go!"
the hardest part was driving to the hospital alone at 5:00 AM, no idea i was that brave.

My GP suggested living with it.  Hind sight says I was right based on what they removed.
I'll be very happy to get back on my bike and continue the wholesome life I left and give my wife the loving attention she deserves.
Jerry

[dperry]

Good to hear you're doing better.  Amazing what the medical profession can put us through.  On the 25th, I have to have a kidney stone removed.  Really looking forward to that one!

[Jerry]

Good luck DP.!!!!

[Bob_A]

Good luck, Jerry.
My left carotid is 100% blocked, my vascular surgeon said that we were better off just leaving it alone. I take aspirin and Xarelto to keep things flowing. It appears that my body has performed it's own bypass.

[Jerry]

Great!

[CoolShades]

Jerry:

Just picked up your post.  I wish you a fast and complete recovery.  Hopefully the rotor rooter works well and that you will have many years together with your lovely wife.

All the best,

Gary

[Jerry]

Best day Gary. Thank you. I had him re route extra blood to my genitals.

[dperry]

Glad things are going well for you. I got the kidney stone out with a laser blast.  On Thursday, I get the stent pulled out with the string the doctor left dangling.

[Jerry]

Stent? Are we talking heart or.????
In two weeks I can exercise. Nor ready yet...
Thanks

[dperry]

It's called a ureteral stent.  It's a thin tube with coils at both ends that extend from the inside of the kidney, through the ureter (the tube that runs from kidney to bladder), and into the bladder.  It keeps the ureter open so that scar tissue and swelling don't close the ureter down and block flow  from the kidney, which would destroy the kidney.  It stays in place for at least a week while things heal up.  There is a string attached that extends from the inside of the bladder, through the urethra, to outside the body.  Yes, the string hangs out the end of your "you know what".  When it's time to remove it, the doctor pulls on the string and pulls it out.  The coils on the stent unroll as it's pulled.  Google "ureteral stent" and "images" to see pictures and description.  I'll be glad when it's out as it causes a slight discomfort (like cramping) and there is bleeding the whole time it's in.  Using the loo the first few days weren't fun, either, as it felt like someone was putting out a cigar on the end of the member each time nature called. That's gotten much better, but I'm sure when they pull it out, I'll be back to that situation for a few days again.  I'll tell you one thing, I don't ever want to have to do this again and I'm drinking water more than I've ever done my whole life to keep stones from forming again.

[Jerry]

Hang in there it will pass. Ne of those words were puns. Modern medicine is miraculous.