Sunday Morning

Good Morning!

It's Sunday..one day before surgery.

I am thankful it's tomorrow.

Adam is getting tired.

Last night he had to get some oxygen and some meds because 'his heart hurt.'

That's the first time he has had pain.

Again, I am thankful Uncle Danny got him in here when he did.

It's obvious his heart is wearing out.

He probably had too many visitors yesterday.

Again, a blessing that he has such support!

Unfortunately, they said his heart rate went up at one point when his room was full.

It's hard because its so good to see his personality and sense of humor come back.

I think we get tricked into thinking he's on the mend.

The hard truth is he is very sick.

The surgery will be long, probably 5-6 hours.

They are going to start with the mitral valve.

It's the one with the 'vegetation' on it.

I have to say, I don't know if I will look at a garden the same again!

If the valve is reparable, the will do it.

They will then move to the aortic valve.

The aortic is the one with the defect he had when he was born.

He would hope to then repair that valve.

Repairing takes longer during surgery, but is better in the long run.

Dr Schier said that if they can't repair the mitral, they will just replace both.

He told Adam that he wouldn't be a good poker player with the mechanical valves.

Apparently, when his heart speeds up you will hear clicking.

That would definitely be the tip- off of a royal flush!

With any valve replacement there will be anti- resistance drugs for a year or so.

He will also be on coumadin- a blood thinner- for life.

The cardiac rehab folks were in yesterday.

They said the exercises are easier if they practice before hand and the patient isn't sore.

They showed him how to get out of bed and the exercises he will have to do to after surgery.

He will not be able to lift more than 10 lbs. for 3 months.

As the nurse says, 'that is the size of a cat.'

It is obvious we are in for a drastic change in lifestyle in the Hensley household!

Again, we are so thankful he got the help when he did.

As you read, Adam was on the blog last night.

He is enjoying the comments.

We especially appreciate the continued prayer.

I expect today to be emotional.

Pray for strength for us.

Also for patience for the folks we may have to not let in to visit.

And mostly peace.

We just want Adam to go into surgery rested and ready to work with the doctors toward the best outcome.

As my small group says, its going to have to be a "God thing' because this is bigger than we can handle alone.

More later,

Val