Friday, April 20, 2012

I finally got back into this account! I am terrible with multiple passwords. So to update everyone on Allan's progress.... Allan had the PFO closure on 3/6. The procedure went well, but the cardiologist did notice that Allan had an irregularity with his heartbeat. Allan got to wear an event monitor for one month to determine the severity of the irregularity. We went back to the cardiologist after Easter, and Allan was told that he has a 2 1/2 second pause in between beats (occasionally). We see an electro physiologist next week. At a pause of 3 seconds, Allan gets a pacemaker. During the visit with the cardiologist, Allan mentioned he had more floaters in his eyes since the PFO closure. Long story short, the retinas are ok but Allan has the beginning stages of glaucoma in his left eye. So now we have to see a glaucoma specialist. The good news, Allan has two remaining days in day neuro!! He has been back at work on a part-time basis for the past few weeks. He should be back full-time very soon. He feels much better now that he is getting back into his old, per-stroke routine. He's exhausted from his return to work, but he's so glad to be back with his group. We continue to feel very blessed by Allan's recovery. We are so grateful for everyone's love and support. We could not have made it through these past 4 months without our friends and family. I'm not sure I could have survived all of this without the help from my mom. I've always known my mom was the best, but she has certainly confirmed that feeling. Thank you mom!!! I will try to remember my password so I can update the blog after the EP appt next week.

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Allan had his echo, and now we are waiting to be discharged. We have to stop by the cardiologist's office to pick up the event monitor. We will follow up with Dr Ali in a month. Thank you for keeping up with us and for keeping us in your prayers.

Tuesday evening

Well, our uneventful procedure day took an eventful turn this afternoon. Allan got up to use the bathroom once he was allowed, and he nearly passed out. He had to get back to bed via wheelchair and several nurses. That prompted a call to his surgeon who placed him back on bedrest. Allan's heart rate dropped to the mid 30's during his trip to the bathroom. Dr Ali came by about 90 minutes later to talk to Allan. Dr Ali thinks Allan has a conduction problem; he had an episode before and during the procedure that provided the evidence to Dr Ali. Allan will have an echocardiogram before we leave tomorrow, and once discharged, we will have to swing by Dr Ali's office to pick up an event monitor. Allan gets to wear this new fancy piece of jewelry for 30 days, less time if something shows up before the 30 day period. Dr Ali said it isn't quite as bulky as the Holter monitor. And the worst part for Allan; NO alcohol during this time!!! Yes, he has been pouting since he heard this part.
So, nothing like stirring up a little excitement at the hospital!! I questioned two cardiologists about the possibility of a conduction problem following the stroke, but was assured that it was not his problem. I guess wife's intuition doesn't count for much. Oh well, at least someone is assessing it now. Keep Allan in your prayers! More tomorrow as we learn more.

Tuesday 11:00

Allan is out of the procedure and doing great. Dr Ali said that the closure "went better than good". We do have to spend the night for observation. I certainly feel better about him staying here tonight! Thank you for your prayers and concern.

Tuesday, mid-morning

Allan was taken back for his procedure around 9:40. The nurse said it would take a few hours from prep to end of the closure. I'll continue to update as I hear something

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

We are here at Plaza Medical Center, waiting to check in. I love how you have to "hurry up and wait" for day surgery. Today is the big day to have the PFO closed in Allan's heart. The procedure is supposed to start around 9 am, so I will update the blog as the day goes on. Thank you for all of your prayers!
And, happy birthday ACE!!!

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

I'm not sure if anyone is even following this blog anymore, since it has been a while since my last post. Allan continues to improve each week. He has a neuropsych eval next week, which is an 8 hour test. This will help the therapists determine his readiness for the driving program and his re-entry level for work. He still has quite a bit more recovery and a lot of training to go before he can return to work, but this is a good start. I know Allan is certainly anxious to get back to his team.
Allan will undergo day surgery on March 6th for closure of the PFO (hole in the heart). It is supposed to be day surgery, but there is a chance that he would need to spend the night. We'll see.
We would like to thank the Boll family and Jim for the rides to BIR on the days that I work. That has been such a huge help to us. Thank you, thank you!!!!
And a big thank you for all of the meals and goodie baskets, and emails/texts. You have know idea how much all of those things have meant to us.
I will keep everyone informed of any progress as we go.