The wizards had good things to say.
Today I met no less than 17 different specialists and technicians employed by the Cleveland Clinic. My second to last appointment was with Dr. Hammer, my cardiologist. Dr. Hammer, who was a bartender and bouncer at a bar downtown during his college days gave me the green light to have the procedure through a minimally invasive technique which is a little more complicated and lengthy but has the benefit of a lot less trauma. Rib-splitters need not apply. (Hammer, the bouncer…are you serious?)
Take your thumb and place it at the base of your throat where your collarbones come together. Go on, this is an “interactive” exercise. The incisions will begin where your thumb is resting and move down the center of your chest approximately 4 inches which is about 4 ribs down from the top. At this spot, the incision will go another inch to the left portion of your chest in the form of a “J”. One inch of this rib will be broken/cut and removed. This is the space that Dr. Gillinov, your surgeon will be using to access your heart. The other members of the surgical team (about12 professionals) will then have a drink, smoke a Pall Mall and laugh at that birthmark you have that is eerily similar to Dick Cheney’s profile. Then, the team will stop your heart and circulate your blood through a machine that will keep it oxygenated. Did I mention the anesthesia? Yeah, you’ll have some of that. Dr. Gillinov will then do his magic, slicing into your heart’s outer wall until he reaches the Mitral Valve which connects your left atrium to your left ventricle. His repair technique will depend upon what he discovers when he is in there….but you won’t know a thing until you wake up groggily trying to remember where/who you are and why you have 7 tubes sticking out of various parts of your body. You’re in the ICU which is the last place someone who needs rest should be. But it is over, and just beginning at the same time.
The good news? You made it.
The really good news? Max started smiling today.
~Joe
1 days left
3 comments:
I followed the instructions and made the J too. Is it a coincidence that we now all have "J for Joe" on our hearts today? I think not.
Wish you a speedy recovery
I know all will go well!!!
all our love Uncle Paul &
Auntie Antoinette
Joe-
My prayers are with you. I have no doubt that you'll come through this thing like a champ. Get well fast so I can buy you a long overdue drink.
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