Latest Update

Dad had his 2 week checkup this afternoon.  They took all the tape off his incisions. They are still pink but things are looking good.  He is scheduled for a C Scan tomorrow morning just to check things out.  Dad told the doctor of his being tired and that's normal.  The other "symptom" he has is he is cold a lot, he is so cold sometimes his teeth chatter and he shivers.  The doctor told us that when they first starting doing this procedure patients would run a fever and they would keep them in the hospital and run all kinds of tests.  They figured it out that as the old aneurism pouch is re-absorbed and shrinks, a fever seems to accompany this process.  They gave him some pills to take for a week which should help.  If everything is okay, he won't have to go back to the doctors for another 3 months.  We took a "Thank You" card and some cookies over to Dr. Stevens, who said that sometimes he just gets a feeling like something needs to be done.  Dad feels that Dr. Stevens saved his life.  

Thing Are Going Well

Just a note to let everyone know that Kent is doing well.  He does get tired really easily.  It's Saturday and he wants to go for a little ride.  Michele wrote a cute poem I wanted to share with everyone:

There once was an aneurism so large,

Almost as big as a barge.

So, the doctors said, "Hey!

Let's take that away!"

And now all that's left is a charge.

Kent is home!

He walked out of the hospital almost standing up straight.  The ride home was a little tiring for him, but he's doing fine.  He's to take it easy for a couple of weeks and not lift anything heavier than 7 to 10 pounds.  A couple of notes: (1) Yes, in the pictures, the arteries are crossed which is okay.  Dr. did it that way because it was easier for him to put everything together.  (2) the incisions are about 3-4 inches long and they are vertical up and down.  

Tuesday Update

Kent is now in a room (RM 402).  They moved him around 1:00 pm from the ICU where he spent the night.  He has some of the tubes out of him and he is on regular room air--no longer has the oxygen in his nose.  He has eaten a little lunch and been up to go to the bathroom.  These are important steps in his recovery.  If things continue in the right direction, he could go home tomorrow.  I had a good refreshing sleep at home.  Kent's new room is a lot more visitor friendly with much more comfortable seats.  Today is a good day!  

Recovery

This is Kent in the ICU.  He's kind of sleepy.  Around 7:30 they will try to get him up walking.  Between 6 and 8:30

All is Well

Just spoke with Dr. Wirthlin.  He brought these before and after pictures so show what they did.  He said everything went well.  Dad is in ICU and we'll be able to see in a while.  He will probably stay in ICU through the night.  This much is over.   

In Surgery

Kent is in surgery now.  They said it would be about 4 hours plus 1 hour recovery.  Kyle is here with me waiting.   --Dawnine

Time on Monday

We got the call from the Intermountain Medical Center in Murray and we are supposed to arrive at the hospital by 5:30 am.   Things could all be finished before noon.  We'll just let you know.  --Dawnine

Decision Made

We had our consultation with Dr. Douglas Wirthlin today.  We also had the opportunity to look at the CT Scan images and he explained what we were seeing.  Dr. Wirthlin also showed us samples of the two materials for each procedures.  He then turned to Kent and said, "If you were my father, I would recommend the stent procedure."  We then talked a little bit more about the two procedures.  He felt that Kent's physiology was perfect for the stent, the aneurism was not too high or not two low.  This pictures shows what the stent looks like.  It is inserted using vessels in both side of the groin area and is put together and then is inflated once it is in place.  Surgery should take about 2 hours with 45 min prep before and after.  If things go all right, Kent will then go to a regular room and should be able to go home in a couple of days.  All the tests Kent had taken showed his heart to be normal without any major blockages.  More later----Dawnine

The Date Is Set

It looks like the operation to rid myself of the effects of the evil aneurysm will be done early morning the 12th of January. We have yet to decide whether we will go for the stent procedure or the more invasive operation...we will decide on Thursday. The outcomes of these particular surgeries are very positive and I have every confidence in the skill and ability of Dr. Wirthlin. My real faith, however, lies with the prayers and fasting on my behalf reported to me by numerous individuals.  It is very humbling and makes me uncertain how to respond, but be sure that it is appreciated.

Kent

After the test

Dr. Horton just came in and announced my heart fit for either procedure.  More later.  I'm back.

We will be meeting with Dr. Wirthlin on the 8th of January to determine which procedure and on which date. So now we wait...but not for long.

Kent

Ready or not here comes 2009

I have been fooling with the notion to "activate" this blog that I created last April.  Events of the past few days have made it seem as though this is the best place to keep the family updated about the status of my recently rediscovered aneurysm. 

Dr. Wirthlin just called and verified that it is indeed large (6.5 cm) and needs to be fixed.  After my heart stress test later today we will meet with him to select the best procedure and date for the operation.  

Dawnine and I are understandably concerned but trust fully in the Lord and recognize He is in charge.  We truly thank our wonderful family and friends and appreciate your thoughts and prayers and expressions of love.