Post-Op Day 2

Charlie is doing much better today. He is awake and a bit groggy due to the pain medications. His heart functioning is good and blood pressure is maintained. He is still being externally paced because his heart is not beating on its own. This is not a problem. Dr. Propp said that there is a chance that when he took out the calcifications around the aortic valve, the node that sends electrical impulses to the heart was damaged. They will wait a few more days and then decide if he needs a pacemaker.

I love talking to Dr. Propp. He said that we should consider dad to be like a used car. He came in for a 100,000 mile tune up, and now will run for 100,000 more miles. He was also excited to challenge my dad to a push-up contest. Prior to surgery, my dad could beat Dr. Propp in push ups. Now, Dr. Propp could take him!! It made us laugh.

The CCU asked us to not have visitors until Sunday. He needs constant rest over the next 3 days. You are welcome to come and support mom, but other than that, there will be limited or no time with dad. No worries! With the meds, he doesn't even know/remember that you were there.....