DB's Heart

June 9th is just around the corner... part of me feels like it took an excruciatingly long time to get here, and part of me feels like it's here way too soon.  But, the months and months of waiting are over, and it's time for DB's aortic valve replacement surgery.  Yep, open heart surgery.  Not on one of the babies, but on my husband.

For lack of a better term, shoot me.  Well, actually shoot DB, he's the one who has to go through the surgery.  He was also the one at the doctor eight months ago when they said, "It's time."  Immediate response from both of us, besides shock, was "no, thank you."  Unfortunately, that didn't fly.  But, because he was asymptomatic (for example, he wasn't passing out on a regular basis), he could wait.  The cardiologist reassessed in the spring, and again decided that because he still wasn't having symptoms, he could wait until school was out.  Of course, this waiting stuff all hinged on staying symptom free.  If DB fainted, then the surgery would be right away.  Gee, thanks.  Not only am I terrified every time he doesn't answer his phone that he's fainted, but you just told DB he's going to have serious heart surgery in eight months... that is entirely too long to think about it.

So, June 9th is almost here.  And no, there's no chance the doctor is going to say we can wait longer.  DB's numbers back in October were horrendous... for example an aortic artery that is 90% blocked, and an aortic value with a circumference of .88 rather than 3.  The only reason we could wait is because he was asymptomatic.  Honestly, with the state Samuel was in last fall, thank goodness for miracles (that may not seem like miracles) like this extra time.  The kiddos are in a good place, and we can really focus on getting DB healthy!

If you couldn't tell, I'm not looking forward to June 9th.  I know DB will be okay, I just hate that he has to go through this.  He holds me up, he is my humor, and he is where I can go to be frustrated, sad, happy, and joyous... I don't want him to have to be in pain.  I just wish he could be okay without needing this surgery.  Of course, again with the thanks, thank goodness this surgery is available and we love our hospital :)

On a lighter note, DB is convinced that within a year he will be able to beat me in a run around our neighborhood, and has big plans for his new aorta!  As a comparison, DB hasn't been able to run more than a block in a really long time (if ever) without getting completely winded.  Unfortunately for him, he hasn't taken into account that no matter how out of shape I may be, I'm one competitive girl :)

We are at the hospital most of Wednesday for pre-op and have to stay near the hospital on Wednesday night.  Surgery is scheduled for 7am on Thursday.  We will definitely try to keep you updated through the blog :)