LIFE GOES ON... AND ON... AND ON... THANKFULLY

Another couple of weeks have flown by... all too fast I might add! I continue to make improvements on a daily basis. I've had very few setbacks to speak of... and I am genuinely happy with my current state of affairs.

Work is fulfilling and I've jumped back into the thick of it with renewed vigor and focus. I've reworked the delivery of one of my main staples - sales training program - and have put it to calendar and it all seems to be working well. The real estate industry has taken a major hit - all over the country, no less. I am grateful I have loyal clients and that they've embraced my return back to the training podium.

I still have some lingering chest "pain" issues... I'm sure that's normal. A friend of mine in Santa Cruz had bypass surgery over a year ago and he says that it takes a long, long time to get back to "normal" as far as residual aches and pains. I know that if I turn the wrong way or over extend my reach... my sternum will tell me to back off and get real.

Also, I am still bouncing around with my irregular sleep patterns. I can sit down in the evening and fall asleep in the chair... usually only briefly, but dead to the world none-the-less. I go to sleep at a regular time and lay there looking at the ceiling for hours on end. Not the best situation... and medications (at the moment) do not seem to be doing much to alleviate the problem.

Steve and I continue to watch our diets (low sodium/low fat) and weight. I've managed to keep the 35 +/- pounds off that I'vd lost since the surgery. But, that's a "battle of the bulge" that just seems to go on and on and on. I'vd been stuck in a rut for weeks... and would love to see another 15-20 pounds go away. But, as George Bush said (during his infamous debate on TV some years back) ...this is hard, this is hard!

Well - not the most exciting post, for sure. But it is what it is. More to come... later.

Hugs to you all!

LK

Much too long a time has past...

Hello Blogger's!

It has been way, WAY too long since I last posted a comment on my blog... usually this is the kiss of death for a blogger. If you don't write something new and write often... people will loose interest and soon stop reading altogether. So, that being said... I will promise to write something every week from now on (and more often if I can find the time).

It has been almost 12 weeks now since my surgery... wow. Time goes by fast when you're having fun. Only three months ago I was hugging this little red pillow in the shape of a heart that they give OHS patients. It was my best buddy at the time. You couldn't move, cough, sneeze, get out of bed or pass gas without clinging to that red pillow for fear of popping open your chest - like that was really going to happen....not! But, I did have a death grip on that pillow many a time.

Now, I am busy getting back into the swing of things. I taught my first week of classes and weekend crash course. I found that I was up to the task. But, very tired and weak at the end of the day. So, I need to pay attention to the doctor when he says: "take it slow. You're going to be tired for awhile and that's normal."

Being tired is my chief complaint. I am chronically tired all of the time. But, maybe in the long haul this too will pass as a distant memory. It's funny, for a while there I couldn't sleep more than a couple of hours without waking up ready to take on the world. Now, I sometimes can't stay up for more than a couple of hours without falling into a deep sleep. Where's the balance?

Anyway, I feel pretty good. I do have some residual chest pain around the incision area and understand that his is all part of the healing process. It's going to take awhile to get back to my optimum self.

Can I blog that long?

Meandering Moments

I can't believe it's been nearly two weeks since my last posting.  I won't bore you with endless details of what all has been happening... but maybe a synopsis is in order?

I have gotten stronger and feeling better with each new day!  Hurray for that!!  You really can't appreciate it when your doctors tell you that "you'll be feeling very tired every day for quite awhile" until you actually get home and realize that you are exhausted and need to sit down and rest more often than usual. They say that patience is a virtue and so it must mean that I am without any virtue whatsoever as I grow more and more impatient with myself. I keep wanting to do more, and my body says: "slow the heck down -- you've got plenty of time to get to where you're going!" 

People are starting to come by and visit which is a welcome relief from daytime TV. I am appalled at the quality of daytime television. And it is not just a few select channels, either!  It would appear that the fate of daytime TV is left up to mental morons that actually appreciate finding out "who's your daddy" or watching nearly a half-dozen televised courtroom proceedings and getting off viewing relatives and friends slug it out in the judicial system. Give me a break!

Well, let me share with you some of the more pleasant factoids of my recuperation. When I was first admitted to the hospital for my surgery I weighed in at a hefty 230 pounds. After the surgery, due to the tremendous amount of fluids that are infused into the body, I tipped the scale at 239 pounds. I had managed to drop down to 235 pounds when I was first released, one week after the surgery.

Unfortunately, only five short days back home, I returned to the hospital suffering the ill effects of congestive heart failure (CHF). When they weighed me in, I was a hefty 244 pounds! I think I must have looked like "Two Ton Baker," (some of you may remember this television character from your childhood. I don't recall if he was on "Romper Room" or "Captain Kangaroo" ... it might have been some other program; I just don't remember) the fictional television character that was bigger than most television screens. I remember feeling bloated, out of sorts, and wishing this would all go away soon.

I'm happy to say that today I weighed in at 210 pounds, which represents a 34 pound loss since my episode with CHF. Each day continues to be a challenge. However, with Steve's watchful eye over my dietary intake (as well as my personal responsibility to take heed of what I eat), his masterful cooking skills ensuring that I adhere to the low-carb, low-fat, and very low sodium regime. My target goal is 175 pounds and I have every confidence that I will reach it in short order.

Anyway, my dear friends, enough of my bantering for the moment. Please continue to post your comments to the blog and know that I am strong enough to entertain your telephone calls and visits should you so desire. I miss each and every one of you and I trust that you realize how deeply I care for  all of you as my friends.

More to come at a later time. Be well, be strong and be loving.

LK

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggy Jig!

OK - I'm back at that Ponderosa!  After 11 days in room 2200 at the medical facility, I am now back at home. "Be it ever so humble (aka - mortgaged to the hilt) there's no place like home!

My legs still look like they belong to someone else... some rotund persona that doesn't resemble the adorable little man in the bow tie.  Yes, they are still moving lasix in me... although much less aggressively this time.  Soon I will be changing my name to I.P. Freely!

Stephen cooked a superb coming home dinner following strict ADA and AHA guidelines for low carbs, low fat and LOW SODIUM.  For those of you that actually read food labels (I know - we all think we do...) try making three fabulous meals a day and stay under 2000 mg of salt.  No easy feat, I assure you! In fact, it's near impossible!

After dinner, he managed - out of frustration and desperation, to go through our entire pantry and freezer setting aside oodles of goodies that are strictly "verboten" due to the high levels of sodium.  The food bank will be getting an assortment of canned and frozen goods in short order.

One of my anomalies since my surgery is the inability to sleep for long periods - like through the night.  For instance, I went to bed at 11 pm and woke up at 3:15 am bright eyed and bushy tailed.  Now - what's up with that?  Admittedly, the lasix had kicked in (who came up with the idea of taking a diuretic at bedtime - that's just insane) and I had to take care of business... but afterwards I couldn't even think of falling back to sleep - ain't gonna happen.  Something to discuss with the doctors next week.  BTW - even sleeping pills seemed to be ineffective on this, as I was given them in the hospital.  Besides, every morning at 4 am (I kid you not) Dracula's daughter would appear in my room to take four vials of blood.  Well, maybe with this new habit I'll be more productive? 

Anyway - as noted, I am now home and would love to visit with anyone brave enough to stop by and spend some time. I promise not to talk your ear off... (my friends know that an economy of words is not my specialty) but I'd would just love to see you all.  

Enough for now... have a great Memorial Day weekend celebration!!

LK

Surgery went well... Everything else went to hell in a hand basket!

Greetings from room 2200 at Kaiser Medical Center.  It appears that my kidneys were not very happy with the Lasik regime and proceeded to shut down.  My blood pressure dropped like a stone and I was one messed up cookie for a few days.

Today, Steve was kind enough to bring in my laptop so I could pay some bills and maybe enter a line or two on the blog.  So, that is what I'm doing...

I am humbled by the number of people who are reading this blog and I am appreciative of the messages/comments that you all have written.  It has brought me laughter and joy and tears too. I thank you all for making me smile and remember with great fondness so many wonderful times that we have shared.

Today is a good day.  I lost 3 pounds from yesterday - using a secret recipe from Mr Jelly Belly (much too gross to detail here) and my kidney function has greatly improved. I am hopeful that they will restart the Lasik tomorrow and that my body will cooperate.  If so, I'm changing my name to I.P. Freely...

I'm feeling a bit spent at the moment, so I'll log off.  Thanks again to you all!       LK

Patience ... please

Layne is still in the hospital and is improving.  The kidney functions are improving, but the fluid in his lower limbs is increasing.  His breathing is pretty good and his blood sugar numbers are good.   I  feel almost like a meteorologist at 11 pm.

His spirits are good and we are hopeful that he will be home soon.

I heard Tim Russert talking about the passing of Hamilton Jordan tonight.  Jordan wrote a book entitled,  "There's no such thing as a bad day."  Russert explained that the way the title was obtained was that former Presidential aide Jordan met a young boy who had brain cancer and said to the boy,  that it must be a bad day for him.  The young boy retorted, that as long as he could breathe, there was no such thing as a bad day.  

So despite all of the tsorus and stuff we have gone through in the past week, we are very assured that there is no such thing as a bad day.  Your prayers and best wishes are appreciated.

--- steve

Sunday in the Park ... not really

.... breathing is much improved, the heart is doing well .... however, I never knew that Layne was such a water conservationist. 

As many know there is and will be a water shortage here in Northern California , so Layne is doing his part by retaining fluids.  Not quite the same thing ... but that is the major problem and it will take time for the appropriate reduction.   We expect him to be home within the next few days.  He will be posting soon ...

Later, Steve

Friday Update

Full Recovery is going to be a long slow road.  In our instant message 21st century world, I need to remember (and  maybe Layne too) that the body needs time to heal.

Enough of the philosophic, the IV drip lasix treatment ran its course and one of its side effects reared its ugly head with an episode of low blood pressure.  The aggressive treatment was stopped and we need more patience to have the fluid completely eliminated.  More likely than not, Layne will be in the hospital till at least Sunday.  All in all there has been some more improvement since my last post.

On the brighter side, my conversation tonight with Layne's current primary care physician gave us insight as to how to get information to other treating doctors so that they are more aware of what's going on should we have to face another ER experience.  He also was caring and very easy to talk with so that I could understand the treatment protocols when Layne gets back home.

Finally, as many of you know and have commented, the California Supreme Court decided on Thursday that civil equality shall prevail and that it would be unconstitutional for there to be two systems of personal relationships in this State.  Nomenclature is less important than equal protection.  Simply, it's all about love.

Well, Thursday morning, Layne called me to tell me about the news bulletin of the decision.  I then got an email from our County Supervisor who advised that the Santa Clara County Clerk was preparing gender neutral marriage licenses and he was offering to officiate at any ceremony.

I replied that Layne and I may like to participate.  Then I sent a text message to Layne letting him know what I did.  I immediately sent another text message asking Layne to marry me. I then sent another text message saying, "Ha ha .. I asked first!"  Well he text messaged back .. YES.   

We are first focused on Layne's recovery.  However, we will plan our Celebration for soon thereafter.  Equality has a beautiful feeling.  Thanks again for your prayers and support.

---- Steve

Thanks for the great suggestions. I also want to acknowledge the assistance of my sister who works at Mass General Hospital and Layne's brother Forrest. 

One of our good friends who also works at Kaiser has given me rational advice as to how to get the information and advocate appropriately and effectively. I will be pursing that course also. 

As of this morning, Layne lost 2 pounds of fluid which is very positive and on the right track. I will be seeing him again later tonight and hopefully will have ore positive news.

Finally, my sister gave me the best advice possible, I have a new first name: My name is Attorney Steve Kline. Rarely have used it before, but with some of the bureaucratic gobbly gook that is being streamed from administrators, it may be the appropriate introduction.

No Panic --- But not great news ...

Tuesday morning at 1:00 am ... Layne was short of breath, not feeling well and his ankles were puffy ... some of the warning signs that we were told at discharge.  He called the Advice Nurse who gets 30% for every referral she makes to the Emergency Room and  off we went.

When we got there at 1:30 am, we started what Kaiser calls, "Welcome to Bureaucracy - Thrive!"  We told his story three different times to three different, all of whom wrote it down and must have erased it because the next person asked the same questions.  The best one was the person who asked after being told that Layne had an Aortic Valve Replacement ... How many valves were replaced?   I responded that most people had only one aortic valve so I thought the answer must be 1.   Call me stupid.

Well, he was finally placed on a hospital bed in an emergency treatment room ... two different doctors came in ... and asked the same questions as the three people before ... so much for sharing information ... after all we have privacy laws.

At approximately 6 am a doctor came in who actually had read something more than "Emergency Room Care for Dummies", explained what was going on and that Layne's fluid retention was not that unusual for his surgery given some of Layne's other medical problems. He would be admitted into the hospital.  I left about 8 am with him still in the ER to make phone calls and get some stuff for him.

When I came back at 10 am he was still in the ER .. no bed available at the Inn.  At about 10:54, I called his Patient Care Nurse ... and within 10 minutes  ... 3 cardiac surgeons were in the ER checking out what was going on with him.  I was amazed that at no time from our arrival to my phone call, had anyone called his cardiac team ... so much for Kaiser - Thrive!

Later that afternoon, he was finally admitted.  

Today, he is doing well.  He is undergoing treatment to reduce the fluids in his body.  We are not sure how long the process will be ... but we have been educated in the kinds of questions that will need to be asked.   Your continued support, prayers and good wishes are appreciated.  

Thanks for listening. .... steve

There's No Place Like Home

I just wanted - NEEDED - to take a moment and make a blog entry... three BIG reasons:  1) to let you know that I am now home  2) to attempt expressing (no matter how feebly I am doing this at the moment) how overwhelmed I am by your own blog entries, support, prayers, meditations and thoughts... and 3) my admiration and depth of love I have for Stephen ...and that I see so beautifully and bountifully returned back to me by his very presence.

He has surpassed any and all expectations I have had for his caregiving skills and ability to pay attention to the details of my healthcare.  He is a truly my most devoted advocate and supporter. 

I am still, feeling very weak - and typing this is draining my energy for the moment.  I won't baby myself - but I must sign off for now.  

It is soooooo good to be home!

My love to you all...

Layne

What a difference a day makes ...

... this morning, Layne was sitting up in the chair and he was considerably and noticeably better. Much more alert, not coughing, better breathing.

Well, he had walked and did very well. He also had eaten solid food although it was soft. All in all there was much relief on both our parts and the care that he had been given overnight was very good.

I met with the discharge planner after being sent through Kaiser Voice Mail Hell. "A joy with lots of assistance." I'm beginning to sound like Layne. Layne noted that my questions were ones that the guy did not expect .. I thought they were pretty simple ... but it's okay .. my confidence level was on the rise.

I saw him walk in the afternoon and while it was shorter and he did have breathing problems .. they were not as severe as yesterday.

They are talking about him coming home... maybe as soon as tomorrow ... but our agreed process is to make sure that we can handle the transition and his arrival .... not to be dramatic ... but we want to know how to handle all of this in our little abode that doesn't have Code Blue!

It has been an experience and an education. On the up side .. Layne read the blog today for the first time since his last entry and he was moved by your comments and best wishes ...

just keep those comments comin!

We're baaack ... into Cardiac ICU

... not the best headline ... and there is no need to panic ... just a speed bump on  the road to recovery.  Yesterday, there was another speed bump of sorts in that Layne had a rapid heart beat which was slowed down with medication.  All in all it was a decent day, but he still was having breathing problems.

This morning, they started talking about him going home, which I felt was too soon, given that he hadn't really walked very much and that his breathing was still not very good ... but what do I know ... I only play doctor in the courtroom or the deposition office ....

At any rate, later in the afternoon, they became concerned when his Oxygen level wasn't as high as they liked and they didn't like the xray and a couple of other things ... (I hope Layne signed that HIPAA waiver I gave him after going into this much detail)  Well about 5 pm they decided to take him back to Cardiac ICU in order to monitor him every minute.  In the other place one nurse monitors four other patients ... so we came back here .. put in a new set of tubes and met olde friends  (nurses, doctors, assistants) ... he's breathing better and his O2 level is much stronger .... they may do some other things later to night to rule out other complications ... but right now, he's doing better and getting the appropriate care ....

As I told him earlier, the challenges of his breathing problems ... asthma and sleep apnea were going to be part of all of this ... after all they replaced a valve ... anything done while they were in there for lungs would have been extra $1.50 ... and you know how cheap he is ....

I know you are all concerned and your prayers and great spiritual energy is very helpful .. we probably need a little more for a few more days .... it is all good and it is all appreciated ...  will try to write more ... it's good therapy for me  ... i am going to start selling T-shirts downstairs that are printed  "Don't F*ckin Ask Me --- How am I doing?"  Everyone who walks in any of these rooms, that's the first or second line out of their mouths ...  I guess its important but even  housekeeping says it ....

Okay I'm done with my rant .. thanks again for all your continued support.

--- Steve

Movin' on Up ... to the Eastside

to a big deluxe apartment in the sky ... yeah we're movin ....

Got ya singing yet?

Okay, Layne moved from Cardiac ICU to the Transitional Unit ... formerly known as Step down ... where he is comfortable.  While he was at the Cardiac ICU, he walked a little bit. We start with baby steps ... and he did very well.  He is in a single room and is sleeping.  Doesn't have the just outside the room single nurse like in the other room .. more like a regular hospital ward ... a little noisier ... but he is being monitored quite so closely ....

We met the Physical therapist who helped him get out of bed and started to teach him how to walk  ... for those of you who may not understand this process ... while the heart and its condition is very important and critical ... the hardest and longest part of the recovery is the fusion of the breast bone which was cut to allow the surgeons access to the heart. That's what will take 6 to 8 weeks or more for a proper fusing and healing.  It is also where a lot of the pain is located.  But the stitches look very nice ... a kind of lattice effect for one's chest ... maybe we can have the same stitching in T-shirts?

His breathing is better and all in all he looks pretty good ... more sleepy than cranky today ... the object of his disaffection is gone today ... you see all things are impermanent. 

... maybe in a day or two ... I can get him to type some of those words ... till then .. off to a commercial ... gotta keep the silly metaphor going ....

Cardiac ICU - Day 2

.... spent all day with Layne at the Cardiac ICU.  

First and most importantly, he is doing well.  The numbers on all the vital statistics are within the range of what the doctors want them to be.  

When I arrived in the morning, the breathing tubes had been removed and he had the a bi-pap on which while was not his favorite thing, was assisting his breathing.  During the day, his breathing improved.  He was moved twice from the bed to a chair.  By the end of the day, he had started eating. 

Overall he's looking pretty good and the long process of recovery and getting the breast bone to fuse and heal is on the way.

It goes without saying, we appreciate your support and best wishes.

I'll write again tomorrow.

--- steve 

A Cardiac ICU Moment

Layne is fond of telling people that I can't even watch him take a insulin shot without a squeamish face.  I admit that I have to take a deep breath and look the other way when I am taking a shot or a blood test.  Okay ... that's why I am a lawyer and not a doctor!

Well, going inside the Cardiac ICU tonight is a test of being present and in the moment.

First, the surgeon dropped by and said that the surgery went very well and that he did what he wanted to and Layne was looking good.  That's very encouraging and great news.

Second, I have never seen so many tubes going in and out of a person.  He is starting to wake up and now the frustration, he still has the breathing tubes in him and that cannot be a pleasant feeling.  Also he can't talk.  Given Layne's normal challenges with breathing --- asthma & sleep apnea --- they are fully aware of the challenge, he also has to learn how to take slow deep breaths.  Patience. Breath. Patience. Breath.

So, and here's the good part, the nurse said "I am going to release his right hand from the bond but will you stand on that side and make sure he doesn't autonomically try to pull out one of the multitude of tubes."  Well, I did it for almost an hour n half  ... thanks for meditation practice, because it took all of that not to cry or pass out and stay present in the moment.   Breath .... Breath and oh by the way,  Layne, take some slow deep breaths to stop whatever monitors goes off when the number exceeds 52 or 53.  He listened with an expression that clearly shouted, "when I get out of this .. if I remember .. you'll hear from me."

Well, there is a shift change going on right now and I was asked to leave .. so without pictures .. I thought I would share this up close & personal Kodak moment.

Thanks for listening .. will have more later.

--- steve

From the Basement Cafeteria at Kaiser Santa Clara

.... at approximately 11:35 am, the surgeon came into the family waiting room and told me that the surgery had went well and he was pleased with what had occurred and that Layne was on his way to the Cardiac ICU.

Well, take a deep breath.

about a half an hour later, I went in for about five minutes.  He is still sedated and tubes are everywhere, but it was not grotesque and I didn't faint.  They told me that he would probably wouldn't be awake for at least 4 hours after the surgery. They got my phone number to call.

I then went out to the car and made calls to the magic list that Layne created for those who were to be advised.  I felt almost like a Barack or Hillary given the same message to all the media outlets. In addition to the cold factual data. I also wanted everyone to know how grateful we were for the prayers, support and good wishes being sent his way.  The same to all of you who may read these words.

I got gas at $3.89 a gallon and then lunch at slightly more.  

A few moments, I cam back to Kaiser to see if he was awake and they had just given him another shot of "the good stuff" and he will be out until at least 2-3 more hours.  So here I am in the cafeteria drinking my Starbucks to provide the "juice" to last until the next encounter with Cardiac ICU.

In a very positive sign down here, I was talking directly with Layne's brother Forrest to bring him up to date when a little kid was running around the cafeteria making noise with a decibel level equal to a pre-school after the candy has been passed out and eaten.  For those of you who know Layne, it was a good karmic sign, because he would have that kid quieted in less than a second with a look from him that would let the  kid know that Santa Claus had put him on the coal list for next three to five years.

My spirits are good and I am looking forward to helping Layne make the changes that will strengthen his heart and health. Don't worry, its not absolutely altruistic .. this fat boy needs plenty of better habits too.   Thanks for listening.  I'll try to write as much as I can .... Steve

Twas the Night Before Surgery...

Twas the Night Before Surgery... and all in my head,

I thought to myself, I'll make a post before bed.

I wanted to tell you how much you all mean...

to me and to Stephen... (who's oft' behind the scene).

My confidence is high and I have no real fears

As long as there's Vicodin ready and near...

My doctors are great - the team is fantastic

Soon I will have a new valve and gaskets.

In a couple of days - no more than a week

I'll be back on this blog and writing a streak

Anyway, dear friends, It's late and I must

Close out this thread (please don't put up a fuss).

I know that dear Stephen will keep you amused

Of the daily shenanigans and my benevolent moods.

I'll be stronger and better and healthy and whole

and ready to tackle the events that unfold...

So, stay tuned for more as it surely will come

With load of laughter and days filled with fun!

Love to you all...

Layne

Plop, plop.. fizz, fuzz.. oh what a day it was!

My day doing the pre-op procedural processes was a real picnic.  

Five hours of fun in the sun with a poke and a prod and a push and a ping.  I had my EKG, chest x-ray, urinalysis, and a blood letting like none other that I've had before.  The phlebotomist filled more vials of blood than I thought would be possible.  I think she might have gotten her training from 15th century Wallachian Prince, Vlad III the Impaler - aka Count Dracula of Transylvanian fame!

Anyway - I survived the ordeal and came home exhausted and ready for a quiet evening.  I am now closer to my day with destiny, the surgeon and the new valve.  I am confident about the outcome and looking forward... not so much to the surgery as to getting over this hurdle.  I'm sure you can appreciate that.  But, my mood is a bit somber and subdued.  I think today was a major step for me.  My humor saw me through it to the end.  But, I wanted to escape into a huge piece of carrot cake later that afternoon.  Enough of the medical jargon and metaphorical meanderings.  I just wanted to step out of it all and be still.

To enlighten you all about the day's activities... I was told in great detail all that would be happening to me on Wednesday, from the expected time of arrival (5:30 AM) to the time of the surgery (7:00 AM) to the expected length of the procedure (4-6 hours) to the time in Cardiovascular ICU (1 day) to... just about everything and then some.

I will have tubes in my throat, IV's in my arms and neck (ouch - that hurts just thinking about that) drainage tubes in my chest and a catheter in my you-know-what.  I won't be able to move a drop of fluid anywhere without the cardio-team at Kaiser knowing what is dripping and where.  I asked about the other side of my elimination system and it was explained that with all the narcotics and such that I will be ingesting... (wow, drugs!!) I will probably not be moving anything out that exit for a few days.  They have something else in store for me to fix that situation.  Wonderful.  Now when someone says that I'm full of it, they may be right!

I will have a complete body shave from my just under my adorable double chin to the calluses on my feet - inclusive of all points in between with nothing left out for modesty or prosperity.  Yes, I'll look like a ten year old again (no pithy comments, please) just as long as I'm naked.  (Some people say that to me now... but then they usually are out of striking range).  

I'll be working out the next few days - not on the stair climber at the gym.  But, on the Coach 2 Incentive Spirometer.  For those of you who have no idea what that is (relax - I didn't know either until they explained it all to me) it is a breathing instrument that measures your air volume (inhalations) with the goal of improving ones lung function (increasing lung volume).  They must avoid fluid build up in the lung because it leads to pneumonia.

I was given some antibiotic "goop" to put in my nose and body shampoo for my head to my toes.  The goal is to destroy all the nasty bacteria and reduce the chance of staphylococcus fever (infection). 

Gads - now I'm writing like I'm Dr. Seuss!  That's a sure sign I need to cut this off and save myself the indignity and ridicule from those who possess much greater linguistic skills.  

So - that was my day.  How was yours?

LK

We interrupt this blog for a test ... it is only a test ...

... many of you are unfamiliar with me ... my name is Steve and Layne is my domestic partner and has been since that fateful day in 2003 when we signed papers in front of a Notary at the Mail Boxes, Etc. in downtown Mountain View CA.

It was a simple ceremony ... I wore a simple T-shirt (oh, I'll give more details later if you want)

Seriously, on Wednesday and beyond, I am going to do the writing on this blog to keep you up to speed and informed as to how things are going. I know that we are all concerned and full of hope & prayer for Layne's speedy recovery. I will try to give as much information as I can with what I know when I know it. You are welcome to post questions and comments and I will convey them to Layne and will try to answer them as quickly as I can. Your patence is appreciated.

As soon as he is able after the surgery, I know that he will be back on line with his comments.

Thank you for your support. We really appreciate it.

We now return you back to Layne's regularly scheduled blog.

MR KULWIN... SHOW ME YOUR GROIN!

That's what he said.  My doctor. 

I saw him on Tuesday (forgot to enter my Blog comment) for a follow up to the angiogram.  I had my short list of questions and ribald attempts at humor...

Q - LK:  Dr... will I be able to play the piano after my surgery?

A - DR:  Yes, of course.  You should be able to play just fine.

R - LK:  Oh, good.  I don't know how to play the piano yet, but I've always wanted to!

(Tell me you didn't see that coming....)

He shared with me a two page list of items (do-s and don'ts) for after the surgery.  I was taken back by the restriction of no sexual activity for the first month after surgery.  I asked him:

Q - LK:  Dr... no sex for at least a month after surgery?

A - DR:  Well, yes.  But, you probably won't feel much like it anyway.

R - LK:  My God - what will I do with my hands?

R - DR:  Why not play the piano!

(I tell you.... I didn't see that coming!).

But, the crème de la crème creme, the pièce de résistance was when he said to me, "Mr. Kulwin, show me your groin."  I nearly fell off my chair.  For some bizarre reason, at that moment I had a reflection of (then) President Ronald Reagan telling Mikhail Gorbachev... "Mr Gorbachev - tear down this wall!"

WOW - so, anyway.  I did as requested so he could check the incision point in the femoral artery to ensure that it had healed correctly... which it did.  

But, gosh - I had some many one-liners floating in my head that I just knew would not be as funny once uttered as they were in my warped brain.  Besides, this guy is the kingpin to the Vicodin that I'll be screaming for after the surgery!  And, as they say... never bite the hand that feeds you... or for that matter the one that gives you good drugs!

Tomorrow is pre-op day.  I'll be spending five to six hours at the Kaiser Medical Center having my blood drawn for the myriad tests that they'll perform on it, my chest x-ray done, EKG and a host of other procedures in preparation for the grand event on Wednesday (April 30). 

I'll also be meeting the anesthesiologist.  Let's be honest... he may be as important as the surgeon.  I mean, he keeps you in dreamland while they're fixing the plumbing.  You surely wouldn't want to wake up early - would you?  And, on the other hand... you want to ensure that you do wake up at some point... yes?

Anyway - more to share after tomorrow...  Thanks for reading!

Layne

A Simple Prayer that Speaks Volumes!

I have received numerous phone calls and emails since I announced my pending surgery.   I suspect that the authoress of this piece is much too shy to post it... but, I thought I'd share it with you 'cause it's so beautifully crafted. 

On Apr 24, 2008, at 6:52 PM, KT Eckardt wrote:

Gee-sus, Layne!  You're going to be better than ever.  In fact, we'll have to go get a gun and shoot you to get rid of you. I'll be praying for you especially after recovery.

In fact, I am praying for you right here.  

"Lord, this man is good.  He doesn't shine his halo and has made his mistakes, I'm sure less than I have, but I like the guy and I know you do too, so take 'er easy.  Don't let him fuss, don't make him cuss and don't let him or us down who love him just the way he is.  I am sure when he gets his mojo back, he'll be taking extra care of the parts you gave him plus those that were replaced.  We thank you for his brain, his heart, his soul, his smile and grace.  Take care of Layne Kulwin, Lord, God.  

Amen. 

 KT... I thank you from the bottom of my heart! KT... 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME...

Yes - today is my birthday and I am 39 years old... AGAIN!  Listen, it worked for Jack Benny so it should work for me, too!  Actually, I turned 57 years young today and am looking forward to quite a few more years to come.

It was pretty much a quiet day in the Kulwin/Kline household, as we spent most of the day looking at storage boxes for the pantry area. Earlier this month we were hit with a "moth" attack that rivaled something out of an Alfred Hitchcock movie (THE BIRDS).  Several boxes of flour, grains, cereal and other edibles went into the trash... the exterminator came, sprayed and prayed... and now the moths have gone.  We are putting everything into air tight containers to ensure that all the little creatures of the world say the hell out of the kitchen and pantry!  Once they get a job and contribute to the house payment, we might consider other alternatives.  But, until that happens - I say... "get thee to a nunery" and "out damn'd..." moth!  

(My apologies to Wm. Shakespeare and all of England).

Birthday dinner at the Lobster Shack in Redwood City - a culinary delight beyond one's imagination.  (It was as if I had gone to Boston for dinner without having to stand in line for the airport TSA inspection or reschedule my American Airlines flight!)  Trying to be nutritionally conscious and heart happy - oh what the heck - it's my birthday - get a life!  So, I did and it came in the form of a wonderful potion of New England Clam "Chowdah" and a delectable plate of Full Belly Ipswich Clams that just melt in your mouth.  (One if by land, two if by sea... bring me more clams... pretty, pretty please!).

Gosh, do you think the hospital food will be this good? 

Anyway - I see my cardiologist on Tuesday and do the pre-op routine on Friday.  I am feeling emotionally solid at the moment (much to my surprise) and am very much at peace with the upcoming processes and surgery.  Only 11 days to go till the operation... let's see how stoic I remain as I get closer to THE day.

Physically, I can feel a noticeable difference in me.  I tire very easily, have recurring bouts of shortness of breath and some mild discomfort in the chest from time to time.  These are symptoms that I've been expecting - just didn't think they'd be here so soon.  I am convinced that now is the time to get the valve replaced.  As already noted - pay me now or pay me later. The bottom line is that you do have to pay... sometime...  and now is that time.

I have received numerous emails, phone calls and cards from family, friends and well wishers - and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart (that part's healthy) for your thoughts and well wishes for my speedy recovery.  I am sure that your energy will bolster the healing power within me to come through this with nary a hitch and a minimal stitch!  

You know what they say - when the going gets tough, the tough go shopping (which I did all day today).  My credo at the moment is to remember the charge up Surgery Hill.... VICODIN!

Till the next post...

LK

BACKGROUND TO THE OHS & AVR

It was a dark and stormy night… when all of a sudden the phone rang!  OK – so much for the attempt at drama!

It was actually in the middle of the afternoon when I got the telephone call from Dr. Dan, my primary care physician at Kaiser.  He was calling to tell me the results of my latest test, a cardiac sonogram.  Essentially, he said that there was a defect in the aortic value (stenosis – a buildup of calcium) and that it was easily corrected by open heart surgery (OHS) for aortic valve replacement (AVR).  This was fairly common procedure and that there was nothing to worry about…

So, being the person that I am and the offspring of a hypochondriac father – I start to worry!  I think it would be fairly safe to say that I was catatonic for a brief moment or two as the words sunk into my mind and I digested the plausibility of what was to come.  I thought of those immortal words of Alfred E. Newman, “what me worry?” so indelibly etched into the minds of my generation who grew up on MAD magazine.  And, I knew the answer was – hell yes!! Worry – by all means worry and get your act together, now!

During my studies I remember vividly reading and discussing On Death and Dying by Elizabeth Kubler-Ross. According the Kübler-Ross model, there are five stages that a dying person goes through when they are told that they have a terminal or serious illness. The five stages go in progression through denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.  In John Bowlby's pioneering trilogy on attachment and loss, he discusses the major emotional consequences of loss, including feelings of sadness, depression, grief, and bereavement.

Well, move over Liz… and John, save a seat for me on the bench.  I managed to go through all nine levels at least six times in the first 30 seconds of Dr. Dan’s call!  But, I digress…

Subsequently, I asked to see a leading cardiologist in the Kaiser system – someone that I had met previously through my partner Steve… Dr. Philip Lee.  He had graduated with honors and distinction from University of California at Berkeley with a BA in Biochemistry and received his medical degree from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri, one of the top five medical schools in the country.  Dr. Lee then completed his internship and residency in Internal Medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine, and was appointed Chief Resident in Internal Medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine and the Palo Alto Veterans' Affairs Medical Center in 1990. During this time, Dr Lee supervised and helped train over 75 medicine interns and residents. His Fellowship in Cardiovascular Medicine (Cardiology) was completed at Stanford University School of Medicine in 1994.

Very impressive credentials… but, do I dare call him Dr Phil?

We had a consultation and discussed the facts of (cardiac life) and arranged for one additional test – the dreaded angiogram.  Now, I must confess that this procedure, for some reason, just scared the p’jeesus out of me, altogether.  Many years ago when I was living in Anaheim, my next door neighbor, Buddy, told me about his OHS for quadruple bypasses.  He said that the dye they injected into you was like fire.  So, what the heck – I don’t like anything incendiary going up in my face let alone in my personal plumbing system… so I was quite worried.

The day of the angiogram procedure was not all that complicated.  Basically, you show up at the appropriate location and at the agreed upon time and lay down.  They do most of the rest.  They gave me a huge hospital gown designed by Omar the Tent Maker… but it was most fashionable and did manage to hide my derriere as I sojourned down the hall one last time under my own steam before being wheeling into the testing facility.

They gave me a cocktail containing 5mg of Valium (obviously a generic as I was saddened that it was not the usual yellow tablet …but it managed to relax me none-the-less… and 25mg of Benedryl.  After they situated me on the exam table they put some sort of blue blanket on me that was absolutely the toastiest most wonderful feeling in the world.  I was in heaven.  All I needed now was a foot massage and a scotch!

I was so relaxed during this exam (they must have spiked the I.V. with something cause I just can’t believe that one tiny little valium tablet and an antihistamine would make me feel so wonderful).  Finally, Dr. Lee informed me that he was going to inject the dye and I might feel a “flushing” feeling.  Flushing – well, according to Buddy, it was more like the “fires of hell” than a “flushing” I was going to experience. 

OK – hit it Doc – and he did.  Well, knock me over with a feather… I was absolutely amazed.  No “fires of hell,”  no pain, nothing at all negative.  In fact – it was one of the most wonderful feelings I have ever experienced!  Honestly!!  Taking the bandage off my arm from the I.V. was the only pain I experience through this entire exam!  WOW. 

The results from the exam were good.  No arterial blockages to deal with and just the valve to contend with at this time.  The only downside was that based on the pictures and what I was experiencing physically from the dysfunctional valve, it would be best to get this done sooner rather than later.

I set up an appointment with my cardiac surgeon, Dr. Hon Lee (no relation to Dr. Phil) to discuss the upcoming event.  A wonderful and talented man!  He studied at Brown University and did his residency at Catholic Medical Center of Brooklyn and Queens Inc, Jamaica, NY.  He is also the Chief of Staff at Kaiser Medical Center.  Also, he wears a bow tie and that made all the difference in the world to me! 

I am most impressed with my medical team and their individual sense of commitment to patient care, and their willingness to spend as much time as needed with me to answer my question and reassure me.  Plus – they have a great sense of humor and are very willing to share it!

Dr. Hon and I talked about the procedure and what type of implant might be used to replace my defective value.  The options are somewhat limited – membrane tissue (cow or pig) or mechanical.  I opted for a mechanical valve due to its history of success, and longevity.  Tissue valve will normally have to be replace – who knows when – usually within a 9-10-15 year period.  The mechanical valve can go for 20 years or more without a hitch.  One person I’ve noted has had his mechanical valve for 40+ years!  (I should lived so long…).

Downside is that I will be taking Wafarin or Coumadin for the rest of my life.  That doesn’t seem too bad of a downside.  The nature of this mechanical valve is it is very effective in preventing a buildup of cells, forming clots.  In fact… this value is so good that it is possible that I might not have to take a “blood thinner” down the road – or at least a minimal amount of the medication.

Well… I think that I’ve about exhausted myself on this first blog entry.  I am sure that there will be more of my ramblings as time goes on.  Steve will keep the blog updated as things progress and provide everyone with the latest information and developments.  You can also post your own comments or questions on the blog – it is unrestricted in that regard and I welcome the opportunity to read them once I get on the mend.

Thanks for listening…

Layne