October 2: late post

Hi everyone!

I'm back to blogging! Yesterday was pretty up and down in ICU. I felt pretty good but we just couldn't get my blood pressure where we wanted it. The ideal post bypass BP is in the 130s over 80-90.  As they weaned me off the IV meds to prepare to move out of ICU, mine kept dropping.... Sometimes under 100.  My awesome nurse Heather noticed that when that happened I would have some nausea and get super sleepy. So she kept in touch with the team and they put me back on the IV at a low dose.

But as the day went on, the neuro team felt that I am OK at a low blood pressure and made the decision to look at symptoms rather than the numbers. Of course that wasn't easy for us to get on board with because we still have worries about language. Heather was cautious too and worked with us to wean off the meds at a pace we felt OK about. Seriously good nurses are the best part of the recovery process. She and Ilana (another nurse) took great care of me all day and I felt very good about the plan.

Heather & I at discharge from ICU

We were discharged around dinner time to another floor where they had ordered me a HUGE dinner. 

It was like 1200 calories worth of food and didn't taste too bad. But I'm ready to be out of here. I sent Bobby to get some real food and to pick up mom @ the airport. Her flight was delayed so they got in pretty late. It was nice to have my mama here and she will get to be here today and part of tomorrow! 

We hung out a bit before the two of them left to get some rest. I also got to FT with the boys. My language has been OK and my hair way better than it was the last time. The braids are kind of kooky looking, but I don't think the boys could tell anything is wrong. 

I would appreciate continued prayers for them. As we are away from home longer, they are starting to miss us. James had some night terrors the other night and we are praying he settles down and doesn't experience these anymore. 

God has been so faithful. So far I have no language problems. They keep doing neuro exams and having me say, "No ifs, ands or buts." 

So far I have passed with flying colors despite the low BP. There is still a risk of developing language problems, but it is lower now that we are almost 2 days post op. Dr. Steinberg did rounds late last night and assured me the risk is lower now and If I do develop problems, they will likely be minor. 

Thank you for your prayers!