Wednesday, March 30, 2011

The Hitman goes medical






Since March 21 The Hitman is in the hospital. He wasn't feeling so great the week before that and on the 21st he texted my friend Ily "911". She took us both to the ER, where I whispered in his ear:
"If this turns out to be just a panic attack, I will kill you..."
He is still alive, so you can safely assume it was not just a panic attack. He got an emergency operation that same evening. The cardiology surgeon told me that there were blockages in his arteries. If it was only a few they would use a balloon; if it was more they would place stents; if it was even more they would perform an open heart surgery and if it was too many for that, the surgeon would come back to me and discuss other options. And out they run, with Joe on a bed, to the OR while I was still digesting what the surgeon just told me. I had to run after them... oh well, the first operation ended somewhere at 2 in the morning and he was fine with 2 stents near the heart.

This past week had then been a roller coaster ride for the both of us: He has several severe blocked arteries among which are his carotid arteries. He passed two kidney stones and due to that and the fact that his kidney didn't respond so well to Contrast Fluids, they postponed the second operation (more stents) until this afternoon. The Hitman called me and told me that they would operate him at around 1:30 pm. I dropped everything and went to the hospital, just in time to give him a big kiss before he went into the OR.

Again he came out looking fine and all smiling. I don't know what they are giving him for local anesthesia but I want some of that stuff...
Is he out of the woodwork yet? No not yet... Neurology still have to make a decision what they will do about the blocked carotid artery. Yes, it could mean another operation... but right now I am just happy for him that he has tomorrow off from tests and such.

One doctor told us that they are amazed that he was walking and talking with all those blockages, while any other person would have dropped dead . Well, he is the Hitman...and even if you would stab in the back with a large kitchen knife, he would probably wonder what was itching...

10 comments:

Riot Kitty said...

That is a hell of a lot to go through in such a short time - sending prayers and good thoughts to you both.

LL Cool Joe said...

Wow, I didn't expect to read a post like this. I had to skip some of the medical bits coz I'm a complete wuz. I'll pray for you both at this time. Really hope everything turns out fine.

OldLady Of The Hills said...

Oh My Dear...! So sorry to read of "The Hit Man's" problems....I dearly hope and pray they can make him better really quickly---Carotid Artery, and ALL....
Prayers coming your way, my dear Holland...And some Healing Hugs to Joe...(((((((HUGS)))))))

Jeannie said...

So glad that all has turned out relatively well. My husband had blockages at 31. The balloon was new then but it worked and held for many years. After 16, he required a quadruple bypass. He has been fine since then. (I think. He lies). However, to manage cholesterol, have him take one dose of metamucil (or generic psyllium husk) per day. This made the most dramatic effect on my husband. Even better than lipitor. And wayyyy cheaper. I know a lady who years ago had a heart attack at 42. She is now close to 80. She took a dose of Metamucil every day.

Ileana said...

Oh Chica, so much has happened and it has been a difficult time for everyone who cares about Joe, aka the Hitman, but especially for you. I know at this time he is undergoing a third surgery and my prayers are with him/you/the medical staff.

Please call me with an update when you can. Hugs, Ily

Holland said...

RK, LLCJ, Naomi, Jeannie and Ily:
Thank you so much for your kind words and thoughts. The Hitman was (by our surprise) again operated yesterday and the surgeon was able to open the carotid artery completely. Again he came out of the OR all smiling and thumbs up. If all goes well he comes homes this Saturday.

Ileana said...

Great news, amiga!

Holland said...

It is Saturday evening April 2nd and guess what.... The Hitman is home!

Granny Annie said...

Hooray! The Hitman is home. OMG I had no idea. Bless his heart. I only had three blockages and two stents and we're still monitoring the third blockage. The fact that his carotid artery was involved and that he also had kidney stones...Yikes! No wonder a stabbing would only create an itch for him. Meanwhile, did he love the morphine? Take care and know that thoughts and prayers are with you both.

Unknown said...

Glad the Hitman is OK. Scary stuff.