I think that my brain stopped working under real stress. I didn’t understand what the nurses were telling me about my husband;s condition. The cardiology floor is a busy place and I sat with him for hours gathering snippets of information about heart attacks, stents, after-care, ekgs, sonograms until I felt stuffed as a Thanksgiving turkey.
I woke up after a terrible night and drove to the hospital so early I beat the valet service. I arrived hours before visitors are allowed. I wanted to speak directly with his doctor. Do you understand that our cardiologist is part of a large group practice. The good part is that there is a continuity of care. The bad part is you never know which doctor will be covering on a specific day.
The doctor on duty had a pleasant manner and to my horror I heard myself ask if he had graduated from high school yet?
OMG. A bad start to a serious discussion. Luckily he had a sense of humor. He actually took the time to explain to me why my husband is on the medicine he’s taking. How they monitor the dosage and what to expect over the next few days.
So here I am. Depending on his progress: his warfarin will be adjusted until he reaches the proper dosage to keep another clot from forming; he’ll go to rehab if he needs to recover muscle mass from lying in bed; he’ll improve slowly over the next four to six weeks.
So. Another day to practice my patience with my patient.
Thanks for your prayers and support in this difficult time.
I’ve always believed that prayer works miracles.
Barbara Edwards Comments 
I’ve been reading your posts. How terrifying this must have been for you and your husband! I’m so relieved for you that he’s pulling through. I almost lost my 19-year-old daughter in a car accident last summer. She broke her neck, but she’s fully recovered now. I know how frightened and helpless you feel. My heart and prayers go out to you.
Kate Worth
LikeLike
Thx Kate for the prayers and I’m so glad your daughter is recovered.
LikeLike
I so hear you dear Barbara. Our people have been through all of this overwhelming medical ‘stuff’ with various injuries and illnesses, though not heart–yet–but it all sounds so familiar. Catching the doctors, finding the one really in the know, is quite a challenge and you must rise early for the hunt. I hope and pray your husband continues to improve with no setbacks. I always hated the setbacks. And that you will bear up. I also understand the dry wit, even sarcasm, that arises from raw nerves, exhaustion, and a less than perfect medical system. And the ever present fear that haunts you. Someday you will be on the other side of this ordeal, and a good day will be any day you don’t have to spend in the hospital.
LikeLike
tkx, Beth. I’m hanging on.
LikeLike
Good. Give yourself some down times too. You are in this for the long haul. Got to rest and eat and take care of yourself. ((Hugs))
LikeLike
I’m trying, Beth
LikeLike
Warm thoughts and prayers winging their way to you. Sounds like the next few weeks will need your patience as well.
LikeLike
tkx for the support. Looks like a long few weeks.
LikeLike
I agree with you that prayer works miracles, Barbara. Hang in there.
LikeLike
I’m trying. Like that picture of the kitten on a branch.
LikeLike