AJ, AZ High 57 Low 48 Rain (We’ve had a lot of rain this winter and it’s been quite chilly.)
We have spent a lot of time in doctors’ offices so far this year and as most of you know the magazine selection in these offices are pretty pathetic. But this one just really got my attention.
Now look at the date of this magazine.
25 years – it really must qualify as an antique by now.
They finally got Jim scheduled at Shea Hospital in Scottsdale on February 26th to have his heart helper implanted. The Electrician, Dr. Tom Mattioni, told us it would take about two hours but they will keep him overnight to make sure there are no complications. We were really impressed with Dr. Mattioni. He explained in depth about how damaged Jim’s heart is and how this new device will really make a difference in how he feels. I just wish we didn’t have to wait almost two weeks.
This is what the device looks like. One wire goes into the top of the heart, one goes into the left side of the heart, and the third into the right side. The two wires on the sides of the heart make the heart beat normally and more efficiently. This device gets implanted under the skin up near the collar bone on the left side of his chest.
After the surgery he’s going to be restricted for about six weeks from raising his arm up in the air, twisting his shoulder or lifting more than ten pounds with his left arm. This is to allow enough scar tissue to grow around the wires to keep them in place. He’s been practicing getting dressed without raising his arm and also lifting the dogs with his right arm. The doc does, however, want him to use his arm so he doesn’t get a frozen shoulder which would then require lots of physical therapy. So by the middle of April he should be good to go.
We have spent a lot of time in doctors’ offices so far this year and as most of you know the magazine selection in these offices are pretty pathetic. But this one just really got my attention.
Now look at the date of this magazine.
25 years – it really must qualify as an antique by now.
They finally got Jim scheduled at Shea Hospital in Scottsdale on February 26th to have his heart helper implanted. The Electrician, Dr. Tom Mattioni, told us it would take about two hours but they will keep him overnight to make sure there are no complications. We were really impressed with Dr. Mattioni. He explained in depth about how damaged Jim’s heart is and how this new device will really make a difference in how he feels. I just wish we didn’t have to wait almost two weeks.
This is what the device looks like. One wire goes into the top of the heart, one goes into the left side of the heart, and the third into the right side. The two wires on the sides of the heart make the heart beat normally and more efficiently. This device gets implanted under the skin up near the collar bone on the left side of his chest.
After the surgery he’s going to be restricted for about six weeks from raising his arm up in the air, twisting his shoulder or lifting more than ten pounds with his left arm. This is to allow enough scar tissue to grow around the wires to keep them in place. He’s been practicing getting dressed without raising his arm and also lifting the dogs with his right arm. The doc does, however, want him to use his arm so he doesn’t get a frozen shoulder which would then require lots of physical therapy. So by the middle of April he should be good to go.
You are both in my thoughts and prayers!! I love you guys!
ReplyDeleteHope all goes well but I would not have thought of practicing - way to go Jim
ReplyDeletePrayers for both of you.
ReplyDeleteNow that was a very special Valentine's gift. A date to get Jim's heart beating regular again. Hopefully you will get through the next eleven days with little to no stress.
ReplyDeleteTech sure has changed!
ReplyDeleteYour Love will do well, and he'll enjoy many years to come. I will prayer for him. I promise.
A heart oriented gift for valentine's day. At least, the promise of a better working heart for Jim which I think is good news for both of you.
ReplyDeleteI'd have been tempted to keep that magazine as a reference except with so many good articles in it probably many people find it a good distraction while waiting.
My husband had that done in October. He just got the OK from his doc that he can do anything he wants now. His heart was going 7 seconds without beating at night in his sleep. So glad he had it done! Good luck to Jim..It is a miracle device!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad he's getting in there so fast. That's good news !
ReplyDeleteI'm sure this will help him so much. Best wishes
ReplyDeleteMy Dad had a pace maker. He thought it was wonderful.
ReplyDeleteSure hope this will help Jim feel better!! It's almost fishing season.
ReplyDeletePraying for a smooth procedure and speedy recovery.
ReplyDeleteWay to go Jim, good luck with this new device and hope you will be feeling much better soon.
ReplyDeleteMy dad had that same device implanted. He did wonderful. He feels better today than he has in two years. Prayers sent your way for a very successful procedure.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes (from Mesa East Park), glad to learn you're in good hands; you'll both be in our thoughts & prayers -- also, give us a holler if we can help in some way (or u just wanna visit).
ReplyDeleteDon & Fannie
Glad to hear the wait is almost over. Jim is turning into a bionic man, isn't he? I bet the fish are starting to panic. :cD
ReplyDelete