Take a Look at This!

This is Gma strolling around the hospital yesterday. 

Doug stayed with her last night; she had a good night!

They are planning to move her to a step-down room today as soon as she reaches both goals (see below): 

Going for a Walk

Gma is really doing well! After sitting in a chair for a while earlier today, she is now going for her sscond walk around the floor of the hospital. She’s feeling better since they changed her medicine. Now she’s not sleeping so much.
She asked for a Diet Coke, so she must be feeling better!

We are all so happy that Gma is doing so well! 

Doc Came By!

The doctor came by this morning and said Phyllis looks great! He is even going to decrease her pain medicine a little so she's not so out of it. Even in this state she is able to cut up with the nurses- love that! Currently, they have her sitting up in a chair. Amazing!

The Morning After

Andy spent the night with Gma last night. We are still waiting to hear about the night and her current condition. Since we were told that the first 24 hours is very important and we didn't hear from them, we are feeling good about things. Keep those prayers coming!

Welcome Back, Gma!

Phyllis is in icu. They took breathing and stomach tubes out. They are now giving her heavy duty pain meds. Doc says everything went extremely well. Pain level is high, but that’s to be expected. Her heart looks good and healthy. The first 24 hours is the critical time for complications. I’ll update if anything changes. Otherwise, I will not be posting again tonight.
Love you all!

We Can See Her!

Andy just went back to see Phyllis. He said she is doing well, but she's still a bit "out of it". Remember to pray for Andy, too. He will be leaving Wednesday or Thursday to teach out of town. We were tempted to get onto him for this, but it was actually Phyllis who created his calendar!
What was she thinking?!

All Done!

The surgery is complete! They had to take out the first valve (a pig valve) and replace it with a mechanical valve. The surgeon said he had to do this because Gma has a very small heart. The size of the first one was not a good match. Doug says he is sure they have the wrong woman if they think her heart is too small! I agree!

She should wake up in an hour or so...

Thank you all for your prayers and positive thoughts!





Photo of the aortic valve
Credit: http://www.healthcare-online.org/images/10404450/heart_valves.jpg

Surgery is Going Well!

Just received this update:

The valve is in and her body is tolerating the surgery well. They will now begin the process of closing her up.
Wonderful news!!
I have heard so many wonderful stories about her surgeon from people who have been under his care. She is in the most capable hands!

(This photo is an oldie, but a goodie!)

Here We Go!

Gma’s surgery just started at 7:30 AM.
Stay tuned today for updates.
Keep her in your thoughts and prayers!

Tuesday is a Big Day for Phyllis!

Most people don't know this, but Phyllis (aka Fairy Godmother) is facing an important surgery tomorrow. She will undergo mandatory open heart surgery at Vanderbilt Hospital. Dr. Petracek will be be performing an aortic valve replacement. This turns out to be related to a heart murmur she has had most of her life. To find out more about this operation, read this explanation from WebMD:
https://www.webmd.com/heart/aortic-valve-replacement-surgery

As Gma, as we like to call her in our house, prepares mentally for tomorrow, she is being her usual strong and optimistic self. Her greatest fear is that she's going to be a hard patient for us. We assured her by telling her we'd make up mean nicknames for her if she acts up.

Andy, Doug, Tina, & John will be at the hospital with Gma on Tuesday. The surgery is likely to take all day. I (Karre) will be updating this blog so we can keep all of her loved ones and friends informed. Tina has come in town to stay with Gma and help take care of her. Andy has a full work schedule from now until Christmas, so Tina's help is much appreciated!

We would appreciate your prayers, well wishes, and positive thoughts for this special and amazing woman we call ours!