What We Know so Far

First, a heartfelt thanks to all of you who, whether here or on Facebook, have so kindly promised to be praying for us.  Knowing this helps us a lot.

Today, the surgeon called Demetrios here at home, even though their appointment is going to be Monday morning.  The radiologist, a Greek friend, who had read the angiogram results, also called, and between the two of them, we found out:

1.)  It usually takes a week to 10 days to get on the schedule for surgery, but if it were an emergency, it could be the same day.

2.)  Hospital stay is usually 3 days, give or take 24 hours.

3.)  Estimated recovery time is 6-8 weeks.  !!

4.)  Surgery is definitely called for.  Risk of stroke during surgery or within 3 days thereafter is 1% - 2%.  Risk of doing nothing is over 15% per year.  And increasing as the blockage continues to build.  So it's a no-brainer.  As Demetrios is fit and generally in good health, he is a good candidate.

Wish I could tell you more, but definitely will as soon as we know any more.  Meanwhile, our spirits are good, Demetrios is full of beans as usual; I feel tense but calm, if that makes any sense.  I just wish it were all over with.

The airline tickets will be refunded in full upon receipt of a certificate from the doctor, and we'll reschedule our trip, assuming all goes well, whenever the doctor gives us the okay.