Friday, March 25, 2011

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.

4 comments:

David Garner said...

Prayers will continue, for Demetrios and for you.

Marsha said...

Prayers for you both, and for the doctors!

Michelle M. said...

We will continue to pray.

elizabeth said...

keep us posted...