Angiogram Over at Last!

I didn't get nightmares the night before this time.  I was a lot calmer now that I knew what to expect.

It was raining again throughout the night just like last week.  This time, we were more organized and told my brother, Dennis that we would pick him up and then go to Tripler Army Hospital.  He could drive us home after the procedure and my nephew, Cody could pick him up.  This was one less worry since I hated the idea of Dennis riding his motorcycle to our house.

We arrived at Tripler at 7:40 AM. 

Unlike the week before, there wasn't a crowd of people in the waiting rooms.  Art was able to get checked in and changed into his hospital gown ahead of schedule.

We waited at the check-in waiting room, and then went into the pre-op waiting room.  We were now farther along than last week and hopeful that everything would proceed smoothly.  All of the staff were very jovial and helpful.

The cafeteria was closed at 9:30 so Dennis and I grabbed a quick little muffin and mocha breakfast at Starbucks after seeing Art off into the surgical wing.

We then went to the in-surgery waiting area.  There were some sleeping family members of other patients in the darkened room wrapped in blankets and trying to sleep.

I'd brought a stack of magazines and the newspaper for Dennis to read.

I used the waiting time to send a steady stream of text messages and photos to our daughter in Chicago and son overseas who were waiting for word about their dad.  Don't you love technology?

Soon the cardiologist returned with news that she'd done the angiogram through his arm instead of the groin which would enable a faster, easier recovery.

She apprised us of what was learned from the angiogram and said she would prefer Art not do any long distance competitive runs anymore.  She suggested leisurely jogs of not more than 3 miles and mostly brisk walking.  She laughed saying that she doesn't usually have to tell a patient to slow down.  Mostly, she's trying to get people off the couches.

Art thought this wrist equipment was pretty cool.  It has some sort of balloon thing in it to provide pressure to stop the bleeding from the puncture site.

After about an hour, we were able to leave the hospital.  It was about 1:30 so Art was pretty famished since he wasn't able to eat or drink anything since the night before.

Strict instructions were given not to carry anything heavier than a gallon of milk and to take it easy for a week.  We'll see the cardiologist next week for a follow-up.

Dennis drove us to the Golden Wheel restaurant in Aiea where we had a lovely lunch and headed home to our house where my nephew, Cody was able to pick Dennis up.  Needless to say, we are all relieved to have this rainy day over with.
 
Art is disappointed that he won't be able to do another marathon, but he chuckled when he saw Tiffany's text message.

"Totally bummed about the running, but Jon and I will have to keep it up on his behalf."