Angie & Jim

Finally Startedby Jim

Angie’s little status number on the display on the waiting room status screen just went green indicating that her procedure has begun.  We only had to wait about 5 hours while they figured out what to do.  I’m not entirely sure why we had to be here at 7:45, but that’s okay.

They are going to do put in a pacing catheter to pace her heart if they need it during the actual swap.  Angie said that often, they can unplug the old pacer and plug in the new one fast enough that the patient only loses a beat or two.  I like plugging in televisions and Xboxen and the like, but I can’t imagine what it would be like plugging stuff in and knowing someone’s heart isn’t beating while I’m plugging.  I think Angie has three leads on her heart right now, and I can usually only unplug one cable at a time.  There are two surgeons in there; I wonder if the they will do it together and say something like, “Okay, on three.  One… two…”

Anyway, because of the “backup” pacing catheter, she’ll have to stay lying in her bed for 4-6 hours after the procedure without moving.  We were told that we will still be able to go home tonight, but with today’s late start, I’m beginning to worry.  I will keep everyone posted as things unfold.