If you read my earlier blog, you will remember I was to have a minimally invasive heart surgery to relieve atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat).  The surgeons  were to make a small incision under both arms and repair the problem by creating scar tissue that would seal off the areas that were causing the irregular heartbeat.  To not have the operation could have meant that I would develop blood clots in the future and thus have a stroke.  They were also  to remove the left atrial appendage from my heart ,which they say I really don't need anyway, but is believed to be a prime collector of blood clots. With this procedure, known as the Wolf mini-maze , I would have been hospitalized approximately 3 days with a 3 week recovery at home.

When I woke up from the surgery, a big surpirse awaited me.  Ater they made the first incision under my right arm the surgeons hit a vein that would not stop bleeding. They did not have time to find the source of the bleeding so they ended up doing a complete open heart procedure  I believe they told me I received about 3 units of blood..  Total time for the operation was about seven and one half hours.  I had to be placed on the heart/lung machine during the procedure.  When I woke up there was a breathing tube down my throat. I also had two tubes coming out of my stomach and two more from my side.  I spent 2 nights in intensive care and then was removed to a regular room.  Total time in  the hospital was eight days.. 

I am now at home recuperating and the doctor says I am healing well.  For about the first week my blood pressure dipped to 80/60 but is now back to normal with a change in my medication.  The pain has been the hardest thing to deal with - but God is gracious and I am growing stronger every day.  Your continued prayers are appreciated.

I will be sharing in my next book the spiritual insights I have received during my hospitalization and recuperation.