Walt's Journey

The last trip to the hospital had a profound effect on me. Being back in the ICU, not being able to see my children, the lack of sleep, the pricks and just the over all experience of being there was really tough on me the second time around. I was extremely thankful that the tests came back negative, and I know that it was the power of prayer. The text and emails from people telling me they were praying for me were encouraging.

The pain in my leg is still there, but does not seem as severe. I am keeping it tightly wrapped with a bandage, which allows me to walk. The pain is also not as consistent as it was earlier, but when it hits, it is still excruciating. If it does not improve by next week, I am going to make a trip to the doctors.

I had a follow-up appointment scheduled with my surgeon on February 1st. A call came from U of M yesterday letting me know that Dr. Patel confirmed that the CAT scan looked really good, and the appointment was canceled. The CAT scan from February 3rd was canceled as well. We are still going to do the Echo gram that was scheduled for the same day, as well as having me fitted for a Holter heart monitor. I will then follow-up with my cardiologist and surgeon on February 10th. If everything looks good, than I will be clear for one year.

I had to record my blood pressure twice a day in a chart for three weeks and send that to the specialist. My average pressure was 113/68 in this time period. I received a call a few days ago that the pressure is really good, and to continue with the current medications. I have to record my pressure three times a week going forward, and no follow-up is necessary as long as the numbers stay within this range.