Yes, i made it through the heart cath procedure successfully - no blockages to balloon or stents to insert - have 20% plaque build-up. I had to be at the hospital 6 am on Thursday (1-31). My Bro drove Kristi and I to the hospital and dropped us off. He had told Kristi it would be a "piece of cake" so he didn't stay. Fortunately, for my dear child, my cousin Lisa arrived before they took me to the cath lab. Lisa stayed with Kristi unitil I was back in the short stay room. The 2 hours I was gone for the procedure would have been tough on her if she was alone. While I was in "recovery" area, the Cardiologist met with Kristi and Lisa and advised them how the procedure went and her concerns going in with risk factors (stroke, diabetes, and elevated renal levels that could have been a problem with the dye used for the procedure). Prior to me going and afterwards I was given medication to counteract any reactions.

I had to lie on my back without moving my right leg or raising my head for 6 hours. I quickly learned how to drink juice and coffee from a straw without raising my head lol. Of course Lisa threatened to purchase a roll of duct tape and use it on me if I didn't listen. A 1/2 hour before discharge, my nurse came in and got me up out of bed and walked me to the bathroom. He (Rege) was patient and understanding about my deficits (especially the drop foot issue). I was officially discharged at 3 pm (very long day) with orders for 24 hour bed rest. Kristi and I discussed the stair issue for me. I was strictly told to have Kristi right with me and rest after getting into the house before I headed to my bedroom. I was permitted to walk to bathroom as it was on same floor as my bedroom.

Sleeping was not an issue for me Thursday afternoon and evening. I have to admit I was not the best cooperative patient for my dear daughter. It's one thing to be down due to stroke deficits but this added "down time" was frustrating by Friday morning. Kristi was still sleeping when I woke (of course it was 5:30 am). I got dressed and snuck downstairs very quietly. Crystal and Lili didn't tell on me lol as I bribed them with their morning treats. I made myself a pot of coffee. All told I was downstairs for not even 30 minutes and was totally wiped out. I got back upstairs on my own (thankfully) and promptly went to sleep.

I did receive an earful when Kristi did wake up and came to check on me. No damage was done (no bleeding or even oozing from the cath site). My daughter/nurse/appointed boss text messaged everyone in the family and told them what I had done and asked their opinion on letting me come downstairs to rest on the sofa when I woke up. She walked with me downstairs and we watched a netflix movie (Firewall w/Harrison Ford - good flick btw). After the movie I went back upstairs and went back to sleep.

Kristi did try to extend my 24 hours of bed rest as I had not been in bed for the entire 24 hours - she's lucky she's my daughter and I love her lol.

So...thankfully this is all behind me now; today (Sunday) I'm finally not as exhausted as I was. Even though Steelers aren't playing today I plan to at least catch the entertainment portion of the Super Bowl. I do hope the Giants win though.