Ben Franklin Honor Society

On November 11, 2011, Sue & I traveled to Miami Beach where we attended an induction event of the Ben Franklin Honor Society.
The BFHS is a printing related organization that honors individuals who have made a lasting, positive impact on the industry.
I was very proud to be inducted.
We had a great time.

Still Kickin'

Now nearly 3 months after my heart surgery, I'm doing excellent! (as far as my heart goes).
My blood pressure is down, I lost 15-20 pounds, and I walk about 2.5 miles most days.

The next issue is my torn Rotator cuff. I've had the problem for 6 months (even before my heart surgery). Now it's time to get it taken care of.  Sooooo
I have arthoscopic surgery scheduled for May 23.
The big problem is the rehab. I'll be in a sling and won't be able to play golf for months.
Bummer.

Ed

Back to WORK !

I met with my Cardiologist this morning and he gave me the A-OK.
I'll be back at my desk tomorrow and on-the-road Thursday.

I had an Echo-Cardiogram and an EKG.
Doctor Massey said my heart is better today than it's been for the past 10 years.
My MVP is gone (the whole point of my operation), and it's beating normally.

I'm exercising (walking) and I lost about 15 pounds and aim to keep it off.

I am also restricted to lifting no more than 15 pounds for the next month or so.
Even though they're weaning me off some meds, controlling my blood pressure, and I'll still have some follow-up Doctor visits,
this will be my last post for a while.

I want to thank everybody for their support and prayers.
It obviously did some good.

Ed

Thumbs Up !

It's been 4 weeks and two days since my surgery (but who's counting?).
I visited my Surgeon today, as scheduled.
He gave me a good bill-of-health, and I feel really good.

My Heart valve is functioning well and my rhythm is 'in tune'.

I also have an appointment with my Cardiologist next Tuesday.
I surely expect he will be pleased with my progress and I hope to return to work next Wednesday.

Ta Ta for now.
Ed

I've Got Rhythm - but, still can't dance

This morning I had my Cardio Version ("Shock").
Preparation took 2 hours - procedure took 2 minutes.
My heart rhythm is back to normal.
We're praying my heart maintains the correct rhythm.

At one point, a 'Nurse' came in from the next room with a rectal thermometer behind her ear.
She was patting her pockets as she said "now where did I put my Pencil?"
I wouldn't want to be the guy in the next room.

Ed

My Birthday

Today was my Birthday. I'm 39 ... or I wish I was.

Tomorrow I have to go in to the hospital for the "shock" treatment (Cardio Version) to reestablish my rhythm.
They use the Paddles just like on TV, but I'll be doped up with happy juice and I won't feel a thing (they say) .
It's no big deal, except it will take about 6 hours of my time.  Yuk !
I'm all 'charged up' about it.

We'll let you know the results in a day or two.
Ed

A little set back

Today is Day #20.
I went to my Cardiologist this morning.
He did an EKG and found that my heart is a little out of rhythm.
I have been taking medication to control the rate, but less and less each week.
He put me back on a stronger dose for a coupe days, and may have to "shock" it back into proper rhythm.

Other than that, I feel pretty good.
I continue to walk each day (with Sue).
I lost about 13 pounds.

I'm also repairing some electronic equipment, related to my work (Densitometers), and
I'm taking an on-line course regarding Color Managment.
I have completed 6 out of 18 lessons.
Both are good therapy.

Ed

Lunch at Wikoff

I stopped in at Wikoff's home office today and had lunch with our Technical Services Group
(guys I work with, from all over the country).
At the same time, I saw and thanked many people for their support and well wishes.
After only 15 days, it lifted my spirits to see everyone.
It will probably be another 3 weeks before I can return to work.

I told them (since I'm not allowed to drink alcohol) that Budweiser sent me a card
saying..... "Get well soon, We miss the revenue".

Ed

WALKING

The Doctor said I must Walk, so...
my Father-in-law stopped by,  put me in his car (I'm not allowed to drive),  drove me to the Golf Course,  handed me a Putter & some balls, and said
"Go take a walk on the putting green".

As I said before, I feel great. Can't believe the progress I'm making (I am 'walking').
I went to church today to give thanks.
Can you believe it? 12 days ago they split my breastbone down the middle, Stopped my heart for over an hour while they did Open Heart Surgery and ....
I only missed ONE SUNDAY of church.

Must be because my Doctor is very High Tech.  He has a 52" HD TV AND an I-Pad! - Impressive.
Ed

Day 9

First Doctor visit since hospital (Primary Physician).
He checked-me-out to make sure all is going well, and said....
 "I'm the 'Poster Boy' for a successful Open Heart Surgery".

My Mom from Pittsburgh, who has been visiting, left yesterday.
No, she didn't go home, she went to Florida for about a Month.
Just left me here to fend for myself.
Actually, now that she knows I'm 'OK', she'll be able to enjoy the remainder of her travels.
She's an Angel. Sue and I appreciated her help and support.

The only problem I have is.....
Last Night our sewer backed-up. Totally clogged.
The good news is, today they found the problem on the CITY SIDE.... THEY PAY !!!

That's all for now.
Ed

End of First Week

Well, today is Tuesday.  It's been a full week now.
I'm still here and getting better.
I feel a little sore and tired, but am quite thankful to be in this position.

Others I know, are not so lucky.

I've been taking short walks outside, and
Sue, my Mom and I ate out (lunch) today.

Let me end by saying:
"it's good to have so many well wishers and friends to pray for you and prop you up when needed. The biggest of those.... Susan, my loveable wife.
I don't know what I'd do without her.
Thanks",
Ed

I'm Home

I came home today around 2:30 PM, and I'm so thankful for my fast recovery.
It surpised everyone inculding me. It has to be close to a record (Open Heart surgery and home in 4 days??).
It was all the prayers and well wishes that did it - I'm sure.

I'm somewhat sore & tired, but Sue and my Mom are taking good care of me.
As I said before, the operation could not have come-out better:
1. My Mitral Valve is 100% fixed (No leaks).
2. My irregular heart beat is now 100% perfect, and
3. My "appendage" ('Pouch' that can cause clots) is now taken care of.

I had some incentive to get better and come home - The hospital food was terrible.

Thanks again, for your support and encourgement.
Ed

Unbelievable progress

Ed's recovery is going better than expected.  He may be home tomorrow.

Thanks for all of your well wishes.

No longer in ICU

Ed's recovery is remarkable.  All of the tubes, IVs, etc are removed.  He left ICU and is in a private room.  The nurses are managing the pain from the "broken" breastbone.    At the rate he is improving, he should be home soon.

Frankenstein scar 2/10/11

Ed - 48 hours after surgery



What a difference a day makes!

What a pleasant surprise to find Ed sitting up in a chair when I arrived this morning!  He looked great.  If it wasn't for the telltale IV wires and oxygen nose tube, you would never have know that the doctors stopped his heart for an hour and fifteen minutes yesterday and kept him alive on a heart and lung machine.

Ed is in great spirits and thankful that the operation went so well.  The nurse removed the oxygen tube around 5 PM.  Hopefully, he will be moved to a regular room some time tomorrow.  So far his pain level hasn't been too bad.  The main pain is where they sawed his breast bone in half and separated him like a lobster (Barbara Walters explanation of the procedure, not mine).  He wasn't thrilled with the meals - broth and Jell-O aren't on his list of favorite foods.

Yesterday, I had our address on the blog.  I forgot our zip code.  The complete address is 1111 Baldwin Lane, Waxhaw, NC 28173.

Please check the blog periodically.  I'll try to post the highlights of each day, but I don't plan to send emails announcing every new blog.

Thanks for all of yor well wishes, thoughts, and prayers. 

Sue

SUCCESS!!

Ed's surgery went well.  The doctor was able to repair the mitral valve which is what we were hoping he would be able to do.  They also did some electrical shock to try to get Ed's heart rhythm back on track.  It seemed to do the trick, but it will be a while before we know if his heart will continue that rhythm.

The nurses were able to remove the breathing tube around 6 PM.  Ed was alert and able to talk.  Managing pain is a major issue now that the anesthesia is wearing off.  Ed told the nurses his pain was 7 out of 10.  They medicated him accordingly.

Ed will be in ICU tonight and tomorrow night which is standard procedure.  Hopefully, he will be moved to a room on Thursday.

Thanks so much for all of your thoughts and prayers.  We really appreciate your concern.

Our home address is 1111 Baldwin Lane, Waxhaw, NC if you want to send a card.

Surgery Scheduled - Feb 8

Regarding my Mitral Valve Surgery, I managed to move my 'scheduling' appointment up
from Jan 20 to today.
I met with the Surgeon (Dr. Skipper) and we're now set-up for Surgery on Friday, February 4th Tuesday February 8th.

They will go through my sternum and STOP my Heart while they perform the
'open heart' operation to repair my leaky Mitral valve. It will take about 3-4 hours.
I'll be in ICU for 2 days, and hospitalized for 4-7 days.
I'll be off work for up to 6 weeks, while I recover.

All this sounds pretty scary, but the statistics are on my side for no complications and a full recovery.

As I said before, I'm doing this because I will be 'better off' AFTERWARDS, than I am now.
I hope this won't cause me to miss the Super Bowl - One has to have priorities.
Ed

Heart Catheterization - No Blockage

Heart Catheterization:

I was tested for Artery blockage to see if any By-pass surgery was necessary.
The result was NO BLOCKAGE (0%).
As you can imagine, we are happy with the results.

The test took place at Carolina Medical Center in Pineville.
Our biggest challenge was ..... ICE- 1/4 inch thick.
First, at 5:30 AM, we couldn't get into the car (Chiseled our way in).
Then, the roads were a sheet of ice, but WE got there at 6:10.
Unfortunately, the Doctor didn't arrive until 10 AM.

The actual procedure took less than an hour, but I had to spend the next 2 hours flat on my back before they'd release me.  As of now, I feel fine.

The next step is to have the surgeon (Dr. Skipper) review the results and schedule the actual Mitral Valve surgery.
Unfortunately (again), he can't see me until January 20th.  bummer.
I'm trying to get them to move it up.

We'll keep you posted.
Ed

Update Christmas 2010

Ed Slezycki

First, I want to wish a Merry Christmas to Y'all.

I met with the heart Surgeon, Dr. Skipper.

He explained the problem with my Mitral Valve and how he would go about repairing it (not 'replace').

He also told how he would help my Atrial Fibrillation (erratic beat) by ablating some nerves. In addition, he would do some 'maintenance' while he was inside.

He'll most likely go through my breastbone, although there are other options.

He says there's a 95% probability of fixing my problem.

I did some research on Dr. Skipper : He’s an A+.  And he's a nice guy who 'really' seems to know his stuff.

But.... (there's always a 'but'), he said there's no sense going inside, only to find we 'should have' planned some by-pass surgery. Therefore, he wants to test for artery clogs via Catheter, even though there's no eminent indication of problems (he doesn't know I ate a big portion of Rene's Baklava). Makes sense.

The problem is (at this time) the earliest I can get a ’Cath’ test is Jan 11th (they're trying to improve). It may be a moot point anyway, because business is good. Dr. Skipper is BOOKED for surgery into February. The earliest possible operation date would be late January. 

The BEST is that we caught the 'problem' during a routine exam, BEFORE anything serious happened.

The WORST news is that I won't be able to play GOLF until 3 Months AFTER the surgery.

I'm sure Daryl will give me plenty of strokes when I get back (perhaps I shouldn’t use the word ‘stroke’).

But when it’s all over, I’ll be better off than I am now. 

I hope to have the heart of an 18 year-old (look out, Sue).

That’s the short version.

Wish me luck.