Barenaked Ladies

Today is Silvana's turn to write in the blog. Is that the right term "blog". This is all new to me.
(Terry said "Silvana, it would be nice if you wrote about your evening out". A few months ago Terry and I went to see U2 at the ACC (Air Canada centre) and had an amazing time. For years I wanted to see U2. Afterwards I mentioned that the next band I would like to see is the BNLBarenaked ladies) but I wanted to see them in a small setting. Unfortunately what are the chances of that ever happening. Well, it happened. I get a call from my sister-in-law(Sandra) who asked if I would be interested in seeing the BNL tomorrow night (Oct 19th) at 4:30pm in a private concert for family and friends. Of course I said yes and then I ask the question, "how did you get invited?" Sandra works with Bonnie who is Ed's(lead singer & the cutie) sister. Tomorrow finally arrives and 4:3opm here we are (Sandra, myself, and niece Julia and nephew Anthony) listening to BNL. Only 150/200 people in the studio, bring your own lawn chair, 50 young kids sitting in the front, and best of all the band is only 20 feet away. Of course the music was awesome. Best part, the band didn't go back stage after the concert they came out and mingled with us...AH! What a night...and I have the pictures!!!

Post Surgery

So lots of things happen after surgery. In this specific case you are in CSICU. (Cardiac Surgery Intensive Care Unit). Don't let the CSI part fool you there are no forensics going on but lots of tests are happening. One of the complications that can occur is bleeding which in this case did and was being blamed on the fact that blood thinners were being used before the surgery. Necessary as you don't want thick blood to maybe cause a heart attack or stroke but post surgery you bleed alot. Plavix supposedly takes a while to get out of the system. There was an extra day spent in the CSICU and then off to the regular ward.

Now in regular care more things can happen. Due to the extra bleeding they keep an eye on you to make sure all the fluid drains. In this case it didn't and therefore they need to put you on meds to dry you out. In the mean time it gets hard to breathe with all that stuff built up in there. Also keep an eye on those hemoglobin levels. Too low and you feel very weak and groggy. So 2 more units of blood to get those iron levels up.
Having gone through this with my mom a few times I know they get an angry/mean stage. My mom is usually a Saint but wanted to punch us all and complained about anything and everything. The nurse practioner spoke to me about this a bit today and says it partly due to hemoglobin levels, post surgery meds wearing off but also said different people heal differently and not to compare.
But how can you not. We do it with our kids. What can they do at what stage. Given there were 4 other guys that had surgery on that day you start comparing. One fellow is a smoker and is recovering quite well. Whistling, doing crosswords and showering himself. He'll leave the hospital tomorrow. We are in for a bit more of an endeavour. At least I know he is in good hands because at home this would be a overwhelming.