Last Blog Entry

Hi Everyone,
Steve is really doing extremely well - his main complaint is the extreme dizziness when he stands up due to his meds - not a good idea to run and get the phone!
On the progressing side, he's up and down stairs, walking around the neighborhood, went to a coffee shop today (with me), finally opened his computer,
baked yesterday ....
So, what a joy and privilege its been to have the support of so many family and friends. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We can now answer regular emails and can only say Go Vote tomorrow and keep your fingers crossed!
Love Melissa and Steve

home for 24 hours

Steve has been doing wonderfully. He walked around our circle at the end of the cul-de-sac twice today (the weather has been gorgeous), had his first shower. Steve says "Please don't get pissed off at how well I'm doing - I'm still recovering and can't do alot of ****(bathroom language)".
Phone calls are welcomed - if the line is busy in the afternoon, call back in an hour - its naptime.
Love to all,
Melissa

Home coming!

He's coming home early this afternoon - 4th day since surgery - yeah.
Melissa

Steve continuing in good style

Steve really hasn't had any pain which amazes me - he had discomfort getting each breath the first day when he walked (itself a feat and not usual) which he now realizes would have been greatly eased if he’d taken a pain killer – (not explained to him until the 8:30pm night nurse said it would ease the breathing). So one Darvocet that night and one the next morning and that’s been it’s for the entire recovery – and he’s not being a martyr. Its hard getting in and out of bed because of the sternum zipper (which was glued – new one on me).He’s been getting more mobility each day – walked 6 plus times yesterday, doing all his self-care, only has one drain tube left which will probably come out today, reading etc. He’s a great patient, has charmed the staff up and down and his excellent recovery has made it easier on me. A slow road ahead, we both know, but I feel so blessed that it’s going so well.

Mike left yesterday around noon after a great visit that boosted both Steve and me– Rachel has been a huge comfort to us both with her particular knowledge of hospitals and being a patient and as more importantly just her very caring self – lots of long phone calls, a beautiful card with yellow fallen poplar leaves and a message she wrote that would be good for everyone - maybe I’ll post it sometime.

Major problem right now is my lack of time and I imagine that will ease up.

Much love to all and many many thanks for the prayers, thought s, support, jokes – we feel so lucky to have it all!

Melissa

Background On the Surgery

Some background Dad wrote up before the surgery:

I just learned on Friday that I am going to have open-heart surgery on Monday. I had some exercise induced angina symptoms for the past three weeks and when I saw my PCP on Tuesday she told me to be seen very soon and (bless her heart) got me an appt on Friday Am with the specialist at AGH (Allegheny General Hospital, where I work) who had been highly recommended. He was excellent indeed in his time, manner, expertise and explanations. He sent me off for an angiogram with the expectation that they would need to put in a stent, but they discovered more than they anticipated, three arteries had narrowings, a 90%, 70% plus 80% (a double) in another, and a 50% in the third, sent me back to the room and a cardiac surgeon came by within 20 minutes and explained the situation.

Dr. Thomas Maher was recommended by the cardiologist. I am actually more content with having the surgery than a stent which I have some reservations about, but I know it's a difficult recovery. I am lucky to be a good candidate in that I don't smoke, am a hard regular exerciser, and haven't had diabetes or lung problems. It's the darn Jones family genes! I've been admitted to the hospital where I will be over the weekend and continuing on for 5-7 days after the Monday afternoon surgery 24 hours ICU after surgery (which should be about 3 hours) and then back to room. Our sweet son Michael is coming in on Sunday night and staying until Thursday AM to be with Melissa. Cards and/or emails are welcomed. Melissa will keep you all updated as we go along.

Approaching 48 Hours

Almost two days after the surgery now. Dad is still doing great, he has already walked the halls twice today. He has been tired and experienced some discomfort, so it appears he is human after all. He still says he hasn't had pain though. They say he is way way ahead on the recovery curve.

A quote from the source: "I so much appreciate all the people out there hanging in with me through this. It really makes it easier and speedier."

No Flowers, Please

Dad requests that no flowers are sent to him. Your wishes are enough, but if you want to do something, he says you could make a donation to the American Heart Assocation or the American Stroke Association.

He Walks

Dad just walked all the way down the hall, less than 24 hours after the surgery began.

A Lot of Progress - Dad is in a Normal Room!

Mom and I came into the ICU for the first visit at 10 AM today. At the end of our 30 minutes, they told us they were taking Dad out of the ICU and to his new home for the next few days.

He is as sharp as usual, and he's walked to his chair on his own a couple times. He says he is not in pain and not tired.

Dad dictated this statement to all of his fans: "Up in my room, next step is starting to walk around. Surprisingly enough, I havent really felt any pain yet, so looks good."

We are really happy things are moving so quick! He is a tough man.

last update today 8pm visit- a good one!

Our 8pm visit to the ICU was very rewarding - Steve opened his eyes while we were there, he started exploring and wiggling each finger, went on to his toes, nodded to our questions, held hands tightly and rolled his eyes and made us laugh when we told him he'd get jello for breakfast! He smiled lots as best he could with the breathing tube in his mouth, nodded that he was not in pain. They will probably take out the tube in a few hours and he'll probably be up in his room tomorrow AM by 10ish. They will get him up walking tomorrow!
Thanks for all the emails about him biking home from the hospital etc - they have kept us laughing.
Much love
Melissa

Steve Doing Well in ICU

We just had a brief visit with Steve who is still sleeping and is doing perfectly - they may be able to take out the breathing tube later tonight. Mike and I are off to eat and then back for the 8pm allowed visit and then home to sleep - we are relieved. We are also exhausted so please don't call!

We love all of you and your great support has been felt all the time and by the way, Steve's close friend here, Kevin Kelly MD has been by our side on and off all day and such been such a support, and Nancy Levine was here for which we are very thankful.

Love,
Melissa

Surgery Went Well!

The surgery is over and it went very well! No complications and they made the bypasses as planned.

He should be up in about 90 minutes and we will get to see him.

Thanks everyone for all of your love, wishes, and support.

Comments Should Work for Anyone

I changed the setting so anyone should be able to leave a comment now (it used to require an account).

Steve Jones is a rock. He's in, no news yet.

I got in last night and am here with Mom and Dad.

Dad is in surgery and was super tough before going in. He was in great spirits. Mom is doing great as well.

We are hoping to have news in the next hour or two, we'll let everyone know with another post when we do.

SAturday night - Steve note

I'm doing just fine, and the bypass is, in my mind, very much superior to the stent option. The surprise was, even to my very seasoned and experienced cardiologist, the extent and number of narrowings in my coronary arteries, and therefore bypass, as they are un-stentable. They have me stuck in the hospital till the Monday operation, but I have email access and am reviewing a manuscript.

afternoon, Saturday

So, Steve met with the doctor this Am - turns out he's an avid rower as well and I'm sure this was a great bonding for them.
I'm off to the hospital soon with blueberry pie, his own PJ's and a myriad of other things.
The surgery won't start until the afternoon on Monday.
This is my first post, a quickie, as I just wanted to get it started.
Thanks for the tons of emails of love and support.
Hugs to all,
Melissa