Mom's appointment

We got up bright and early this morning for our 1 1/2-2 hour trip to Des Moines for Mom's appointment with the vascular surgeon. I learned that I am grateful that I live in the city and don't have to drive so far for things we all take for granted! Anyway, the appointment went very well. Her previous surgery was a success and he is quite pleased with the blood flow Mom has to her feet now. We also learned that her bloodwork was all good and she will be having her carotid endarterectomy tomorrow as planned. Mom isn't too happy about it as she is quite nervous. Who wouldn't be? This surgeon is only 1 out of a handful that does this surgery while the patient is awake. That is the part that scares Mom so much. His reasoning is quite understandable. He says that if he has the patient awake he is able to detect any mental deficiencies as they arise, if they happen to, and can correct it right then versus waiting an hour for the patient to wake up, only to learn something didn't go right and then it's too late to fix. He is a very nice doctor and gave Mom a hug before we left. Not many would do that! I talked him into some medication to help her rest tonight so she won't be so anxious. I'm praying it works and don't wake up to find that she has skipped the country!

Please keep her and the rest of our family in your prayers. We leave bright and early tomorrow morning (around 5:30a) so she can be checked into the hospital by 8a and the surgery will be at 10. He said it will take about an hour to do. She will also have to stay in the ICU overnight as a precaution so the nurses can keep a closer eye on her to make sure there are no complications, so I won't be posting on my blog or Facebook tomorrow. Maybe Scott can post on my blog and on Facebook to keep everyone updated.