It almost felt like Old Home Week when Nyel was wheeled into the cardiac ward at Emanuel Hospital yesterday.  So many familiar faces and friendly smiles and nurses and technicians who remember him from previous stays!  Even Nestor, the Food Service Assistant who takes meal orders, popped in to say “hello” and recommended Nyel have the blueberry muffins with his breakfast coffee.

The preliminary pokes and prods seemed, sadly, almost routine.  Even the ‘procedure,’ itself – another angiogram – was territory well-traveled.  This time, though, Nyel was conscious throughout, breathing on his own, listening to what was going on, but medicated enough so he was pain-free and, afterwards, couldn’t remember just why they chose not to put him under.

They found no surprises – just a good deal of fluid in/around the heart which happens with those who suffer from chronic congestive heart failure.  Now – massive amounts of diuretics all the while keeping a close watch on kidney function and perhaps another angiogram in a few days to see how his heart is responding.  And then there’s that leaky mitral valve.  Maybe it will require attention while we are here, too.

We were pleased to find that Nyel’s cardiologist is on duty here at the hospital this weekend.  That seems like an extra bonus.  He is incredibly patient with all of our questions – some, the same ones we’ve asked before, no doubt.  The heart is complicated.  Thank goodness for all the expertise surrounding us!  And the kindness.  There are lots of places we’d rather be right now, but given the circumstances we feel fortunate, indeed, to be right here.