Here we go again......

So let me preface this post by updating those that don't know, Amy was admitted to the hospital Thursday night due to some elevated kidney levels. Her MD told her that it would be likely she would be home by Monday and then get to spend the rest of the week at home, to celebrate our upcoming 5 year anniversary, and then back in the hospital to wait for a heart.

Friday started like any other day, other than the fact that Amy is usually here. But I got to work so I could get some work done before heading back home to take the dog out and meet my sister. We were going to head down to the city to visit Amy and then to a concert that my sister wanted to take me for my birthday. All of a sudden I received a text.............

Friday Aug 26th 10:50 am - Amy: Do you have a sec to talk??

Ed : Of course. Everything okay? You're scaring me now.

My phone rings to a very sad and down voice. I could tell that this wasn't going to be a good call. I can't recall everything that she said, but the one thing that resonated was, "I'm in here until I get a new heart." Now, the only word that I could recall going through my head was a four letter word that I'd rather not say. Hint: It begins with an F and ends with a K. The MDs advised that her potassium levels were low, her kidney function was still bad, and she is retaining water weight. The potassium level is the scariest of the bunch. Low potassium could mean that her heart could all of a sudden go into a bad rhythm. This wouldn't seem like too big of an issue for most people, but due to her state, it could be the difference between life and death. Yes, death. If she goes into a bad rhythm she does not have much chance of survival. It's a bit harsh for me to say that, but that's the reality of her current situation. Thankfully, after a long IV of potassium, her levels are steady. The next steps are going to be to help her with her kidney function as well as getting some of the water weight off.

The night ended with her finally, after waiting all day, going into surgery for a right heart cath as well as the potential of having a balloon pump installed or a PIC line. Amy was animate that she wanted a PIC over a balloon pump. If you want to know what a balloon pump is, don't even think about Googleing it. The info you'll find online is scary and terrifying. It basically assists the heart in pumping blood, thats all that you need to know. If her pressures of her heart were not good, then she's get the pump. Thankfully, her pressures are good, so all she got was the PIC line. I'm telling you, heads would roll if they gave her that pump. Ask one of her former doctors what the Wrath of Amy is all about!!

Got a text from her dad when I finally got home tonight. "Cath done. Did not install pump just the swan. Went quickly. Amy happy. So far so good" So, that's where we stand as of now. Came home to an empty house aside from Lolla staring out the window looking for her mom. It's funny how she knows that something is up. I can see that same sad look on her face like she thinks that Amy will be home at any minute. The spot that Amy always sits in is empty, her half of the bed is cold, and her car will remain in the garage until she is well enough to drive. Will it be a few weeks this time? A month? Three months? Hopefully not any longer than the last time. Though I feel like I'm being selfish as someone is going to die so I can spend the rest of my life with my wife. But here we are again. It has the same familiar feeling as the last time, though I feel I'm a bit more prepared this time, but still not ready for this to begin.

As always, thank you all for your continued support, good vibes, prayers, etc. Special thanks to The Lannings for being with Amy when I cannot. I owe them a great deal for being with Amy while I attend to matters at home and work. Also, thank you to the Ronald McDonald House for being able to use their facilities during all this. It's a great help and an amazing charity!