AN AFFAIR OF THE HEART...

For the better part of a month, I've been dealing with significant health issues due to a blood infection that has allowed vegetation to form on my aortic valve. This is known as aortic valve infective endocarditis, a life-threatening inflammation where bacteria or fungi attach to the valve, causing growths that can destroy the tissue. It requires immediate and vigorous treatment with intravenous antibiotics (and frequently ends with heart surgery to repair or replace the damaged valve).

Despite daily 24/7 infusions of antibiotics for nearly 3 weeks, my valve has not responded positively and has become too dangerous allowing blood and bacteria to leak into into my brain from time to time. This has seriously increased the risk of additional strokes and bleeding.

Additionally, having "AFIB" I was on on blood thinners until 3 weeks ago to avoid possible strokes. Most of you know, surgery is not preferred on a patient until any blood thinner has been discontinued for 6 weeks. My doctors at the University of Iowa think the valve issue is too risky to wait an additional 3 weeks to replace. Therefore, I'm scheduled to go under the knife at 7:30am Monday, with the surgery expected to take up to 14 hours.

Adding unwanted drama to the situation, are tests showing I have two blocked arteries that need bypass surgery. So, Monday is the trifecta with aortic valve surgery as well as the double bypass. My medical team tells me that inherantly this surgery has significant risks which it will do all it can to minimize. Knowing that, with so much support and your heartfelt prayers, I intend to come out of this standing tall. Thank you all for the strength you have summoned in me to meet the challenge.

Please note, during and a few days after surgery, I will not have the energy to work the site as hard as I typically would. In fact, there may be days where I can't even produce a post. When possible, I will try and get Nick involved, but he has a very busy schedule at NASA and may not be available. At the very least, I will have Carolyn post updates on my progress for those interested. Bless you all and roll weather...TS