I waited til I had some good news before sharing this with my friends here.
Thursday I had an echo cardiogram that revealed the fluid around my heart had increased considerably. (Pericardial effusion).
Doctor said it had to be drained and that we should not wait. He called the surgeon who did my bypass and he agreed to do the job today, Friday.
I got to the O. R. about noon and an hour later woke up with a tube in the periocardal sac. They made an incision in my chest and drained 400 CCS of fluid. Since then about 400 more has drained.
I am having a lot of pain, but they have pretty good drugs here.
Hope to get out In a few days, after they take the tube out.

All the best for a speedy recovery, Don.

Get well soon..speedy recovery Don.

Don,

Wishing you a speedy recovery.

I am sure your are in good hands.


Ron, in Florida

Sorry to hear about the complications but hope it's only a temporary setback. Here's hoping for a speedy recovery.

chas

Once again a chance to pray for you! I know God is able, and will Help you. You are valuable to us Don!

Best wishes to you my friend.

Hi Don,

I hope your health issues are soon resolved.

As Gary often says, "Gettin' old ain't for sissies."

But, I figure, not gettin' old isn't a very good alternative.

Best wishes,

Ian of The North

Don,

Wishing you the best for a speedy recovery!

Praying for you, Don!

I have been and will continue to pray that the Lord will uphold you in these trying circumstances and see you through to full recovery.

God Bless,
Don

Don,

Seems some times it's just one damned thing after another doesn't it!

Just get better and get out of that hospital as soon as you can.

Bill G

Thanks for keeping us, your friends, informed. We all wish you the best.....and Susan too!
Eddie

Get out of that damned hospital before those damned doctors kill ya!

Get well soon old friend,

Gary

Hi Don:

I hope you delayed your tee time for a couple of days. Here's hoping and praying for a fast recovery. Meanwhile, coast as much as you can and leave those nurses alone!

All the best,

Dave Rice

Don ... once again we are praying for your full and rapid recovery ...

Thanks guys. Very sore but doing some walking. Chest tube is still in. Nurses are wonderful. It's great to hear from you. " I'll be here all week!". As they say in nightclubs. I appreciate all good thoughts and prayers.

Get well fellow Synth-Zoner. Enjoy the service while it last.

God Bless and watch over you. Lloyd

I've heard from avoiding unwanted calls, but this is REDICULOUS!

Get well, so we can "give em hell" together!


Russ

Take care Don. Glenda and I are thinking of you.

Deane

Thinking of you and praying for you Don .

Thanks friends. Your words and prayers are so comforting. I feel as if it is going well.
I really think of us as family almost. Sorry to be so sentimental.

Don, hope you get better real soon. Enjoy those pretty nurses

Keep the spirits up and despite what Gary says listen to the Doctors !
Get well soon !

I do believe that there are more than a couple of us who are still around thanks to the skill and expertise of doctors ...
While some have made mistakes - they are human after all, and most of what they determine is based on what WE tell THEM - I am happy with the ones who have treated me ...

But, back to the OT, I am glad that you are doing better, Don ...

Us old guys are getting our a*see kicked lately. I'm still in hospital but will be praying for you.

You are like family to us all Don. Get better soon.

Don,

All that I might say has already been said I guess. Still a thought for you from far away

wishing you a speedy recovery,

John Smies

Just now saw this! Get well soon Don, Emma Lee and I are thinking about you and send our prayers.

Don, my best to you, Susan, and the boys and ditto to everything said above. Drew may leave the hospital Thursday. Maybe then he'll get some rest.

Yes! Doctor just removed the drain tube. Seems to be no infection and that the effusion was from trauma of the original bypass surgery.
I may go home today or tomorrow.
Thanks for all the prayers and well wishes.

Two thumbs up!

Praise God, praying for quick healing now, and no recurrence!

Way to go Don! :-)

Bill G

Going home at 1:00 today! My heart has weakened but medicine, exercise and more weight loss is the plan.

Get well Don
.....prayin for ya!

Go to it, Don ... soon you will be 'rockin' the house' again ...

I got out on monday- now we're couch buddies instead of hospital buddies. You will remain on my prayer list.

Whew !!!!!!!!!!!!!! That was a close one.....

The "Big Don " is back in the house. Whoopee !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Don:

Great to hear you are doing well. I recently had some health issues myself and my prayers and those of my family were answered.
As a result I wrote this work with my Motif and Tyros:

A Thankful Prayer

Joe,

Give thanks indeed! That was a beautiful and prayerful piece of music.

God Bless,
Don

Love the song Joe! Thanks for sharing and I'm glad you are doing better.
I'm still fighting it a little. Will know more after next Dr. appointment in a few days.

I got good news from the doctor. My echo looked good and my heart seems to be pumping somewhat better now.
I'll be on lasix for quite a while and also doing a round of steroids.
I wanted to just give this update and again thank everyone for your support.

Good on ya, Don.

Great news, Don.

chas

Wonderful news Don...I am glad you are on the mend...stay healthy.

Ian