FLASHBACK FRIDAY On Saturday – Originally written on March 19, 2014 by Garry Armstrong. Update by Marilyn.

Not all flashbacks are fun to read or remember. Eight years ago, I was in Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital trying to stay alive. Garry was holding the fort. I was attached to more tubes and wires than I knew could be attached to one human body. And yet, I’m here. I often wonder how come I’m here when I’ve been so close to dead multiple times. Why me? Why did I survive when so many others have died? There are no answers for questions like this.

Good news, bad news day. Good news: Marilyn’s chest tube was removed today and her breathing initially was improved. Her spirits were higher and the pain was down to maybe a 6 out of ten when we arrived at Beth Israel’s Cardiac Care ICU this afternoon. Contrary to last night’s blog,

Doctors increased the sedatives after we left when Marilyn’s pain level was at a 9 plus out of 10. Maybe they were just fooling with an old reporter. As the afternoon progressed, Marilyn’s condition deteriorated. Breathing became more difficult and the pain increased. She has a touch of pneumonia, two collapsed lungs and is still attached to an external pacemaker. Doctors think they may have to implant a pacemaker if Marilyn’s heart doesn’t perform more strongly in the next 48 hours.

One light note: we were having a “Hawk-Eye Pierce” discussion of the hospital food at one point. The veggie burger was described as some “brown thing”. Almost on cue, the nurse came in and asked if Marilyn was ready to order dinner. Everyone –including Marilyn — burst into a fit of giggles.

Here’s hoping tomorrow’s news is better.

Garry

Categories: #Health, Heart, Hospital, Medical

Tags: Flashback Friday on a Saturday, Garry Armstrong, heart surgery, Marilyn Armstrong, Marilyn update, medical