Rich_in_IL

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kathy B. 20 years, 6 months ago

Richard, just saw your new pic....holy CRAP!! no one would ever recognize you:) Youre just doing a fantastic job...keep it up!

Rich_in_IL 21 years, 8 months ago

I'm just updating here to clear up any possible confusion. I spent my first day post-op in the ICU department at Evanston Northwestern Hospital, but NOT because I needed to be there. There were some space screw-ups and transit difficulties (broken elevators!), but there was NO clinical reason for me to not be in a standard room. That being said, the care I got in ICU was outstanding!! My nurses, Hannah and Christine, were fantastic . . . attentive, supportive and challenging; just what you'd want.

gerardlovesjoy 21 years, 9 months ago

Hi Richard, Just got through reading your profile. I am so happy you were able to get your surgery! I am also glad to hear you are doing well. 20 lbs :) that is great! I am having surgery with Dr. Frantzides on August 31st and love reading his other patients profiles with all of the good things said about him! Regards, Joy 382lb/61 BMI

kathy B. 21 years, 9 months ago

Richard, You're doing GREAT!!! Keep up the great work, and always feel free to call me!!! Kathy

Rich_in_IL 21 years, 9 months ago

Well, I made it. Surgery began about 7:45 am. It ran a bit long, until about noon, for a couple reasons. First Dr. F. removed my gall bladder. This was planned. Second, he had to work around a LOT of scar tissue from an apparently not-very-tidy appendectomy from way back in 1981. I'm sure most other doctors would have gone to an open procedure. Chalk up another "saved" lap procedure for Dr. Frantzides. I spent WAY too long in recovery (around 6 hours). First my anesthesiologist and Dr. F. could not agree on where to send me, and apparently could not agree to disagree. Then there was a broken elevator, then a room that wasn't ready, etc., etc. Anyway, I finally got up to my room in ICU, and it was pretty much smooth sailing from there. Special thanks to Kathy Bryant, my angel, for sticking with it even when there was very little news, and the news there WAS seemed bad. Thanks also of course, to my wife Lorie, who was being sent all over the hospital, getting very little info, and wondering what was taking so long the whole time. Just to repeat . . . the surgery ran a little long, but it went great and my recover was uneventful. Getting a room however . . . now that's another story. Thank you ALL for checking in here and adding your good wishes. It was wonderful knowing so many people were pulling for me. Now I begin the journey to Loserville.

Jeff F. 21 years, 9 months ago

Glad to hear Richard is doing good. Richard it will be no time until you are up and around I had my surgery last wednesday and by Friday I felt like myself(minus the pizza and the cheeseburgers)but that is geting better. Post soon and update us. Jeff Flanzbaum

kathy B. 21 years, 9 months ago

Hi everyone!! Great news:) Richard is doing GREAT!!! I spoke with him this afternoon and he sounded like a million bucks!! Apparently, he was in ICU not for health reasons..but logistical reasons!! What a way to spend your first day post op! Anyway, he passed his leak test, although he was having some discomfort that KarenT suggested might be from the gastrograph stuff...the swallow-y stuff from the leak test. He is in GREAT spirits, and was very complimentary of the nurses that were caring for him. He's off to a great start!! Congrats, Richard and Lorie!! Now the real fun begins!!!

Sharon S. 21 years, 9 months ago

Thanks for the update,Mrs. Richard B! It's great to hear that he is up and around. The first few days are the hardest, but it sounds like you have everything under control. I'll keep you both in my thoughts and prayers. I hope Rich has a quick and smooth recovery and that everything goes well for you both. Hugs, Sharon

Rich_in_IL 21 years, 9 months ago

Hi, it's Lorie the wife with a little more info, since our Angelic Kathy couldn't get much on the phone. It was a long day at the hospital, but Rich is doing very well now. There were some complications with his surgery which made it last a few hours longer than expected, and then he spent an inordinate amount of time in recovery while various people argued about where he should spent tonight. They finally reached concensus, but then a broken elevator changed everything. But he's settled in a room now, was up and walking around twice while I was there to nag him, and has a very nice overnight nurse tonight who promised to get him walking at 11, too. We both want to thank you all for your thoughts and prayers, they really helped keep Rich's spirits up today as the painkilling drugs wore off. Thanks!

kathy B. 21 years, 9 months ago

Just got off the phone with NW Hosp. The nurse in recovery was not very helpful, but she FINALLY said Richard made it through his surgery. That is all she said. He was the 1st surgery of the day (according to this nurse) and is still in recovery. Please keep Richard and his wife in your prayers. Will update again if I find out anything else.