We're home!

We are home and everything is fine! They started the TEE this morning around 8:30 and that didn't take long at all. Then they wheeled Richard up to the 4th floor and did the heart catheterization on the right side. Since it was on the right side, they went through a vein and not an artery, which is A LOT better. All of that was done around 10:30 and we were released at 12:30. Richard was awake during both procedures and was just given a sedative because he was so nervous! :)

All tests came back perfect. Richard's heart is not compromised by his condition. All of the pressures were fine. Dr. Zeineddin recommends that Richard see a colleague of his at North Austin Medical Center that specializes more in PFO's. We'll make an appt. with him and go from there. Surgery to repair what Richard has is fairly easy and doesn't require any incision. He'll have an overnight stay or if it's done early enough in the morning, then he might get to go home that evening. From what I gather, they'll go in and put in an "umbrella-like" mechanism that will reinforce the septum. This is the best explanation that I've found thus far:

www.stcardiology.com/patients/services/pfo_education_frame.html

The hearts cells will grow over the device and the wall will be formed. Cool, isn't it?

Thanks for all of your prayers. I know that they helped so much. Richard is sitting on the recliner taking it easy while watching TV and messing with the laptop. ;)

Have a great weekend! I'll keep you all posted on the next step that we take with this!

Love to all!