Congrats to the Women's Centre!

Congratulations to the Victoria Faulkner Women's Centre on their spectacular fundraiser at the new Starbucks downtown. It was good chatting with all of you in line, even though the press of the crowd was a bit much. I've heard that people are checking on my blog daily, so I will post a little more often, I guess.

I called the surgeon's office and again, no date has been set. The staffing shortage continues at St. Paul's and I will be called a week in advance when a date is set. Same news. So the wait continues.

Mitral valve surgery in detail

While waiting, I am reading up on the surgery I am going to have and found a great article on WebMD that goes into very great detail about the procedure.

Thanks again to all who have contacted me; it's great hearing from you.

PS I've fixed the link and changed the site so no registration page comes up; also, the new article I linked to is written in a much more friendly way

The waiting game

"Do you have a date yet?" The answer is No. I will hear from the surgeon's office one week before surgery, and will let everyone know when this happens.

I heard from the surgeon's office that I will have surgery in May earliest. A specialist staffing shortage is forcing delays in heart surgeries across the whole hospital.

It's upsetting to be told April and then to hear May, but I also know that there are very, very sick people who will still have surgery because their lives are in immediate danger; they should have surgery first. In Canada, urgency is determined by medical necessity; not deep pockets.

My condition seems stable for now, so I just need to be patient.

Your thoughts and prayers for patience continue to be gratefully accepted, and please call if you want to visit; I'm up for a cup of tea.

Thanks again ever so much for all your support.

Questions and answers about Derek

Hi there. Sharon and I have had to field a lot of the same questions, so I've decided to put everything in one place. I'll post the questions and answers here on the blog.

1) Why were you in the hospital this time?

I was having problems with my heart and was taking on a lot of water, so I went to the hospital for tests and monitoring. I'm back home now that I'm stable again, being put on new medication.

2) When is your surgery? Where is your surgery?

I do not have a date for surgery at this time. I'm booked to have surgery at St. Paul's hospital in Vancouver. Wait time is listed as a median of 7 1/2 weeks, so that means that 1/2 the patients wait less than this time, and 1/2 wait more than this time. I will probably have surgery this month. But having said that, there is no set date yet, and it will be posted when we hear.

3) When are you and Sharon going south?

Sharon and I will also post when we are going South. This date has not been set yet, because it depends on when I have surgery. Again, we will post this information.

4) Why can't you go down faster?

Basically, I have to be in a lot of heart trouble to be considered for emergency surgery. I would really prefer to go in a scheduled slot because it will be a lot smoother. We will have about a week's notice before my surgery date.

5) What can I bring you?

Right now, nothing in particular, but it would be welcome to bring a prepared meal for us after I get back to Whitehorse. We might ask for help around our house as well since I will severely limited in the amount of stuff I can do and what I can lift.

6) Can we visit?

Please call my cell at (867)334-5751 or us at home. I will get back to you if you don't reach me right away. In any case, I'll be happy to see you around resting times.


Thanks for all your concern and support. All we can do is make sure I remain stable and comfortable until we hear about a firm date for surgery.

Going back home to wait some more

Well my doctor came in to see me and since I've had a couple of quiet days and especially a quiet night, I'm being sent home noon Sunday.

Feel free to call me and Sharon to wish us well at home as the wait continues. We will post dates as soon as we know what's happening.

Thanks to everyone who visited! I appreciated the cheer and thoughtfulness you all brought.

Life changes quickly

I've gone to the doctor a bit sooner than usual because I have been short of breath and sleeping even more than usual. He decided that I should be at hospital for more tests and monitoring, so all of a sudden here I am at Whitehorse General.

Sharon and I ask that no flowers be brought, and please wait until you're better if you're not feeling well. Also don't feel obligated to visit --- I'm still sleeping a lot.
I can be reached at 393 8860 and am in rm 2123A.

Thanks!