Tacoma to UWMC

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Saturday June 13, 2020
Chuck returned early in the morning and kept me company until the doctors arrived. 

The first doctor came in and asked a laundry list of questions to better understand my situation. He believed that the pain I was experiencing was due to costochondritis (inflammation of the cartilage in the rib cage). I predicted that it's my body signaling that something's seriously wrong. 

The cardiothoracic surgeon (CS) popped in afterward to explain how he would be requesting for a doctor at the University of Washington Medical Center, in Seattle, to accept my case because it was very complex. The CS explained that an issue was with my right subclavian artery. It should be coming off of my Brachiocephalic artery but instead it comes from my descending aorta and then over to my right arm. 
aortamy right subclavian artery

In order to have open heart surgery to repair the ascending aorta aneurysm the surgeons would need to move my right subclavian artery so it can provide adequate blood flow to my brain during surgery. 

The CS empathized with my situation and shared that he wished we would have met on a bike ride rather than in a hospital. I agreed and believe that opportunity will come soon. 

While the CS was waiting for UWMC's response a third doctor came in to share his perspective. He was certain that the aneurysm was less than the size of "normal" aneurysms that are operated on and stated, "I see no other reason to keep you here." Thankfully, we sought a second opinion. 

Tacoma

At 4pm the CS shared that UWMC would accept my case. I needed to take a COVID test and be transferred by ambulance. I supported the COVID test but asked if Chuck could drive me instead. Thankfully, he agreed! Chuck was able to leave the hospital to grab us dinner. The doctor said to not worry about any eating restrictions so I was treated to a decadent chili relleno!  

The COVID test took three hours to get a result so I had to wait in the Tacoma hospital until then. Chuck drove back to Olympia to feed the critters and pack for a possible week-long stay at UWMC. We didn't know if I would be going into surgery the next day so the doctor's suggested that I not eat or drink anything after midnight.

home

Chuck met up with our compassionate friends at home to walk them through our pet routine. He returned at 7pm to discharge me. Thankfully, the COVID test was negative so we were able to go to UWMC. We arrived at Unit 5 NE at 8pm and nurse Sara led us to our spacious room, 5242. Chuck had a cot and we could see the football stadium, trees, and Union Bay! Talk about being fortunate, UWMC had just updated their COVID policies and began letting one visitor stay the night with a patient. Chuck wouldn't be able to leave the room to walk laps on the floor with me, but at least he was able to provide me company. We were told that the cardiosurgical team would meet us in the morning. It had been a long day, but we were very grateful to be in the best care possible!

visitor pass

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