Amazing Staff

And now for a real update... It's Saturday morning about 11am. Scotty is doing great as far as vital signs and all that go. As is typical in the first days after big surgery, they are trying to get him up walking and, frankly, tooting, to get all the pipes working again. He's got a bit of pain and discomfort which is normal, so he's still taking pain meds. Family, remember the famous story about a sleepy young Scotty falling asleep face first in his mashed potatoes? Well, he's out like a light most of the time. They plan to ease up on the drugs a bit today so he can ambulate. (Jeff, that means "walk around".) Walking will help him clear his lungs and his bowels, which I'm sorry I'm not going to be here for.

He did about 4 laps around the hallways yesterday and here's a shot of Scotty rounding the far turn with his buddy Kelly. Also pictured are a few of the AMAZING PEOPLE here. I have to give a big shout out to the folks at Baylor's new heart hospital. From top to bottom, everyone here has been so caring and friendly. The facility is beautiful and Scotty is in exceptional hands (and that's not just another thinly veiled sponge-bath reference.
I'll be heading back to Baltimore soon and frankly running out of hospital jokes. I'm recruiting for other contributors to the blog. Anyone interested in helping me keep up the Baylor Banter is urged to apply by emailing me at SHTICKshift@baylorhelth.com

Cool Scar!

Until now, we've focused on the light and positive aspects of this experience. After all, he's doing great. But, for those of you out there who want gory details, the photo below is for you. WARNING: THIS IS NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART! (YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!)

Hooters Girls Hospital Auxiliary Team

In a slefless act of kindness, Scotty's pal David Silver, at great personal risk, obtained a pair of autographed Hooters menus for Scotty. David's wife Pam is clearly proud of her husband's sacrifice.

Scotty is the king of the tough guys, but we finally convinced him to take some of the edge off. This first shot is sent to us from Scotty's little "vacation" (morphine and zanax).

Scotty has had a couple of visitors. Uncle Jeff swung by and was asked to leave when he hopped into an empty bed and kept asking for a sponge bath. Old pal Dave Ripner stopped by and brought Scotty what every recovering heart patient needs: hockey tickets. (It's rumored that after David's wife endured a 36 hour labor and delivered their second child, he gave her tickets to the WWE Smackdown.) Here is a shot of Scotty and Mr. Thoughtful.

Almost 7 am. Scotty had a bath a while ago and has moved over to the chair. A brief over-indulgence in ice chips led to a bit of nausea but a dose of Zofran seems to have it under control. (Don't mess with the Zofran!) Dr Ryan should be by in a while to check on him. The goofy drugs have now worn off and he's more aware and awake and just trying to get comfortable among the sea of tubes and wires. The nurse just informed us that several of those will be coming out today. He's having a popsicle now and that seems to be helping.

It's just after midnight. Scotty and I are hanging out in his luxurious hospital suite. He's savoring some ice chips with a mild cranberry juice infusion for taste. He wants everyone to know he loves your comments. In case you're wondering, all of his Wizard of Oz references are an homage to the Tin Man's quest for a heart. Earlier this evening they had him sitting up in a chair and he ate two popsicles. (For the record, I had pollo tampico and a couple of Newcastle's.) Anyhow, he's much more alert now but making a valiant effort to sleep it off.

The staff here at Baylor's new Plano Heart hospital are amazing! I want to go downstairs the the cutely named "Heart Rock Cafe" tomorrow and order a couple of bacon cheeseburgers just so I can experience the magic.

This concludes our broadcast day. Glenn signing off...

The docs said Scotty's bloodwork came back looking great. So, after "hittin' the pipe", he's gettin' his nap on.