Health Update II

My mother-in-law, Iris Weis, came close to death yesterday when for some unknown reason her blood pressure dropped almost to zero. It might have been because of a change in medication. The doctors were able to get her on an external pace-maker that was inserted through one of her arteries. She stabilized and got much better. The doctor also reported to the family (not to Iris) that she had a minor stroke that has affected her right side. I'm not sure when she may have had the stroke. He believes that with physical therapy she should recover complete use of her arm and leg. Last Thursday evening, I believe, after several days with a tube in a throat the respirator was removed and Iris could talk again. She really hated that part of the recovery. Thank you for your concern for her.
David H.

Health Update

I wanted to give an update on the health of my mother-in-law, Iris Weis. Iris is 81 years old and on Monday, August 13th she had tripple by-pass heart surgery. Also during that operation it was discovered that a valve to her heart was completely clogged, so she received an artificial valve. The doctors decided that the valve should be repaired since Iris is such an active person. She does a great deal of sewing for people, teaches line-dancing and works as a volunteer at the Madera Community Hospital. Because she has been taking baby aspirin for years and has recently been on Plavix, the bleeding was difficult to stop at the end of the surgery. It took a micro-drop of medicine to do it...the cost = $10,000! Presently she is still on a respirator which means having a tube down her throat. She really hates that part of the recovery, but it's necessary. Perhaps today (Wed., Aug. 15) she will be taken off of it and can breathe on her own.
David H.