Kirk Donegan Kirk's Kind Heart

As many of you know, Kirk had a heart attack just about 6 years ago and had 2 stents put in. Lately he has had chest pains, so we found ourselves at Yale on December 18th for what we thought would be a catheterization and more stents done. During the catheterization they found the two original stents were functioning fine however putting in the new stent would compromise the existing ones. So, the decision was made that the best steps forward would be a triple bypass. Within an hour we had the scheduled date for the surgery, January 10th and we need to be at the hospital at 7:00am.

Between December 18th to today it has been a rollercoaster of emotions, depth conversations, laughs – even some tears shed due to the unknown, possible pain suffered (even more so when it is someone that means so much to you) during the recovery process which they are saying 6 – 8 weeks and in the meantime no stress, straining or lifting anything heavier than a gallon of milk. So as the days progressed, taking down the Christmas decorations earlier than usual, making lists of anything we needed to take care of prior to the surgery just in order to know it would make things easier once Kirk gets back home, also a list of questions for the surgeon about the surgery and the recovery process. Medical insurance, disability insurance, pre-op appointments, finding someone to plow the driveway if it snows, purchase of a recliner that lifts, rearranging furniture in the family room to place the recliner (which really threw Jed off for a few hours – just constantly roaming in cycles for a few hours). Lining up care for Jed due to the expected long hours in the hospital during the first few days.

The staff at Yale has been tremendous during this process, we had a meeting with the surgeon and the surgical nurse for an hour and a half. Going over the process, expectations during the surgery, post- surgery, both Kirk and I felt comfortable with the doctor, but still your mind is always processing. You list and do as much as you both can yet you still feel like you are forgetting something. At the end of everyday during this time we have found ourselves exhausted – and various time running on adrenaline.

We have had amazing support of our families, friends, co-workers and neighbors. Kirk even got a get-well card from the insurance company with a tote of personal items such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash and soap to take to the hospital.

Kirk will be off the grid for a number days post-surgery, without cell phone or iPad.

We appreciate any positive thoughts, strength and prayers being sent our way.

We will keep you posted during the recovery process.

If you like you may also send any cards to our home at:

150 Cranberry Lane
Cheshire, CT 06410

Thank you,

Tony