Jim was discharged from the the UCSD Sulpizio Cardiac Unit on Wednesday and we flew home immediately that night.  It was a very long day for our patient, but just getting home was so awesome! 

Most PTE surgery patients stay in the hospital for an average of 11 days post surgery but Jim was discharged 8 days after surgery.  One of the youngest patients there that we met was a girl named Kailey from San Antonio - she was 20 years old and was discharged at 6 days post op.  I think Jim thought he was in his 20's with his rapid recuperation!  If you've always wanted to see what blood clots look like coming out of the lungs, I've posted a pic of Jim's clots.  It's now very apparent why he struggled to breath for the last year!  This surgery is actually a "cure", so once recovery is complete, Jim should be able to resume his life better than ever!

Now that we're home, every day is getting better for Jim.  He was told to expect 'not so good days' along with the 'good days' during his 2-month recovery period. 

Thanks again to everyone supporting Jim and our family.  As we get ready to celebrate Thanksgiving, we will be thanking God for the gift of life as Jim has been given this gift in the form of PTE surgery!