Barry 3 weeks post procedure update!

Hi all,
It's been 3 weeks today since our lives dramatically and suddenly changed!  Barry's angio-stent procedure was 3 weeks ago and it's awesome to be this far along in recovery.  He is feeling stronger and better every day.  He's been able to do a little work (mostly office, phone and even a small fence repair).  He's walking further.  The cold still affects him pretty strongly so longer walks at night are a challenge.  His doctor told him he could have decaf!  Yay!  He's doing well on limited fat and salt but really missed coffee!

Tuesday was his first appt with his cardiologist.  It's the same one he saw when they brought him to emergency.  We are really pleased with him.  He and Barry have a great rapport.  He listened to Barry's heart and felt it sounded really strong!  YAY!  He also showed us bits and pieces of the procedure they did to repair the artery.  The first image/video he pointed out, appeared to be missing the main artery on the front of the heart (at least from just past the blockage you couldn't even see it)!  Then he showed us the process they went through of expanding the artery and clearing out the blockage.  It was amazing to know that was Barry's actual heart we were looking at, not a re-enactment or documentary of a similar case.  It was really him!  Once they had finished the procedure he showed us that the artery was now visible and blood was flowing again as it should through the artery!

We don't know how much of the heart was damaged.  When the first echo was done before he was rushed to the ER, the whole front of his heart was not moving.  That's when the Dr. and the team literally RAN him over in a wheelchair to the ER and waiting heart team.  On the 27th of December, he'll get another echocardiogram and they will hopefully see if his heart has healed or how much tissue was destroyed by the lack of blood flow and the myocardial infarction he suffered.  Our prayer (yours are welcome and appreciated!) is that the heart was only badly stunned and will have healed by this appt or at least show great progress toward that end.  Each night I ask God to bring into Barry's body a heart like the one "seated with Christ in the heavenlies," one that is perfect!  The theology of this might be a little fuzzy but I know God knows exactly what I'm asking for and will do his will in restoring Barry exactly according to God's plan.  We have many examples of people pleading with God for something they long for.  I'm leaving this in God's hands but asking for miracles too!

Each of us and our many friends express daily many times how happy we are to have Barry with us!  Thanks to all of you for the prayers!  Please continue!

terri for all of us Renfros (especially Barry!)