Feb 8th 2012 ZAP's rehab

After another TEE test and CT scan (done here in PNW), Zap has finally been approved by the doctors at the Mayo Clinic for the procedure to dilate and stent his right pulmonary veins.  If all goes well, things should be getting back to normal (whatever that is anymore!) by the middle of August.  Wish him luck!  More details at www.caringbridge.org/visit/zapski .

Zap and Jill

Best of luck and speedy recovery to both Zap and Rippy . Personally I'm looking forward to a resumption of my technique lessons.

Zap's procedure at the Mayo Clinic was a success!  We can't tell you how good this feels.  

See the following for details: www.caringbridge.org/visit/zapski/journal .

Splendid.
Rock on.

It’s been 6 months since his lung surgery and stroke in February and 3 months since we found out what the real problem was in May.  After the successful trip and surgery in MN last month, Zap and I now feel that it’s time to end this thread.   I’m talking fairly well, but if things get too crazy and jumbled, I just say that I’ve had a stroke...  After the stroke I could only ski very cautiously, but after the surgery in July, I’ve begun to train again and hope to get more comfortable with my skiing as I get stronger.

There is only one solution, i.e. the procedure done at the Mayo Clinic, and there is a 50% chance of re-narrowing.  So we/they will watch it closely.  In 3 months I will have to get a follow-up test and if all goes well another test at the one year point; otherwise we go back to Mayo for a repeat procedure.  The surgeons at Mayo, my cardiologist and pulmonologist in Bellevue, and my rehab therapists at Evergreen all tell me I’m their star patient and am ready to go it on my own.  My two doctors in Bellevue are both backcountry and downhill skiers, so that is good.  I have many positive thoughts about my condition and my progress and a very positive outlook.  I’m looking forward to doing ‘normal’ trip reports this fall! 

We want to thank you all for your support and encouragement.

Zap and Jill

Rock on, Zap.
I'm really pleased with your recovery. Way to get it done.
Looking to seeing you and Jill soon.