My "Middle-Aged Dad," convicted and sentenced

When I picked Daddy up this morning, he joked that he felt like he "had been convicted and was going for sentencing." Actually, I think all and all the news was good. The cardiologist said that he wanted Daddy to see the surgeon to discuss plans to replace the aortic valve and have a couple of the previous bypasses reworked. He said to continue taking it very easy. He had my dad make an appointment for 6 weeks away and said that would be after his surgery. When Daddy asked "How much of a factor is it that I'm 10 years older this time?" Dr. Hermer responded, "It's a fact, not a factor. You are in good shape, Carl. You are in very good health, Carl. When considering surgery, a person's chronological age is not as important as their physiological age. You are middle-aged physiologically."

Of course, the surgeon was out of his office for the new year. Monday, my dad will call that office and be scheduled. Dr. Hermer called himself to get that ball rolling quickly.

Daddy's surgeon is Dr. Bethencourt. He preformed the bypass 10 years ago. Bethencourt has since gone into extreme specialty and is "very cutting edge." (Dr. Hermer's words) He is frequently featured in hospital publications for amazing accomplishments such as in-utero heart repair and less invasive robotic procedures. Bethencourt has partners that perform routine bypass and valve repair. Hermer has insisted that Bethencourt, not a partner, do Daddy's surgery. He said, "If I was having heart surgery, I'd want him and want him for you too."