Professor Jay has been having pains in the chest for many months, and lately his fingers were tingling and numb. As usual, Professor Jay wanted to keep touring, teaching Small Circle Jujitsu and didn't want to worry anyone. But after getting an examination, it was essential that he have heart surgery immediately.
On Monday July 13, Professor Jay had an appointment for an examination and an angioplasty performed. They revealed that 4-5 coronary arteries were severely blocked and would require at least a quadrupal coronary bi pass! His heart luckly had no damage and is strong. An operation was scheduled for the next day, Tuesday.
On Tuesday July 14, he went to Saint Mary's Hospital a triple coronary bi pass operation was successfully performed that took care of all the blockage. Professor was in intensive care for the rest of the day, but excellent shape (especially for an 81 year old!). There was some bleeding, but that is normal.
On Wednesday July 15, Professor awoke after a long sleep and felt (relatively) great. He was moved out of intensive care. All day he ate everything they gave him and talking up a storm. Bernice says he must be making up for not being able to talk for almost a day. Basically, he is doing extremely well, and is well on his way to recovery (much to everyone's relief). All those prayers and good vibes people have sent have paid off (and Bernice bugging Wally to take his vitamins all these years).
On Saturday July 18, Professor was allowed to go home (3 days early) because he was doing well (and really wanted out of the hospital). However, he started having chest pains later in the day. He went to Alameda hospital and they said he should go to Kaiser Hospital to be checked out.
On Sunday July 19, Professor was admitted to Kaiser Hospital in Oakland. They determined that he was having internal bleeding and fluids leaking into his chest cavity. It was looking dangerous, and he was under observation all night, with Bernice at his side. It kept getting worse and was getting pretty scary.
On Monday July 20, In the morning, his chest cavity was 50% full of fluids, which they drained. After some sleep and recovery, he was feeling better later in the day. In fact, he was singing. What a stud!
Since then he has been doing better, but is still having trouble sleeping, because it's tough to breath and is having some pain (which is normal).
On Thursday August 6, Professor hadn't been sleeping for a few days because he's had trouble breathing and was admitted to Kaiser Hospital. There was more liquid in his lung cavity due, which they drained. He required more blood, so any blood donnations would still be helpful.
On Friday August 7 (evening), Professor was allowed to go back home. He is resting and doing a bit better.
As of Wednesday October 14, Professor is doing quite well considering what he's been through at his age. Nothing noteworthy has happened since he came home on August 7th. He has gone in for tests and some minor proceedures at various times. It's been a bit up and down, but overall he was been slowly and steadly getting better, stronger and more active. He won't be ready for prime time for a while. But he has been coming downstairs to his home dojo to watch the regular classes. He's getting more and more anxious to get on the mat, but we have been keeping him off (especially Mrs. Jay), so he can fully recover. It's tough for someone who has been so active for so long, to be kept down. He really loves to be on the mat to teach. Let's all hope that that will be soon.
February 7, 1999, it seems that the new year is being very kind to Professor Jay. His recovery is really coming along now. He is really getting his strength back. In fact, his doctor said he can get back on the mat!!!! Well, if he's careful and takes it really easy. So, no seminars yet. Two weekends ago he did get on the mat, at Professor Cahills dojo in San Bruno, CA and help some students with some techniques. Mrs. Jay was worried, but he was fine. He will be starting to travel a bit again, but this will be very limited and must be kept at an easy pace. He is going to Hawaii this month to visit and will be starting to think about other travelling soon. Please don't bother him with requests, as he will not be able to travel much this year. He will contact people when he is ready to get out more.
April 7, 1999, Professor Jay's health keeps improving. He has been back on the mat more teaching at his dojo in Alameda. Professor is planning on some travelling seminars this year, but does not want to over do it. See the latest schedule on our website for upcoming events. Remember that his attendance is still not 100% guarenteed, so if he has to regretfully cancel at the last minute due to his health, please understand.
September
1, 1999, Professor Jay has been more tired lately and is undergoing more testing to make
sure everything is OK. His doctor recommended he doesn't do extended travel, so he may
have to cancel some trips for the remainder of the year. This will unfortunetly be on a
wait and see basis. Make sure you contact the event contact (listed on our news and events page) to make sure the event is still on, as this
may change even at the last minute.
If you would like to, send cards/letters to:
Professor Wally Jay
2055 Eagle Avenue
Alameda, CA 94501
This page was developed and is maintained by Robert Gale for Professor Jay.
Email: RobGale@SmallCircleJujitsu.com