This
page will track Captain Richard Henline's recovery
and return to command of the U.S.S. Kelly.
Cards & Letters for Captain Henline may be sent to:
Richard
Henline
5951 W Westbench Cir
Kearns UT 84118
BACKGROUND
On April 21, 2008 after returning from the Topaz Mountain expedition Captain Henline experienced breathing trouble. Fearing a flair up of the pneumonia he had a few months ago, he went to his Doctor. The Doctor ordered some tests and it was determined Richard had congestive heart failure. The word, "failure" in this disease is a mis-nomer. It means failure of the heart to adequately pump blood, NOT a heart stoppage. In this case, the heart sack fills with excess fluid making it even harder to pump. Richard was scheduled for triple bypass heart surgery May 9, 2008. The actual surgery done was quadruple bypass and a quintuple (5-way) bypass was indicated but the surgeon decided against it.
As soon as he learned of the diagnosis Admiral Dennis Hollinger, Seventh Fleet CinC, assumed emergency command of the U.S.S. Kelly.
Now that the "crisis" is past the Admiral will be transitioning command of the Kelly to David Thalmann. The delay is due to Dave's need to have better communications in place. In the mean time feel free to contact Acting XO George Bogler at soo@usskelly.com or 658-6154 (H) 755-4100 (C) for immediate matters. Dave can be sent messages at ActingCaptain@usskelly.com but there might be delay in replying. Phone messages may be left with his next door neighbor, Ensign Nathan Nelson 652-8716.
May
13, 2008
Richard is in
a regular hospital room now at Intermountain Medical Center. He is in relatively
little pain, but has shortness of breath. He is doing breathing and walking
excercises. He is expected to be released by the end of the week.
May
17, 2008
Richard said he's
able to check out of the hospital today. He also "threatened" to
show up at today's activity (Kites & Rockets)...but that will depend on
how he is feeling.
May 18, 2008
The Captain showed up at the activity yesterday around 4:30 pm, having come directly from the hospital. He was pleased to get the card everyone at the event had signed for him. He looked good, and was in good spirits; but had limited energy and was towing an oxygen tank. He stayed about 15 minutes.
May 29, 2008
Richard is doing well. He's doing physical therapy on a stationary bike and treadmill, and was able to walk to the local elementary school to pickup his step grandson. He is still weak and taking things easy.
June 16, 2008
Richard sees his surgeon tis week for clearance to return to work and to drive. If approval is given he will resume those activities next week. Contiued physical therapy is on his agenda as well.
June 22, 2008
Richard was approved to drive and to return to work. He worked Thrusday and Friday and feels very tired. This is due to being out of condition for his job activities, which includes a lot of light bending and lifting, not due to his heart. He says he feels better than he has in a long time as far as general health is concerned. Richard thanks everyone who has supported him during his illness.
"Mister" Henline will resume his command of the U.S.S. Kelly July 1. Acting Captain Dave Thalmann reverts to Lt. Cmdr and resumes his duties as Executive Officer. Acting XO Lt. Cmdr George Bogler will return to functioning exculsively as Strategic Operations Officer.
END OF LOG