Help: Good thoughts for Dad

Subject: RE: Help: Good thoughts for Dad
From: jeffp
Date: 21 Dec 00 - 01:34 PM

If you want to travel to Florida to deliver it, I'm sure he'd be more than willing! Dad's always been a charmer. Luckily, Mom doesn't mind that all the ladies love him. In fact, the nurses in the Cardiac Care Unit told my sister they'd love to keep him, but he was getting better so they couldn't!

Thanks everybody for your good wishes. I'll pass them along next time I talk to him.

jeffp

Subject: RE: Help: Good thoughts for Dad
From: Morticia
Date: 21 Dec 00 - 01:23 PM

think he's ready for that snog now, Jeff????*BG*

Subject: RE: Help: Good thoughts for Dad
From: MMario
Date: 21 Dec 00 - 11:13 AM

good news jeff!

Subject: RE: Help: Good thoughts for Dad
From: Dave (the ancient mariner)
Date: 21 Dec 00 - 11:12 AM

Jeff. Sorry I missed this thread until now. Glad he is home with you. All the Best Mate. Yours, Aye. Dave

Subject: RE: Help: Good thoughts for Dad
From: catspaw49
Date: 21 Dec 00 - 11:00 AM

Thanks jeff.........and pass along our best back to him and your Mom.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Help: Good thoughts for Dad
From: jeffp
Date: 21 Dec 00 - 10:40 AM

Sorry, I've been a little remiss in the updates. Dad is home and doing very well. He's walking regularly, up to 8 minutes 4 times a day the last time I talked to him. He's eating and sleeping well, and feeling pretty upbeat. He's got a little infection in the leg, which is being treated with antibiotics. A nurse comes over a couple of times a week to check on him and the friends from the neighborhood and church have been sending over lots of food. Mom seems to be handling everything pretty well too.

Other good news is that Medicare and their supplemental insurance seems to be taking care of everything financially. At least they haven't seen a bill yet!

jeffp

Subject: RE: Help: Good thoughts for Dad
From: catspaw49
Date: 21 Dec 00 - 09:39 AM

Hey jeff......Got an update for us?

Spaw

Subject: RE: Help: Good thoughts for Dad
From: GUEST,mike putt
Date: 07 Dec 00 - 06:19 PM

good news Jeff, glad everything is ok

Subject: RE: Help: Good thoughts for Dad
From: WyoWoman
Date: 07 Dec 00 - 10:08 AM

Jeffp, this is great news and I'm happy for you and your family. My dad had a triple bypass and valve replacement when he was in his late '60s and was playing golf -- albeit only 9 holes for a while -- within six weeks. As 'Spaw says, just shorten your backstroke.

At that time, they replaced the valves with valves from a pig. They explained this procedure carefully to my mom and dad several times, but just before they wheeled my dad in for the surgery, after they'd given him his go-bye-bye shots, he opened one impish eye, looked up at the nurse and asked, "Is the pig under yet?"

The nurse was stammering and stuttering, quickly trying to explain that the pig valve is VERY carefully processed first and ...

She had no idea what a kidder she was dealing with.

Daddy died about fifteen years later and as I was driving back to Oklahoma, I started thinking about him and all the trouble he'd had with his heart. I thought to myself, "Poor ol' Daddy, I guess his old heart just finally gave out..." And I heard his voice as clear as a bell, saying, "Hell, I was fine. It was the damned PIG that gave up the ghost ..."

I completely believe in an Afterlife now! ;->

Love and good wishes, WW

Subject: RE: Help: Good thoughts for Dad
From: jeffp
Date: 07 Dec 00 - 09:41 AM

I spoke to my Dad this morning. I called the hospital to check on his condition, expecting to talk to a nurse, and she said, "Would you like to speak to him? I can take a phone in." He sounds really good. He tires easily, but he is feeling much better than he did on Tuesday (small wonder). His attitude is good. He's not complaining, and all the nurses love him. He will probably be moved into a regular room sometime today.

Thanks all for your prayers, advice, and positive thoughts. I'm sure they have helped.

jeffp

Subject: RE: Help: Good thoughts for Dad
From: CarolC
Date: 06 Dec 00 - 02:57 AM

That's good to hear, jeffp.

Hope your dad has a full and speedy recovery.

Carol

Subject: RE: Help: Good thoughts for Dad
From: jaze
Date: 06 Dec 00 - 01:42 AM

Jeff, Glad all is well with your father. Positive thoughts continue his way for a smooth and quick recovery.

Subject: RE: Help: Good thoughts for Dad
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 05 Dec 00 - 10:16 PM

Good news, Jeff- still holding dad and the whole family in the Light...

Subject: RE: Help: Good thoughts for Dad
From: Bill in Alabama
Date: 05 Dec 00 - 10:02 PM

Good News, Jeff-- I thought about him a lot today. Now I'll go pick a celebratory banjo tune for him and give some thanks.

B

Subject: RE: Help: Good thoughts for Dad
From: katlaughing
Date: 05 Dec 00 - 08:55 PM

That's wonderful, Jeff, now your dad and cat can trade surgery stories.**BG** Really glad to hear about his success.

luvyakat

Subject: RE: Help: Good thoughts for Dad
From: GUEST,mike putt
Date: 05 Dec 00 - 06:40 PM

Jeff thinking of you and your folks

Subject: RE: Help: Good thoughts for Dad
From: catspaw49
Date: 05 Dec 00 - 01:27 PM

I'll send him some golf balls. Great news......Thanks Jeff. And my "heartiest" congrats to all.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Help: Good thoughts for Dad
From: jeffp
Date: 05 Dec 00 - 01:20 PM

GOOD NEWS!!!!!!

Just talked to my mom and Dad came through with flying colors. He was still under when she saw him, but his color was good and he never had any problems on the table.

Thanks be to God and to all of you for praying/thinking of him (and us).

jeffp

Subject: RE: Help: Good thoughts for Dad
From: catspaw49
Date: 05 Dec 00 - 10:05 AM

First thread I checked........Thinking of your Dad and hoping to hear good news soon.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Help: Good thoughts for Dad
From: alison
Date: 05 Dec 00 - 09:43 AM

good thought and prayers from me to your family too....

slainte

alison

Subject: RE: Help: Good thoughts for Dad
From: katlaughing
Date: 05 Dec 00 - 09:22 AM

Still keeping good thoughts flowing, Jeff. We had a friend go in for emergency by-pass on Friday; they did six and he was out of ICU the next day and is going home, today and he is no spring chicken and has smoked all of his life (which has now stopped, two heart attacks and this bypass later!)

Deep breaths and good thoughts for your dad and you...

luvyakat

Subject: RE: Help: Good thoughts for Dad
From: jeffp
Date: 05 Dec 00 - 08:20 AM

Well, today's the day. In fact it should be happening right now. I sent him this thread Sunday evening and he and my mother enjoyed all the nice comments and advice. The latest update is that they are going to take a vein and an artery from his leg after all, so he'll be limping for a while. Thanks to everybody for your concern.

jeffp

Subject: RE: Help: Good thoughts for Dad
From: katlaughing
Date: 03 Dec 00 - 09:52 AM

Dear Jeff and Dad,

I am sorry I didn't get to post to this one earlier, hope I get this in before you email it, Jeff. I read it on the first day and have had you in my early morning and late night meditations ever since.

I knew a man who had triple in his 80's, then went on to marry his secretary, who was in her 60's, and lived very well and happily for many more years, and that was in the 80's, 1980's, that is, and I know the techniques, etc. have greatly improved since then.

Spaw: you'd better keep telling that sneeze story, 'cause I do not want to ever have to go through anything that invasive! When they told me I had a 50/50 chance of having to have my aortic valve replaced someday, I immediately thought to myself, "Not if I can help it!" I had just done working in hospital at the time, so knew what that entailed! Thankfully, young as I am, they still think what I have is better than any replacements. I am waiting for the day, and I know they are working on this, when they plant some cells in there, which grow over and cover the hole, no cracked chest necessary!

Jeff's Dad: I've read of studies where it really helped if the person went into surgery visualising what they would be doing afterwards, golfing, shopping, gardening, etc. Keeping these things in mind, as a positive focus and outcome will really help, as well as asking the surgeon to make sure everyone knows to keep their words positive while in surgery.

Wishing you all the best and giving thanks for the best possibe outcome,

kat

Subject: RE: Help: Good thoughts for Dad
From: catspaw49
Date: 03 Dec 00 - 08:58 AM

Hey!!! That's great jeff!!! Your Dad's going to be playing golf (sneaking of course) a lot sooner without the leg bit!! He'll be able to walk a lot easier without all that leg pain (I kid you not, your leg REALLY hurts) and make the recovery far easier, not to mention more enjoyable! Like, who needs to limp for 3 weeks?

TO JEFF'S DAD:

You're going to hate part of this and love the rest. The first couple days aren't much to speak of, but by Sunday you'll be feeling pretty good and by Christmas, people will be amazed at "how good you look"---and you'll feel good too. I could only tolerate the "driving" thing for 3 weeks, and at 6 weeks, I rode my motorcycle to the surgeon's office for the check-up. And just between us, you can probably tell your cardiologist that you went for a nice long walk on Groundhog Day........say about 6500 yards or so. I'll be thinking of you on Tuesday. Be sure jeff keeps us posted.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Help: Good thoughts for Dad
From: jeffp
Date: 03 Dec 00 - 08:31 AM

Thanks all! I learned that they won't be taking a vessel from his leg after all. Apparently in older people the leg vessels aren't as good, so they're taking an artery (or vein?) from elsewhere in his chest. Supposedly, these hold up better. They went over to the hospital the other day and got a tour of the cardiac care wing and I think they are pretty prepared for this. I'll be copying this thread to email to them later today. A lot of practical advice here and the good wishes will buoy them up too.

jeffp

Subject: RE: Help: Good thoughts for Dad
From: catspaw49
Date: 02 Dec 00 - 08:53 PM

Well Ma, if he's up to it, he's a better man than I am. Once was enough.

But jeff, on that note, let me mention a couple of other things. If your Dad has never been on a vent before, he will be after the surgery and it is a bit frightening. The machine is breathing for you through the tube down your throat and the initial sensation is terror because YOU can't breathe. The trick is to relax and let the vent do its job, but its not an easy thing at first and the fact that you can't breathe gives you a drowning-like sensation. The people at the hospital warned me of this before as I'm sure they will your Dad, but its real scary for a few seconds, that seem like an eternity.

Also be sure that there are no other problems that might appear later. Your Dad sounds like a simple double (simple?-50 years ago we'd all be dead from these problems), but if there is anything else, that is the time to fix it. I've just complleted some testing on a problem I'm having that could have been repaired then, but everyone felt it would take care of itself after the bypass as I had all 4 arteries completely blocked (97% or above). I am going to have to have it fixed and the new super hi-tech les invasive way cannot be used on bypass patients so I may be in for another chest cracking.......and once was OK, but twice I would prefer to leave to Ma's hubby!(:<))

But let's leave this on a funny story...........I've related this before, but a good story is still a good story.

My situation came up so fast that organizing the "home front" was a big job and Karen was going like crazy trying to be everywhere at once. Again, Connie and Wayne were there to help out. The night before, I told Karen that it wasn't important that she be there when I got out of surgery since I'd be zonked anyhow. After the operation was over she headed out to handle things that only she could do. Wayne waited in recovery and when I came out of it, he was there. Aside from being a true friend, Wayne is Physician's Assistant, previously a 25 year vet of the EMT and paramedic profession, and he is the kindest, gentlest, and most empathathetic soul I have ever known.

So I wake up and he's there holding my hand. After a bit of time I begin to focus enough to want to know if all is OK. Both of us know some sign, but you have about 27 miles of plastic tubing covering your arms and chest so it was tough. He smiles and gives me an "OK" sign and I figure I'm alright. I was concerned about Karen. I just wanted to know if she knew and if she was OK and I try to communicate this to Wayne. He responds with some odd hand gestures mixed with sign and I know he has no idea what I want so I keep trying, pointing at my wedding ring and such. He keeps responding with the gestures. Finally I make a writing motion and he gets a pad and pen. He has yet to speak a word! Empath that he is, he seems to have tuned into the fact that I can't talk so he isn't either! I write on the pad, "Where's Karen?"........and of course the dumbass takes the pad and writes out an explanation!!! I read it and then write, "YOU CAN TALK." Wayne finally realized what he was doing and just shook his head....but he did start talking! I still kid him about it at every chance I get. Try not to have quite so much empathy with your Dad.

Again, wish him my best and tell him he'll feel like a new man. He will!

Spaw

Subject: RE: Help: Good thoughts for Dad
From: Ma-K
Date: 02 Dec 00 - 04:08 PM

Sorry to hear your Dad needs the operation but glad we live in a time that something can be done. My husband has had it done twice and thinks he may need it again. Hope not. Not the fault of Dr's. He will not take care of himself. Spaw is right about the legs. We will be thinking of you all......Mary

Subject: RE: Help: Good thoughts for Dad
From: Megan L
Date: 02 Dec 00 - 04:01 PM

Both your dad and you are in our prayers

Subject: RE: Help: Good thoughts for Dad
From: Bill in Alabama
Date: 02 Dec 00 - 02:28 PM

Jeff--

My Dad went through by-pass surgery twelve years ago. The thing that bothered him most was having to leave his teeth in his room when he went to surgery. He came through beautifully, as I'm sure will be the case with your Pa. And Hollowfox is exactly right. When I had my artificial hip installed, I scheduled it over Christmas so that a) I wouldn't have to use up a lot of my sick days, and b) so that I could get the benefit of additional attention from the ward staff.

I try to get to my office around five o'clock every morning, so that I can spend some quiet time on some special concerns before the day's craziness starts; I'll remember your dad on Tuesday.

Subject: RE: Help: Good thoughts for Dad
From: Quincy
Date: 02 Dec 00 - 01:24 PM

Love, good thoughts and best wishes from me too!

Yvonne

Subject: RE: Help: Good thoughts for Dad
From: Hollowfox
Date: 02 Dec 00 - 11:52 AM

Good thoughts to you and yours, jeffp. Recalling my days as a ward clerk (hrmph, some time ago), I remember that this is a good time of year for such surgeries. You see, most people don't want to schedule elective surgeries in the holiday season. That means that the staff can pay more attention to your dad because of the lowered caseload.

Subject: RE: Help: Good thoughts for Dad
From: CarolC
Date: 01 Dec 00 - 08:49 PM

Sending my best thoughts and wishes to you, your father, and all of your loved ones. I'm focusing on the best possible outcome for all of you.

Carol

Subject: RE: Help: Good thoughts for Dad
From: catspaw49
Date: 01 Dec 00 - 03:57 PM

And Mary......If it would guarantee that you'd NEVER have bypass surgery, I'd tell it a thousand times over.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Help: Good thoughts for Dad
From: Morticia
Date: 01 Dec 00 - 03:53 PM

dAMNED cAPSLOCKS ....thought I'd do it for you, hon, you must be getting tired *BG*.

Subject: RE: Help: Good thoughts for Dad
From: SINSULL
Date: 01 Dec 00 - 02:33 PM

sIMPLE GOOD THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. sPAW - iF YOU TELL THAT SNEEZE STORY ONCE MORE, i WILL NEVER HAVE BY-PASS SURGERY. nO MATTER WHAT!

Subject: RE: Help: Good thoughts for Dad
From: jeffp
Date: 01 Dec 00 - 02:17 PM

Thanks, Spaw and everybody else! I'll be passing this along to Dad and advice from someone who has been there is immensely valuable. And Bert, he's going to love the radiator hose idea. I really appreciate everybody's good thoughts and wishes.

jeffp

Subject: RE: Help: Good thoughts for Dad
From: catspaw49
Date: 01 Dec 00 - 01:59 PM

Jeff.......My best thoughts to your Dad and to you. He joins a large club of bypassers and I'll bet when he leaves the hospital, he complains more about his leg than his chest! They'll teach him how to cough without screaming, then ask him to cough to keep his lungs clear. These people are a million laughs. No one but you will be able to warn him about the first sneeze though. Try to have someone around to scrape his blubbering mass off the floor after he sneezes! Assuming they wire his sternum together after splitting it with the broad axe, tell him he will no longer be able to go through airport security clothed or naked without setting off the simpleass metal detector. And tell him to shorten his backswing and he can play again in 6 weeks (if his leg isn't still driving him nuts). WEAR THE HOSE!!!

Spaw ('97 Quad By-Pass)

Subject: RE: Help: Good thoughts for Dad
From: Morticia
Date: 01 Dec 00 - 12:17 PM

love, and serious snogs to you and your dad,(actually I'll hold back your dad's until he's feeling better).... sending my best It'll-be-fine thoughts over to you all.

Subject: RE: Help: Good thoughts for Dad
From: Bert
Date: 01 Dec 00 - 11:45 AM

Best wishes to him. BTW, I've got a radiator hose for a '66 Cadillac if he needs any spare parts.

Subject: RE: Help: Good thoughts for Dad
From: Mrrzy
Date: 01 Dec 00 - 11:41 AM

When my dad had to have surgery while mom and I were overseas, they lied to us about the date of the surgery so that when we woke up on The Day all ready to be nervous till we heard, we got a call saying it was over and it went fine. Never been so glad to be lied to. I'm sure your Dad will be fine too, and I'll hold that certainty as my Good Thought for you all.

Subject: RE: Help: Good thoughts for Dad
From: GUEST,Marty
Date: 01 Dec 00 - 10:37 AM

Good thoughts on their way. Good luck.

Subject: RE: Help: Good thoughts for Dad
From: Patrish(inactive)
Date: 01 Dec 00 - 10:18 AM

Good thoughts beaming there way over the pond
love Patrish xxx

Subject: RE: Help: Good thoughts for Dad
From: Midchuck
Date: 01 Dec 00 - 10:12 AM

My mom had a triple in her late 70s, and my father-in-law had it in the mid-80s, and they're both in fine shape and active.

My father-in-law is a physician himself, (but not a surgeon). He'd had angina for years, and said he knew he'd need the surgery sooner or later, but he stalled for years because he said he was watching the literature and watching the survival rate go up and up, and waiting until it got up to where he was happy with it.

Obviously, no surgery is risk-free. But the risk on this is evidently 'way down from just a few years ago.

Peter.

Subject: RE: Help: Good thoughts for Dad
From: MMario
Date: 01 Dec 00 - 10:11 AM

cranking out good thoughts

Subject: Good thoughts for Dad
From: jeffp
Date: 01 Dec 00 - 09:59 AM

As I mentioned in the snogs thread, my Dad is going to have a double bypass operation on Tuesday, the 5th. He's in pretty good shape for a man in his mid-70s, but good thoughts and prayers certainly wouldn't hurt. I talked with him last night and he's pretty upbeat about the whole thing. His main concerns are that he won't be able to drive for a month and it will keep him off the golf course for three months.

They are confident in the surgeon. He's worked on several of their friends. (They're in Florida, probably the bypass capital of the US.) I'm sure everything will be just fine, but some Mudcat help would surely be appreciated.

jeffp