My turn with the parents

MWC · 07-07-2005

Must be something in the stars ...

My Dad is in the hospital with congestive heart failure. He's scheduled for an aortic valve replacement and double bypass tomorrow. He seems in good shape about the whole thing ... relieved that they finally know why he's had no energy for so long, and he's glad there's a clearcut remedy (he's a civil engineer/architect). So he's being a good, but antsy patient. His prognosis for recovery is excellent, once he gets through the surgery.

He has been the primary caregiver for Mom, and with him temporarily out of the picture we have to place mom in a rehab facility for a few weeks, which I know she is not going to understand. (She's in the early stages of Alzheimer's)
Her doctor has already OKd having an EMT sedate her to get her into the transport. Jeesh! I know we're doing the right thing for her physical well-being, and Dad's recovery, and the general "peace of mind" for everyone else concerned, but you can't help feeling like Stalin or something.

Anyway, if anyone has experience with such surgery, any encouragement you can offer would be great. Otherwise, just send the love and good tropical-drink-buzz vibes up Connecticut way.

**TeeZet** · 07-07-2005

A lot af sad news lately...
I feel very sorry for you, MWC, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a succesfull surgery and recovery for your dad. I hope your mother will do fine, too.

I don't have a personal experience with heartsurgery (*knocking on wood*), but I know Ginger's son has. It is probably (likely?) not the same thing, but Ginger created a website where you can read the whole story. It was meant to help others.
Here is the link: The Story of Jorden's Open Heart Surgery

playabum17 · 07-07-2005

You are in my thoughts and prayers. Take care.

btodd · 07-07-2005

Hi, thinking of you today. My Dad had a heart attack and subsequent triple bypass surgery six years ago...............he has never felt better!!! He made some lifestyle changes and works out regularly. My husband thinks the experience has added fifteen years to his life!!

Hang in there...........

cajundiver · 07-07-2005

Wish him the best of luck!!!

Thoughts and prayers headed your way.

Take care of him and yourself also.

fireinmn · 07-07-2005

MWC - My thoughts are with you and your family during this trying time. I hope all goes well for both your parents.

Becky

beachenit · 07-07-2005

Prayers heading your way.
My father has had 2 bypass surgerys and has done great with each one. The last one he had he was 81 y/o, and made it through with flying colors.
I'm sure that your father will do the same.

Nerak936 · 07-07-2005

Oh, Martha.... so sorry to hear about your dad's condition. It IS good that his attitude it "up" about it all, and although I haven't had any personal experience with someone going through that particular surgery, I'm sure he's in good hands. I'll say a prayer for him.

And for you to have to contend with your mother's care on top of it all..... that sure complicates things. Sorry to learn of her condition. I'm glad there is a facility available to you to take care of her while your dad is recovering. I know the "Stalin" feeling all too well. While my mother did not have the same ailment as yours, there were times when I had to make decisions concerning her care that went over with her like a lead balloon. But I knew if she were thinking clearly she'd understand. I'm sure your mom would understand too.

Tropical-buzz-cocktail vibes coming to ya from a nor'easterly direction~~~~~ Will be thinkin' of ya. Feel free to drop a PM/email if you want to vent.

07-07-2005

We will be sending prayers your way too. Hope all goes well for your Dad.

BonnyW · 07-07-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by MWC

Must be something in the stars ...

My Dad is in the hospital with congestive heart failure. He's scheduled for an aortic valve replacement and double bypass tomorrow. He seems in good shape about the whole thing ... relieved that they finally know why he's had no energy for so long, and he's glad there's a clearcut remedy (he's a civil engineer/architect). So he's being a good, but antsy patient. His prognosis for recovery is excellent, once he gets through the surgery...Anyway, if anyone has experience with such surgery, any encouragement you can offer would be great. Otherwise, just send the love and good tropical-drink-buzz vibes up Connecticut way.

MWC, From the description you have given, it seems that your Dad will be just fine--and he may even feel much better afterward. Sometime the scary part of a surgery is not knowing what the surgery is for, or why it needs to be done. The valve is being replaced because it is probably not working very well. This faulty valve may put extra stress on his heart. The bypass means that he will now be receiving more blood to the heart muscle.

His positive attitude (antsiness) will help get him through the surgery, and the stubborness of being a civil engineer will help too (My dad is one

).

You also need to remember to take care of yourself. Get enough sleep, eat right, etc...
My prayers, good wishes, and good vibes are coming your way....Take Care!

Sol · 07-07-2005

Dear Martha,

Sending positive thoughts and prayers for a successful surgery and speedy recovery for your Dad. I hope everything goes o.k. and I will be thinking about you. Sounds like he is ready for this. Be sure to take good care of yourself.

Love,
Alicia

07-07-2005

Hang in there, your dad will be fine. My dad has had 2 bypass surgeries. A quadruple 11 years ago and another quadruple about 2 months ago. I know that these surgeries have added many years to his life and he feels much better after them. The first few weeks of recovery is hard but it will get better and he will get stronger every day. My paryers are with him and your family.

caramba · 07-07-2005

Martha,
So sorry to hear about your father and what you need to go through with your mother too.
My father had a triple bypass a few years ago after having a heart attack. He feels much, much better now and still goes to cardiac rehab religiously 2-3 times a week.
One aunt and one uncle have both had valve replacements within the past few years and they are both fine as well.
We'll be thinking good thoughts for you and your whole family.

Seakony · 07-07-2005

Hoping your dad will come through with flying colors.
Sorry to hear about your mom. I took care of both parents for a year at their home. It was the most exhausting, overwhelming time of my life. I finally got Mom in a home and Dad in a year later. Caretaking of someone with dementia is very very hard. You can't ever get enough sleep because they tend to get up and wander during the night. That could make things alot more stressful for your dad.
Prayers are coming your way.

**Shammy** · 07-07-2005

Wow, lots of dark clouds hanging over our peeps lately!

I hope everything goes well with your dad Martha. And your mom should be fine as well. I'm sure it isn't something you want to do, but if your dad was the one caring for her and he's in need of some care now himself, it seems that it's simply something you HAVE to do. She'll be OK, and when dad gets home...he'll be in better shape than ever!

My dad had heart surgery 13 years ago and he just celebrated his 79th birthday, says he never felt better!

07-07-2005	#1 (permalink)
MWC añejo Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Connecticut Posts: 6,014	My turn with the parents Must be something in the stars ... My Dad is in the hospital with congestive heart failure. He's scheduled for an aortic valve replacement and double bypass tomorrow. He seems in good shape about the whole thing ... relieved that they finally know why he's had no energy for so long, and he's glad there's a clearcut remedy (he's a civil engineer/architect). So he's being a good, but antsy patient. His prognosis for recovery is excellent, once he gets through the surgery. He has been the primary caregiver for Mom, and with him temporarily out of the picture we have to place mom in a rehab facility for a few weeks, which I know she is not going to understand. (She's in the early stages of Alzheimer's) Her doctor has already OKd having an EMT sedate her to get her into the transport. Jeesh! I know we're doing the right thing for her physical well-being, and Dad's recovery, and the general "peace of mind" for everyone else concerned, but you can't help feeling like Stalin or something. Anyway, if anyone has experience with such surgery, any encouragement you can offer would be great. Otherwise, just send the love and good tropical-drink-buzz vibes up Connecticut way.

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07-07-2005	#2 (permalink)
TeeZet Non-aggressive Dutch dude Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Uithoorn, The Netherlands Posts: 7,704	A lot af sad news lately... I feel very sorry for you, MWC, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a succesfull surgery and recovery for your dad. I hope your mother will do fine, too. I don't have a personal experience with heartsurgery (knocking on wood), but I know Ginger's son has. It is probably (likely?) not the same thing, but Ginger created a website where you can read the whole story. It was meant to help others. Here is the link: The Story of Jorden's Open Heart Surgery

07-07-2005	#3 (permalink)
playabum17 naughtiest chica Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: My body may be in Minnesota, but my brain is in Playa! Posts: 15,578	You are in my thoughts and prayers. Take care.

07-07-2005	#4 (permalink)
btodd reposado Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada Posts: 1,327	Hi, thinking of you today. My Dad had a heart attack and subsequent triple bypass surgery six years ago...............he has never felt better!!! He made some lifestyle changes and works out regularly. My husband thinks the experience has added fifteen years to his life!! Hang in there...........

07-07-2005	#5 (permalink)
cajundiver into ruins Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Louisiana Posts: 78	Wish him the best of luck!!! Thoughts and prayers headed your way. Take care of him and yourself also.

07-07-2005	#6 (permalink)
fireinmn añejo Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: St. Paul, MN Posts: 5,214	MWC - My thoughts are with you and your family during this trying time. I hope all goes well for both your parents. Becky

07-07-2005	#7 (permalink)
beachenit beachaholic Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: minneapolis, mn Posts: 391	Prayers heading your way. My father has had 2 bypass surgerys and has done great with each one. The last one he had he was 81 y/o, and made it through with flying colors. I'm sure that your father will do the same.

07-07-2005	#8 (permalink)
Nerak936 Cat-Lovin Nerak Bead Lady Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 18,635	Oh, Martha.... so sorry to hear about your dad's condition. It IS good that his attitude it "up" about it all, and although I haven't had any personal experience with someone going through that particular surgery, I'm sure he's in good hands. I'll say a prayer for him. And for you to have to contend with your mother's care on top of it all..... that sure complicates things. Sorry to learn of her condition. I'm glad there is a facility available to you to take care of her while your dad is recovering. I know the "Stalin" feeling all too well. While my mother did not have the same ailment as yours, there were times when I had to make decisions concerning her care that went over with her like a lead balloon. But I knew if she were thinking clearly she'd understand. I'm sure your mom would understand too. Tropical-buzz-cocktail vibes coming to ya from a nor'easterly direction~~~~~ Will be thinkin' of ya. Feel free to drop a PM/email if you want to vent.

07-07-2005	#9 (permalink)
jflattracker Guest Posts: n/a	We will be sending prayers your way too. Hope all goes well for your Dad.

07-07-2005	#11 (permalink)
Sol Chupacabras Whisperer Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: The Gem State Posts: 10,449	Dear Martha, Sending positive thoughts and prayers for a successful surgery and speedy recovery for your Dad. I hope everything goes o.k. and I will be thinking about you. Sounds like he is ready for this. Be sure to take good care of yourself. Love, Alicia

07-07-2005	#12 (permalink)
Raindancer Guest Posts: n/a	Hang in there, your dad will be fine. My dad has had 2 bypass surgeries. A quadruple 11 years ago and another quadruple about 2 months ago. I know that these surgeries have added many years to his life and he feels much better after them. The first few weeks of recovery is hard but it will get better and he will get stronger every day. My paryers are with him and your family.

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07-07-2005	#13 (permalink)
caramba añejo Join Date: May 2002 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 3,512	Martha, So sorry to hear about your father and what you need to go through with your mother too. My father had a triple bypass a few years ago after having a heart attack. He feels much, much better now and still goes to cardiac rehab religiously 2-3 times a week. One aunt and one uncle have both had valve replacements within the past few years and they are both fine as well. We'll be thinking good thoughts for you and your whole family.

07-07-2005	#14 (permalink)
Seakony añejo Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: no longer in Mesquite with nothing to do Posts: 10,148	Hoping your dad will come through with flying colors. Sorry to hear about your mom. I took care of both parents for a year at their home. It was the most exhausting, overwhelming time of my life. I finally got Mom in a home and Dad in a year later. Caretaking of someone with dementia is very very hard. You can't ever get enough sleep because they tend to get up and wander during the night. That could make things alot more stressful for your dad. Prayers are coming your way.

07-07-2005	#15 (permalink)
Shammy Moderator Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: The Joisey Shore Posts: 10,492	Wow, lots of dark clouds hanging over our peeps lately! I hope everything goes well with your dad Martha. And your mom should be fine as well. I'm sure it isn't something you want to do, but if your dad was the one caring for her and he's in need of some care now himself, it seems that it's simply something you HAVE to do. She'll be OK, and when dad gets home...he'll be in better shape than ever! My dad had heart surgery 13 years ago and he just celebrated his 79th birthday, says he never felt better!