Author Topic: (((--Whiff!!!--))) (Read 1869 times)

Roark · « **on:** March 17, 2010, 06:13:44 PM »

That's the sound you hear when you've dodged a bullet. Today, we actually dodged *two*.

1). Dad

at age 78, made it through open-heart surgery for an aortic valve replacement. This was planned.
2). During the surgery they discovered a ready-to-blow aneurysm on the back side of his aorta. This was a surprise.

The doctor indicated that the aneurysm, uncaught, would have killed him fairly shortly. Had it ruptured, he would have been dead before he hit the floor. The survival rate for the type, size and location of this aneurysm is exactly 0.0%.

Post-op reports are very good. When he starts asking for his AM cup of Joe and his cherished funny-pages, I'll know he's turned the corner.

Roark

Sunbeam56 · « **Reply #1 on:** March 17, 2010, 06:19:14 PM »

Everyone say a thank you to whatever diety you believe in.

You can't really say that open heart surgery is elective... but the timing of this surgery could have been postponed for a day, a week, maybe years. Thank God that they decided to get it over with.

And, especially since its St. Patrick's day, lift a toast to the next several years of healthy living!

Roark's Dad doesn't say much. But he's a patient and creative person. Glad he's gonna be around for awhile.

Esther · « **Reply #2 on:** March 17, 2010, 07:34:40 PM »

Thank God for talented medical people. Thank God for good timing. Amazing they could fix the aneurism. They can be pretty tricky. PHEW!!!

Jerry · « **Reply #3 on:** March 18, 2010, 04:00:17 PM »

What a stroke of luck that he went and did it. Otherwise it may never have been discovered.
Re: morning cup of Joe, Caffine free I trust. I hope I get to meet him at your place
Wish him well from another geezer!

God bless.

Julles · « **Reply #4 on:** March 18, 2010, 08:03:53 PM »

That's super news, Roark. When does he go home?

Bearb · « **Reply #5 on:** March 19, 2010, 07:56:19 AM »

That's good news! Here's to a speedy recovery. . . my mom will be having aortic valve replacement in two weeks.

SueSTx · « **Reply #6 on:** March 19, 2010, 10:27:43 AM »

Roark...glad your Pop is doing well.

My 82 yr old mother had the same happen to her on March 10th. They went in to replace a valvue and found an anurism also. She started bleeding a couple of hours after the surgury and they had to go back in and rewire the sternum.

She still says coffee doesn't taste right. She came home on the 16th.

Everybody say a blessing for all the advances in modern medicine.

Bearb · « **Reply #7 on:** March 19, 2010, 12:00:49 PM »

Yep, I was just thinking that 50 years ago, my mom would be in trouble, but today she can go get an artificial valve put in by a guy who does this several times a week. Who knows what wonder of science is in store for my kids if they ever need one. . .

Roark · « **Reply #8 on:** March 20, 2010, 08:27:08 PM »

Thanks Ya'll for the kind words and companionship! It means more than you'll ever know.

Two days post-op, Dad was grumping that he was bored and perhaps even guilty of chatting-up a nurse or two.

He's already up and around, sitting in chairs and walking to the restroom.

Absolutely amazing! I'm jazzed!

Roark

Bearb · « **Reply #9 on:** March 20, 2010, 08:28:39 PM »

That's great news!

SueSTx · « **Reply #10 on:** March 21, 2010, 05:25:00 AM »

Glad to hear it Roark.

10 days after surgery and Mom only got up twice last night. She seems nearly her old self again.

This recovery after cracking her chest twice no less is amazing. Her bad knee seems to be bothering her the most.

Julles · « **Reply #11 on:** March 21, 2010, 06:20:23 AM »

That's great, Sue. When will you be going back home again? Does you mom live on her own?

SueSTx · « **Reply #12 on:** March 21, 2010, 12:57:12 PM »

I'll probably be here 3 more weeks at least.

SueSTx · « **Reply #13 on:** March 23, 2010, 06:53:18 AM »

Roark...how is your Dad doing?