Update on mom's heart attack and surgery

15 years ago

Mom and a bunch of us in the family arrived at the Okla. Heart Hospital Thursday afternoon. Long story short...they did a triple bypass Thursday night about 9:00. The surgery lasted about 4 hours. Those are many times routine these days, but the doc said her heart was very very sick and she wouldn't have lived long without the surgery.

We are guardedly optimistic. She has a long way to go in recovery. Her age, size (98 pounds), and just the weakness in her heart are big factors, as well as a risk of stroke from placque in the arteries that they couldn't do anything with during the surgery.

They also discovered a large aortic aneurysm. That's what her dad (my grandpa) died of, so we are concerned about it but the doctor said we can't even begin to worry about that yet.

Please keep us in your prayers.

Rita

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Comments (24)

glenda_al
15 years ago
Big time thoughts continued for your mother!
sandy_in_ia
15 years ago
(((Rita))) Sending out thoughts and prayers for your mom and all of your family.
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Clare- I am so sorry that you are dealing with this especially since it's long distance. The POA and the DNR are important documents and I think all the siblings should have a copy. I'm responsible for my Father who moved in with us when my Mom died 3 years ago. He made out a new will and POA and DNR and I gave copies to both of my brothers. I didn't want any misunderstanding if something were to happen to Dad and I had to make important decisions. You mentioned surgery but you didn't say what the doctor's opinion was, what the risk factors are or how much improvement might be achieved. I think you need more information before you try to help your Mom. Exactly what surgery has been proposed? If your brother is withholding information maybe you or your sister could visit and take her on one of her appointments. Maybe you would feel better if you were able to spend some time with your Mom now. My Dad just had a pacemaker implanted. His heart was only pumping at 20% because the lower 2 chambers were not pumping in the proper rhythm. Plus his valves are worn out so half of the blood that was pumped out fell right back into the chamber. He has terrible circulation, can't walk without a walker, can only walk about 50 feet without resting, one carotid is completely blocked and the other only has 10% blood flow. He was so short of breath he couldn't dress himself. The pacemaker has made a huge difference - the shortness of breath is completely gone, his heart is in correct rhythm, his fingertips are no longer blue, he bathes and dresses himself, and his skin tone is pink again. He still can't walk far but that's because of peripheral artery disease. Mentally he is very alert, the procedure was short and fairly low risk. So it was an easy decision. However no one was in favor of more extensive surgery especially my Dad. And he is a 'ticking time bomb' but as he says 'who isn't at age 89?' I hope everything works out for you.
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Already saying prayers for you, your Mom and the rest of your family as well as Doctors who be caring for her. Having been there with DH, I know so well the anxiety and stress y'all are going through, but also know the wondrous power of prayer. You are so loved here Rita, am sure many, many, MANY others are praying too! Suzi
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User
15 years ago
OMG...Rita I have your entire family in my prayers that your Mom recovers from her fragile state. My Mom just passed away from an aneurysm (she declined surgery and had another year).
I am so sorry to hear this news. May you have the strength for her right now and have the time available to be with her as much as possible. God Bless.
I totally understand why she said nothing and took her holiday. We have to live for the moment and cherish it sometimes which I hope you have many, many more cherished moments with her.
LOL to you,
Peggy
alisande
15 years ago
Rita, if it's any comfort, my dad had a successful bypass (triple or quadruple, I forget which) at age 86. His arteries were the whole problem, not the heart itself, but still, we were plenty worried.

Did they warn you about mental issues following the surgery? My dad acted rather deranged for about a week afterward. We were forewarned, so it wasn't the big concern it would have been otherwise.

Continued thoughts and prayers to you all.
FlamingO in AR
15 years ago
Oh, dear. I'm sorry she's so sick, but I truly hope that she'll have the strength to recover from all this and get back home and to normal soon, Rita. Here's a big hug for all of you. (((((Rita, Mom and family)))))
grammahony
15 years ago
Prayers for your Mom, you and your family, for a full recovery, and added strength through this time.
My dad was going in to have his aortic aneurysm surgery. They were doing some test in preperation for it, and found his heart was only working 20%-30% capacity, and he wouldn't make it through the aneurysm surgery. So they told us to take him home and give him a quality life. He had e-coli bacteria the year before, and almost died (I was in England for DD's wedding, and they called me home). He said he saw that 'glow' of lights. I believe the e-coli did a lot of damage and weakened all his organs.
I'm glad they could do surgery on your Mom's heart. Now she can continue to get stronger.
Leslie
monica_pa Grieves
15 years ago
An AA is scary, and they run in families.
Good idea for you and any siblings to see a vascular surgeon regularly for ultrasounds, because AAs are non-symptomatic, and can be fixed if found soon enough and a patient is strong enough for the surgery. The surgery is very strenuous.

My best wishes and prayers for you and your mother.
wanda_va
15 years ago
I am sorry she is going through this, and know you must be worried sick. Special thoughts and prayers will continue for her speedy recovery. Take care and keep us posted. Hugs!
williamsburgjane
15 years ago
Sending special thoughts for your mom. I hope she improves really quick.
clubm
15 years ago
Sending special thoughts and a speedy recovery for your mom.
Zipper_TX
15 years ago
I'm very sorry to hear this Rita, I'm sending up prayers for all of you.

Hugs!
foggyj
15 years ago
It must be very scary for everyone involved. Hope all goes well with her recovery. Lots of good wishes are coming your way.
((((Rita and family))))
grittymitts
15 years ago
What a blessing she was sent to a heart hospital in time!
You've all have had a wild ride on an emotional roller coaster and now need to get some rest while ICU nurses are nearby closly monitoring her.

My prayers, thoughts & best wishes will continue -in the meantime, try to remember that you can't take care of anyone else if you don't take care of yourself.

Suzi
nodakgal
15 years ago
Sending my best thoughts!
Lots of prayers and hugs for you all also.
Keep us posted when you have time please!
ruthieg__tx
15 years ago
I hope she has a speedy recovery...She will probably feel better even during the recovery period if her heart is sick...A good friend just had a quad bypass and he said as soon as he got out of bed he knew he felt better heart wise...I hope your mother does as well.
Linda Wayman
15 years ago
Saying prayers for your mom and all of your family

Linda
heatherinohio
15 years ago
That is a whole lot. :( I am so sorry for you, your Mom and your family. Sending loads of healing thoughts and prayers that your Mom can pull through all of this, and that you and your family have the strength to deal with this huge plate of bad news that you've just been given.
((((all of you))))
des_arc_ya_ya
15 years ago
((Okwriter, Mom and all the family)) Healing thoughts going out to her. Give her a hug from us, would you?
ronf_gw
15 years ago
Rita, you and your family are in my prayers.
Hugs to you.

Ron
linda_in_iowa
15 years ago
(((Rita and family))).
kathi_mdgd
15 years ago
Prayers and good thoughts for you,your mom,and all your family.
Kathi
coral_ok
15 years ago
I'm sending tons of good wishes up I-40 to you and your family!
joyfulguy
15 years ago
Sending many good thoughts and hopes for your mother's uneventful and early, full recovery. Plus some prayers on her behalf, and for all of your family, as well.

((((((Rita, Mom and family)))))).

ole joyful
donna37
15 years ago
Sending healing thoughts for your Mom.

Update on mom's heart attack and surgery

Comments (24)

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