Over the last week, my mom (Mary) has been having some breathing problems associated with fluid around her heart. She was first trying to convince herself that she had pneumonia, but after three doctors visits, she was convinced to have a heart cath(she can be quite stubborn). She has been dealing with a leaking heart valve for > 12 years and it’s finally decided to give her some problems. The heart cath was performed on Friday morning and the doctor informed me that she has three blockages (one artery completely blocked and two blocked at > 80%). In addition to the blockages and leaky valve, he said that she had suffered a heart attack in the past week. The last test he had performed on her in his office a couple of months ago showed her heart functioning at 55% and on Friday it was functioning at 25%. They decided that she would need surgery at the Ross Heart Hospital next week and transported her from the Cambridge Hospital on Friday evening to Columbus by way of ambulance.
Her doctor came in yesterday and told her that her surgery would not be until Wednesday morning. He has three heart surgeries already scheduled on Monday (each taking 6 hours). Her surgery will be the first on Wednesday. Mom told him that she’d rather wait until he was well rested :-) He wants to take the extra days to continue to get the fluid off of her and make her heart stronger for the surgery. After meeting her heart doctor I have been very impressed with him. He spoke with us for over 20 minutes, and was very patient with all the questions. Of course, mom is understandably nervous, but she’s in very good hands. She told the technician who gave her a chest Xray on Friday night that she thought everyone in that hospital must take happy pills because they are all so kind, caring and friendly.
Once her surgery is over, she will be in the hospital for one week to 10 days with 6-12 weeks recovery to follow.
My mom is now 75 years old and has only been retired for 2 years. She does have longevity on her side as my grandmother will be 102 in June.
Prayers would be greatly appreciated.
-- Grant...."GO BUCKEYES"
16 comments so far
MsDebbieP
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14156 posts in 1054 days
posted 574 days ago
best wishes and thoughts go to your mom, your family, and the surgeons! I, too, hope they are well rested for the big day.
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
Greg3G
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770 posts in 979 days
posted 574 days ago
I’ll add her to my prayer list. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
-- Greg - Charles Town, WV
Dan Lyke
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607 posts in 1019 days
posted 574 days ago
My sweety spent the last four days down with her parents, her mom is going through pretty close to the same thing.
My thoughts are with you and her.
-- Dan Lyke, Petaluma California, http://www.flutterby.net/User:DanLyke
Dominic Vanacora
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504 posts in 763 days
posted 574 days ago
What a heart wretching story. I would give anything to hug my mother one more time. You have been given that opportunity and I know you will not pass it by.
My prayers are with you and your mom for a speedy recovery and many happy years together.
-- Dominic, Trinity, Florida...Lets be safe out there.
toyguy
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717 posts in 731 days
posted 574 days ago
Hope all goes well for you and Mom…... I know just what you are going through.
-- Brian's Table Top Toys http://home.mountaincable.net/~bgraham/
rikkor
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11335 posts in 768 days
posted 574 days ago
My friend, you have my prayer for your mother, the doctor, and all the concerned family members. Sounds like she is in good hands.
Russel
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2057 posts in 833 days
posted 574 days ago
We’re here for you and praying for your mother. The waiting is often the worst part of the whole experience. Take care.
-- When you give someone a chance it may well be their last.
pappyjohn
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138 posts in 607 days
posted 574 days ago
Grant, Keep the faith, and our prayers are with your Mom and your entire family.
-- Your Brother in WoodWorking John, Pittsburgh , PA.
joey
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289 posts in 798 days
posted 574 days ago
We’re with you man!
-- Joey~~Sabina, Ohio http://sleepydogwoodworking.blogspot.com/
Ad Marketing Guy - Bill
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314 posts in 692 days
posted 574 days ago
Your Mom sounds like quite a woman.
Prayers and a lit candle at church for her- May God overlook her surgery.
-- Bill - - Ad-Marketing Guy, Ramsey NJ
sIKE
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1094 posts in 648 days
posted 574 days ago
May she heal well and quickly!
-- //FC - Round Rock, TX - "Experience is what you get just after you need it"
deeker
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42 posts in 679 days
posted 574 days ago
Prayers sent.
-- To those who fight for it, life has a flavor the protected never know. Unknown, on an empty C-ration box. Khe Sahn 1968
Ampeater
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200 posts in 641 days
posted 573 days ago
I just went through heart surgery with 4 bypasses on April 10 and, of course, I am still recovering. I know what your mother is about to go through and my prayers are with her.
I am truly amazed at how quickly the human body can recover from such major surgery.
Encourage her to do exactly what the doctors tell her to do and her recovery should go fine.
-- "A goal without a plan is a wish."
pashley
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527 posts in 611 days
posted 573 days ago
A prayer was just sent – FedEx same-day!
-- http://newmissionworkshop.com
Vinman
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68 posts in 600 days
posted 573 days ago
You and your family are in our prayers Grant.
Vince
teenagewoodworker
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2481 posts in 662 days
posted 573 days ago
your mother is in all of our prayers. my grandfather had to get rushed to the hospital awhile ago and had a couple of surgeries. it was really scary but he pulled through it such as I’m sure your mother will. you and your mother will be in my prayers.