Uncle had heart attack(long)

erindakoda · #1 03-26-2007, 07:36 PM

Hi everyone I'm feeling a little down and I think I need to share this with someone/anyone. Yesterday Jon and I randomly drove past my uncles (46) work (he's a private gardener) and saw 2 ambulances and my cousin(21) (his son) out the front on his phone. We immediatley knew to stop and I just knew it would be my uncle. So I jumped out of the car and saw my aunty just standing there and she looked straight through me for second before she recognised me.
Then I looked down and saw My uncle on the ground unconcious(sp) being repeatedly shocked to get his heart to start again, he'd had a massive heart attack. When my cousin realised who we were he completely went into shock I thought they were going to have to sedate him aswell. Jon & I had to ring relatives and organise to pick up his daughter(18, but slightly learing impaired) and explain to her what had happened and take he to my other Aunts house.
He was taken to emergency where he had an angiogram ( performed by my sis in law, who I dont know how she dealt with it) and was taken straight to sugery for a quadruple bypass. His sugery finished at midnight and he is now stable in Intensive care and I'm sitting around waiting to see when I can go see him.

I was 18 when my Dad had a massive stroke and I was there when that happened too. This just seemed so damned familiar and surreal I cant believe that 2 brothers so young (my dad was 50) can be so cursed, my uncle doesnt smoke or drink and both were fit as fiddles. Now DH has had to go away for 2nights for work and I feel as if its hitting me now.

I just really needed to get that down, Im sorry Im probably ranting but any positive thoughts would be great cos I really need them right now.
Erin

HazelNut · #2 03-26-2007, 07:43 PM

I'm so sorry to hear about your uncle. That must have been so scary for you! At least he is stable now. I will think positive thoughts for you.

Slobberchops · #3 03-26-2007, 08:07 PM

Sorry to hear about your uncle,Erin,glad he's in safe hands now in hospital,the surgery will probably give him a new lease of life,and thank goodness the ambulance was able to get to him in time.
You'll probably be in shock yourself for a while,hope your DH gets home soon.

Chiefsmom · #4 03-26-2007, 08:55 PM

So sorry about your uncle! What a scary experience you've been through! Your family is in our thoughts and prayers through your tough time!

erindakoda · #5 03-26-2007, 11:38 PM

Thanks everyone, I was thinking I was handling it pretty well until Jon left he's only gone 2nights but even Dakoda seems so down now I'm finding it hard without him.
I just went to the hospital and they are going to try and slowly wake him up but theres no guarantee of just how much brain damage (if any, cross fingers) there may be.
My Aunty looks exhausted and my cousin is blaming himself that there was nothing he could do when he was first having the attack, he keeps freaking out going in and out of shock.
Its horrible to say but having gone through this whole process with my dad I kind of feel numb, I havent even cried yet I just feel like Ive already lived this through and I am trying to skip to the end. Thanks again for everyones positive thoughts it really does help.

Chiefsmom · #6 03-27-2007, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by erindakoda

Thanks everyone, I was thinking I was handling it pretty well until Jon left he's only gone 2nights but even Dakoda seems so down now I'm finding it hard without him.
I just went to the hospital and they are going to try and slowly wake him up but theres no guarantee of just how much brain damage (if any, cross fingers) there may be.
My Aunty looks exhausted and my cousin is blaming himself that there was nothing he could do when he was first having the attack, he keeps freaking out going in and out of shock.
Its horrible to say but having gone through this whole process with my dad I kind of feel numb, I havent even cried yet I just feel like Ive already lived this through and I am trying to skip to the end. Thanks again for everyones positive thoughts it really does help.

Keep being strong for your family! Your strength is contageous!!! It was the same way with me...When I lost my mom, I was a mess... Then when my uncle went through the same thing I felt numb; but I remained strong for the family! Now I can look back and see that I was their rock. I think things work that way for a reason! The most important thing, though, is to keep taking small alone times! They help a lot to reflect and let go of emotion for yourself! Keep your chin up! You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers!

erindakoda · #7 03-28-2007, 04:00 AM

Thanks Chiefsmom your right about the alone time, my best friend came into work today and I cried all over her! But it did feel good to get some of it out. I also seem to always be the strong one, even though Im the youngest, I had to comfort my 3 older sisters and now Aunts and cousins but its okay different people cope in different ways.
I walked up to the hospital on my lunch today and he seemed a little better, a little more awake but we are just taking baby steps and each little step is great. I really think that hes been given an amazing second chance and if he's anything like my dad(stubborn) he's going to fight hard to make the most of it.
Thanks for letting me vent here its really helping.

Indy's mom · #8 03-28-2007, 08:58 AM

Thinking of you Erin, and your family. Don't forget to give yourself a chance to get thru this too.

Always feel free to come here for venting or support. That's why we all come here. For each other. We're all here for you.

Austin's Mom · #9 03-28-2007, 11:47 AM

Hope your Uncle continues to improve and makes a full recovery.

DiverDiva · #10 03-28-2007, 12:32 PM

Positive vibes to you and all your family. Here's hoping for a complete recovery.