My poor Dad... - Page 2

Roge · #13 3rd February 2012, 01:58 AM

keeping you your father and family in my thoughts, keep in mind that this procedure while very daunding to the patient and family is quite common practise now. my freinds dad had it done last spring and is doing fine now they found the hardest part was keeping him from overdoing thing when he got home.

djheitz · #14 3rd February 2012, 11:10 AM

Surgery is done and they ended up doing a quadruple bypass. We're just hanging out waiting to see him now.

elgerdes · #15 3rd February 2012, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djheitz

Surgery is done and they ended up doing a quadruple bypass. We're just hanging out waiting to see him now.

I'm sorry to hear that. My Nana had a quintuple and triple in her life. But it will probably help his quality of life significantly. We eventually told my Nana just to put a zipper in her chest because of all her heart issues. Ironically that isn't what went out in the end, so keep your chin up. After the surgery his heart will be on the mend and you can focus on the other things. Baby steps and conquer one issue at a time.

Keeping you and your family in my thoughts.

Cami · #16 3rd February 2012, 02:32 PM

Waiting is the hardest part! I remember going into ICU to see my dad after his quad. One of the nurses who had been "hand holding" for me took me aside and told me a few things.
She prepared me for what I would see for starters (all the things he would be connected to).
She also said to SMILE at him and that would make him feel better.
I was also to start at his feet touching them and tell him to wiggle his toes on the right and then left side. If he complied (he did) they could rule out a stroke from the procedure that very second. He passed with flying colors.
Within 4 hours from his surgery he was sitting in a chair and it was one of the best sights I have ever seen.
Hoping your dad is doing well.
If you have any questions about what he might experience over the coming days don't hesitate to ask. I can share what he went though if it will help.

Gatorblu · #17 3rd February 2012, 03:28 PM

My dad had a quadruple bypass 6 mos ago. It was 2 days after a massive heart attack that would have killed him if the paramedics weren't already there. (He had passed out from heat stroke) He was in really bad shape. They induced a coma before and after surgery to keep him stable. 36 hrs after surgery he was sitting up, the next day he was taking short walks. He is doing great now. He is even going to the gym regularly and has lost 30 lbs!

I know your dad has other issues to deal with, but it will be much easier on him now. Sending lots of positive (((vibes)))!

djheitz · #18 12th February 2012, 03:13 PM

He ended up staying in ICU for five days. They're still working on getting his lung function back to normal, but he's much better than he was even a few days ago. The plan is to move him to a rehab facility on Monday and let him get his strength back there. The biggest challenge will be making sure he's steady on his feet again.

He's not really happy with the no sugar/no fat diet they've been feeding him, but he also hasn't eaten the Tootsie Pop my sister left for him. Hopefully this will be enough to get him to drop some pounds...he could lose 75-100 and still not be skinny. If he can handle the treadmill, that's probably his best option for exercise.

RoxiesEcho · #19 13th February 2012, 06:30 AM

Thanks for the update. I had been a little worried since we hadn't heard anything for a few days. I hope the rehab facility gets him up on his feet in no time. Prayers coming your way for a speedy and uneventful recovery.

chrystel · #20 14th February 2012, 04:43 PM

((((((positive and healing vibes))))) for your dad!

djheitz · #21 27th February 2012, 10:01 PM

He finally came home on Friday

28 days is a very long time to spend in the hospital, although I think my Mom is already wishing it had been a week or two longer. He's doing fairly well - back on his feet, better than he was after his brain surgery, but not quite where he was before the heart issue. He's getting both occupational and physical therapy, so we should continue to see improvement over the next few weeks.

The biggest challenge is coming up with a meal plan that will work with both the diabetes and heart. Mom has never been, hmmm...shall we say creative? in the kitchen, so this is definitely something new for her. He did lose almost 30 pounds in the hospital, so he's got a good jumpstart on getting rid of the excess weight.

I really wish they hadn't decided to live an hour away when they stopped traveling in the RV. It's not easy to get there as often as I want (and need) to.

Thank you all for the good vibes and warm wishes! Hugs to all of you!

Gatorblu · #22 28th February 2012, 10:25 AM

I am so glad he is home and getting better!

johann · #23 28th February 2012, 04:01 PM

Very glad he is home and recovering.

chrystel · #24 28th February 2012, 07:00 PM

I am sure he is so happy to be home!