Update on my Dad etc.

[Pamela8]

Hello All.
If you remember me, my Dad in Florida had that horrible time at the rehab after surgery. Well he is doing terrific now. off all meds except one..

But now for my stepdad. He went for a catherization yesterday, doctor came out and he needs aortic valve replacement and triple bypass. He has never had any heart problems in the past, just recently dr. found a murmur and ordered tests. Echo showed problems.

I'm going to send him a link to the forums here and wanted to ask where he should visit first? He has been so good to everyone, him and my Mom take me to my neuro visits for my Multiple Sclerosis etc.

His daugter who served two times in Iraq. well after her last tour her and her hubby bought her daugther a car, and a few short weeks after, their daugter was tragically killed and an auto accident, at the young age of 16

So I know my stepdad could use alot of support, allthough he hides alot of his feelings regarding the recent news regarding surgery, I know he would benefit from the support and kindness here. His name is Bob and I'll send him the link as soon as I can find where he should visit here first.

Thanks so much again,
Pamela

 

[BDMc]

Pamela, Glad to hear your Dad is doing well. Please do encourage your stepdad to join us. I can't imagine going through what he already has. I have no doubt that as much as we might help him, he would be invaluable to others. All the best, Brian

 

[Curtsmum]

Sounds like your family as been through a lot. So glad your dad is doing well. Sorry about your stepdad, does he have a date yet?, hope to see him around soon. All the best.

 

[AgilityDog]

Good for the doctor! AV problems are frequently asymptomatic (so I hear, since I sure have no symptoms to speak of!)
Tell Bob he's welcome here. I would advise him to start with the stickies at the top of the presurgery forum, and valve selection forum, then check all the stickies on all the other forums, as well, for a general but overwhelming education. Then post his questions.
We'll be here.

 

[Pamela8]

Thanks All. And Laurie for the idea for him to read stickies first at pre surgery.

My stepdad has been on sooo many medications for his psoriatic arthritis, from many pills to daily shots. He is in pain constantly. He is on high blood pressure meds, even though his BP is in the 90/60 range. He has been experiencing some lightheadness, which i attribued to his meds. Guess all along maybe from valve or blocked arteries.

Pamela

 

[WayneGM]

Glad to hear your Dad is feeling better, but sorry to hear about your step-Dad. Like him, I had no history of heart problems until my doctor noticed a new murmur and the echo confirmed I had a problem. I hope your step-Dad decides to check VR out. Best wishes to you all.

 

[Debster]

Hi Pamela! It is a great sign that they caught this while asymptomatic. My mom too had valve replacement and triple bypass, but she was VERY symptomatic. That was almost 4 years ago, and she is doing well. He will be amazed as he recovers how much better he will feel. I am sorry you have been through a lot...your family is in my prayers. Deb

 

[Pamela8]

Surgery date set

Surgery date set

Stepdad saw surgeon yesterday, scheduled surgery for this coming Monday.

He has visited the boards here, but don't know if he registered.

The only question he asked the surgeon is how long the scar will be. Same question my Dad asked when he had his.

Allthough I wasn't with my Dad when he had his surgery from what my brother told me and the wonderful people and info here, I know somewhat to expect.

Surgery willl be at St. Peters iN Albany early Mon. morning. I'm going to stay with my Mom a couple of days. Will let you know how he's doing as soon as I can.

Pam

 

[Nancy]

Oh, I live about 30 minutes from St. Peter's. It's a wonderful hospital with a great reputation. Joe had a lung surgery there, and he was also operated on 3 times by a surgeon in the same group (but different hospital) as the surgeons at St. Peter's. They are all great surgeons.

He should do very well there.

 

[Pamela8]

Hi Nancy,
Nice to hear from you You were such a help regarding my Dad.

I did a google search for surgeons at St. Peters and the one I found and heard from many is the best in the area.

Pam

 

[Nancy]

Is is Dr. Bennett? He is Chief at St. Peter's, and he came over to Schenectady (not far from Albany) to help Joe's surgeon use a new procedure on Joe. He's a great guy and regarded with much respect.

 

[Pamela8]

Nancy,
Yes it is Dr. Bennett My stepdad is out having dinner at his daughters and we will be bringing him to the hospital very early in the morning.

I will be home sometime Tuesday and update on how he is doing.

Pam

 

[Nancy]

Wishing him all the best! He's in very good hands.

 

[Pamela8]

Just back from St. Peters. Stepdad's surgery went well, ended up along with AVR a quadruple byppass. G0ot to see him for a few minutes. lots of IV"s and machines etc. I did not see my Dad when he was operated on, knew somewhat to expect from what my brother told me, but still a shock.

Hopefull y vent off later and will see him tonight.

Pam

 

[Lynlw]

Great news. Hope things go smoothly.

 

[Nancy]

Sounds good!

 

[Pamela8]

visited my stepdad earlier today, he is doing very well. In ICU , alot of his "machinery" is gone. Still has drainage tube etc.

Little issue with BP going up and down, but nurse not concerned.

Going to get some sleep now, have to babysit my grandson in the morning.

thank all and will write more soon.

Pamela