Bad start to 2004!

fisher6476 · Jan 3, 2004

Well looks like 2004 is off to a rocky start. Although I must admit i am grateful for being 4 weeks out from my surgery and starting to have more good days than bad. Yesterday my furnace decided it had lived long enough and although I have "emergency heat" for the weekend, the expense of a new furnace is unavoidable and something I did not need right now!
Then today my mother (who is in her mid 80's with sight and mobilty problems, calls with the news that my brother was admitted to the hospital today, and tomorrow morning will have bypass surgery. She and my dad are not well and just went through too much worry with me, and now have to do it all over again. My brother is 11 months older than I am.
The hospital where my brother will be is about two hours from my home. I feel I should go see him Monday (I just can not malke it tomorrow. Anybody see any problems with me riding 4 or 5 hours on Monday if I am feeling OK? I can get my Father-in-law to take me I think.
I guess I have to be be thankfull for all the blessings in my life, but sometimes it feels like enough is enough already.
It is so great to have this group and to know you'll be there!
Best regards,
Steve

Rich · Jan 3, 2004

Steve,
That really is a rough start for this year and not exactly a happy new year.
Hopefully your brother will do just fine.
As long as you are not doing the driving it's probably OK.
Just watch out for the weather though.
I am from Ohio so I'm familier with Mansfield but here in S.E Michigan they are predicting 8" to 12" of snow by Monday morning.

Ross · Jan 3, 2004

Steve what kind of furnace problem are you having? Are you sure it's ready for the bone yard? I've been nursing my fuel oil furnace along for a long time now. I'm sure I'll be looking for a new one when I don't want to also. The problems with owning a home, something always hits the pocket book when you don't need it. Roll with the punches as best you can. Things will work out in the end.

You should be fine to travel, though you may tire somewhat easy. You might want to plan a few breaks along the route.

Missy · Jan 3, 2004

Hang in there... a rough start sometimes leads to a smooth ending.
Don't overdue it on your trip as that wouldn't help matters for anyone so take all precautions you can.
Good luck to your brother! There will probably be many prayers from the members of vr.com. I know I will pray for him. In fact as I write I am praying for him, your mom and dad and you. I hope your mom and dad are able to relax some when this is over. Sounds like your family has had it's share of sickness.

fyrfytr · Jan 3, 2004

Hey Steve,
Sorry to hear about all your troubles. Hopefully things will start to settle down for you.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Take Care!

ALCapshaw2 · Jan 3, 2004

Sorry to read that your family is being hit so hard Steve.

To be on the safe side, it would be wise for you to get out of the car and walk around for 5 minutes every hour. This helps to prevent CLOTS from forming. Also be sure to SIT and rest while at the hospital. Do NOT push yourself, rest when your body says it needs to rest.

Best wishes for your brother's Bypass Surgery. You may want to tell him about your recovery experiences (they should be similar) and / or refer him to the presurgery and post surgery forums here on VR.com. There is also a Bypass Surgery Recovery Support Forum on Yahoo Groups.com

Best wishes,

'AL'