All That Your Heart Can Take
January 18, 2009
On Friday, we got the results of my father's heart catheterization, which mostly confirmed what we already knew: there's a very bad blockage in there, a blockage has likely been there for awhile and likely caused his fall last summer and is definitely causing all of his current bouts of dizziness and breathlessness that have essentially kept him housebound for months now. Angioplasty or a stent or medication will not help. Bypass surgery is absolutely not an option because of his age and health and just...no. Quality of life, enjoy what you have, and all that.
On Saturday, my mom called 911 after the third nitroglycerin failed to halt my dad's symptoms and he was admitted to the hospital.
Today, they're meeting with the heart surgeon about the bypass surgery. My dad is resisting, and I can't blame him for that. For two years, they've told us the surgery could kill him. In two days, we've simply run out of other options.
I'm loading up babies and pets and an indefinite number of days' worth of underwear. I never really know what I actually can DO when I rush up to visit at the first sign of a crisis, but it's...well, rushing up to visit is just what I always do. So I do that. I'm doing that. Okay.
You are in my thoughts. Hang in there.
You rush up there because it's what any loving daughter would do. Have a safe trip and I'm sending good prayers your father's way.
I'm so sorry about your father; I know this is a difficult time for you. Hang in there, we're all pulling for your family and sending our good thoughts!
Thinking of you and your family, wishing you all the best. Hugs and prayers for you all.
I've been where you are. My prayers are with you & your family.
As someone who has been that person that people rushed to because they didn't know what else to do - it helps. Trust me. Just the support and knowing someone is there helps.
I hope it ends up for the best. I'll be thinking of you.
You are in my thoughts.
My thoughts are with you. My great-uncle/aunt had to make this exact type of decision. My uncle was in his 80s and needed a heart bypass. It was over 10 years ago so hopefully medicine/techniques have improved since then.