They have upped the medication that dad takes, through an IV (this med is so strong that it would tear up his stomach and possibly his kidneys, so he is constantly hooked up to an IV, even at home)
Today, because of all your positive thoughts and prayers (I know for sure that is why) he is home again. Well, home in Phx, which isn't really home. He sounded so much more upbeat today and it was nice to hear his voice not sounding all depressed and sad.
While I don't know for sure, but my stepmother says she thinks that she overheard them talking (them=doctors) and have now placed him on the 1A list (this isn't definite just yet, she overheard this and they haven't said anything to them yet). 1A is usually reserved for the most sickest and those that have artificial hearts.
They are also still talking about putting a pump into his heart, which involves open heart surgery. This will cause more scarring and so has to be really weighed with a lot of information and discussing between doctors. (the meds are what keeps his heart going, even though the heart is pretty much completely dead, the last update on it was he was using less than 10% of his heart.) The problem with this, is it's open heart surgery...
I'm glad he has gotten to return home, as I honestly didn't think that would happen, nor did he. This should help a lot. He has his cats there that adore him, he's able to walk (with a walker) to the workout room in the complex and ride the bike there. He needs to do more exercise, to build up muscle mass which in the long run should help him after the surgery. Being stronger, helps.
They are statistics regarding open heart surgery, whether they put the pump in or the new heart. There's a 50/50 chance he won't make it off the table. There's a 70/30 chance that he will reject the new heart within 6 months... so all of it is pretty scary. I'm just very grateful that he has gotten to go home. This will help with his depression and hopefully will lift his spirits and soon there will be a heart available to him.
Thank you all again for your prayers, positive thoughts and candle lightening. I am so very grateful. This brings me some hope, that I had lost in the last few weeks...
Thank you again, all of you. It's so comforting to know that people care.
Monday, January 12, 2009
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4 comments:
Wow, I can't imagine what you all are going through. My prayers are with you.
Thanks for visiting my blog. I think you have I have a lot in common!
I'm still praying for your Dad. My Dad went through open heart surgery a year ago, it was scary but he recovered and is doing fine. I wish the same for your father. My thoughts are with you honey. Stay strong, eat, and get lots of rest. It's now time to run yourself down. Take Care.
Lea: I think I have an idea of what you're going through. My dad passed away at the beginning of November, two months before his 69th birthday, and I remember vividly how emaciated he was at the end. It is the hardest thing I have ever had to go through in my life. Go to my blog, if you want, and read some of the posts near the end of October and the beginning of November. It may help you solidify some of the thoughts that you're having, seeing your dad fade.
Peace.
DysFUnctional Mom: Thank you. I've been reading your blog for a little over a month and really enjoy it!
The Girl you don't bring your mom home: Thank you. I'll continue to read your blog, as i really enjoy it.
Adamity_Bomb_Bomb: Thank you. I shall go and read your blog as you suggested. Thank you again!
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