Can you please light a candle or send well wishes for my Dad?

[davsand]

He had his third open heart surgery in July and has not recovered from it as well as they expected him to. Last night my Mom called 911 and had him taken to ER because he was having issues breathing. We were there with him up to about 2:30 am when he was admitted to the hospital with congestive heart failure.

This morning they got back more of his test results and told him he had a heart attack last night. We have no way to know at this point how much heart muscle was damaged.

As some of you may remember, I am in an office with an abusive boss and am waiting to escape. Thursday of this week is when I am supposed to write the state exam that will finalize my certification for political appointment and allow me to escape.

I'm dragging about as much chain as I can carry right now and still keep my head above water. I told my husband this morning that I know I can get thru the next few days, but I honestly have no idea how I am gonna manage it between this exam, my abusive boss, and now my Dad's collapse. I honestly can't focus enough right now to do much more than keep my Mom on her medications and hope for the best.

Any well wishes and strength you can send Dad's way right now will help a huge amount.

Thank you, all. I am headed back to the hospital and will probably not be back online until later tonight.


Laura


PS, Check out the last thing I read online last night before I got the news about my dad (from Astroadvice):

"Taurus on Sunday Apr 3, 2005:

Personal problems will escalate if you try to solve them right now. Relax and do something that you enjoy doing by yourself. Someone you care about may be a worry, but there won't be much that you can do to help this person."

[NMDemDist2]

1. done Laura

my best wishes to you and your family in this difficult time

:hug:

[LWolf]

2. Best wishes on their way now.

:grouphug:

[loudsue]

3. I'm really sorry about your Dad, Laura....

I will keep you and your family in my prayers. This is a big load for you to deal with right now, and I wish you and your dad the very best.

I'm so sorry you're having to go through all of this. Please keep us posted when you can.

:loveya:

sue

[Desertrose]

4. sending you & your parents love & healing vibes.....

Good advice...I'm praying that you are able to what you need to do for you these next few days....then you'll be in a better place to deal with everything else....

:grouphug: :hug::loveya:
DR

[seventythree]

5. in my thoughts for strength and serenity

at this difficult time -- one moment/step at a time, now.

[DemExpat]

6. Well wishes for you, your Dad, and your Mom in this tough time.

:hug: :hug: :hug:

DemEx

[Pallas180]

7. Davsand,

Can you please see if you can put off the exam until April 12, telling them your father has had a heart attack and you are needed?

And then please IM me your dad's birthdate, and your b-data.

There's a lot coming up. Mercury going direct on the 12th. An Eclipse on the 8th. Both always bringing events.

Visualize a white light around your Pop while you're there and whenever you're away from him, and pray for his protection.

[Lugnut]

8. I'm sorry Laura

Good thoughts to you and your family.

[davsand]

9. Thank you everyone for the help!

I can't begin to express how much it means.

Dad is resting in the hospital. They are telling him that he will be there a "few days" and not much more than that. They want to make certain he is stabilized before they let him leave, and for that, I am hugely grateful.

The big question right now is will he allow the local hospital to treat him or will he attempt to go to the Docs up at Mayo clinic. He's partly in the bad shape he's in due to the efforts of a second rate surgeon here locally, so if he can make the trip we are leaning toward delaying most action and taking him back to Mayo.

Mom seems to be coping with it all thus far, in some ways better than I expected. She's maintained her practicality and that has made it a lot easier to take care of her. She's eating and taking her meds--so far so good.

I am calling in sick to the office tomorrow. I can't deal with THAT and everything else. I am most definitely in the mode of energy conservation, and expending energy dealing with an abuser boss is not high on my "to do" list right now.

Pallas, I don't think I can re-schedule that exam. I wish I could, but it is pretty much cast in stone at this point. Something that REALLY worries me right now is the fact that I will be about three hours away from here (one way) overnight to do this. I'm leaving Wed afternoon late and not back here until mid to late afternoon on Thursday. I am sending you a PM with the info you asked for. Thank you for any insights you can provide.

My Dad has been sick for quite a while. He had his first open heart surgery back in November/December of 1990. We've known for a long time that he was in an inevitable progression toward death (as we all are, really) but that understanding has not made it any easier to cope with while it happens. The vulnerability of it all just overwhelms me sometimes.

My own personal energy is so scattered right now I am just not much help to anyone when it comes to focused thought. Because I am so unfocused, I have no clear vision of any outcome and that scares me. Perhaps, almost as much as the possibility of the loss of my father. I don't recall ever "flying blind" to this degree before.

Again, thank you everyone for your support for him. Seems like I have a lot of friends holding me upright right now.


Laura

[Digit]

10. I know the feeling

I have an insurance exam on Tuesday. I already paid $99 dollars for it and since I am out of work, I don't have the funds to cancel and do it again. I would lose the money.
I don't know what is going on with these planets to do this all at once, but thank God we have this forum with all the supportive people.
Wishing you the best for whatever transpires. Stay strong.
May your Dad pull through this and live to see many more productive years.

[davsand]

11. Update on events:

Dad has responded well to the treatment and is doing much better. The fluid has gradually drained off his lungs and from around his heart, he's feeling much better. In fact, the Docs are probably going to let him go home later today or tomorrow with an Oxygen tank and severe restrictions on any kind of activity for the next two weeks.

Dad is seriously depressed, and yesterday was talking about giving up--just waiting at home to die. My Mom has given him his marching orders, however, that he WILL seek further treatment at Mayo, and he WILL take his meds as directed by the Docs. My brother has actually stepped up and is planning to TAKE them to Mayo in a couple of weeks (once Dad is deemed strong enough to travel by his docs down here.)

I can never tell you all how much your prayers and well wishes have meant. I'm actually starting to allow myself to feel like MAYBE there is a light at the end of the tunnel... It is a huge boost just to feel any optimism at all, let alone take steps toward a resolution.

Again, I do thank you all. Your support has helped a great deal.



Laura

[Wapsie B]

12. Here's some more good Karma

on your way Laura. Glad to know he's doing better.

[Digit]

13. That is GREAT news!

I am so happy for you and your family.
I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers just the same for awhile.
Digit
:hug:

[NMDemDist2]

14. thanks so much for the update and so glad it's good news

it's normal for your Dad to be depressed after such an ordeal

i'm sure when he gets home and starts his new routine things will improve

:hug:

[seventythree]

18. happy to hear improvement

[Is It Fascism Yet]

15. Sure I will! I'd like to know your Dad's age, and his first name, and

his mother's first name. Thanks, and more power to both you and your Dad!

[davsand]

16. His first name is Emil.

He will turn 77 April 12. His Mom was named Pearl.

Thanks for anything you can do!

Laura

[Is It Fascism Yet]

19. Thank you too Laura, I will think to send Emil blessings daily.

[PinkTiger]

17. Good wishes for you and your Dad.

I'll be thinking of you all day and sending the best vibes I can.

Brenda

[davsand]

20. Updates

Dad is home and recovering. The docs have told him his heart attack was most probably due to the fluids preventing his heart from functioning properly rather than more blockage (which was our biggest fear.) Fluid they can control with meds, blockage would require a surgical fix and he can't have any more surgery.

Day by day Dad is gaining some strength back again. He's able to walk a bit now and seems to be able to breath easier. His mental state has improved--he's actually much better with his meds and he seems to be more positive in his outlook.

He is now working with a local cardiologist as well as one at Mayo Clinic, plus he's working with a team of specialist locally who run a congestive heart failure clinic. They specialize in management and control of the disease--and that is EXACTLY what he needs. With proper meds and a bit of cooperation on his part this is a manageable condition.

I wrote my state exam and passed it. The state has certified me and my appointment is due to be voted on in committee May 5th with the full County Board voting on it toward the end of May. I was told yesterday that it will "most likely" go thru.

Additionally, yesterday, I filed official complaints with the HR people in my County about the abusive behavior and harassment in my office. I am on record now about what is going on in that office. The HR director made the comment yesterday that she wouldn't blame me if I did file a lawsuit, but that she will do all she can to protect me in the interim until my appointment comes thru.

Slowly and surely it is all coming to pass. I credit you guys a great deal for the help. I really appreciate all the support my Dad my family and I've had from my friends here at DU.

Bless you all. You have been a huge help.


Laura

[DemExpat]

21. Thanks, Laura, great news on all fronts!

Way to go with your successful exam and filing complaints on your boss!

:toast: :toast: :toast:

Three more cheers for your dear Dad and a good management of his condition at this time in his life!

:hug:

DemEx

[loudsue]

22. I'm SO glad you're emerging from the difficult position you've been in

You have kept moving forward, which is a mammoth endeavor considering all of the things that were facing you at the beginning of the month.

Congratulations on passing your exam :applause: :woohoo: :applause:

AND for reporting the abuse in your department! I hope your boss gets what's coming to him. Just the fact that you have reported this may save many more people from that type of abuse in the future.

(((((BIG HUG))))), and best of luck with getting the appointment you want!

:kick:

[Digit]

23. I am happy things are falling into place for you..

Glad to hear your dad is doing so much better and your appointment is about to materialize.

It is nice to hear good news!