As you know, Our Family has been facing a crisis of epic proportions (for us).
Yesterday, 12 noon until 5 pm, Mom underwent open-heart surgery. We were told that it would be double-bypass, and that the risks at her age (82) were considerably higher than most open-heart patients. However, the cardiac specialists considered her to be a good candidate as the vessels up- and down-stream of the blockages were in very good condition, and her overall health was good, and she is quite active for a senior citizen!
At 5 pm yesterday, her surgeon told us that technically all had gone well, but that the operation was actually a TRIPLE bypass. She remained sedated until midnight, and she was too exhausted later, so we were unable to see her until early this morning. When Dad, my Brother Larry and his wife Rosalie and I arrived, a machine was breathing for her, and she was so very uncomfortable! It was heart-wrenching to see my Mommy in that kind of distress! It's unlike anything I have had to deal with either in the last six months or even in my whole six decades! We were all sure this was going to be a horribly long day.
But then the day improved when the breathing tube and many of the twelve IV's were removed. She revived a good bit, squeezed Dad's hand so tightly he yelped, and asked for a drink of water (which she couldn't have because of the chance of nausea). She was in pain, but didn't complain about that. She was pleasant whenever a nurse or doctor would poke or prod or inflict numerous other indignities upon her person. A model patient. Incredible.
She improved incrementally thereafter. This afternoon, her Sister called, and Mom wanted to talk to her so I handed the phone over. To be entirely accurate, Mom didn't ACTUALLY speak to her ---she listened to her weep. Auntie is a very emotional woman. She will cry if you cook a hot dog too long. But I let the "conversation" go on for several minutes, because of the smile on Mom's face.
Exquisite.
She's gonna be alright...
xoxoxo, c
I empathize, in every sense of the word. My Dad had open heart surgery, and I cared for him during his recovery. There will be good and bad. Here's hoping the former outweighs the latter. I will say a prayer to that effect.
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