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about 5 weeks until my wedding and my father needs open heart surgery!

Kara and Todd Posted:

about 5 weeks until my wedding and my father needs open heart surgery!

We found out yesterday that my father has to have open heart surgery ASAP - as in, within the next week or two. It's a very long story, but suffice it to say it's a miracle we even found out about this. He is otherwise very healthy, eats rights, exercises daily.

You may remember me posting that he had to have a second surgery on his shoulder to repair a torn rotator cuff. Well, they canceled that second surgery the day of because his blood pressure was through the roof and wouldn't come down. He was told to see his regular doc before rescheduling the surgery. He did and his blood pressure was fine. The doc referred him to a good cardiologist anyway, who did a full stress test, EKG, etc. All of those tests but one came back perfectly normal. They decided he should have an angiogram b/c in the event there was a slight blockage, they could put a stent in then.

So he went in yesterday to have the angiogram and possibly have a stent put in. After the procedure, the doctor told him that all 3 of his major arteries are seriously clogged, and he has 4 blockages total (ranging from 70% - 99%). The only solution is open heart surgery and they want him to have it within the next week or so.

He's devastated to say the least. This came as a total shock to him. Like I said, he's otherwise very healthy and has no symptoms. He was basically a heart attack waiting to happen. The doctor said his body is so healthy and fit that it found a way to compensate for the blockages itself all this time.

I'm terrified, of course, but so incredibly grateful that they caught this. Had they not, who knows what would have happened!! In fact, he's lucky he did not have complications or die during his first shoulder surgery, which was only a few short months ago!

We'll know more early next week about when the surgery is, etc. They told him that he's young and healthy for this surgery, so he'll be back to full activity after he's recovered (golf, power walking, etc.) As for the wedding (which is of course not even a consideration, but he's worried about it). He'll be there and be dancing they said. The recovery is 4-6 weeks... but by the time my wedding comes, he should be feeling pretty normal, maybe just a bit more tired than usual.

Please that everything goes just fine with this surgery.

My father just retired and this is a really, really crappy way for him to start his retirement. Plus, I won't lie, I'm really, really scared.

We could use all the spare you have.

SusiBtoM Posted:

Re: about 5 weeks until my wedding and my father needs open heart surgery!

you got 'em. All the best for a speedy recovery !
HamptonsBride Posted:

Re: about 5 weeks until my wedding and my father needs open heart surgery!

so sorry to hear...but look at it this way, better to find out before a heart attack! They are so amazing nowadays with the open heart procedures...everything will be fine...just keep positive and we'll keep the prayers coming to you & your family!!!
Kara and Todd Posted:

Re: about 5 weeks until my wedding and my father needs open heart surgery!


Posted by HamptonsBride

so sorry to hear...but look at it this way, better to find out before a heart attack!



I agree - it's a miracle they found this. We're definitely grateful for that!!
PreshusSmurf Posted:

Re: about 5 weeks until my wedding and my father needs open heart surgery!

My prayers are with you & your family Kara!

Nina_m74 Posted:

Re: about 5 weeks until my wedding and my father needs open heart surgery!



I'm sure your dad will do very well. My Dad had Bypass a year ago and now he is a new man. I was terrified when he had the surgey and going to see him in recovery was very difficult, but he recoved very quickly as I'm sure your Dad will too.

shopaholic07 Posted:

Re: about 5 weeks until my wedding and my father needs open heart surgery!

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers!!!! I hope your dad has a speedy recovery!
thelastresort Posted:

Re: about 5 weeks until my wedding and my father needs open heart surgery!

I'm sure your dad will do great. Hang in there!
Pinkiegirll07 Posted:

Re: about 5 weeks until my wedding and my father needs open heart surgery!

Oh Kara, I'm so sorry to hear about this, but I'm so glad they caught this now.
I'm praying for you, your dad and your family!!
MrsQ-in2007 Posted:

Re: about 5 weeks until my wedding and my father needs open heart surgery!

Oh WOW!!!! I can only say THANK GOD they found out!!!! I pray it goes well and he has a quick and easy recovery!!!
Dee606 Posted:

Re: about 5 weeks until my wedding and my father needs open heart surgery!

kitty1224 Posted:

Re: about 5 weeks until my wedding and my father needs open heart surgery!

Renee615 Posted:

Re: about 5 weeks until my wedding and my father needs open heart surgery!

I hope everything is ok!
bonitachyc Posted:

Re: about 5 weeks until my wedding and my father needs open heart surgery!

ChrissynRicky Posted:

Re: about 5 weeks until my wedding and my father needs open heart surgery!

I will keep him, you, and your entire family in my thoughts and prayers.

I wish him a successful surgery and recovery.

Please keep us in the loop, and as always, let us know if there's anything we can do to help.
cookiemonster Posted:

Re: about 5 weeks until my wedding and my father needs open heart surgery!

Thank goodness they found this when they did - it's almost like that second shoulder injury was a gift from God! I know you're scared, and I'm sure he is too, and of course no one can say for 100% sure that everything will be fine, but it sounds like he's in great shape and they are confident it will be successful. We will all keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Just think - in a few weeks, this will be behind you, your dad will be recovering, you'll have a beautiful wedding, and then your dad can enjoy a long, happy, HEALTHY retirement!! Just stay strong and remember we're all here for you!!!
twinkle164 Posted:

Re: about 5 weeks until my wedding and my father needs open heart surgery!

Best wishes. Hang in there.
HelenZ Posted:

Re: about 5 weeks until my wedding and my father needs open heart surgery!

Kara, I'm so very sorry to hear this!! sending you lots of prayers & hugs....I'm here for you if you need to talk!
MnM52607 Posted:

Re: about 5 weeks until my wedding and my father needs open heart surgery!

kahlua716 Posted:

Re: about 5 weeks until my wedding and my father needs open heart surgery!

Best wishes and prayers for your dad! ( and you and the rest of the family too!)

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