Things are bad for Wally

later, saying we're here

Thanks everyone, I'm just home to feed the cats, then back to the hospital.

Much to long to go into here, but he has decided to have the bypass tomorrow.

We've spoken to the original cardiologist, Dr V's office (he's out on vacation damn him for having a life), but his colleague Dr W as spoken to Wally, and directly to the cardiologist that will be doing the surgery.

I'm scared to death. The cardiologist said under normal circumstances risk of dying during this surgery is 2%, in Wally's case, they say 10%.

That 10% is as big as the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean together in my mind, and the 90% as small as Rhode Island.

I'd like to make a public thanks to shewolf. She saw this thread and called me. I saw it was her so just answered with hi......Her first words, with no hesitation, was "What the **** is going on?"

That's a true friend.

I don't know what tomorrow will hold, but tomorrow will come.

This is scary ****.

I'm glad that the wolfmama called you. You're right- she's a good friend to have.

Sending big positive thoughts to you and your Wally, and I will be thinking about you both tomorrow.

Oh, no.
Well, yes.
Well.
Damn these tender words.
They haven't the thickness you need you deserve.
But
I am wrapping you in my thoughts.
I am standing here.
Waiting with you.
Joe(.....((((((((Chai)))))))......Nation

Percentages are not comforting at a time like this, but a 90% chance of winning is damned good bet. The odds are definately in your favor, and the hopes and prayers of a whole lot of people should put you guys in the money.

There's nothing to say that hasn't already been said, so I will just wish you strength and courage.

Chai, I just saw this thread and my jaw dropped open reading your OP. I am so sorry that you and Wally are going through this.

I hope all goes well with the bypass surgery. I'll be thinking of you, and sending wishes for its success, and strength for you while you wait.

Not much to add... Hoping and praying for a good outcome.

Thinking of you both, and hoping for the best possible outcome x

Thanks everyone again. Believe me when I say that each and every one of your comments made a difference.

I'm going back there within the hour. The surgeon had said he would stop by at 7am, before his 1st surgery, to see what Wally had decided. While I was home for pet care last night, Wally had communicated with the nurses his decision, and they were already in the process of prepping him. If the surgeons first surgery goes as planned, Wally should be going in at 11am-ish I think.

Last night I went to my neighbors house, and asked her to come over. She's a neighbor, a friend, and a phychologist. It helped a lot. Well, for now at least.

I was pissed off at this 10% number. I said to her "where the **** to they come up with these numbers for 1 persons individual case. In fact, each persons chances are 100% one way or the other....and why 2% for someone else?" Oh, I understand the statistics behind it, but really, it wasn't like they made this extensive/prolonged study of him as an individual. She said yeah it was bullshit, who really knows?

The Thanksgiving holiday has really screwed with scheduling. Basically the choices Wally had was today, or wait until Monday. He wanted to wait until Monday saying "I need to be mentally prepared" I know of course he wanted to make phone calls.
It was confusing to me, because the house doctor was saying she thought it would be fine to discharge, go home and come back.....Then I pieced together in my mind that all the cardio's and the surgeon hated that idea. The surgeon said sure it might be all right, but if something Did happen at home between now and then, he was just making the heart weaker, maybe/perhaps/probably to the point where surgery wouldn't matter.

I said to Wally that neither of us would ever forgive ourselves if that happened, looking back on what have been a surer thing. He was still saying he wanted to wait, and I knew at that moment to choose silence.

A bit later, our neighbor Bill called, and when Wally answered, he said "Yeah, it looks like I'm having surgery tomorrow." After the call when we talked, he gave the attitude "well, it seems I have no choice, everyone is pushing me to this"
I think that was just him being a guy, when I came back later, he seemed on board.

Anyway, I've typed enough. I've got to get dressed and head over there. I want to be there by 6:30.

I'm glad you realise that Wally's attitude is just a bloke thing. I've been told myself that I am the world's worst patient, and I'm sure the other men (and their partners) will give a knowing nod.
Men like being in control of things, even though we all know that women run the world. When that power is taken away, us men easily get begrumpled.
You are obviously a wise woman to let it go.

I'm sending positive vibes from across the pond, as well as crossing fingers again.

Thinking of you today.

hamburgboy had surgery on Monday. He's home and doing well.

I'm wishing for the same results for Wally.

Ommmmming here from rainy Boston.

I wish u and Wally all the best of GOOD LUCK, Chai.





David

Ommmmmmmmmmmming from the UK...

I realise how terribly difficult this all is... a whirlwind of emotion and trying to be strong, rational, supportive and yelling inside for answers and a crystal ball...

feeling for you both, thinking of you both, Chai, hoping and praying that Wally's surgery is successful and that you will have time together before he has to go down to theatre.

Hugs, love xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

(((Hbg, Bethie, HIM)))xxx

Give Mr. H. my regards, make sure he has some licorice on hand (if the docs say no, then I'll gladly consume it ) thoughts are there for a speedy full recovery, same as holds true for Wally.

Good news all.

The surgery went well. One thing that made all the difference is that every hour or so the nurse in the operating room would call your cell phone direct with a 10 second conversation, just to say "things are going well" or "we're more than halfway through, things look good". When I started hearing that I finally relaxed.

I don't know anything beyond that, when I went up to ICU they had him really drugged out, because he'd been fighting his breathing tube.....does that sound like you lordyaswas? I passed my hand over his eyes with no response, so I came home. I'll go back later just to he can see me.

ehbeth, what kind of surgery did you father have?

Sharp that they can let you know like that.

That can be IMPORTANT.
In 2005, when I awakened from abdominal surgery in the I.C.U.
I 'd lost all memory of where I was. I cud not figure it out.
I was bound left n right, because my gag reflex had moven me
to fight respiratory intubation at the border of consciousness.
Drugged up, I was not aware of being in the hospital, for several days.

Eventually, one of my tenants arrived.
I recognized him immediately.
By a manual gesture (despite being bound)
I was able to ask "what the hell is all this ?" and he told me.
With his reminder, it came back to me, instantly.
I had not known that the anesthesia can cause loss of memory.
I had thought that I 'd become a kidnap victim,
in my drugged up condition, until I was reminded.
Maybe it 'd be wise to be on hand to help with that problem, just in case.

CONGRATULATIONS on your GOOD NEWS, Chai and Wally!





David