Ria Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 My dad is having major surgery tomorrow morning in Philadelphia, about an hour from us. He's having a spinal fusion and surgery for spinal stenosis...pretty extensive surgery involving 6 vertebrae. For the coming week I'll be driving my mom to and from the hospital daily, dealing with all things medical that need to be dealt with (my mom is somewhat clueless), trying to work part-time, and trying to stay in touch with my four school-age kids (they attend ps), my two college-age kids (home on break) and dh. Oh, and keeping the household running. I'm more than a little stressed. Any and all prayers and good thoughts for all of us would be greatly appreciated. Ria Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenny in Atl Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 Sending happy healing thoughts his way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brigitte Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 You got 'em. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Marple Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 Awww, we'll pray for a smooth surgery and recovery. And that you can keep on top of it all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mama Bear Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 You got it, Ria. Hang in there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenschooler Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 I'll be praying everything goes well with your dad's surgery, Ria, and that you can keep everything else going. I know you can, but it's going to be a rough week for you. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LNC Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 I'll be praying for you and your family! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather in Neverland Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jensway Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 Prayers on the way. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mabeline Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 I will be praying for you! :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denise in IN Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 I'm praying that the surgery is successful, and that you can handle the extra responsibilities with grace, wisdom and energy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liz CA Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 Praying for all of you. Just take care of the important things and don't worry about household etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heidi @ Mt Hope Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 Prayers going out for you.... that is a lot to deal with! My mom just had surgery for stenosis (3 vertebrae), but it was a much more simple procedure than a fusion. I'll be praying that your Dad's surgery goes well, that he heals quickly, and that it improves his health!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harriet Vane Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leah Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 I'll be praying! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
battlemaiden Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 Oh Ria. I just dropped in for a moment after printing off some stuff and I saw your post. My butt is getting off the computer right now to go pray for your father and you and your entire family during this time. Tell your father, "GO NAVY!" from this Pearl Harbor family! :grouphug: Jo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lizzie in Ma Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 For your Dad's surgery and the Dr.'s hands, , for your household to have peace and for traveling mercies while you bring your Mom back and forth. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ria Posted January 6, 2009 Author Share Posted January 6, 2009 The spinal fusion surgery lasted over 7 hours...it was very extensive, complicated surgery and my dad lost a lot of blood. He's stable and is in ICU. Ria (stumbling off to bed) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denise in IN Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 I'm so glad the surgery is completed! Continued prayers for a quick return to complete health. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brindee Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 Thanks for the update! I will pray for a good recovery for your dad, and sleep for you! ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 Praying that he gets out of ICU soon. I'm sure you must be exhausted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5knights3maidens Posted January 7, 2009 Share Posted January 7, 2009 How is your Dad today? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ria Posted January 8, 2009 Author Share Posted January 8, 2009 Thank you all for your prayers and concerns. Today's update: 1. The physical therapists arrived, got my dad up (ouch!) and had him walk down the hall and back (along with two wound drains, a catheter, 2 IVs, portable oxygen, and a walker...I'm sort of glad I missed it, lol). 2. He's been transferred out of ICU!!! When I left this afternoon they were getting him ready to move into a room on a regular ward. 3. He needed two units of blood today - that's somewhat concerning, but then again, they are still putting him on a regular ward. His hemoglobin is very low, and his blood pressure was way down after his walk. Blood chemistry is slightly off...he needed mag sulfate. My dad has CLL (chronic lymphocytic leukemia...very slow-to-progress cancer but it does affect the production of the red blood cells) which might play a role in the decision to give the transfusion. But, they took him out of ICU, so I'm looking at this as a positive step. 4. His doctor is very pleased. :) 5. I am totally exhausted. My mom is very worried...I'm trying to calm her down. The hospital is almost an hour away, in Philadelphia. I live way out in the outer suburbs, near Amish country. Things are peaceful here. Philadelphia - and the drive there - is not peaceful! My mom (71) is not comfortable driving into Philly, so I'm taking her daily. Tomorrow will be the hardest day for me, I think. I work from 8-12, then have physical therapy (for my neck injury from the car accident) from 2 - 3:15, then come home, pick up two boys who really miss their grandfather, drive to my mom's house, get her, and go to the hospital, stay for dinner (as to avoid rush hour) and then come home. Ria Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 I'm glad your dad is doing a bit better. Will pray for your exhausting day tomorrow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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