I spoke w/ Jo Ann this morning.  Her Mom, who has had health issues of late is undergoing quadruple
by pass surgery this morning.  Your thoughts and prayers are appreciated.

Jo Ann, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.  May the Lord watch over your Mom and bring strength to your family during this trying time.

Joann, My best wishes for your mom, and you too as it is always difficult on loved ones.  My father had quad bypass around 9 years ago and he felt so much better after having it done.  He has since taken up scuba diving, goes four wheeling, and hikes.  He is 74 now. I would hope your mom will have the same results.

Thanks! My mom had triple by-pass yesterday at Ellis Hospital. The surgery took 5 1/2hrs. She came through it remarkably well. She is still in ICU, and  they took her off the breathing machine about 5am this morning. They said that at 82years old, she is doing better than some of the younger ones. Dr.DePan did the surgery and he was wonderful. Our entire experience at Ellis has been an impressionable experience. From the doctors, nuses, aides, dietary and transport, they all are to be commended. I have to say that the food in the cafeteria was even great, believe it or not.

So, I will be on my way to the hospital now to visit her and when she is discharged I will be taking time off from work and she will be coming home with me. I figured that she always took care of me, now it is my turn to return the favor. I think the doctor called it "coming around full circle".

Thanks for the prayers, they never seem to fail!

I am so glad to hear your mom is doing well.  Ellis is a fantastic hospital particularly for cardiac care.  

My mom came out of ICU today. She is doing "ok". She is running a temp now and is extremely weak. But I guess taking her age into consideration, that is to be expected. (I guess ).

But I wanted to say that they gave her a heart shaped pillow that she is to place over her incision when she coughs or sneezes. The pillows were made by the students at Duanesburg School. So thank you to all of the students who took the time to make these pillows for the heart patients.

JoAnn, I'm glad your mom is doing ok.  The exhaustion is to be expected.  My dad was the same way, especially for the first few days to a week.  Make sure she uses the pillow it works wonders.  The goofy socks are real important too.  I am meeting with the Superintendent next week and will be sure to mention how appreciative you and your mom are of the kids.  Take good care, you are both in my thoughts and keep us posted

JoAnn, a very important note is to be sure that your Mom starts to do some walking as soon as she is able or she may lose too much of her strength. That happened to my mother-in-law when she had open heart surgery at age 75 but was unable and unwilling to do her walking exercises. I'm glad that your Mom is doing well.

Shadow is right.......up and at 'em asap.

God bless you and your family, JoAnn.  And a speedy recovery to your mom.

Here's an update on my mom. She was transfered to Sunnyview today. Her surgery was a success, thank God. But it did take a toll on her at her age. She is exhusted all of the time. We could only get her to walk around the cardiac floor about 4 to 5x's a day. And stairs were not even attempted. She was also getting very confused which they say is common. She also isn't eating. She said that food tastes terrible, which they tell me is also common after surgery with that much anastesia. My  mom was fortunate to not go on the heart/lung machine. They did the bypass on her beating heart. Dr. DePan said that going on the machine takes away from some brain function and didn't think it was a good idea at her age.

These doctors are very good, but not very personal. We met Dr.DePan the night before surgery and the morning of the surgery and NEVER saw or talked to him or any other cardiologist. But I guess they all know what they are doing.

So she is now in Sunnyview and the insurance company is allowing her 7 days. If Sunnyview feels she needs more rehab, they will ask the insurance company  for more time. So we are hoping that she will do well and be home with us for Thanksgiving. She will come home with me for as long as it takes.

It sounds like your mom is doing great, especially for her age.  I will keep my fingers crossed for you and her that she is home for Thanksgiving.  Enjoy taking care of her, it won't be easy, but it will give you a special perspective.  I wish I could take care of my mom.........just one more day.

My sister in law is a cardiac care icu nurse at Ellis, her name is Sandy, maybe she cared for your mom?

Rene, she didn't have your sister-in-law. The nurses she had were Penny, Laura and Connie. And they were all excellent. Actually beyond excellent. The entire unit is very impressive. It is truly state of the art. I didn't know that the ICU was new as of 2006. Again, very impressive.

Sunnyview is going to keep my mom busy. She has physical therapy from 9:30 to 10am, then occupational therapy from 10:30 to 11, therapy again from 1:30 to 2 and again from 3:30 to 4.  They suggested that I go to observe her therapy to see "how it's done" since I will be her main caretaker when she comes home. I will probably wait a few days since I'm sure that  my mom will look to  me to rescue her from her perception of this grueling task ahead of her. I'm sure she would like nothing better than to just lay in bed in hopes she will heal and miraculously gain her strength back with no effort. I'm sure it will be somewhat painful and tiring, but a task that needs to be done to get regain her strength and stamina and independence.

Good luck to both of you!!!!  Thats the right approach, be a Hero.

Sunnyview just called and my mom had another heart attack and is being transfered to Ellis again. all prayers welcome!