My dad's going to have bypass surgery.

[Darth_Kitten]

Either double or quadruple, next week. He's still in the hospital resting comfortably>

He had that "mild" heart attack on Wednesday, so I guess both Mom and Dad are comfortable with this surgery as it's a preventative measure for future problems? (that was the gist of the conversation I got from Mom)

[SeattleGirl]

1. Darth, my FIL had 5-way bypass surgery a few years ago, and

he has been doing fabulously ever since. His color was immediately better, and once he recovered, he had so much more energy.

My thoughts will be with your father and mother, you, and all your loved ones. I think this will be a very good thing for your father!

:hug:

[Darth_Kitten]

2. I understand it's a common procedure.....

just hate it when loved ones are sick, I feel so powerless when I can't do something about a situation NOW.

Thanks for the reassurance. :hug:

[SeattleGirl]

4. I hate it too -- I just want to wave my magic wand and make 'em better!

Please let us know how your dad does.

[UrbScotty]

3. My grandpa had seven-way bypass when he was 68

He made it a few weeks past his 81st birthday.

[GOPisEvil]

5. Best wishes to Darth_Dad.

[NNadir]

6. Good luck. I hope it goes well.

[wain]

7. I sure he'll do just fine. You can help him change some habits

Had mine almost 11 years ago. I've never been better.

It's truly amazing surgery. And it's almost to the point of being routine with very low failure rates. The first 24 hours is the roughest until they remove him from the ventilator.

You can help your dad afterwords by cooking special for him and finding recipes for him. Low fat type foods. Go for walks with him and encourage him to walk every day. It's one of the best exercises he can do. Urge him to take the hospital cardio rehab program. Be upbeat and positive. Help him through any down times he may have. Call him.

If he was a smoker DO NOT let him smoke ever again. It will kill him. I know.

If he stays positive, the surgery will be like a new lease on life.

Be very thankful that he has the opportunity to have the surgery.

I wish you and your mother strength. Let us know how the surgery goes.

:hug:

[FarLeftRage]

8. My BIL had the same surgery about 10 years ago

He's doing fine.

You and yours are in my prayers tonight. :hug:

[CBHagman]

9. Best wishes to you and the family.

:hug: I wish everybody peace of mind and a smooth procedure and recovery for your father.

Many advances have been made in the treatment of heart disease, so your father will be the beneficiary of all that progress!

One tip: If his cardiologist doesn't make recommendations about cardiac rehab programs following the surgery, you and/or your mother and father should go ahead and make inquiries about what's available in your area, what insurance covers, etc. Cardiac rehab is exercise by prescription, with guidance on stress, diet, and general health issues. It is a godsend for heart patients of all ages, conditions, and backgrounds.

The cardiac rehab specialists (RNs with specialized training) are absolutely the best.

On edit: Here's a link explaining what cardiac rehab does. It's a rather chilly, clinical description, but with any luck, you will find a suitable program in your area. The right program will do wonders for your father's spirits and peace of mind, to say nothing of his health.

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4490

[bigwillq]

10. Wishing him the best.

:hug:

[flamingyouth]

11. Good luck to you and yours, DK

:hug:

[u4ic]

12. D_K...I wish your dad all the best

Sending healing vibes to him, and good thoughts to you and the rest of your family. It is at once a very stressful, yet hopeful, time. :grouphug:

And it goes to show one CAN get timely care in Canada, eh? ;-)

[miss_american_pie]

13. Best wishes for your dad

:hug:

[blue neen]

14. Best of luck to you and your family.

My mom had the surgery 7 years ago, and like a previous poster said, she got the pink back in her cheeks immediately.

It's really a miraculous surgery.

[nickinSTL]

15. my dad had a triple a couple years ago

he was better right away.

A note...it's not unusual for people to have a rough time around 6 mos. after the surgery, from what I understand (my dad did) - but it generally passes. Dad's doing well now.