[CQ-Contest] Fw: [FCG] Dad/W1CW Update

[Jim White, K4OJ]

Sent: Tuesday, August 28, 2001 9:17 PM
Subject: Dad/W1CW Update


Today was a big day for Dad...and a good one.

Because of the persistent coughing problem Dad having an open heart bypass
operation is totally out of the question - if he were to go into
a coughing fit after surgery the resulting traumas could be fatal.  Today
they did something different which hopefully will improve his quality of
life...YES, they actually DID something other than observe.

A balloon angioplasty was performed on the 90% plus blocked vessel, it is a
key one in supplying blood to the heart...according to one of the Doctors,
the guy doing the operation had to employ "commando tactics" to
get it done as the vessel was so hard and stiff - the guy himself said to me
"some of my partners probably would have given up" but he persevered...

A stint was NOT able to be inserted - it was just too hardened, however
the angioplasty is supposed to have opened the vessel up to 70 to 80%
function which is better than the single digit condition it was in before -
and much better than the other arteries they scoped out are...

Dad was clear headed after the procedure and in pretty good spirits, I am
certain he is real glad they finally are actually doing something other than
drugging and watching him...it has been two weeks since his heart attack and
he must be bored sh**less being in the hospital that long!

The key to realizing how much improved Dad was today for me was that he
asked my Mom if the nurses had to pass some sort of beauty test as they
are almost all very attractive women...and...he told me he has one nurse
who has the finest hair, "I almost don't think it is real"...[he is really
sweet on her :-)] .  As an impartial observer I must say Dad's senses are
just fine, like the nurses!

He should be coming home in a day or two...they will make sure the opened
artery does not collapse and then send him home for recovery...he
will be getting a new regimen as far as diet...although probably not much
stricter than Mom's Gestapo diet for Dad's diabetes problem already
is...problem is now I won't feel like sneaking him my chocolate chip cookies
under the table any longer!

Next posting will hopefully be after Dad returns home...fortunately he gave
Mom permission to edit his in box - there were over 500 messages in
it and the are circling the computer bowl now......

My mother and I would like to say thanks to so many of you who have
supported our family in this time of need...IT DOES HELP!

Dad should be home in time for the Buc's final preseason game...dunno what
we will do about snacks during the game but I am looking forward to
watching it with him.

Jim, K4OJ  k4oj at tampabay.rr.com
Ellen, W1YL  w1yl at tampabay.rr.com




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