Dad's having surgery, need help

[Lils]

I am just looking for encouragement. My dad, who is 63, had a heart attack 20 years ago and his right artery was 100% blocked so he did not have heart surgery. He did have a kidney by-pass at that time due to blockage. About 6 years ago he had complete by-passes in both legs due to poor circulation. He had about 6 inches of his colon die a few years back and had surgery for that. A week ago Friday he went in to have 3 herias repaired. He lost a lot of blood during surgery and had a few transfusions. Then last Sunday morning he had a heart attack while in the hospital, and his kidneys weren't working and his lungs filled with fluid after the surgery. He was in ICU for 5 days and has now been on the Cardiac floor. They did a heart cath on Tues and said his main artery is 80% blocked. They're doing at least 3 by-passes on Tuesday the 6th. They say it is high risk due to his many complications. I am so worried about it. They say he won't live long without it, but the surgery is high risk. I am looking for encouragement. Do you know anyone who is in this bad of shape who survived the surgery? If anyone prays, please pray for my dad. His name is Larry. Thank you.

[ed34]

Yes that's what I said, if a surgeon doesn't feel any confidence or have the necessary experience, then they would refuse. Yes I've had lots of surgery in my life. At the age of 11 for example I had a fight with a glass door and lost. One side of my neck had to be virtually reconstructed. I lost over 2 pints of blood and pulled through. I have had triple bypass surgery. I have had 6 stents. Quite a few other minor surgeries over the years too.
Take care

[Lils]

Thanks everyone. They are bringing in a pulmonolgist today to check his lungs out. Surgery is tomorrow morning. Ed34, did you ever have any surgery? I would like to think the surgeons would not do it if they were not confident.

[ed34]

I agree with twopack on this one, and I think you have to read between the lines a bit. When  a patient has no hope and surgery is the only option but it is likely to kill the patient, nobody will operate. Surgeons are human too and do not enjoy people dying under their care. There is a difference between very risky and too risky. I had a problem for two years trying to find a cardiologist to treat me, and 12 cardiologists said it was "too risky" and refused to perform any procedure. So, they do know where to draw the line with their experience and confidence. I think your surgeon is more confident than he/she is admitting probably due to the possibility of finding something unexpected.
The one thing I would speak to the surgeon about is the possibility of lung infection after the procedure and ending up on life support. This effects strong people also, but in an already weakened state it might be worth addressing. Even a few cells of bacteria or virus in the lungs can turn into something life threatening when the body is weakened from major surgery. I do know there is a debate going on whether patients should receive a course of strong antibiotics before any major surgery to lower this risk, but it's worth asking the opinion of the surgeon. I hope everything goes well and I know these are scary times for you all.

[twopack]

I don't do a lot of praying these days but I will surely keep positive healing thoughts flowing in your direction.  I do know that a surgeon will not recommend any surgery unless they believe there are good chances of recovery and improvement.

Please try to keep positive thoughts flowing, especially when you are around your Dad.  Worry and weep at home tonight and then take all your powerful positive energy to him in the morning.  Make plans for recovery to keep you all looking in that direction.

Let us know how it goes please.  Do you have a surgery date yet?

[Lils]

Thank you Ally. We appreciate your prayers. We are all very scared. He's afraid he won't make it through the surgery.

[ChatterAlly]

Although I do not have any medical encouragement here because I myself do not have any experiences like that, I do pray.  And that I can offer you tonigt.  I will put your father's name on my email prayer wheel and get many others to pray with me.  Know that your father's name will be heard this night by our Lord.  Keep us posted.  There are many here that will be here to lift you up. May you sleep with angels on your pillow tonight.  God bless you and yours, Ally