(no subject)

[rivka]

curiousangel's father had a cardiac catheterization procedure today. He'd been having chest pain, and then he had a suspect stress test, and it turns out that his left coronary artery is completely blocked.

It's possible that they can put in a stent to keep the artery open, but they're also seriously considering bypass surgery. Michael's on the phone right now with my sister, asking her questions about the different procedures. (It's good to have a doctor in the family.) He's had bypass surgery before, and angioplasty - he's had several heart attacks and an aortic aneurism - and he may be transferred to another hospital tomorrow so the same bypass surgeon can operate on him again.

We're very frightened, obviously. Michael wants to go to Memphis, but right now his father is telling him that everything is okay and he shouldn't necessarily change his travel plans. We're going to call back in the morning and find out what surgery they're going to do and when, and then I think that Michael will probably insist - unless things look a lot better in the morning than they do right now. I'll see if they'll change his plane ticket for Thanksgiving and let him travel immediately - it's a non-refundable ticket, but sometimes they find a little human kindness in their hearts. If they don't, well, that's what credit cards are for.

Families are funny things. There are probably very few people who are more different from me than my father-in-law. He's an old Arkansas farm boy, a conservative Republican and a Southern Baptist. He doesn't keep books in the house. He doesn't have intellectual interests. He loves golf. The only thing we have in common is that we both love Michael. And yet, I have come to love this man so dearly - and I know that he loves me. I think that only being in a family together gave that a chance to happen.

I know we'd both appreciate it if y'all could keep us, and Michael's father, in your thoughts right now. I'll update you when I know more.

Comments

Aye, Aye!

[tendyl.livejournal.com]

Sending good thoughts to Michael's dad and to your whole family. I've been that route a few times with my dad. So the best to you and yours...I'm here if you need to talk med stuff.