To say my father’s heart surgery was a stressful event; would be the understatement of the year. (Albeit only a mere 6 days into the New Year.) But, you can say that my father’s sense of humor is what held me together.
We arrived at The Jersey Shore Hospital at 12pm. In the elevator on our way to check-in, a random lady complimented my mother’s fabulous jacket. Not two seconds after the lady exited, my father turned to me and said, “Why didn’t she say anything nice about my sweat pants?” It was at that moment, I whole-heartedly believed everything really would be okay.
[However, some lingering doubts and lightheadedness remained with me throughout the day.]
My mother and I settled into the waiting room while my father went down the hall towards pre-op. My brother Lee arrived shortly thereafter. The three of us chatted about family gossip and cracked a few jokes. Before we knew it, we were permitted visitation.
From 1pm until 3pm we joined my father in the pre-op area. My father, located in Bed 2, was now sporting a lovely paper gown, a fist full of IV’s, and white electrodes on his shoulders. To complete his outfit were blue No Slip Socks on his feet. My dad explained to us that he had to sign an actual piece of paper, a waiver of sorts, promising he would not remove the ‘No Slip Socks’ under any circumstances. Being an insurance agent aficionado, he imagined (out loud) all of the hypothetical claims that could arise in the event the ‘No Slip Socks’ had gone awry.
And then, without skipping a beat, my father shifted all of his concern towards my brother Lee.
“Why don’t you take a nap? You’re sick. You drove three hours to get here and you have a long drive home. Really, go lay down. You look tired.”
Lee replied, “Um. Nah. I am fine. Lets worry about YOU.”
The Doctor/Surgeon came into the room and explained the procedure my father was about to undergo. The Doctor/Surgeon did not pepper the conversation with excessive medical jargon. He also appeared to be quite confident which left us feeling reassured.
At 3pm, it was time. My father was going into surgery. We took turns kissing him goodbye, and just like that he was off.
We headed back to the ‘Waiting Area’ where we were greeted by long time family friends, Ronnie and Stuie. (They are awesome.)
Knowing that my mother and Lee were occupied, distracted, and entertained with The Company, I immediately attempted to access The Internet.
Of course the hospital had Wi-Fi, but this was like no other Wi-Fi I had ever encountered. It was like the worlds biggest Internet Tease. I could get only get onto AOL. (Who even uses AOL anymore?) Any attempt to access Facebook, Twitter, This Blog, or any other form of communication, all I would receive was this error message:
Websense Enterprise:
Access to this web page is restricted at this time.
Reason:
Your policy filters category “Social Networking and Personal Sites” at all times.
Great. Why?
According to my RLBFF Leslie, that was because “Social Networking and Personal Sites” use a “CrapTon” of bandwidth costing the hospital more money.
[Seriously, CrapTon? I love that word.]
For the next hour and a half, time stood still. Every minuet felt like an hour. Every second seemed to last longer than the one before. We each took turns silently peering at our cell phones and checking the time as if we weren’t watching the clock. In reality, I was waiting for the appropriate amount of time to pass to show cause for concern.
To stop myself from traveling down the road of “What If’s” I was lucky enough to be able to ‘Instant Message’ and ‘Incessantly Text Message’ my ‘RLBFF Leslie’ and a few other of my closest friends. But that did not make the time move any faster.
Just when I couldn’t stand it for one more second, the Doctor/Surgeon appeared bearing Good News. The procedure was a success. There were no complications. In fact, his heart only had a 50% blockage, not 70% as previously speculated. Thus, they did not need to give my father a stent. He would be going to the recovery area shortly.
Of course as soon as I ducted out for a smoke break my father wheeled past my family. The first words he said to Lee were, “Did you get to take a nap.” That’s my daddy. Forever concerned about everyone else’s well-being.
When I walked into the recovery area, much to my surprise and utter joy, my father looked great. He didn’t look like anything happened. Even his blood pressure was the lowest it has ever been.
It wasn’t long before my father was back to smiling, laughing, posing for the camera, and placing electrodes all over his face. My father even managed to pull off an ‘Uncle Rick’ photo challenge when he stood in this position.
We were cleared to leave the hospital by 7:06pm.
I can breathe again.
[[*Complete Set Of Photos On Flickr Are HERE*]]
I want to thank every single one of you for all of your thoughts, prayers and good vibes. I know that contributed to the enormous success of my father’s surgery. I don’t know what I would have done without all of your support. It’s times like this when I truly appreciate the blog family I have come to know and love over these last two years. Thank you.
Very awesome news Meleah – I’m so glad everything went as well as it did for your father!
Now…as for that crapton of bandwidth…geez, that word just sounds like a lot…and it just doesn’t sound too good if I tell you I’m sending you a crapton of good vibes that things continue to get better…let’s reword that – I’m sending you loads of good vibes as your father continues to recover…
GOOD NEWS! EXCELLENT NEWS! Wish Tony B. my best!
Lance:
All I know is that MY FATHER is OKAY. And home with us. And that is all that matters to me! Thank you SOOO much for your kind words! You are the best.
L’uragano S”
Tony will appreciate that!
🙂
1. Your dad was a fashion guru while there, I hope he brought the ensemble home with him.
2. A CrapTon as defined by Sirfuctsalot (a very smart redneck I know) is 2008 units of whatever. I won’t pollute your blog comments with further description. Please just trust me.
3. I’m so glad that it went well! That’s wonderful!
I’m so glad that is over. Regardless, I’ll keep you all in my thoughts and prayers that things will continue to be well for your dad. Thanks for keeping us up to date and the pictures were a real treat. You have a great-looking family. 🙂 No uglies in the group. LOL.
Glad to hear the news!
You got a good lookin’ bunch there, as well- 😉
Good news Meleah …. I am so glad for your family. Big hugs from Hollydale 😉
I’m glad it went so well!!! Chest crackage is not much fun.
I am so happy for your. I have been were you were and know exactly what the apprehension and what ifs feel like. But it also brings you closer as a family. Love ya Sweetie. Here’s for a fast recovery to your Daddy !
Courtney;
Honey, Thank you. You have been wonderful through all of this.
xoxox
The Rev:
Aw. Thanks!
Speedy:
Thanks Dood!
🙂
Michael C:
I dont know HOW in the WORLD you deal with THIS all the time.
Thank you my TWIN. You rule.
The Girl I Will Bring Home To Momma:
I am sofa king relieved.
xoxox
I am SO happy to hear everything went well!
Being in the waiting room can be so stressful… I’ve spent my fair share of time there myself lately.
xoxo to you, dad and the rest of the family!
Thank God! Big HUGS to all of you from ME! XOXOXOX
Family, friends, and prayers will get you through anything. Your Dad sounds like a wonderful man…and you’ll have many more years to hear his jokes 😉
Rest now. You need it after a day like that.
XOXOXO
RC
P.S. I love the word CrapTon too! LOL!
Diva:
The waiting was The Worst.
Was his chest going to be cracked open?
Was he going to need a stent?
Was he going to be alright?
It felt like an eternity in that waiting room.
Thanks for the love.
🙂
Olga:
Thank you soooo much sweety.
I am so relieved.
I think I am going to sleep very well tonight.
*smooches*
Random Chick:
I really am exhausted from this whole experience, but of course I will be UP all night tweeting, facebooking and reading all of YOUR blogs. I want to give back all of the fabulous support you all have given me these last 24 hours of my life.
xoxoxo
Wonderful news. I’m glad this is over and the pictures are great. You’re right, it looks like nothing happened to him.
I know the waiting must have seemed like it took years. I think that is the worst part of this stuff.
You need an iphone so you can surf the net with that. expensive yes but it is the way to go.
I salute you dad for having such a great attitude through it all. He’s a great guy.
Thanks for updating us. I’m so glad that things went to very well.
Ricardo:
See? My dad is like SUPERMAN!
The waiting? Nearly killed me!
I do need an iPhone. But I need a JOB first so I can pay for it!
AIR:
Thank you so much for being HERE for me through these last 24 hours. This was so difficult for me.
xoxox
Love Ya.
Well Done, Daddy of Meleah! So happy to hear it all went so well. So far, so good, 2009! Keep it up!
xoxo’s comin’ your way, Miss M.
Thank God. Thank God!!! I am so happy to hear that. He is one in a million, that man. Please give him all my love. XXXXX
Hey, I love you a CrapTon. You can incessantly text me anytime. Now go look at my facebook and see who I found from HS today. You’ll love it.
Eva:
Ill Drink To That!
xoxox
Selma:
I have never been so scared and so happy in one day.
I will definitely give him your message.
(My mother and father were reading all of the wonderful prayers on the previous post and they are just so touched as am I)
Leslie:
I love YOU a CrapTon and I would have NEVER made it through today without constant contact with you. Thank you. Thank You.
Oooh…Im coming over right now!!
Wow- talk about a stressful start to the New Year. So glad to hear it all went well. I hope you have many many years left with your Daddy. Speaking from experience it’s a hard turn of events when one’s Dad dies. I got a little emotional this Christmas even though it was my second Christmas without my Dad.
Happy Happy Happy New Year to you…
Glad to hear the good news. It is such a wonderful relief for you and the rest of the family! Now, ALL of you, go and rest and take care of yourselves. And pleasant dreams to one and all. xoxo
By the way, I have a pair of those SAME socks in brown. I got them when I had my hystie MANY years ago! 😉 (Just got to the photos.)
Michelle G:
It was a very stressful start. But its OVER now.
I am SO VERY SORRY to hear about your LOSS.
I cannot even IMAGINE how painful that must be.
(((HUGS))))
CMK:
Oh yeah. I was going to try to swing by blogs TONIGHT. But, that just has to wait until the MORNING. I can barely see straight right now. THANK YOU for your friendship.
xoxoxo
PS: LOL. Did they make you sign a paper saying you cant take them off while in the hospital?
I’m so glad your father is recovering well 🙂 Give him lots of hugs and kisses from all of us too … that will be a lot! Your family is amazing 🙂
Excellent news! Your Dad sounds wonderful! I’m so glad to hear that all went well – you can all take a deep breath now, and help him recover, surrounded by love.
Oh yeah, and you can relax a bit, too! 😉
Glad your pop had a successful surgery! Woohoo!
Woo hoo!!!! Glad to hear the news! Oh, and your father is a laugh riot. I went back after reading the post and clicked all the picture links. It almost looked like a party. Seriously, I’m so happy for your father and your family. I’m sure the stress of it all weighed heavily on you.
Outstanding! We’re elated that your dad came through with his health and sense of humor intact. I’e sure you feel as if a ton of bricks is off your shoulders now.
BTW – tell your dad to keep checking for electrodes. After my trip to the ER last week, I kept finding electrodes stuck to me in the wierdest places for a while…
I’m not one to say, “I told you so,” but I TOLD YOU SO!!
Glad everything went well. I’m just wondering though, did this experience happen to provide any clues about maybe YOU getting rid of some bad habits? Not that you have any, mind you, but…I’m just saying. Your talking about going on a smoke break while they wheeled your dad back to his room just kind of raised the possibility in my mind.
Drowsey Monkey:
I promise to smother my father in kisses!
My family is pretty unbelievable.
xoxox
Jay:
I was finally able to breathe at 7pm last night, and I had The Best Night Of Sleep in a very long time. Thanks sweety!
Rolando:
Me too!
🙂
Kathy:
I know right? My family even makes a scary surgery situation into a Good Time. The pictures will always me laugh. The stress over the last 24 hours was practically unbearable. But now that its over I feel and overwhelming sense of gratitude. For all of my blog friends too.
xoxox
Agg:
My dad abused the electrodes! He is too funny. I will tell him to make sure he didnt leave any on his person!
And yes, I do feel like the weight of the world has been lifted.
Lee:
LOL.
You did tell me so!
I had a feeling YOU (my Internet Father) would have something to say about my ‘bad habit’ and that’s what I love about you. I had MANY things run through my head during this experience that just MAY cause me to make some changes.
Really? He came home the same day?!! That’s amazing! I am so thrilled for you all. I can imagine the stress you all went through. Going to check out your Flickr now :O)
I knew everything would turn out okay! I am so relieved and happy for you and your family. God Bless.
Amy Delight
So very happy to hear your dad is doing well and that everything turned out ok. 🙂
Babs:
Yeah. They didn’t have to do anything. Once they were IN THERE they realized it was not as bad as they thought! *Halleluiyah*
*Flickr Photos are comedy.*
Amy Delight:
Thank you daaaling!
(Why dont you link back to your blog/ website in the comments? Speaking of your blog, I have NOT forgotten about you. *wink*)
Betty:
Me too woman. Me too!
And, now, I can finally make all my blog rounds today!
get some good rest and go easy 🙂
take care.. cheers…
I have often said that it is much easier being the one operated on than waiting for someone (well maybe the recovery part is a little harder.) I am so happy everything went fabulous – and that stress is gone.
xxxooo
glad your father’s doing well and had a successful surgery. even in his hospital gown he looks good! 🙂
Great news!!! And I absolutely LOVE your use of pictures in your writing… Not to downplay the gravity of the situation at all, but your pictures are a crack-up!!! I think ‘smoke-break’ was my fav, you rebel, you… LOL
Seriously – I’m totally happy for you & your fan-damily.
Great news.
Now, can you move onto some other topic that I can actually work with, here?
Jesus H. Christ – it’s hard to come up with a pornographic comment about heart surgery.
I mean, I can do it, but I’m not sure how appropriate it is.
Thanks in advance.
Arv:
Thanks dood.
Skipper:
I cannot tell you how relieved and excited I am – All is right in my world again.
And have I told YOU how much I love you lately?
Maria:
My dad looks great in everything!
Thank you so much for being here with me through this!
SoLow:
I love linking photos to the words. It drives the image home!
‘Smoke Break’ was my favorite too.
But DON’T TELL LEE! (My Internet Father!)
xoxox
Moooog35:
Bring It On!
Your pornographic comments are ALWAYS welcome over here!
🙂
great news! hey when the humor goes then you know something is not right, but your dad walked in the door with his funny, glad that put you at ease.
i checked out your pics. funny picture of your dad with those patches on him.
Glad that all is well. And that your dad is a such a trooper and an awesome dad worried about the kids first.
My apologies for being in my minor (flu) sick mode and not noticing your stress. I really need to remember that no matter how bad my life might (seem) to be there is always someone worse. 🙂
That is wonderful news! So glad that he is recovering well!!
Valerie:
My dad never looses his sense of humor, and if he does? Then I will FREAK OUT!
The patches on his face were all the electrodes that were on his chest!
Suki Fulller:
Hey You! Nice to see you over here!
Aw. I hope YOU are feeling better!
xoxoxo
Cathy WMDA:
Oh Me too! Me Too.
My Fathet is home today and we are having a ball together.
My son stayed home from school, my mother stayed home from work, we are having almost a Family Sunday over here! Its VERY NICE.
I had a nearly parallel experience with my Dad. Godspeed to him in his recovery. These sorts of proceedures can add many years to people’s lives.
I am so glad everything went okay! I know how hard it is to have someone you love “back there” while you’re just sitting and waiting. It’s torture.
pass on my best wishes and hopes for a speedy recovery for your Dad and you stop smoking or your next!
Seriously, I am glad he is well.
GGOM
So happy to read that your father’s surgery went well. I have to say that his strength is in his humor along with his concern for others. This is one thing I admire about the man. He doesn’t seem to show much worry.
You have a great family.