Community Chat

[Yuban3]

About a week or two ago, maybe longer, I posted about my frustration on trying to get my dad some updated information regarding getting him in to a program to replace his heart valve.

Granted, he is 87 years old.

So, on Tuesday, my dad and I went to see his personal physician, and even she wasn't having any luck getting a response from the program coordinator.

Somehow or another, she came up with a different phone number for me to call, to set up an appointment for him to see the cardiologist.

I called the number, and he has an appointment for next Friday!

The hospital that we are going to is El Camino Hospital in Mountain View, Ca.

I admit, that I am so very scared.

I'm scared that the doctor will say that he can't do the procedure where they replace the heart valve, by going up the femoral artery.

I'm scared that he will have the procedure.

Anesthesia on an 87 year old, is what has me so worried.

I'm saying countless prayers.

Yesterday, as I was driving around, I made a quick stop at a mini-mart, and when I came out, there was a lady bug on my windshield, and it stayed on there the rest of the way home.

I'm trying to take that as a positive sign.

So, his appointment is for Friday April 11, at 2:20.

If you could keep him in your thoughts and prayers, I'd really appreciate it.

I'll try to keep you informed as time permits.

Thanks.

[kdgn]

Positive thoughts heading to you, Yuban-

[Preds]

Wishing you and your dad the best. Lady bug was letting you know that it's going to go well. At least, that's the way I would take it.

[croemer]

I agree at 87 I would be worried as well. Best to you both in making a decision when you get more information.

[ROMARY]

In general, and often medically, I've noticed that elderly folks are more resilient than many others, including the younger generation. Just think of how they managed to stay positive and alive with all of the changes they have seen/experienced in the past 87 years. It's all about determination and their strength. Wishing your dad the best of luck and health. Ladybugs are a good sign.

[Yuban3]

On 4/5/2014 ROMARY said:

In general, and often medically, I've noticed that elderly folks are more resilient than many others, including the younger generation. Just think of how they managed to stay positive and alive with all of the changes they have seen/experienced in the past 87 years. It's all about determination and their strength. Wishing your dad the best of luck and health. Ladybugs are a good sign.

Getting this appointment with Dr. James Joye, has given my dad renewed hope.

Now, if I could only stop worrying!

[RedTop]

Yuban,

Prayers for you and your Dad that this consult gives you peace. There are many concerns with invasive surgery on an 87 year old, and hopefully those will be pointed out in a way that helps you, and your Dad, fully understand the risks. My expectations are that the ultimate decision will come down to your Dad having to choose between quality of life vs quantity of life. Sometimes our family members may indeed meet the screening criteria to have the surgery, but not be strong enough to deal with a lengthy recovery. My own MIL had to choose quality vs quantity with severe blockages in her heart, and actually the heart cath procedure was the first step in her decline. Because of her weakened state after the MI, she was soon diagnosed with CHF, and gone within a few short weeks. I fully understand your fears, and also see the ladybug as a sign for you to stay strong and supportive to your Dad with whatever information is given during the consult. Wishing you the very best!

[Melania]

Good Luck and what's good is you will get some answers.

Wishing you all the best!

[Magenta]

Hi Yuban,

I will say prayers for him and, if you wish, put him also on a prayerlist of a church where they pray for the next 3 months...

I certainly can understand your concerns and qualms, about possible surgery. However, the hospital, i.e., cardiologist will be very carefully check his heart whether or not he is strong enough. Also, now a-days people live well into their 90s and older, so who is to say that couldn't be your sweet Dad.

As soon as I get through here, I will pray and put his name, if you give it to me, if not now, sometime during the day. I will be out for a while, but home before the end of the evening, and will check your posts out.

Sending you much strength, and many hugs for now.

All the best, Yuban!!

Magenta...

[BellaPaprika]

Yuban, I hesitated over posting because I have my own unique experience with a very healthy lively 80 year old parent going for surgery. This is not meant as a downer but there is something called "physiologic reserve". It's sort of like stamina if you will. Another poster mentioned how "resilient" the elderly seem but she was speaking of a state of mind, a psychological quality. Physiologic reserve is how well their bodies can take the assault of surgery, the prolonged inactivity following surgery and how well their bodies and their minds come back from the trauma.

Another consideration is that "success" rates are misleading when it comes to surgery. If a patient recovers enough to be discharged and survives 30 days then they are considered a "success" as far as stats go. It has nothing to do with whether or not they can return to their pre-operative condition, whether or not they are fully functional nor whether or not they die of a complication 6 weeks later.

An important consideration is your father's quality of life right now. Is this valve problem stopping him from doing activities that he wants to do? Is he in discomfort? Honestly, would he rather die than continue as he is now? But at age 86 it should be a really good reason. Is there medical therapy that could make him comfortable instead? And does he fully understand that though he may not die on the table he may suffer complications as bad or worse than the condition he has now?

God bless you both.