November 17, 2006

An Early Thanksgiving

My Dad is a very active guy.  He used to play ice hockey.  He plays tennis, goes to the gym and has been into hang-gliding since he was in college.  He’s been hang-gliding for over 30 years and has never had a problem. . . until a couple weeks ago.  He had a problem with his landing and took a header from about 15 ft. above the ground.  His hang-gliding buddies didn’t expect him to get up, but he did.  In fact, he popped right back up and seemed fine.  He insisted that he didn’t need medical attention and didn’t go to the hospital. 

Then the headaches started.  They got worse.  He had a CAT scan done a few weeks ago and there was a bleed.  He had another CAT scan done two weeks later and it looked like things were resolving without the need for medical intervention.  This week, things took a bad turn and the headaches and pressure got to be too much.  A CAT scan yesterday revealed that intervention was necessary.  My Dad was admitted to the hospital last night and had a craniotomy today to repair the bleed and drain blood that had accumulated and was causing the pressure. 

Saying goodbye to him before he was wheeled off to surgery was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do in my life. 

It was a nerve-wracking day with a five hour wait until we found out that the surgery went well and that he was going to be o.k.  He’s got a new hair-do and is going to take some time to recover, but we are so thankful that he made it through the surgery without any complications.  When things like this happen, it makes you realize that life is so very fragile.  My family may not have a Thanksgiving dinner on the day we wanted to this year, but we have so very much to be thankful for tonight. 

Edited on 11-19 to add: There have been some complications as of today.  My Dad’s brain began to swell and he was unable to speak for some time.  They also believe that he had some frontal seizures.  He has been started on steroids and we are hoping for a big improvement by tomorrow.  My family needs all the prayers we can get right now, so please pray for my Dad’s complete recovery.  Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers.  They are greatly appreciated. 

Edited on 11-20 to add:  What a difference a day makes!  My Dad is doing much better.  He looks like a new man.  The swelling has gone down and the drains have been removed.  He will likely be moved out of ICU tomorrow.  Thank you for all of your thoughts, prayers and very touching emails. 

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Posted by on November 17, 2006 in Mental Strain for Mama | 16 Comments

Comments

16 Comments on An Early Thanksgiving

  1. Deryck on Sat, 18th Nov 2006 7:34 am

    2. I know those waits outside surgery very, very well. I’m so glad he’s going to be alright!! Goes to show that if you land on your head – get it checked afterwards!!!
    At least your Dad will have a hospital turkey dinner to look forwards to 😛

  2. kailani on Sun, 19th Nov 2006 4:21 am

    3. Thank goodness he’s alright now! You definitely have a lot to be thankful for this year!

  3. jody on Sun, 19th Nov 2006 10:29 am

    4. Oh my gosh! That is so scary!
    Yes, so much to be thnakful for! I am so glad that your dad is alright and the surgery was successful. Lucky that he followed through with going to the doc when he did!

  4. junebee on Sun, 19th Nov 2006 4:51 pm

    5. Ooh, it doesn’t matter what day you eat turkey. Or if you eat spaghetti for that matter. The important thing is your dad’s okay and it’s good his problem was fixed before he got worse. So, will he go hang-gliding again?!

  5. Miss Chris on Sun, 19th Nov 2006 8:56 pm

    6. Wow. What a scary experience. I’m so glad he’s doing well.

  6. Jenny on Mon, 20th Nov 2006 8:12 am

    7. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

  7. FrogMan on Mon, 20th Nov 2006 8:18 am

    8. Best of luck with the newest developments. My dad had to have his prostate removed just a month and a half ago because they had found some cancer cells in it and while it wasn’t a super big procedure, I can relate very well to your feelings. I’ll keep you, your dad and your family in my thoughts.
    Take care, Steve.

  8. Ml on Mon, 20th Nov 2006 11:49 am

    9. Thinking of you and your family at this time. Hoping for the absolute best for your dad!

  9. Calista on Mon, 20th Nov 2006 11:50 am

    10. I’ll be praying for you and your family. I hope he improves soon!

  10. J on Mon, 20th Nov 2006 11:55 am

    11. You and your dad are in my thoughts…I hope he makes a full recovery, and FAST.

  11. Lucky on Mon, 20th Nov 2006 1:20 pm

    12. My thoughts are with you…

  12. supergroup7 on Mon, 20th Nov 2006 2:40 pm

    13. I’m so sorry for this sad happening in your life.
    I will keep you, your father, your family, and friends in my prayers. May you all feel inner peace, and strength as you pass through this shadow moment.
    yours,
    Mireille

  13. John on Tue, 21st Nov 2006 6:44 pm

    14. Glad to hear your father is doing well now. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

  14. Maniacal on Wed, 22nd Nov 2006 10:45 am

    15. I’m so sorry that I didn’t read this till just now! Howe scary BBM. **HUGGS** I really hope he’s doing better and that you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

  15. psumommy on Wed, 22nd Nov 2006 6:22 pm

    16. Holy crap, what an ordeal! I’m glad to read that he’s on the road to recovery…I hope he’s even better yet today!

  16. Kristi on Mon, 27th Nov 2006 5:39 pm

    17. How horrifying. I’m very glad to hear he is on the mend.