Hi, DU. My Mom...

[Hissyspit]

Last edited Fri Feb 15, 2013, 04:21 AM - Edit history (1)

is beloved by anyone whoever met her. She has been a great supporter of me and my ambitions and of my siblings (three boys, one girl) our whole lives (she's 73). She is the one most responsible in my life for installing humanistic and liberal values in me.

This morning she goes in for surgery at 7 a.m. ET to replace two heart valves (mitral, aortic) and repair a third (tricuspid). No it is not lost on her the humor of it being the day after Valentine's Day.

She is in a brand new facility, one of the best in the nation, and her doctor is a leading cardiothoractic surgeon in the country. It is, however, a serious 4-5 hour procedure and the success rate is 85-90%, lower than one would like to see for major surgery.

Please keep her, a Vietnam-era Army Wife and retired newspaper editor, in your thoughts and I will update tomorrow. Send good vibrations. <-- 3 Heart Valves


By the way, who is paying for all this? You are, through the government. Medicare and Tricare For Life.

(I told her things could be worse... she could have taken a Carnival cruise. Also, I showed her the Honey Badger viral video for the first time tonight. She had never seen it and thought it was hilarious.)

[The Straight Story]

1. Good vibes sent and keep us updated (well, when able of course)! K&R (nt)

[Hissyspit]

2. Her surgeon is 39.

He looks like a dark-haired Doogie Howser.

I don't really usually do the personal posts thing, but this seemed like a big deal, and frankly, I'm just sitting here in hospital with nothing to do. (We finally got her to sleep.)

I never did get to do the tribute post for my Dad when he died four years ago because we buried him in Arlington the same week as Obama's first inauguration and I was overwhelmed by real world stuff. I expect everything to be fine for Mom, though.

[GObamaGO]

3. I will be keeping your mom in my most positive thoughts tomorrow!

[Hissyspit]

5. Thanks!

[NRaleighLiberal]

4. your request is now a reality. In my thoughts she is.

[xxqqqzme]

6. Thoughts of repair

and rapid healing being sent.

[MindandSoul]

7. I think I saw this too late, but I hope your mom is now in recovery and doing well!

I'll keep her in my thoughts for the next few days, and will be checking back to hear from you that she is awake and smiling!

[Hissyspit]

11. No, I just posted it.

Thanks.

[DearHeart]

8. Sending good vibes, prayers and wishes your way!

I know how you feel...my mother had two valves replaced also and had a hole in her heart repaired (never knew about the hole). She's had an ablation before for tachycardia, used to scare us to death, heart rate would get up near 200!

I'm glad she's got a wonderful surgeon! I'm sure that knowing that helps immensely.


My mom made it through with flying colors and so will yours!!

[nadinbrzezinski]

9. Good luck

And I don't mind paying for it

Fair warning, dad was a quadruple cabbage (you'll hear the term for bypass) looked like shit when we first saw him at the CCU...be ready for that. Tubes...sticking everywhere.

I was a trained medic, I knew what to expect, it was still hard.

[Hissyspit]

16. We were sitting around reading the patient manual tonight

so I know what to expect, and she's been in ICU before (not with near as many tubes, though.)

I'm actually amazed at how quickly the tubes can come out and the recovery rate (assuming things go well), and that return surgeon to control bleeding doesn't necessarily slow down recovery.

And the fact that the heart is not symmetrical still fascinates me.

[nadinbrzezinski]

29. Me too, the heart is fascinating.

I used DU last time to keep my mind off.

[patrice]

10. Vibing good here with 1 Billion Rising women's movement tonight, will continue to do so & meditate

on mothers, especially yours, since mine has already moved on from this place.

God be with you mom, Hissyspit.

[Mira]

12. Hissyspit - thanks for telling us

I believe very much that the good wishes / prayers / meditations of many can move mountains and lift boats.
I will be thinking of her the moment I wake up
(last thing I do almost each night is a paper that reminds me of what's critical right off the bat on a new day. I put it on the coffee pot)

You and I have in common that our mothers are undergoing surgery this week.
Mine is 88 - and the surgery was 2 days ago - on her back - to free nerves.
She is woozy, but came through fine.

Wishing everyone great success and a solid recovery.

[renate]

47. I'm glad your mom is fine!

I hope the operation helped! Is it too early to tell or do you already know?

[Mira]

66. It's too early

thanks for caring.
You have a perfect German name.

[young_at_heart]

13. From one 73 year-old mom to another....good wishes and vibes!

Hang in there and we'll be thinking about you and praying for a quick recovery. Hissyspit, your mom sounds like a wonderful person...humanistic and liberal is the best!

[Hissyspit]

17. A heart for you!

[VenusRising]

14. Sending all the good vibes I have to both of you.

[Tree-Hugger]

15. Sending good vibes for your mom!

And some for you because I know it can be nerve-wracking to wait.

Hope she heals well and has an easy recovery.

[tomm2thumbs]

18. All good things your way!

Best of outcomes and a speedy and uneventful recovery!!

[arikara]

19. Good luck to her Hissy

My Mr is still in the hospital, 2 weeks today. He had a triple bypass, paid for by BC Medical. I do appreciate our medical system so very much.

I told him my valentines present is that I still have him.

[Hissyspit]

22. Good vibes to him.

Last edited Fri Feb 15, 2013, 04:22 AM - Edit history (1)

I only remembered tonight that David Letterman had a QUINTUPLE (sp?) bypass!

[pinboy3niner]

20. Wishing you and her the best, Hissyspit

You'll worry no matter what, but I'd take comfort in a success rate of 85-90%.

And the length of the surgery isn't unusual. I once had a 12-hour operation just to undo a previous procedure.

Looking forward to good news in your next post.

[LoveMyCali]

21. 7 am is the middle of the night for me

but I will hold your mother in my thoughts before I go to sleep tonight. Feb. 15th would have been my mother's 88th birthday, it's a good day.

Try to get some rest yourself. Why is it sitting in the hospital seems more tiring than running a marathon?

[Hissyspit]

23. Me, too.

I may not sleep tonight.

[Hissyspit]

25. :-)

[Booster]

26. Only good vibes from my house to your Mom. I'm glad to chip in for whatever she needs.

[nolabear]

27. I've been holding on to this last heart, Hissyspit. Here it is

For Mama. And here are a few more.

[Skittles]

28. sending good vibes for Mama Hissyspit

yes INDEED

[Hissyspit]

31. "Mama Hissyspit"

Well, since I named myself after my cat that disappeared years ago, the original Mama Hissyspit is still alive. Hissyspit's mother is named Li'l Grey Kitty aka Pistol, and I just realized she must be 16 years old!

[Skittles]

39. LOL - Skittles was a cat too

25 pounds of solid black feline love

[Mnemosyne]

30. Will do, Hissy! Here's to the best possible outcome for your mom!

Let us know!

[Solly Mack]

32. Will do.

Wishing you both the best!

[RainDog]

33. good vibrations for your mom! n/t

[yewberry]

34. Best wishes to you and your mom--

Hope all goes well!

[pacalo]

35. I send my very best vibes, Hissyspit.

Here's something to make her smile when she is recovering from her successful surgery:



I'll include her in my prayers, too!

[juajen]

36. I will send good thoughts and prayers for Hissyspit.

DU is a very good place to get support when life gets tough. So many of us have been there for one reason or another.

Get Well soon, beloved DUer.

[Frustratedlady]

38. Let me tag along...Strong thoughts and prayers coming your way.

Best of luck to your mother and strength to you for the road ahead.

Your mother and I are in the same age category and I know she may be a little apprehensive, but they are so incredible with what they can do these days, it will be over and done with before you know it. She'll be up and at `em very soon.

Hugs!

[tpsbmam]

37. Exactly where I want my tax dollars going!

Sounds like she's in great hands. Dad had the mitral replaced twice (he opted for the pig valve the first time knowing it'd have to be replaced after about 10 years.....this was about 20+ years ago). I couldn't believe the transformation after the first valve replacement -- ht was like a whole new man. He'd always been vigorous and athletic and had faded to a shadow of his old self -- it was the valve. After recovering from the surgery, he got a whole new vibrancy -- it was amazing. He did have a host surgery complication but got past that, too.

Your Mom has lots of great karma coming her way. Sending tons of positive vibes to add to the huge pile she's sure to get here and elsewhere!

[Hissyspit]

45. I am very glad to hear that.

They told us 10-15 years.

[AgingAmerican]

40. Your mom will be fine

Sounds like a smart lady. Now we know where you got it from

[Hekate]

41. Hugs, Hissyspit

[CaliforniaPeggy]

42. Major healing vibes for your beloved Mom, my dear Hissyspit...

Sounds like she will do just fine, but of course, it's scary in the meantime...

Do let us have updates as you're able.

[Cali_Democrat]

43. ((((GOOD VIBES))))

[tblue]

44. Sending love, hugs, and good wishes

to you and your sweet mom.

[Danmel]

46. best wishes for a speedy & complete recovery for your mom

[renate]

48. good luck! She sounds totally awesome

Looking forward to the update! She'll be in my thoughts (and dreams, since it's past my bedtime).

[csziggy]

49. Sending good thoughts

for your Mom.

[Hissyspit]

50. And now the wait...

[supernova]

51. Wishing you and your mom the very best

today. Will be thinking of Y'all.

By the by... your mom is having the same surgery, same valves I will someday need.

[Hissyspit]

54. Me, too!

This seems to be mostly hereditary, although she had bad thyroid problems about 30 years ago.

[Frosty1]

52. Vibes for your Mom

and a few extra for you during the wait.


I missed the Honey badger video does anyone have a link to it?

[Hissyspit]

72. Here:

[Frosty1]

95. Thanks.

How's the wait going?

[babylonsister]

53. Your mom has my

love and healing thoughts, Hissyspit. Hang in there!

[barbtries]

55. i hope she sails through

let us know.

[Kolesar]

56. Prepare to talk up the good stuff when she is in recovery

Heart valve surgery can put the recipient into depression. Good luck to both of you. I'll be thinking about you.

[AirmensMom]

57. Good vibes coming

~vibes~

[Stinky The Clown]

58. For your Mom . . . .

<-- 3 Heart Valves

[Hissyspit]

59. Thanks, Stinky!

[Divernan]

60. You have a great woman for your Mom and she has a great daughter in you!

I'm your Mom's age (nearly), and my own (widowed) mother was a wonderfully kind and supportive parent to me - and a passionate, lifelong Democrat, too! I think the greatest gift anyone can have in their life is to be blessed with that kind of Mom.
She lived to be 94 and had some scary cancer surgery when in her late 60's - so I know where you're at. It's really tough to wait while a loved one has surgery - hang in there, be strong as you can be, and best wishes and a big hug from Pennsylvania!

[Hissyspit]

70. I'm one of the three sons.

Thanks. There have been some really encouraging posts here. Incidentally, we all lived in Carlisle in the late '70s for a year. I was in Pittsburgh a couple years ago and Philadelphia the year before that.

[southernyankeebelle]

61. Your momma will make it through am sure of it. Especially with the medical insurance she

has. Your momma has earned that insurance through your father's military service. She stood by your dad while he served this country. Without her taking care of the home front your dad was able to do his job without worry. Hope she is well today. She obviously did a great job raising a loving child like you and your siblings.

[Ellipsis]

62. Thinking of you mother...

[OneGrassRoot]

63. Good vibes to your mom and you, Hissyspit!!!

That good sense of humor you both likely share will go a long way toward her healing.

[malaise]

64. Sending lots of good vibes for your mom

[ProfessionalLeftist]

65. About an hour into it now...sending best wishes ...

...for a complete recovery to Mamma Hissyspit!

[Mira]

67. Kick - time to send those vibes and pray. n/t

[myrna minx]

68. Healing vibes sent to Hissyspit Mom and family.

May she have a speedy recovery.

[a la izquierda]

69. Good luck to your mama!

[blueamy66]

71. She will be in my thoughts.

[lunatica]

73. Wishing the best of outcomes for your Mom Hissyspit!

And when she recovers she'll be as good as new and feeling years younger and healthier and stronger!

[Waltons_Mtn]

74. Positive thoughts...Positive thoughts...Positive thoughts...Positive thoughts...

One for each valve and an extra for good measure.

[mopinko]

75. best of luck to her and you.

those long waits in hospitals reek. but i predict that all will be well, and she will make a speedy recovery. just watch.

[blm]

76. (( ))

.

[warrior1]

77. sending good vibes

[City Lights]

78. Sending good vibes her way.

Hope all goes smoothly and that she recovers quickly.

[enlightenment]

79. Thinking good thoughts for her - and all of you.

Please let us know how it went.

[riverbendviewgal]

80. Sending good wishes for your mom

and for her to have a speedy recovery.

[snacker]

81. Good vibes headed her way.

[WilliamPitt]

82. (((((HUG)))))

[Hissyspit]

89. +1

[tavalon]

83. I just saw this and she is probably in surgery right now

I wish the best outcome for all of you.

[joeybee12]

84. Good vibes coming your way!

[October]

85. Sending all good vibrations her way!

What a lovely post.

[Nay]

86. Your mama will most likely do very well. I will send good vibes. I know you're worried, as

any of us would be, but the success rate is actually very good.

[yardwork]

87. Sending good thoughts for your mom.

[FailureToCommunicate]

88. Sending good wishes to you and your mom. Moms are our most precious

natural resource!

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[malthaussen]

90. We're counting on you, Hissyspit's Mom!

Hang tough and get out of jail free.

-- Mal

[Hissyspit]

91. UPDATE: She is out of surgery.

It went faster and better than expected.

The doctor said they replaced the two valves, but did not have to repair the third. Because of this, they did not have to open the heart from the front and just went from the side. This will help with recovery time. The next couple of days will be really rough, of course. Pain and lots of coughing up fluid. Luckily, eventually she won't remember any of it.

Thank you all so much.

[Lars39]

92. That's great news, Hissyspit!

Best wishes for a full and speedy recovery for your mom and big ol' hugs for both of you. Get some rest yourself if you can.

[YarnAddict]

93. So glad everything went well!!

If you don't mind my asking--where did she have surgery?

the reason I'm asking is because I also need my mitral and aortic valves replaced. the heart surgeon I've been consulting (Cleveland Clinic) has advised me to wait as long as possible. Due to the nature of my problem, I will have to have mechanical valves, and there will be new and better techniques and devices available within a few years. So far I'm hanging in there, just waiting.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

96. I'm so glad to hear that! Vibes work!

[Oilwellian]

98. Glad to hear she came through the surgery

Best wishes for her speedy recovery.

[Mira]

100. This is wonderful news. Came to see,

and am delighted to find she has come this far (and you, too).
This is so very hard.

Keep us updated, please.

[LibertyLover]

102. Wonderful to hear

All the best of healing energy to your mom and just plain energy to you - you are going to need it now that your mom's heart is repaired.

[xxqqqzme]

118. Best news ever.

[siligut]

125. Great to hear that things went even better than hoped

She will remember what happens in the next few days, once the anesthesia wears off, her memory will start to work.

She will receive pain medication, but most people are able to retain memories with that.

All that coughing, a good firm pillow to hug is helpful, but the hospital usually provides one.

[liberal_at_heart]

131. so happy things went well.

I hope she has a fast recovery.

[LiberalEsto]

132. Glad to hear she's recovering.

Best wishes to you and your mom!

[csziggy]

137. Fantastic!

[cal04]

145. So happy everything went well

My thoughts are with your mom and your family

[calimary]

151. Good luck to her! I hope her recovery runs smoothly and swiftly!

I mentioned how my mom had this very drastic and, at the time, experimental surgery that involved three valves and an abnormally enlarged heart. Strips were taken out of the heart to bring it closer to normal size, they repaired two valves and replaced a third valve. It happened in early December of that year. She was veritably an invalid. A few weeks later, she was up and dressed and fixing Christmas dinner!

Our daughter had been born in October. My mom was so weak that she couldn't even lift the baby when we set her on her grandma's lap. Two-and-a-half years later, Mom came bursting into the delivery room when I was in hard labor, talking nonstop and complaining about why I hadn't called her yet to tell her our son had been born. I was still working on it! She was quite a gal.

And she lived another 17 years - til a couple of months after she turned 90.

[MrMickeysMom]

94. Sigh!

No, really... deep breaths, good coughs, and smile your way out of the hospital.. and ... of course, from your DU support group, Mom!

[eridani]

97. Happy to pay for your mom's treatment

Good odds for her coming through with flying colors. Given that we pay twice per capita what other developed countries pay for health care, we can afford this levell of treatment for everyone. Change the Medicare eligibility age to ZERO!

[LoisB]

99. Sending lots of positive vibes to your Mom.

[PDJane]

101. Lots of good vibes being sent her way;

and a goodly number for you, too!

[Rider3]

103. Prayers & thoughts

Blessings to you, your Mom, and your family. I'll be thinking of you all.

[Beacool]

104. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your mom.

I hope that she sailed through the surgery and that she makes a full and speedy recovery.

[Worried senior]

105. Glad the surgery went well

Hope her recovery is as easy as possible.

[calimary]

106. My mom had heart surgery at an advanced age like your mom's.

As a matter of fact, I think she was 73, too. Because it bought her another 17 years. She died a couple of months after her 90th birthday.

Blessings and prayers to you both!!!

And hey, THIS is what we pay our taxes for. Stuff like this. Stuff that really counts, that's really important, that really benefits and helps our fellow Americans who need it.

[Hissyspit]

109. I really like hearing that. Thanks!

[juajen]

144. Good news about your mom. Hope everything continues that way.

[immoderate]

107. I'm very glad this worked.

-imm

[Hissyspit]

108. UPDATE: We all just saw her for the first time in her new room in the ICU

The nurse says she is doing great, and she was sleeping more soundly than I've seen her sleep in a long time.

[pnwmom]

110. Glad to hear it, Hissyspit!

Hope the rest of her recovery's smooth and she's back on her feet in no time.

[TwilightGardener]

111. Good news, glad she is recovering.

[Sekhmets Daughter]

112. Excellent!

Very happy to learn this.

[Liberal_in_LA]

113. great news

[nadinbrzezinski]

114. Good!!!

My best to you and your family.

[tpsbmam]

120. Awesome!!! Thanks for updating us.

[Waltons_Mtn]

127. Glad to here it, but....

I choose to keep the positive thoughts going your way.

[Nay]

156. Wonderful, wonderful news. I know you are much relieved. I'm so happy for you and mom!

[Hissyspit]

157. Yes, very relieved.

She is not out of the woods, yet, but thinks seem to be going swimmingly, as they say.

[eggplant]

115. My 78 yr old mom just went through this on Monday.

She made it through surgery without problems, and her recovery is proceeding apace, despite a few minor (not unusual) setbacks. She had hers done at the Cleveland Clinic.

All the best to your mom.

[Hissyspit]

116. Very good to hear.

No setbacks at all so far, from what they tell me.

[Granny M]

117. Sending good vibes and best wishes

for a great outcome and speedy recovery. Will be waiting for news tomorrow.

[ClayZ]

119. Wishing a Speedy Recovery your Mom's way!

[emsimon33]

121. Love and healing coming her way!

[ProSense]

122. Sending prayers and positive energy your Mom's way. n/t

[indepat]

123. Our best wishes that all goes well with recovery being both speedy and complete

[KoKo]

124. More ((((((Good Vibes)))))) to you and your mom..

The waiting is tough.... Been through it...

Again...good thoughts to you!

[RKP5637]

126. Good vibrations!!!

[Spirochete]

128. Sending good wishes her way n/t

[Smilo]

129. Hope your Mom is doing okay

....... as for payment - absolutely fine by me. Medicare for all is my motto.

[rosesaylavee]

130. Sending her the best wishes HS!

This honey badger wishes her all the best in her recovery!

[mahina]

133. Good luck to you and her!

[glinda]

134. Good (((((vibes)))))) coming her way!

[William769]

135. kick & recommended.

[WillyT]

136. K & R !!!

[life long demo]

138. Hope everyone rests confortably tonight

Tomorrow will be a bright new day.

[ReRe]

139. Keeping my fingers and toes crossed....

K&R

I've been checking back all day and last post I think I seen from you was around 2:30pm. Hope everything is still going well. Praying...

[Hissyspit]

140. UPDATE: Mom woke up around 4 p.m.

She can't speak or open her eyes, but she can nod her head and wiggle her toes to let us know she is listening.

[nadinbrzezinski]

141. That is great news!!!

[calimary]

153. Great news, Hissyspit!

Thanks for keeping us updated! I hope she knows we're all pulling for her! Continued successful recovery!

[wisteria]

142. Prayers and good vibes. n/t

[niyad]

143. just saw this, hissy. sending lots of good vibes, healing thoughts, and (((((((hugs)))) for you

mom, and for you and your whole family.

Please keep us posted, and know that all of you are in our thoughts and prayers tonight.

At last, something the govt is doing for which I do not mind paying. I know she is receiving the very best of care, and I know she is surrounded by love.

[Bozita]

146. my very best vibes have been dusted off and are now on the way to your mom

[840high]

147. She'll be in my thoughts.

[lonestarnot]

148. Best of vibes and prayers.

Honey Badger! Laughter is always the best medicine!

[roguevalley]

149. Good vibies for all of you. God bless you all and your sweet little mama.

[LeftishBrit]

150. Very best thoughts!

[aquart]

152. Tell her I know she will make it

Because God wants her to experience all the uncomfortable joys of recovery. (That's how my sister knows she'll survive her surgeries. And she does.)

And I love that you said I'm helping to pay for it. That makes the world suddenly seem sane.

[steve2470]

154. sending your mom many good vibes ! nt

[countryjake]

155. Wishing a quick recovery for your mama!

It's good to hear that everything went well with her surgery.

[Hissyspit]

158. I'm going back to the hospital in a little while.

Had to finally catch up on some sleep.

Thanks for everything, everyone. This meant a lot to me.

[smirkymonkey]

159. My best wishes to you and your Mom.

I hope all goes well. You are are in my thoughts.

[Hissyspit]

160. UPDATE: She has been moved to the intermediate ICU room.

She is pretty groggy right now, although my brothers say she was more aware earlier. All the electronic monitors are gone.

I had gone home and slept for 14 hours.

[Granny M]

161. Great to hear that she's progressing well.

Have a good rest, Hissyspit. Hugs to you and your Mom and the family.

[unapatriciated]

162. Glad to hear she is doing well.

My mom had a valve replacement done three years ago. Before surgery she had been weak for months unable to walk or hold her head erect, unfortunately because of her age (82) her doctor did not want to recommend surgery. We got a new doctor he got her in to surgery immediately. She is now doing great, her health improved drastically and she is walking on her own again.

Hope you mom health continues to improve

[Hissyspit]

163. Again, that's what I like to hear!