My Dad had a heart attack tonight.

[cherokeeprogressive]

Fuck. I'm in the haystack looking out toward the needle. I've talked to my Sister, my Mom, and his Doctor. NO ONE will tell me he's gonna be OK. I can't even get through to his room.

I can't describe what I'm feeling right now other than to say that without my Dad, I'm lost. We haven't always been the best of friends, and most times we were almost enemies.

[steve2470]

1. I wish you much comfort and I hope he is well soon ! nt

[PeaceNikki]

2. .

I hope all is well and that they are busy taking terrific care of him.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

3. My dear cherokeeprogressive...

They can't tell you, because they just don't know...

There are so many factors in how he'll do...

Is he far away? It sounds as though he is...

Deep breaths....deep breaths. You WILL get through this.



Vibes to you.........and him.

[cherokeeprogressive]

5. I can always count on you...

He's in Boise. 900 miles. Even though I'm 50, He makes me feel like I'm just a boy.

[mahina]

4. Good luck to your Dad,

hope all will be well on all counts.

[Wind Dancer]

6. So sorry to hear...

... about your Dad. Hopefully, you'll hear some good news soon.

The anticipation is the hardest part. Sending good thoughts and virtual hugs to you.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

7. I'm sorry you're going through this, but please know that nowadays people can recover.

I know that you're feeling helpless. I know that when my mom had her heart attack I felt that I was going to go crazy for the 1st 24 hours. I couldn't sleep, I couldn't eat, I couldn't talk.

Also keep in mind that if he's in the hospital, he's being watched and cared for. They're not just sitting around doing nothing for him. They're treating him for it.

Also, I know you're only thinking of the times you had arguments with him. This is the case in most families.

Just pray. If you'd like, I'll have my sister add him to her church's prayer list. Would you like that?

Meanwhile, try to breathe. Keep calm. Understand he's being treated for this right now. Don't focus on negative. It's easy to do that. Of course, it's easy for me to tell you that, since I'm no longer going through the anxiety of this, and you are.

[David__77]

8. I'm so, so sorry.

I know how you feel - I had the same experience with my mother a while back, but hers was a nearly-deadly car accident. Make those hospital staff take a moment to let you know what's going on - that's your right.

[Marrah_G]

9. You have a whole lot of good DU energy being thrown your way.

Grab onto it and try to catch a breathe. It will be how it will be. Do you live far away?

[ScreamingMeemie]

10. Healing thoughts for your dad...and many hugs for you.

[MannyGoldstein]

11. Good luck to all.

I hope that all works out well.

[RainDog]

12. hugs to you

hope your dad comes through this. family is always family.

[suffragette]

13. It's hard when you are far away and hearing about something like this

And tougher when it's night and you can't always draw on the same resources as in daytime.
Sending hopeful thoughts your way.

[zazen]

14. I'm so sorry. . . can you be physically present at the hospital?

It may be impossible if there's a long distance or other impediment involved.

I do hope he'll be okay, and that the not telling you about his condition is simply people relaying their info (or lack of info) to you.

I don't know how old you are, but if you're new to these severe family crises, one reallllly challenging thing I found is that they simultaneously bring out the worst and best in people--or rather, that people revert to their most basic, raw natures, so one sees amazing acts of compassion as well as acting out of any family roles/dramas that haven't been worked out.

It may be that if you and your father have a history of conflict that you're being kept from communicating with him by family members operating old family narratives. Of course, I have no idea, but if you're physically present in that ER waiting room, you can go see him as easily as your sister.

I hope your Dad will be okay. He made it to the hospital, and that's a great sign. (Mine didn't and died from a heart attack at 48--I was 22). I was unprepared for how my sister, who wasn't in recovery like I was, acted out old behaviors, and I ended up getting excluded by key decisions she made because she got their first and became the official "next of kin." I was passive and kind and assumed the best and let me tell you, her behavior had awful (ghoulish) consequences. That was a big mistake. Don't let other family members be the authority. This is your Dad, your worry, your grief. His health is the most important factor at this point--but, then, your feelings are second. They're not less important than the rest of your family.

If I'm way off base, I'm sorry, but I just felt I had to say something. My thoughts are with you.

[donheld]

15. Here's wishing your dad well.

Wishing you well too.

[me b zola]

16. Hang in there, cherokeeprogressive

Wishing the best for your father and you.

[EFerrari]

17. I so hear you. My mom is almost 80.

Hang in there, my friend. A lot of us will be checking in through the weekend.

[Irishonly]

18. I am sorry to hear about your dad

Heart attacks are survivable. I lost half of my heart and didn't know I had a heart attack. It's amazing what they can do now. They probably don't know a lot of informations right now. Hang in there and I will keep you and your dad in my prayers.

[krispos42]

19. {{{vibes}}}

[denbot]

20. Big Vibes for your pops

And you.
Peace.

[WCGreen]

21. As long as he is in the hospital, he has a good chance of pulling threw....

Hope he is okay...

[nadinbrzezinski]

22. Hugs

and I hope they have not told you since not all tests have been done... I sure hope that is the case,

As to his room... ICU... most don't have access for anybody except physically. That is why you cannot reach his room.

Hugs, and I hope he does pull through.

[DesertFlower]

23. sending positive thoughts.

[w8liftinglady]

24. I am sending positive vibes...

and healing thoughts.
I am getting ready for work...I'll give extra hugs for your dad...hopefully,he'll feel the love.

[TexasProgresive]

25. My Christmas wish is that your Dad recovers completely.n/t

[NNN0LHI]

26. Really sorry to hear about this cherokeeprogressive

[mazzarro]

27. So sorry to learn of this...

I hope and pray that he will get well in due course. Be of strong heart and remain positive and prayerful as well. We, in DU, all wish you and your family the best especially your father.

[Little Star]

28. I hope he recovers quickly. My thoughts are with you. n/t

[grantcart]

29. best wishes

[a la izquierda]

30. I wish you peace cherokeeprogressive.

[Bluenorthwest]

31. All good things to you and your family, health for Dad, these are my wishes for you.

Peace.

[TBF]

32. I was across the country when my dad had his first heart attack -

that was 6 years ago. He's had medical issues for a long time, but we never expected a heart attack in his early 60s. Thankfully he was rushed to the hospital in time and with changes in diet/exercise and his medications he has done very well. I don't make it home very often, but he looked great this summer when we visited.

I can understand your mix of feelings as well - my parents are nice folks but I never had much in common with them. Often we disagreed on things. But I've gotten more forgiving as I've aged.

I will be thinking of you.

[MineralMan]

33. I hope that, by now, you have more information.

Not knowing is the very worst thing, since our minds create all sorts of scenarios. I'll keep you and your family in my thoughts.

[Greybnk48]

34. Hoping for a positive update soon! All my best to you and Dad. n/t

[riverwalker]

35. call his nurse

she/he will be straight with you, and tell you what you need to know. Tell her/he you want the honest truth.

[glinda]

36. Oh no! Very sorry! Boy has it been a horrible year for many!

[Howler]

37. I'm so sorry CheroKeeprogressive.

I'm sending hope and prayers for your father's recovery and return to good health.

[Poll_Blind]

38. You and your father are in my thoughts, CherokeeProgressive.

In times like this it's most important to reach out to people and let them know how much you care about them if you're able to.

PB

[emilyg]

39. My prayers for your Dad and

all of you. Please keep us updated.

[Whisp]

40. so sorry

[PA Democrat]

41. So sorry to hear this. My dad had a very bad heart attack last year

and even though I could be at the hospital, it was so frustrating waiting for news, trying to get answers. I found many of the nurses to be wonderful sources of information. They can't give you a prognosis, but at least they can tell you some basic information on his vitals, can let you know what tests, procedures are scheduled, etc. The nurses my dad had caring for him were absolute treasures, and I'll bet your dad will have some great care as well. If you identify yourself as immediate family, you should be able to get info over the phone from your dad's nurses.

I wish you and your dad all the best.

[Saturday]

42. Best wishes for a speedy recovery and peace to you. nt

[Odin2005]

43. OMG, I'm so sorry, CP!

[etherealtruth]

44. So scary

I am just so sorry your dad (and you) are going through this.

My sincerest wishes for a speedy recovery for your father.

[cherokeeprogressive]

45. THANK YOU EVERYONE. The crisis is past. He had two stents inserted last night.

One of his arteries was completely blocked, and another was down to 10%. I just got off of the phone with him and he's as feisty as ever. Actually, he claims to feel invigorated now that his blood is flowing again.

I asked him if this meant he'd finally stop smoking. Silence from the 77 year old. Go figure.

Thank You all so much for the kind words. I knew I could count on my friends here at DU. You are all very special people and very near and dear to my heart.

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!

[EFerrari]

46. That's great news.

And the smoking thing, well, I couldn't face a near brush with death without a cigarette either.

Keep us posted.

[emilyg]

47. Excellent news. I keep you in

a special place in my heart.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

48. That's great news!

I was scanning your thread, hoping to find this......and here it is.

What a great Christmas present to all of you, and esp. him...

I expect his doc is letting him know that smoking was a factor in this, and encouraging him to stop...

Merry Christmas to you and yours!

[suffragette]

49. Very glad to hear this

Happy Holidays to you and your family!

[nadinbrzezinski]

51. Good to hear

and from my dad's experience with cigs, don't count on it. The old man quit for nine months after open heart surgery. He smoked almost until his last breath. Yes, nicotine is that addictive.

Also at 77... it is not going to do much difference in long term survival. We literally developed the attitude that if he got some pleasure from at at 80... we gave up.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

54. Thank God! I'm so happy for you! It will be a good Christmas after all! nt

[Bozita]

55. Thank you for the good news!

Modern medicine can do some incredible things.

Medicare for ALL!

[stevedeshazer]

57. Great news.

I wish both of you all the best.

[snacker]

60. Such good news...

I'm happy for you. Merry Christmas!

[Liberal_in_LA]

50. Hope he pulls through

[rhett o rick]

52. Best wishes. nm

[yardwork]

56. I'm sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your father tonight.

[JohnnyLib2]

58. Missed one day, glad to read that things are looking better.

Hope the good news keeps coming....... happy (er) holildays!

[applegrove]

59. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.