Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Update on My Father's Surgery

Hello! I wanted to give my followers an update on my father's leg aneurysm bypass surgery. Monday was a very long day as his surgery wasn't scheduled until 1:30 pm. His surgery lasted approximately 2 hours and then he was in recovery for about 90 minutes. The surgeon met with us and said that the surgery was a "success", however there is a huge danger of blood clots which would not bring about a good prognosis for the future of his leg. Since my father lost his other leg in 1978 and extra arteries were used from his "good leg" in hope of successful natural artery bypass on the lost leg, there were no available arteries left on his good leg to use for this surgery. So, an artificial artery was grafted in, and his aneurysm was clamped closed to prevent bursting and blood flow through the original artery. With leg aneurysm bypasses (called popliteal bypass), using a natural artery is more beneficial with a better prognosis. Since Daddy had an artificial artery bypass, he is not out of the woods for some time. But the medical staff has gotten him out of bed yesterday and today, he took several steps with the walker.

He will be released from the hospital tomorrow and then he is going to a rehabiliation center for awhile, so that he can gain his independence back. We don't know how long he will be in the rehabilitation center, as it depends on the "goals" that he and his doctor set. But we are hopeful that he will be in there, at most, a week. The blood clotting prevention is being done with a blood thinner Rx, compression stockings and he will need to keep moving his leg through exercise and/or regular use.

I want to thank everyone who has been faithfully praying for him, and my family. We so appreciate your heartfelt prayers and we ask that you continue to hold him in prayer until he is out of the woods. It humbles me to know that so many people whom I have never met has prayed and is continuing to pray. Thank you again!!

5 comments:

Traci M said...

Linda, I know how tiring it is to have a parent going through long term hospital and rehab stays...but hope you are taking comfort that prayers are being said on all your behalf...and that God is in ultimate control.
Hope you can get some much needed rest and take care of yourself also during this stage. Hugs to you!! Traci

Gina said...

Linda, I just stumbled upon your blog and am loving it. Prayers coming this way from your new blogging friend...

Dawn B. said...

Linda I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. I know this must be an incredibly stressful time for all of you.. It all sounds good. Wishing you the best.

Debi said...

Hi Linda, I'm keeping you and you Father Roy in my prayers. I hope he is back to himself quickly!
~Lizzy

Laurie Wilson said...

Sending hugs for you girl! Thanks for the update, praying for continued strength and healing!