Thursday, December 8, 2011

Say a little prayer

Tuesday Far Guy, Chance and I took a little road trip.  We went to Duluth.  It is one of our favorite places..it has a great Train Shop and some antique shops that we wanted to explore.

Canal Park Duluth

Far Guy was feeling fine when we left.  Along the way he felt like he had a catch in his shoulder that moved to his arm. He thought he had lifted something wrong.

We continued on..in Duluth he started to experience some Chest Pain.  We headed home..we discussed going to the ER on our way through town.   Far Guy just wanted to come home and lie down. He was cold and could not get warm..I had the heater on high and he was covered with a blanket.  At home he rested and took some nitro ( it didn’t help..he had a stress related Heart Attack in 1995) he went to bed, about 11:30 he got up..talked to me and headed to the kitchen to make some toast because he was hungry.  I heard him fussing in the kitchen and then a huge crash.

I was able to arouse him..he asked “What happened?”  Well that is what I wanted to know.  I had him lie still. I said “This is it you are going to stop *******around and go to the hospital.”  I grabbed the phone to call my brother.. My parents and my brother share the same last four digits of a phone number because it is easier for my Dad to remember.  The first three numbers are different.  CRAP..I dialed my parents phone number and my Mom answered.  I hung up.  I redialed my brother..she who sees robins first answered..I said “Send Jody now.”   As soon as I hung up..the phone rang it was my Mom..I told her that Far Guy had collapsed on the kitchen floor but was conscious and I needed to tend to him and hung up.  Jody arrived, he said call 911 so I did. We figured we might need some oxygen and backup.   It was looking very much like a heart attack.  Far Guys Buddies from Carsonville Fire and Rescue showed up..and then the Paramedics.   He was in good hands..but not doing great..his color was like a sheet of paper.  They ran a portable print out of his heart activity..he was deteriorating rapidly.  I said “let’s bring a backboard in here.”  I was certain that he was going to bottom out..and he almost did..he lost consciousness and turned even paler when they administered some IV Nitro.  He was having difficulty breathing and was not “with it.”  The last thing you ever want to do is CPR on people you know..I have done it several times..with no good result.  The situation was rapidly spiraling downward.  (I was an Emergency Medical Technician years ago.)

My Dad stuck his head in the door and said “Send out Jody, Mother fell.”  My parents drove out to see what was happening. Mom fell.  They got her up and had her sitting on a gurney outside the door.  Her hip hurt and her shoulder. They called a second ambulance.

Meanwhile Far Guy needs to get moved on out.  We get him backboarded and up the steps and out into the ambulance.  They ran another strip..the paramedic came in and said “He has a blockage in the lower part of his heart and needs to be air lifted to the cath lab.”  I said “do it.” After some more farting around..they leave for the airport.

The guys move Mom who is now on one of my kitchen chairs outside covered with a blanket, inside onto the landing. ( area where you can go up or down) We wait for the next ambulance to arrive.  The paramedic doesn’t think Mom broke her hip.

I call the girls and pack a bag.  Jody gets all my stuff into the car and Chance and I trek to Fargo 90 miles away. It is 1:11AM. There are herds of deer along the road..but no traffic.

At 2:12 the phone rings..it is Jen.  She was there when the helicopter landed after a 25 minute trip. She reports “ Dad was talking and they took him right on into the cath lab.”  BIG sigh of relief..talking is a good sign.  I was nearly to Hawley. 

I arrive at 2:45AM to fill out paperwork.  The phone rings Jen says “The Doctor is coming out to talk to me..better hurry on up.”   The Doctor that performed the cath found no blockage and reports a healthy heart.   I am dumbfounded..why then did he exhibit all the signs???  The Doctor doesn’t know..but they will run more tests in the morning. Far Guy is stable and has no chest pain.

We get to see Far Guy..I told him “You scared the crap out of me.”  He says “I already told the Nurses not to listen to you.”

Trica arrives with the Grandgirls.  Far Guy has a room full of girls that love him!  He gives me a rash of shit when he asks about Chance and I say “He is in the car laying on your down coat and toasty warm cause it is 30 degrees and he has a little of his own hair too.”

I put Jen in charge of the cell phone.  Jody calls with a report about Mom..she has a dislocated shoulder and has broken her pelvis in three places.  She is being transferred to a hospital with an Ortho Doctor where they will be able to give her pain relief.  Damn..double damn.

Later we decide to send Chance home with Trica and the girls..they leave about 5AM..there is nothing to do but wait anyway.

Throughout the night they ran blood tests.  They run EKGs..and in the morning..it is now Wednesday they run an Echocardiogram.   The Cardiologist waves to me..goes into the room and has a quick look and says “His heart looks good..the function is fine.  Your husband has inflammation of his pericardial sac.  (The double walled sac that surrounds your heart.)  It is treatable.  It is caused by a virus, it happens sometimes..we see it occasionally.  He will be fine..don’t worry.  It presents just like a Heart Attack..and until we can rule a heart attack out it is treated just like one.”  He patted me on the shoulder and said again  “ He WILL be fine..don’t worry…he can go home this morning.”

Jen left..because she hadn’t slept all night. There was lots of “no sleep” going around.  We finally got all our instructions and left too..170 miles later we  picked up Chance and a prescription and stopped by the Nursing Home where my Mom will be spending a couple of weeks.  She was not there yet..we were both exhausted..we came home and took a nap..the phone rang off the hook..I was just too tired to answer it.

I spoke to Mom later..she is in considerable pain.  My sister was with her Wednesday..and my brother from Oregon will be here soon.  Prayers for my Mom would be greatly appreciated.  Prayers for pain relief and for a complete recovery.

Far Guy could always use a prayer too..I am still a bit miffed with him for scaring me half to death.  He has no chest pain..he has some pain at the cath site and is supposed to take it easy for a few days.  I have had enough excitement to last me a long time..:)

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56 comments:

A Brit in Tennessee said...

Ooh my goodness, what a scare !
My thoughts and prayers go out to Far Guy and your sweet mum, I do hope they recover quickly, and a BIG hug for you my friend....what a day !
~Hugs,
~Jo

rkbsnana said...

Oh my goodness. What a scary night. Hope all are mended quickly and completely. When it rains it pours, huh? And why always at Christmas?

ingrid said...

Dear Connie,
What a HORRIBLE post...Yes I will say a little prayer!
Love from the Netherlands

DJan said...

Wow! I was on the edge of my seat the whole time reading this, fearing the worst. And although it wasn't, it almost was. Thank God it's a treatable situation for Far Guy. But your poor Mom! You definitely have my prayers coming your way. And lots of virtual hugs.

Anonymous said...

Keeping each one of you in my heart and prayers. Love, Mildred

linda m said...

I will definitely keep Far Guy and your mother in my prayers. What a scary night for you! Sending love and hugs your way.

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

Oh my dear glory girl, you've been through the wringer and back!!! I'm so glad that it wasn't a heart attack for Far Guy, but nonetheless scary.

Know my prayers are with Far Guy, your sweet Mama and you too, sweetie.

Merry Christmas...HuH? Tell Far Guy we're gonna change his name to Fall~Guy! :o)

Take care and please let me know if I can do anything. Ya know, an ear to chew on...a place to dump. I'm here Connie.

God bless ya!

patty said...

prayers on the way.

Changes in the wind said...

Oh my heavens what an ordeal! Glad hubby is going to be okay but your poor Mom...it will be such a long haul for her.

Nate Maas said...

I'm praying too.

Linda said...

Yike a busy bad time.......will be praying for all of you!!

EBet said...

Oh my!!! That's a lot of scary to put into that short amount of time.....There will definitely be some praying going on here!!!!

L. D. said...

I was really concerned for the outcomes as I read this. I am so happy that Far Guy's condition was treatable. I have heard of that before. Broken hips and such are not a great thing for mom to be having. I hope she can get beyond the pain stage quickly. Both are in my prayers. Far Guy was in my prayers this am for his other problem little did I know he was going to really have this threatening condition. Rest, rest, and get more rest.

MTWaggin said...

You ALL have my prayers dear, that is just wayyyy too much crap to deal with at one time. Yoiu are strong and they are lucky to have you and your family in their lives! What a great support team!

Dreaming said...

Holy Crap! That was an awful series of events. I feel so badly for ... everyone! Prayers for your mom's swift recovery. Not sure if Far Guy should get prayers or a slap in the face! Glad that it wasn't a heart attack, but geez, he shouldn't scare everyone that way!
I hope you all get some rest and life resumes it's normal course... but... what is normal??!!

RURAL said...

Connie, that was one very rough night.

Thank goodness that you have the knowledge to understand what was going on at the time. That was beyond scary, and why does this always happen at night? Terrible, terrible, terrible.

Praying for both of them. Wishing them both speedy recoveries.

Hugs from the snow land.

Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams

Nancy said...

This post was scary enough to read, I can't even imagine being there and seeing it all transpire. Prayers coming your way for healing and speedy recovery for your Mom and Far Guy, for rest and reassurance for the rest of the family.

You have a great support system - make sure you lean on them right now.

Country Gal said...

Oh my goodness , a scare indeed ! I was scared reading about it all . I am glad Far Guy is some what ok a mystery that is and your poor mum I do hope she recovers well ! You poor things my prayers are with you all !

Karen said...

Connie, hugs to you and Far Guy and your mum too. Wow, what an incredible scary night. I'm hoping for the best for all of you. Luckily you have lots of family support.

As I was reading your story and got to the part where you were discussing going to the ER as you were going through Duluth, I was thinking 'yes, yes, yes, GO to the ER!' So glad that Far Guy was able to go home yesterday. Will be thinking of your mum and hope she has a speedy recovery.

Jeannelle said...

Prayers headed your way.

Harriet said...

Connie....I will keep your mother in my prayers and thoughts. Hang in there.

carolina nana said...

Prayers coming from NC for both Far Guy and your mom and for you !!!
Blessings

Judy said...

Wow, you had quite a day...glad Far Guy is hanging in there...too bad about Mom though...will keep her in my thoughts...

Take a nap...

wendyytb said...

The pain from pericarditis is excruciating. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all. Here's hoping that mom has a speedy recovery. It will be challenging for you all.

God bless!

Golden To Silver Val said...

Oh boy......I cried through this entire post. I guess I was just so overwhelmed by the presence of family. What a blessing to be loved by so many. LOL and he asks about Chance. That really set me off crying even harder. I'm so glad that it is nothing worse, although I guess what he has is painful. My thoughts and prayers to both Far Guy and your mom for a speedy and total recovery. What a night! Big hugs.

rockygrace said...

Thinking of all of you ...

Rita said...

I am so relieved that FarGuy will be okay! And then to top it off your mom falling in the middle of everything else...and driving in the middle of the night with gangs of deer all the way (which is scary enough in and of itself)...OMG! What an ordeal!!

The way the family troops rallied was an awesome thing to behold! And FarGuy's concern over Chance...well, that did it. Made me laugh and cry at the same time.

Now I hope you have totally quiet, uneventful days straight through till 2012 and that FarGuy and you mom heal well and quickly. You're all in my thoughts and prayers. Love and hugs!

Anonymous said...

Many prayers for Far Guy and your mom being sent your way. Take care Mary

Rae said...

Connie, I knew something was amiss when there were no comments from you on my blog the past several days. I was worried - thinking Trica might be ill. Never would have guessed it was Far Guy or your mom. I am so sorry to hear all this. Some very scary moments. My thoughts are with all of you and I am surrounding you in prayer.

Rita said...

I felt a little sob and tears come when I read your story. You should not have had to go through this and I'm sorry that you did. I'll pray for both your mother and your husband.

LindaG said...

*hugs* and prayers. Glad to hear Far Guy is okay.
I hope your Mom will heal quickly and soon, Far Side. ♥

Emma Rose said...

Something told me to stop by here today. OH MY GOSH! I am so glad Far Guy is going to be ok. I will add your Mom to my prayer list. And you too!

Emma Rose and the Duchess

Becca's Dirt said...

Girl I was on the edge of my seat reading your post. I'm so glad Far Guy is Ok and so sorry about your mom. Dangit girl what a time you had. A double wammy. I know you were worried to death. Thankful that he is OK now and it wasn't a heart attack. Prayers for your mom and for you and Far Guy too.

Shirley H. said...

What an awful night you all had! Prayers coming your way for everyone. Glad that Far Guy did not have a heart attack and that the inflammation can be treated.
Your mother has a bad kind of break and here's hoping that she can get pain relief soon and can recover and be rehabbed in a nursing home of some kind.
Too much going on there and I am glad that things turned out to be less serious than first thought.

Muffy's Marks said...

WOW, how things can changs quickly. What a scare! Glad it sounds like an easy fix for Far Guy. Prayers go out to your mom, hope her fractures heal quickly. And you my dear, how are you holding up? You have had enough scares for a while. Prayer for you and Far Guy.

Pauline Persing said...

My prayers are with all of you.

West Side of Straight said...

Prayers to you, Gene and Mom. Hope you both can get some good rest now that Gene has his meds, etc etc. Bet Chance isn't leaving his side! Call me if you need something, I'm not far away! jo

Ellen said...

Oh my gosh, I started reading your post and found myself reading faster, then faster, then faster, praying all the way. I wonder what kind of a virus attacked him. Certainly saying prayers for your mother too. She has a long road to health ahead of her. Please take care of you and yours for sure.

Jinglebob said...

Prayers for you and yours.

Mary said...

Whoaa! I don't know how you could even compose yourself to write this. Glad to hear everyone will be okay.

Red said...

Quite the day for all of you! I hope that Far Guy and your Mom recover as expected. As you were telling the story I kept saying "heart attack" Then it ends up being an infection. You learn something new every day. Thanks for sharing you ordeal.

Lynda said...

Obviously your family members didn't get the memo that said you had enough stuff left to do before Christmas without them adding extra activity!!!! And you would rather boost the retail economy instead of the medical one- - - right?!!
I am sooooo sorry all this happened but Praise God that Far Guy is not scheduled for by-pass surgery. We will pray he gets rid of this virus without further complications.
Your poor mom and her pain - - - that hurts all of us when we think about her. I am sure that Far Guy will follow all your instructions regarding his recovery now that you have him home. Praying that everything gets better and better each day and thankful you have family to help you out.

Terry and Linda said...

Oh, my Dear! You have my prayers for full recovery for your husband, your mother, and for you! What a horrible day, if I were there I would give you a huge hug!

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com

NCmountainwoman said...

Oh, I am so sorry. What a shame to have all this happen at once. Please don't get so caught up in all of this that you neglect to take care of yourself. I'll be thinking of you and your husband and mother and all of your family.

Just Stuff From a Boomer said...

Wow Connie, I am so glad they are both doing better now. How scary for all of you. And, poor Mom, just trying to help and she breads her pelvis. I cannot imagine your night. I bet you were exhausted. Just breathe and take care of yourself too.

Anonymous said...

So happy things went a lot better. Prayers for both of you so you can heal and be back on your feet a gain, Love to all Geraldine.

Anonymous said...

Oh lord - what a rollercoaster ride! So so so sorry to hear about both your mum and Far Guy.

Thank goodness Far Guy is doing well. I'm sending him a little prayer.

I'm sending a huge prayer to your mum - sounds as if she will be needing a lot of help in the next few weeks.

Leah said...

Heard last night - wowza - that is more than should happen at one time. Been thinking of you guys - take care, rest and heal up. And to Madeline too - sending prayers your way!

Sally Wessely said...

This is quite a story! My gosh, so much was happening at once. I don't know how you kept your wits about you.

I'm so thankful Far Guy is ok. I just had a similar experience with my husband. On Monday, he had a cath and a 95% blockage was found. I can relate to this post all too well.

Nancy/BLissed-Out Grandma said...

Omigosh, that's a lot of drama for one day! Like everyone else, I was on the edge of my seat reading this. I hope Far Guy is taking it easy, and that you are, too. And I wish your mom all the best as she recovers from her terrible fall.

Far Side of Fifty said...

Thank you everyone for your kind words and prayers..we appreciate them..and friends like you all:)

Anonymous said...

Connie, you an AMAZING woman!!! I was just looking at your old photo project where you somehow manage to get them back to the families...WOW!!!! I am impressed!!! And amazed! That takes a LOT of work!!! You truly are a very precious person! As is your hubby too! God bless, and maybe I will get over to see you this winter!!! Shirley

Abra said...

Oh my, Connie. i am so sorry for you having to go through this, but glad to hear Far Guy is gonna be okay. I'll send prayers that he follows your instructions to recovery, 'cause I know he'll be worse for wear if he doesn't listen to you. ;-) Many prayers for a speedy recovery for your Mom. You, my dear Connie, need to take some down time & REST!!

Gail said...

Just like the salt, when it rains, it pours.

My thoughts are with you and your family. Hang in there.

thecrazysheeplady said...

Holy cow!

Connie Peterson said...

Hey, I'm away from your blog for a few days and wow! I am so glad that everyone is doing better after such a stressful night! Hope you are able to relax and care for yourself, now. I am so very, very, very glad that everyone is better!