Happy New Year!

*Thanks for all the prayers for my Dad.  The procedure went well.  It took 3 hours because they had to treat a few spots, but his heart now has a good rhythm and rate.  His kidney function is also improving.  It's been a good day.

The ER, CCU and more

This is a picture of my  Dad and step-mom at Christmas.  My Dad is 81 and has been in good health.  Last week he thought he had the flu, but went to the Dr on Wednesday because he was feeling worse.  They sent him to the hospital in an ambulance!

I got the call and my sister and I went to the ER.  We ended up having a very long night.  His pulse was irregular and very fast, about 180.  They tried several different things that they assured us would bring the rate down, but they had no effect.  When we arrived, Dad was his usual joking self, but as time went on we could see he was feeling worse, and soon wasn't responding well at all.

They ended up having to shock his heart to get it into normal rhythm.  That did work, but then his blood pressure started to drop.  He ended up in critical care.

By the next morning there was concern about his kidneys.  Having his BP low was affecting them and they weren't working well.  More meds were needed.  They were talking about doing a procedure to his heart on Friday, but it was cancelled at the last minute to allow the heart to recover for a few days.

He was moved to a regular floor on Saturday, although his heart rate and rhythm continued to be a problem at times.  On Sunday the heart rate was back up and the beat was irregular, meds didn't work.

Right now, they plan to do an ablation on Monday morning.  They will cauterize a spot on the heart that seems to be causing the rhythm problems.  They are also talking about putting in a pacemaker.

I'd appreciate your prayers for him.  Pray also for my stepmom as she has been at the hospital all day, every day with him and this is hard on her physically as well as emotionally.

Merry Christmas!

 We had another Christmas party this week.  This was a gathering of my family; my dad and stepmom, brother, 2 sisters and their families.  We ended up meeting on a weeknight as we had a terrible time coming up with a date that worked for all.

 To make things easy, we had pizza for supper. You can see that Alaina enjoyed it!

 

My brother, who doesn't get to see her to often was having fun playing with Alaina.  She wasn't too sure about him!

 

My Dad and stepmom, opening one of their gifts.

 We have a tradition called Santa letters.  Those who have been naughty during the year get a letter from Santa telling them that he's disappointed in them.  These are some of the recipients of the letters.  They were received by Heather, Nick, Chelsea, Terri, Aaron and Laura.  Aaron actually got one that told him what a good guy he was, which is why Laura is pulling that face in the picture.

As usual, we had a great time and lots of laughs.

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I'm going to take a little break over Christmas.  Andy will be home late Sunday night and will be with us for a few days, so I want to be able to enjoy that time.

I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas.  Enjoy the time with family and friends, and don't forget whose birthday we are celebrating!