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Dad's Heart Attack-I Watched Life Taken And Life Given Back

Dad's Heart Attack-How It Started
I have been putting this hub off for about a week because really wasn't sure if I could write it or not. However things are going well with Dad now so I decided to finally write it.
So how did all this heart attack stuff start. Well let me tell you. The day before the attack my dad had some serious skin cancer cut out of his face. For this he only needed to be under a local anestetic. That all went well. The Dr is 100% sure all the cancer is gone. The only bad part is that he now has a vey large and deep hole in his face that needs to be fixed.
For this surgery it was decided to minimize any scaring he would be put under and some plastic surgery procedures would be used. This was a bit scary right from the beginning since my pops is 73 and had a massive heart attack 20 years ago. However they did assure us they were putting everything in place to keep him safe.
The surgery was scheduled for 2.20 pm. Everyone that needed to see him had been in to do so and now it was time to go for surgery. At 1.10pm a bed was brought down from surgery.

Heart Attack-The Minutes Surrounding
A heart attack can happen in an instant. Dad went to the washroom and came out about a minute later. He sat on the bed that would take him to surgery. I could see he was out of breath but thought he would catch it quickly.
The nurse noticed and put her hand on his back and asked him if he was okay. He answered by saying yes and then he fell over. That was it. Just like that and then the head spinning began. I'm sure things happened faster than I can type them. The nurse felt his pulse and within seconds pressed a button on the wall that was clearly marked code blue.
My head was going in circles but i was managing to keep myself above the clouds long enough to witness at least 25 people that seemed to come out of the wood work working on him in seconds. Dad was in cardiac arrest and some Dr. was doing chest compressions and then I was hauled out.
I wasn't actually hauled out. In fact I was given the option to stay and watch but really couldn't bring myself to stay any longer.
After what seemed an eternity a Dr. came in and told me that my father had been in cardiac arrest for less than 5 minutes and that he was alive. He was being transfered to intensive care.

Heart Attack-Tough Decisions
When they finally had dad shipped up to the intensive care unit the Dr. came in to give me as much details as he could at the moment.
First thing he said is my dad is a tough old bugger, then told me his stable at the moment and of course the old "the next 24 hours are the most critical."
Now I could see he was about to get serious. He said at this point there is no way of telling how much damage there is to the heart. He said that it could stop again and at that point I may have to make a decision about bringing him back.
He also told me to be prepared that there was a chance that my dad may never leave the hospital.
I knew he was only doing his job. It was very tough to listen to but it was something he had to tell me. All I could do was pray that I never have to make any of those decisions.
I called my wife first, then my sisters and then my employer. The call to my wife and sisters were one of the worst things I have ever had to do. The only real answer I had at the moment was he was still alive. At the same time I still had to be strong enough to insist they take their time so they don't get into an accident.
Finally I got to see him. All morning I had sat with him. we joked about things, talked about others and now here was this man lyeing on a bed unconcious with wires coming out of everywhere. I couldn't believe what a difference less than an hour could make.

Heart Attack-The Old Man Is Stubborn
I couldn't believe my eyes. While sitting with him before any family arrived the old guy woke up. of course he was confused, didn't know where he was and had no clue what happened. At the moment all I told him was he fainted.
The Dr. came in shortly afterwards and told dad that his heart had stopped and he had to be revived. He told him that his rib area would probably be very sore from getting CPR done on him. He then told him they would be monitoring him very closely for the next little while.
The Dr walked out and my dad started to cry. He just realized what he had been through and he knew he had been spared.
They gave him something to help him sleep so he wouldn't get too worked up over the entire thing.
I knew from that moment on that he was going to be alright. There was no one who could convince me of anything else.
Heart Attack-Where We Are At Now
All I know forsure is I have a way different outlook on life now. When you watch someone you love die in front of you and then be brought back you very quickly realize how quickly people can be taken from you.
My father and I do not live very close to one another but I know I have made a commitment to spend more time with all the people we care about. Life is a very busy practice but we need to understand that the only ones who can change this is ourselves.
All I can say at the moment is if this had to happen I am glad I could be there every step of the way through my father's heart attack. I definatly have a new outlook on life and I am not going to let anyone tell me any different.
Comments
Darling i had exactly the same thing as your dad .. i also sffered a massive heart attack suddenly and went into cardiac arrest im so lucky to be alive i was in a coma for 3 days not knowing what went on .. im here :) although i have mod to severe heart failure .. i hope your dad is keeping well xxx
Wow. What an important Hub. Truly. Thank you for writing it.
As you say so eloquently, nothing, absolutely nothing in this life matters more than the people we love.
Dale this was a very important story to tell. The amount of detail and length are perfect.
I feel for you now in your loss. My husband had a heart attack a few months back and I feel it is like a noose around his neck. I found solace in writing about it, like you have.
Hey Dale, I understand the process quite well having worked as a nurse through that experience also. The emotional wreck you must've felt and helplessness as you were in a position where you are unable to help. It is awful and am sure scared your dad and yes, be more frail, but you two will stand closer together. :) I'm glad he is well and hope he goes easy on himself.
Glad everything turned out well Dale. We never know how strong our parents are until they have to fight for thier life. I watch my granny's body deteriorate everyday but nothing kills her spirit except running out of find a word puzzles. They are stronger than we think.
dori
Dale - what an ordeal! I'm glad to hear that your dad made it through and wish him a full recovery - not just his heart but his facial surgery too.
And I agree with your statement about life being a busy practic - life's about loving and sharing, not rushing around trying to put out every fire.
My kindest regards to you and yours Dale :)
Best Wishes Dale.
I went through a similar episode with my mother. She's a stubborn old bugger too. We need to make more of those.
Glad to hear things are going well and know that you being there when he woke up was the best comfort you could have given to him.
Thanks for bringing us up to date Dale, all the best.
Dale, I am so glad your dad is doing well. When things like this happen to us, it has a way of putting things into perspective. Be glad for the time you have with him and never take any moment for granted. You are a very caring person and I am sorry you are going through this tribulation in your life now. Remember though, you have some friends online that care about you and will be there when you need us.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
I am so glad you still have your Dad Dale,...God has blessed your family,.not all heart attack victoms aren't so lucky. I seen my Dad have a stroke in front of me and it's horriable to see your parent go down like that. They cared for us, our whole life, and it's just so hard seeing things like that happen to the people who cared for us. Your Dad is in my thoughts and my prayer's.
Glad to hear he's on the mend.
What a tribulation to go through. I am glad things are going well.
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