Keep My Dad In Your Thoughts
My mother just called and they are in the emergency room because dad has chest pains. My mother thinks it is acid reflux, but I am freaking the fuck out right about now. I’m also conflicted as to whether I should be worried or pissed off at them because they live down the god damned street from me and this is the first I am hearing about it. She calls me ten times a day to tell me about sports related bullshit that I don’t care about, but then when my 70 year old dad has chest pains it is radio silence? Apparently they, true to Costanza form, argued for an hour about whether they should drive or take the ambulance, so they didn’t have time to call me.
I’m thinking positive and ask you to cross your fingers and toes. I love that man too much to lose him.
*** Update ***
My mother just called, and she doesn’t know any specifics other than he had a mild heart attack. I tried to get her to tell me if they tested for Troponin and the extent of the damage, but none of that made any sense to her. She is staying until they put him in a room, and I am assuming they have him on blood thinners and maybe a mild sedative. I just don’t know. All my medical training was as an EMT and then combat lifesaver training and most of it starts and stops with lidocaine and 2 Pam Chloride. I’m just going to assume that this is the best possible news, but in my book “mild heart attack” is like “slight case of herpes” or “minimal stroke” or “treatable cancer.” None of it is good. Tomorrow they are going to do a cardiac catheterization to examine what is going on and may do a stent. I’ll keep you updated, but I am going to start drinking.
Just go there right now.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:04 pm
All digits crossed. I’d cross my eyes, but then I’ll fall down the stairs. This sounds like my father-in-law who had to be hollered at to go to the hospital for chest pain that led to a triple bypass. Probably your dad made your mom vow to silence.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:05 pm
cathyx is right—go to the hospital. You’ll feel much better.
Big hugs, lotsa prayers.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:05 pm
All good thoughts, prayers and the force be with him.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:05 pm
Keeping a good thought.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:05 pm
@cathyx: I can’t, I am under strict instructions from dad, as relayed to me by mom, that I am to take care of his dogs tonight. He loves Ginny and Guesly like they are kids.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:06 pm
John, I’m so sorry. Don’t worry about us, just go.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:06 pm
Hang in there Cole, and take care of your Mom while she and the hospital take care of your Dad.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:06 pm
It’s going to be fine, John … if he can still argue that’s a good sign. Keeping good thoughts.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:06 pm
It’ll be all good bro – people having heart attacks don’t argue about whether to go to the hospital…u have some positive karma coming ur way
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:07 pm
You are in our thoughts.
P.S. Parents, what can you say.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:07 pm
@John Cole: Ok, that will calm him while he’s there. Just call mom for updates. She’s as worried as you and will welcome the conversation.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:08 pm
Go to the hospital. Your parents will be glad you did, even while they’re telling you you shouldn’t have bothered.
Sending good thoughts your way. They’ve done the right thing by getting it checked out.
Parents! They drive you crazy, that’s for sure.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:08 pm
@John Cole: so go get the dogs.. and then call someone to sit 4 dogs and a cat. tnat is doable
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:08 pm
It’s good you love that man like you do. I’m sure he knows it and it brings comfort in a scary time.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:09 pm
Wishing the best for your Dad and his family, Cole. Being faced with the mortality of one’s parents is as tough as being face-to-face with your own.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:09 pm
@John Cole:
How far away is the hospital? Can you run over there and then come back to take care of the dogs? They should be able to be on their own for a short while, right? Or would that upset your dad more?
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:10 pm
Go there now. Not for your dad, for your mom.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:10 pm
No matter what this is, he’s where he needs to be. Parents never stop being parents and thinking of us as kids who don’t need to be bothered. My Dad fell on the street and nearly got backed over by a truck. We heard about it months later. They vex is, but we love them. I’m crossing everything I’ve got for him.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:11 pm
I’ve had both acid reflux and a heart attack. There were occasions that the reflux hurt worse. I hope your dad is OK. The hospital is a good place for him to be right now.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:11 pm
He’s in our prayers.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:11 pm
Fingers crossed.
My dad flirted with a dramatic exit for a long time before just waking up dead one morning.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:11 pm
Don’t be pissed. They’re protecting you, and themselves from having to tell you. You worrying makes them worry about you (I don’t have kids, but this is what I’ve gleaned from dealing with my own aging parents). Best wishes to you and yours.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:11 pm
I’ve been there. Scary. Good to hear that he’s at the hospital. My dad waited 12 hours before he mentioned it to me (at which point I drove over there and put him in the car and took him in). It was a pretty sizeable attack, but even so he climbed Mt. Si with me less than six months later. If your dad is getting good treatment it’s not necessarily the end of the world.
Got my fingers crossed.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:12 pm
If hoping helps, we’re all there.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:12 pm
Steadfast, John. Go be with your mother.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:12 pm
John, The shock of a sudden alert about a parent’s health is heart-stopping on your end. I have been there too many times to recount. I have no good advice other than go with your heart.
Good thoughts, John
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:12 pm
I fully understand your concerns and worry- been there twice myself. If he is already at the hospital, however, odds are good that all will be well.
I will say this, though, you might be wise to be there as well, as his patient advocate, checking orders and asking questions on his behalf. Surely your critical thinking skills would be of use in that capacity…
Our thoughts are with you.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:12 pm
I fully understand your concerns and worry- been there twice myself. If he is already at the hospital, however, odds are good that all will be well.
I will say this, though, you might be wise to be there as well, as his patient advocate, checking orders and asking questions on his behalf. Surely your critical thinking skills would be of use in that capacity…
Our thoughts are with you.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:13 pm
Can a friend come sit the pets? You could bring them to your house and one of your many friends would gladly step in.
If you can’t do that or it doesn’t feel right, then definitely call your mom. She’ll be glad for the distraction.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:13 pm
Best wishes for your dad. I hope everything is fine. Sending postive thoughts your way.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:14 pm
I don’t mention personal stuff about my family much on blogs, but I been doing this sort of thing with my dad for a couple of years now. He’s had heart surgery several times, and now get pneumonia really easy, and at 80 that is not a good sign. I expect a phone call. THE phone call about every day and night. I can say I love my dad, but our relationship has not been a bed of roses, coming from left and right. But I don’t want him to die, as that will make both parents on the other side. But that is life, or part of it, death.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:14 pm
70 is young. I’m not kidding – if he takes relatively good care of himself, 70 is nothing, unless he’s a stress producer in which case 70 isn’t nothing, but chest pains can be a whole lot of different non-lethal things.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:14 pm
Time to check your ego at the door. People think about the immediate crisis at hand, not whether someone’s fee-fees might get hurt.
Best wishes that everything turns out okay. I lost my old man to a heart attack. He died right in front of his entire family, while we were essentially helpless to render any meaningful aid (we were in Mexico, miles from a real, city hospital).
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:15 pm
@John Cole:
Sometimes the correct response to orders is “Fuck that”.
Take care of the dogs, but mom first.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:15 pm
Best wishes to all of you, Cole.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:16 pm
Try not to worry too much. Get someone to look in on animals and then get up there.
I hope everything is alright. Good thoughts and all that…. Now go sit with your mother. Damn it.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:16 pm
Fingers and toes crossed.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:18 pm
Anything I got (good thoughts, prayers, a tip of the beer in my hand) to your dad’s good health right now, and with your mom and you.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:19 pm
Keepin y’all close in my thoughts tonight, dogs and all. Hang in there, Cole people (and pooches)!
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:19 pm
I know you’re not big on religion, but I said a prayer for him.
For what it’s worth, I went through the same kind of thing a few years back. My dad had a stent put in. Even though they knew it was going to happen for days my mom didn’t see fit to call me until he was already going into surgery, left it as a message on my phone (I was at an all day work training). When I found out I was freaking out like you are. My dad is fine now and hopefully yours will be too.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:19 pm
Wishing the best for your dad, cole. Leave the dogs to someone else you trust and go see him, never mind his order.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:19 pm
Best wishes to you and your Mom and Dad. It’s already a good sign that he made it to the hospital OK and he’s in good hands now.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:20 pm
I’m so sorry that you’re all going through this; you’re in my thoughts. I know how scary this all can be; try to focus on the fact that he’s in the hospital and he’s getting care and not on everything that can happen. He got help. He’s going to be okay, God willing.
Good luck.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:20 pm
Hope your dad just has acid reflux. Or something other than heart trouble.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:21 pm
Best wishes to the entire Cole clan.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:21 pm
Of course I’ll keep Mr. C in my thoughts. And I feel your pain. My dad was in the hospital for 2 days before my mom thought to call me. WTF
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:21 pm
Butcher the dogs and grill them up for a nice takeover meal when they get home. The man needs some perspective.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:21 pm
@jill:
This is a very good point. Your dad is the patient and can’t be his own advocate very effectively. Your mom may be freaking out and won’t listen, take notes or ask appropriate questions. Having you there to help them could be really helpful.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:21 pm
Best wishes.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:22 pm
Yeah. Go see Dad, dude. You can always come back and take the dogs out later. They’ll be fine for a few hours while you’re gone.
I hope he is okay.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:22 pm
Hey, he’s in the hospital. There is nothing more than you can do.
Me, I’m dealing with nothing: the downstairs neighbor lost her oldest son, only 31 years old, in a car accident. Called me out of bed in the early hours to help her print her India visa: they are going to spread his ashes on the Ganges. A very spiritual young man; way too damn soon.
If this moves you, give beehives at heifer.org: he was a vegetarian entrepreneur.
Best to you and your folks: your dad cares most about those who can’t care for themselves. Just like you!
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:23 pm
Best wishes and good luck to you and your parents. I hope it is a minor problem.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:23 pm
Best advice I ever got was to ignore my parents.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:24 pm
@Just Some Fuckhead: Heh, what did the dogs do ?
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:24 pm
So much depends on the actual parents involved. John knows them best, what the subtext is, what will calm them down, what they’re capable of, what helps them feel calm and in control. I’d trust his judgement, all in all. All the best.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:24 pm
@Just Some Fuckhead: I adore you, but you do not get to contribute any recipes at W4DS.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:24 pm
Hoping the best for your dad, its probably nothing but if he was arguing that much then it isn’t serious even if it is a heart attack so don’t sweat it.
As far as them not calling you thats no big deal either. If you were a cardiologist then they should have called you otherwise whats the point? They didn’t want to worry you and thats normal.
Your dad’ll be fine & this is just a reminder that you should let him know how much he means to you while you can.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:24 pm
@amk: Fuckhead just likes grilled dog. Nothing personal.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:25 pm
Go to the hospital – leave and tend to the dogs if you need to then go back to the hospital. Your mom needs you and you need your mom and your dad.
So go.
Now.
[This is the voice of experience, Buddy. Now git.]
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:25 pm
John, I feel for you…my dad had a stroke a couple months ago while playing tennis (at age 80) and hasn’t been the same person since.It’s so weird how the brain can just ‘un-wire’ itself in an instant.
I hope your dad comes out of the ER with no long-term consequences….and that you get to enjoy his company for many many more years. Good vibes I am sending his way.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:25 pm
Thoughts, prayers, hopes, and everything else, John. You take care of you and yours and don’t worry about us right now.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:26 pm
@Violet:
I absolutely agree.
My dad had a hip replacement surgery, and then there were complications. The doctors started a circular cover asses operation, because it appeared that someone missed something, which resulted in a hemorrhage and plenty of things that should have been avoided. We never got to the point where anyone would admit to anything, naturally, but the fact that I was there asking pointed questions where my dad was not in a condition to resulted in more effective care than would have happened otherwise, I’m sure.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:26 pm
Mr. Cole:
Why not both? My nearly-70-year-old dad has an incurable condition that he’ll die from eventually. He’s gone back and forth on his opinion of how long it will take, but he’s certain he won’t reach 80. As not-happy as I am about that, I would have been furious if I’d lost him without the advanced notice. But he and mom have been completely up front with my older sister and me about this.
Not to say I can’t see your parents’ side of this, but yeah, you deserve to know.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:26 pm
This is one of those times I wish we all lived a few blocks away from each other. You’d have 50 people volunteering to watch the dogs.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:28 pm
Whole family (esp. the six cats) keeping you and your family in our thoughts.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:29 pm
Still grieving over the sudden loss of my Dad over four months ago. The only thing that helps is the last thing that happened is I hugged him and told him how much I loved him. He was gone the next morning. Go be there and tell him you love him. And drop in on them as often as you can. You just never know.
Meanwhile. Sending my special brand of old hippie white light for good outcomes. Virtual hugs John.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:30 pm
@Garbo: Me also. John does have friends close by and hopefully he calls upon them. I mean how hard can it be to take care of 4 dogs and a fluffy cat.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:31 pm
John, I forget sometimes that you don’t know who I am, but I am praying for your dad and am keeping you in my thoughts.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:32 pm
We’ll keep your dad in our thoughts tonight. I’m hoping its just acid reflux. Or bursitis.
.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:32 pm
I hope everything is OK.
Personally, I think that people who are worried that they or their spouse are having a heart attack get a pass on who they call. But then, I also think that people who are worried that their parents are having a heart attack get a pass on getting annoyed at their parents for not calling. Everyone is all discombobulated, and gets a pass on everything short of actual violence or joining the American Nazi Party. Yourself included.
I’ll be thinking of you and your parents.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:32 pm
Wher is the pain located?
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:33 pm
@Miki: Agreed. Secure the and lock down the doggies asap, and then take care of family business. Voice of experience also.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:33 pm
Fingers and toes crossed. Prayers too.
I say find someone to sit with the dogs and go ahead to the hospital. It will be better for you peace of mind and your mom’s, sometimes even when we say we don’t want company, having someone one else there is comforts.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:34 pm
@Garbo: I think you made a McMegan error there, that’s closer to 500 people who would be offering to watch the dogs.
Call your dad at the hospital, Cole. There will likely be lots of down time waiting around for doctors and test results. Your phone call will give him something to do, and you too, for that matter.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:34 pm
Fingers, toes, arms, legs all crossed.
Best to the Cole clan.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:34 pm
I’ve lost both my parents, John.
Life is what it is. Go now.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:35 pm
More good thoughts for your father, you and the rest of your family.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:35 pm
I spent several hours last August being pissed at my Dad for not calling like he had promised to do to update me on my mom’s progress following a hip replacement (he did call right after she came out of surgery and then I heard nothing for hours. I found out he had lost the piece of paper with my phone number on it and he did now how to find it in the stupid pre-paid phone which is their only cell-phone. He was too worried about Mom to think to ask my brother or my sister-in-law for the number. He just kept looking for the stupid piece of paper.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:36 pm
Either he’s on the phone or gone because there has been no additional news. Good thoughts.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:38 pm
Get to the hospital, John. Call one of your friends to watch the dogs and Tunch.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:38 pm
@hilzoy: Cole joined the American Nazi Party?
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:40 pm
@Cassidy:
Mitt Romney campaign headquarters.
Oh, John’s dad’s pain. Nevermind…
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:42 pm
@Schlemizel:
And how are YOU?
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:43 pm
@Villago Delenda Est: Ah, you respond to bad news and tense situations with bad jokes too.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:43 pm
@Cassidy: See #83.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:43 pm
I hope it’s all ok now.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:44 pm
Your dad’s in my thoughts, guy.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:44 pm
For a mild heart attack and a severe reflux episode, the symptoms can overlap a bit and the pain level can be similar. But for a major heart attack, there’s no comparison. If he was having a major one, they wouldn’t be debating it, he’d be clutching his chest on the floor and she’d be calling 911. If he’s there already, then you’ll find out pretty soon…ERs have a tendency to move people with chest pain to the front of the queue.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:45 pm
@Schlemizel:
@SiubhanDuinne: Yeah, how are you? Obviously well enough to be here, so that is a good thing.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:45 pm
Sending good thoughts you way.
Even with acid reflux they will keep your dad in overnight, monitoring him and you mom will spend a long night in a shitty plastic chair surrounded by sick people, worried and upset.
Go sit with her.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:45 pm
I am wishing for good things and strength for you all John! Best of luck to your folks and their pets and you and yours too. I’ve been there and it’s way hard.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:45 pm
@Omnes Omnibus:
It’s my coping mechanism. I did it when I lost my brother, I did it when I lost my dad. Still miss them both desperately, but both would appreciate the humor.
My sister, I’m not so sure she would, though. Fortunately, she’ll probably outlive me unless she does something really stupid.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:46 pm
Sorry to hear about this. I hope everything turns out ok
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:46 pm
@WereBear:
That is incredibly sad. Please give your neighbor a hug from a distant but caring stranger.
Heifer International has been one of my favourite causes since I visited their HQ/farm in Arkansas several years ago. But I’ve never given a beehive. What a great idea.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:46 pm
I’m keeping all of you in my thoughts. Your family is like family to us. Depending on distances, etc., it might be OK to see the dogs settled, then go to the hospital, then come back.
I agree that you would be another voice on your Dad’s behalf, asking questions and getting information; your Mom might be glad for some backup on that.
This place isn’t the most important consideration at the moment, but please keep us updated if you can. Please let us know if there’s anything we can do to help.
Blessings and good luck to you all, and esp. to your Dad.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:46 pm
@Villago Delenda Est: My coping mechanism as well. It does piss some people off if they think one is being flippant. I hope no one thinks either of us are doing that.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:50 pm
@WaterGirl: Ha! Yes, and we’re all such busybodies we’d all already be on our way over, clogging up his driveway.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:50 pm
Thinking about all Coles!
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:51 pm
Please, please, please, give us updates.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:52 pm
Best wishes to dad—and all the Coles—from the left coast. Hope it’s a minor thing and if not, he gets all the right help.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:52 pm
John, best wishes.
Call a neighbor to take care of the beasts, and head over to the hospital. Bring food for your mom, and probably a sweater.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:53 pm
@Omnes Omnibus:
Me? I’m jes’ FINE, thank you, FINE. But Schlemizel said something this morning about heading out to surgery and he’d post an update this evening if he could.
I seem to be holding a lot of people I don’t even know in my thoughts and sending white light.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:53 pm
John, I so wish I could sit with you and hold your hand during this time. Remember that we all care for you and are with you even though on this lowly blog.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:55 pm
Best wishes to Senior Cole!
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:56 pm
My dad just spent time in the emergency room after a motorcycle accident. My mother told me he was in the emergency room at 4:30pm and maintained radio silence for 6 hours. It’s tough having to rely on anyone else for information about people we love. My heart goes out to you—hopefully it all ends with good news just like my Tuesday.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:57 pm
Somehow, my first post on this thread—which pretty much agreed with pretty much everything pretty much everyone had already said—got eated. So I will just reiterate that I’m keeping your dad and mom and you and the pets and the whole Cole family in my thoughts, and sending all good hugs and white light to all who might need it.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:58 pm
@SiubhanDuinne: Sorry, I was just trying to piggyback off your comment and also ask Schlmizel how he was doing. I guess I made it complicated. My bad.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:58 pm
John, if something happened at the hospital and you weren’t there, you’d never forgive yourself for being with the dogs.
We love you. Get your ass to the hospital.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:59 pm
I went through this with my mom 20 years ago—her bypass was scheduled for 10:00 a.m., but her condition worsened so quickly they did it at 3:00a.m. She came through just fine.
Thinking of you and your family, John.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:00 pm
I hope it is acid reflux. I’ve had it and its very painful and scary until its properly diagnosed and it does share lots of symptoms with chest pain from other things. I’m sure he will be ok. I’ll be keeping you all in my thoughts. At least he’s where he needs to be to get help right now. That’s terribly important. Hugs to you and all the Coles.
aimai
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:00 pm
Just go to the hospital. Dogs can look after themselves for a day. If something happens you will never forgive yourself. And don’t be intimidated by the docs into not asking them any questions that you feel need answering.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:02 pm
Thinking that John’s at the hospital, and that whatever friend has pet duty can email some “proof of life and thriving” pics to John at hospital to reassure and entertain Dad and Mom Cole.
Cole family and pets in my thoughts.
Thinking Dad has more vacuuming and pet episodes in his future.
Plus lots more good feasts. And living with domestic beasts.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:04 pm
Best wishes to you and your dad. Not much more to say. Check in on your parents once the dogs are settled; they can stand the turnaround by themselves—plus the damage they do to the house in your absence will give your dad another thing to bust for chops over—which is a gift you shouldn’t deny him.
Seriously—all good thoughts from up here to down there.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:05 pm
If I may share my grumpy old man heart attack story:
I had my heart attack just as I was leaving for work on 2/10 nine years ago. I had just pulled out of the driveway and suddenly felt like I had swallowed an entire boiled egg or a golfball. I kept driving to work figuring if it didn’t go away I’d call the doctor when I got to work (a 15 minute drive). By the time I got to work my arm was tingling a bit so I called my doctor and was told that I should get to the hospital right away.
I talked with my coworkers a bit and one of them offered me a ride (actually, they all offered me a ride). I told them I wanted to bring my car home first and we’d go to the hospital from there. The coworker very anxiously followed me home and waited while I ran in the house to put out more food for the cat.
While in the house, I called the doctor again to let them know my insurance had changed. They immediately yelled at me to GET TO THE HOSPITAL!!
We arrived at the walk-in door of the ER (about 45 minutes after I’d first notice symptoms) and I told the desk staff I was having chest pains. Since I was a walk-in rather than ambulance patient, he told me to go sit in the lobby and he called back to the ER. 30 seconds later a crew burst out from the ER and rushed me back onto a gurney and all heck broke loose.
I left the hospital two days later with a bright shiney new stent and a new awareness of how I should take this kind of thing very seriously.
Shorter version: I can relate to your dad.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:07 pm
@Elizabelle: Is Rosie domestic? Really? Tunch? Aren’t you just talking about Lily and the elder Cole’s dogs?
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:09 pm
Run don’t walk to the hospital.
My Dad actually took a taxi to get to the hospital so the neighbors wouldn’t be disturbed and my Mom waited until the end of the work day to call me to take her to the hospital.
Damn stubborn hunkies…
Best wishes and our thoughts go to you and your family.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:10 pm
Best wishes to your dad. My 67 year old father has had two mild heart attacks, one so mild he drove himself to the ER. Sometimes they are just that, mild, with no lasting effects once the blockage is treated. He’s in good hands.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:10 pm
John – my Ma had a mild heart attack last year. She’s 66, and doing just fine. She changed her diet, walks twice a day, and won’t let her (and my childhood) 90-yr old doctor retire (the only one she trusts).
Anyway, hope Pop is doing better… and yeah, I can see how you’d be pissed off for not being informed. But hey, hospital first, information second.
No?
-Gali
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:12 pm
thx for the update.
Still hoping things go as well as they can.
I”d suggest NOT drinking and get down to the hospital. You won’t have peace of mind until you do. With you EMT experience sitting at home will just make you worry more and if you do need to get to the hospital quick, having some drinks in you would not be a good thing.
Seriously John, go to the hospital.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:12 pm
He’s getting a lot of positive thoughts right now from a lot good people you’ve never met anywhere but here, but who feel like family. Give your Mom our love too.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:12 pm
70? John, you should go, at least for a couple of hours so you can find out what is going on. Everyone will be happier, including your cranky old man.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:13 pm
I’m thinking of your father and praying for him (since he’s a believer, I don’t think he’ll mind even if you do). I hope he feels better soon.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:14 pm
Not too much drinking dude, you need to be ‘there’ for your Mom. I send my best wishes and thoughts to your Dad and Mom, I’m hoping for minimal bad news about your Dad’s health. Even a mild heart attack can be serious but many times, if caught, is indicative of something that needs serious attention. My neighbor went through this about 10 years ago and after a stent he’s bopping all over the place today, busier than ever.
Best of luck to your parents and yourself John. Take care, it’s for them that you do so.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:18 pm
Big hug Cole. This shit ain’t fun.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:18 pm
@Omnes Omnibus:
Is true.
Lightly domesticated beasts. Um, they like roofs over their heads.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:18 pm
John-
Don’t over do it with the drinking. They may need you for something important.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:18 pm
Best wIshes to all of you Coles, especially your dad. And I echo the other who say go to the hospital to support your mom and get the info…your mom may be too upset to process it all.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:19 pm
Ack, double post.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:19 pm
Fingers and paws crossed for a good outcome.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:20 pm
Cole, think of it more a mild sprain; some things aren’t all or nothing.
I still say go up there, at least, to check it. Mummy will appreciate it. You can catch up on the drinking when you get back. Also too, is there a decent cab company in your town? If you do drink and then need to go….
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:20 pm
A mild hear attack isn’t as bad as it used to be. And he’s in the hospital. Just keep calling Mom.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:20 pm
@Violet: Mother Cole advocated for us with John to fix the Reply button. I think she’ll probably be okay with the advocacy.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:22 pm
WTF ? Pull yourself together man. This is the time your parents really need you most. Move your fucking ass to the hospital and hold hands with your mom.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:23 pm
@SiubhanDuinne: Thank you so much for your kind thoughts. The beehive was my idea. They can double the productivity of crops.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:23 pm
New thread above; John’s dad had mild heart attack; more treatment tomorrow. John and the rest of us drinking.
To be continued.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:28 pm
@Seanindc:
Definitely not true and I’m speaking from experience.
Had a 30 second or so twinge of moderatel uncomfortably chest pain one night. Next night I had another. I ignored both.
Third night, I walked two miles to a football game with no problems. I and was sitting in the stands on a cool night, breeze blowing and jacket on and broke out in a sweat. Then got really nauseous, then sick. Zero chest pain. I KNEW my family history and KNEW I was a prime candidate for an MI. I KNEW the symptoms I was having were atypical of someone having an MI, yet I debated with myself for30 min on whether to walk back home or walk over to the line of paramedics and their ambulances typically present at a college game w/50K+ in attendance.
I chose the paramedics even though I had not started my CoBRA coverage as I had just been laid off two weeks before. I was just getting hooked up to the EKG when a cardiac surgeon at the game popped open the door and stepped in. He took one look at the EkG and said “your having an MI right now and pointed out the squared off “tombstone” S-T wave.
A few days later, he passed by my room in the hospital during his rounds and stepped into my room as he recognized me from the hallway. He said I made the right choice I stopping at the ambulance as I quite likely would have not made it back home walking the two miles alone.
The chest discomfort the night I had the MI was minimal compared to the two previous nights. It’s not something to ignore, particularly if you have family history and know you are maxing out other risk factors.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:30 pm
@WereBear (itouch): Do they really need tall hair?
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:31 pm
John, installing a stent is something that the hospital can do while your dad is still awake. I was aware of what was going on the whole time but the drugs were so good I didn’t care. As the nurse said beforehand, ‘We will give you something to make you feel indifferent’.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:32 pm
@gbear: Fucking hilarious. How male!
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:34 pm
@dead existentialist: I had the same thought! I’ll bet Cole’s mom can hold her own, and then some.
Edit: but we can all use some help when we’re under stress and frightened or overwhelmed.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:36 pm
There are mild heart attacks, and I hope that’s all your dad is having. In any case, we are all hoping the VERY DAMN BEST for you and your dad!! Hang in there, Cole, and Cole Sr.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:36 pm
@Omnes Omnibus: No probs, and I eventually figured out that that’s exactly what you were doing.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:36 pm
Sounds like things are stable for the moment (fingers crossed). Take care of the dogs. Drink heavily. Deal with the rest tomorrow with enough of a hangover to not put up with any bullshit.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:38 pm
Good thoughts headed your way.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:45 pm
@dead existentialist:
It’s one thing to tell your son what to do. It’s another thing entirely to fear for the life and health of your spouse. She may be great under pressure, but most people benefit from having someone else with them when dealing with hospitals and other stressful situations involving health.
John, sorry to hear it was a heart attack, but he’s in the right place being taken care of by the right people. Your parents did the right thing by going to the ER, even if they took forever. Don’t drink too much in case they change their mind about wanting you to to the hospital or something else. You want to be as sharp as you can be if you’re needed. Sending good thoughts to all the Coles.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:50 pm
thank the FSM he’s not depending on komen for funding.
February 4th, 2012 at 12:27 am
“......true to Costanza form, argued for an hour about whether they should drive or take the ambulance”.
Not trying to make light of the situation but that was funny.
February 4th, 2012 at 2:43 am
John, two things:
1. Forget anger. Life is just too short.
2. Find a friend who is also a medical professional to go with you to the hospital. If the people at the hospital understand you have some access to an independent medical opinion (and someone who can figure out the right questions), your Dad will be better off.
February 4th, 2012 at 8:16 am
Best wishes for his full recovery, John. I’ve consulted for firms that make cardiac catheters and stents, and they can do amazing things.
February 4th, 2012 at 9:05 am
As a former EMT, John, you speak the hopital’s language. Go to the hospital. Hugs.
February 4th, 2012 at 11:40 am