Thanks, jm. We need all the help we can get!

OMG, they almost had to "code" her last night. She seemed to be doing better yesterday, but then in the middle of the night after my aunt left, she had an episode of tacchycardia (did I spell that right?)... where your heart rate speeds up and your blood pressure drops. They had to give her a shock with the defibulator. It happened again an hour later.

I am really, really scared. They're supposed to do the surgery tomorrow, and it sounds awful. It's supposed to last 6 hours. They'll have to crack her breastbone and spread her ribs apart to get to the heart. Then they'll have her on the machine that oxygenates/pumps the blood so they can work on her heart. My aunt is still there, and their two aunts are coming tonight.

I may end up going back up there sooner than I thought I would... Please continue to keep Mom in your prayers.

prayers for your Mom

so sorry

Pep

Sorry to hear that. I would be scared too. The open-heart surgery is hard on a person. It will take her awhile to recover. The doctors are very good at it now days.

Thank you, believer. My aunt has met the surgeons and feels very confident in their ability. We know it's something they do all the time. We're just scared b/c Mom is in such bad shape. Still no word on what time the surgery is supposed to start...

It will probably be very early. I do hope she is strong enough for the surgery, but it sounds like they have no choice.

My son's dad had emergency open-heart surgery, and it lasted for 15 years, even though he continued to smoke, eat fatty food, and drink.

The operation took about 8 hours. It is scary to think about, and very nerve wracking. But at least they are doing everything they can.

Praying for your mom tonight. And you, too. Hang in there.

Thank you. She was stable last night, no other problems. They took her down for surgery at 7:30 a.m. today, and we'll know something around 2:30 or 3.

Prayers to your family and especially your mom.

Where are you? I'm starting to worry.

She didn't make it.

They got in there, and her poor heart was swimming in bacteria. Took the surgeons an hour to clean it. The valve had a hole in it and a huge growth of stuff. They were able to replace the valve smoothly, but her aorta was so small. Her mother had the same problem, which scares me for my health. They tried to make it bigger by using some vein from her leg, but that didn't work. They couldn't get her heart to start on its own.

My aunt said the doctor brought Mom out of the anesthesia and told her what was going on, that they could try a mechanical heart but it won't prolong her life much or give her much of a life, or they could be done. My aunt said Mom made the decision she was done. I don't know if that's true or even possible, but at least she went peacefully.

I feel so incredibly numb right now. I cried a bit when my aunt told me over the phone before my bros got here. My neighbors came to stay with me, and even XH came and stayed (although he said something to my neighbor that really made us BOTH mad). DD and I walked down to their house to sleep.

I am so sad and devastated, but I know that Mom isn't hurting anymore. She had lived with chronic pain for years and years, and I know that's not an issue for her where she is now.

Not sure when we're going up there b/c my bros can't take much time off work, and I'm the only way for them to get there. She wanted to be cremated, and we can take care of that by fax. Memorial service will be in Illinois.

Please keep our family in your prayers...

(((((((SadMommy, DD, and brothers)))))))

I'm so sorry for your heartbreaking loss.I'll keep you and your family and your mom in my thoughts.

(((sadmommy and family)))

I am so sorry for your loss and your family is in my prayers.

(((((Sadmommy and DDs)))))))

I am so sorry that you are going though this also. we will all being praying for you and your family!

take care!

(((sadmommy)))

Really sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Take care

(((sadmommy)))

Sadmommy - I am so sorry for the loss of your Mom. I know this is a devastating time for you right now. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

I am so very sorry for your loss. My heart aches for you, SM.

Sadmommy- I am sorry for your loss....

Oh SM I am so very sorry for you. To have this tragedy heaped on top of all your other woes!

I came here last night to see if there were any updates, and thought about you a lot last night. You sound like a very strong person, and I know you will get through this. It is a very sad day indeed.

{{{{{{SadMommy}}}}}}