why I don't like to come to Indiana for the holidays. As you know, I'm here because my sister is facing a health challenge. The news is not good.Her daughter and I were at the hospital (in Indianapolis) today, but needed to leave at 3 PM, so that we could get her back to Anderson for work.
It was hard saying goodnight, so we didn't actually leave the hospital until 3:30 PM ... just as an ice storm was starting. It took more than an hour just to get through the city to the interstate, and once on I-69 we spent the next four and a half hours in bumper to bumper traffic. I never got my car out of first gear!
We were still 10 miles from Anderson when I made the executive decision to exit the interstate, and take back roads the rest of the way. We literally just got back in time to get my niece to work. Unfortunately the only sleep she got today was about five hours in the car, and now she has to work all night. It's a good thing she's young ... but even so, I still feel for her.
She has been going through more than her share of crisis lately. Her father just died two weeks ago, and now her mother is in the hospital. Life can be so unfair.
My sister has major blockage around her heart. She needs a triple bypass, but her heart is not strong enough for her to survive surgery. At least six doctors have all weighed in, and none of them think she should risk it.
My sister's comment to me privately was "surgeons like to cut more than have sex, so if they don't want to do it I think I should listen."
It's her body, so she gets the final decision and right now all she wants to do is go home. I'm not convinced she is strong enough to leave the hospital, but if they are not going to do surgery they seem to want to rush her out the door. I have such a bad feeling about this, and so few options.
I love my sister, but we've had our challenges. I've not always been happy with some of the decisions she's made, but she's my older sister and has always been determined to live life on her terms. Now some of those decisions are coming back to haunt her. I think she understands it now, but unfortunately it's a bit late.
I have offered to let her come live with me, but I don't think she is going to do that. As bad as her current situation is, it's familiar. So here we are ... Merry Christmas.
7 comments:
Boy can I understand your situation. You see people you love do things you wish they wouldn't and then when they have to face the consequences of their decision there is really nothing you can do but hurt for them. Being there is important for them. Hope it all works out for the best.
So sorry to hear about your sister. I'll be thinking of you and hoping for the best.
Would it be worth taking her to the Cleveland Clinic for a second opinion? Even if they didn't think the surgery would be a good choice they may have some treatments they could suggest?
Best wishes to you all.
Oh, BAC. I hate this for you and your family. Your niece is having to cope with so much so it's good that she has you to lean on. As hard as it is, you did the right thing by going back to Indiana for a few days.
You're in my thoughts.
I had a triple bypass procedure and came through it successfully. I did have a choice. The doctors could medicate my heart and that would take me 3-5 years before surgery would be a must. But I would have also been 5 years older so I opted for the procedure two years ago. Your sis should check with Cardiologists about how to medicate the heart under these circumstances. I've read so much on this I feel I could teach heart therapy. The medicating side to this would allow her to get into an exercise program, slow at first, then build up to a three mile walk every other day. I'm hoping this is something they can do for her. God Bless You and keep us in the loop.
Thanks to everyone for your kind words and thoughts. My sister was released from the hospital yesterday, and she is on an extensive drug treatment now. Her doctor said it won't reverse the damage, but they hope to prevent any furter damage. They also sent her home with an oxygen tank, which is helping her breath.
Part of the challenge is that she is currently living in a motel room, with limited ability to cook. I went out yesterday and bought her microwave cookware, so she can steam vegtables, and hopefully prepare more healthy food. It's also very cold here, with ice on the ground, so I'm concerned about her walking around outside. The doctors want her to walk five minutes, three or four times a day.
I wish she would come back to Maryland with me, but she wants to stay here.
BAC
I am sorry to be so absent on the blog lately- work has taken over my schedule.
I send you all my every good thought and wish!
Fran
Lean on me, BAC.
Regards,
Tengrain
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