Prayers Deeply Appreciated

[HometownGal]

I know I can always count on the good people here at SF for prayers when needed, so I come to you with my request.

My ex has had cardiac problems for a good number of years due to coronary artery disease, which runs deeply in his family. He had a 6 graft bypass when he was 35, several years before we met and married, and was doing pretty well up until a few years ago when he had a cardiac cath and the doctors found that the right side of his heart basically does not function. They have been medicating him to keep his heart rate and blood pressure down to put less pressure on the left side which had to compensate for the dysfunction of the right side.

As we have maintained a good relationship, I check on him regularly and noticed a few months ago that he just wasn't looking well. Of course he downplayed my concerns and told me he was fine. He is a graduate of Bullsh it U and fibbed to his cardiologist, as well during his regular checkups. Late last week, he developed frequent episodes of shortness of breath and I insisted that he see his cardiologist immediately which he did. I knew then that something was seriously wrong - he would always fight me when I felt something was wrong and he readily agreed this time. He had a chest x-ray and bloodwork done and was found to be in congestive heart failure, which always has an underlying cause. His cardiologist scheduled him for another cardiac cath which he had early this morning. As he was there for me during my battle with the big C, chemo and radiation, I felt it was the right thing to do to be there for him this time and accompanied him to the hospital this morning.

After his cath, the cardiologist came out to speak with me and gave me some very bad news. He has developed a condition called aortic stenosis which basically means that the aortic valve, which controls blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta and the rest of the body has severely narrowed and if not treated promptly, can lead to cardiac arrest and death. The docs feel that the stenosis is severe and could offer only two options to attempt to correct it - (1) replacement of the aortic valve with a mechanical valve and the insertion of a defibrillator into his chest or (2) a heart transplant. They do not feel that he is strong enough to undergo a transplant and could die waiting for a compatible heart to become available. His only option is the valve replacement which in his case, is a very risky surgery because of his condition and all of the scar tissue buildup in his chest. They gave him a risk ratio of 15-25% which is quite high. Needless to say, this is a very serious situation and he has decided to go ahead with the valve replacement despite the risks because as of now, it is his only chance at survival. As of now, the surgery is scheduled for Thursday morning and will take anywhere from 4-6 hours.

Please - I ask for your prayers now. I know a lot of folks could care less if someone they walked away from or divorced fell off the face of planet earth, but I can't be that way - my Mom at 84 years young would still kick my hiney as I was raised to forgive and turn the other cheek. I'm a firm believer in keeping a positive attitude and an even bigger believer in the power of prayer. I would so appreciate it. Thank you all and God bless.

[BlacknGold Bleeder]

Hope everything turns out well !! Our prayers are with you !!

[SteelCityMan786]

Prayers with your family!

[BIGBENFASTWILLIE]

My prayers will be with your family

[sumo]

I wish you all the best!!

[floodcitygirl]

You already know that Ken is in my prayers. Please keep us updated.

[Livinginthe past]

My thoughts are with your friend, Marianne.

Some people are so stubborn when to comes to illness - I have a younger cousin who has totally failed to adjust to life with diabetes.

Let us know if there are any updates.

Nigel

[X-Terminator]

You already know that he is definitely in my prayers. Please keep me posted, and if there's anything at all that I can do, even if it's just to lend an ear, don't hesitate to ask.

[Big D]

You already know that you are in my prayers marianne. Keep me updated on how everything turns out.

[wiqidjuggalo]

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your Ex-Hubby. I will make sure i mention it to the preacher at my church this coming sunday morning.