Last visit to my dad in hospital

[OrmIrian]

Dad is in hospital. Has been for 2 weeks. On friday he is having a heart bypass and a valve replacement. And I am terrified. I know it's almost certain to be OK but he is 78 and I can't shake the idea that he won't come out of the op alive .

DC and I are due to see him this afternoon. DS#1 has a cold and a bad cough so I suspect he shouldn't visit dad atm. But what if it's the last time they see him? Should I take the risk? Also I don't know whether to pop back alone tomorrow night. Problem is I don't want to get emotional and upset - dad will be nervous anyway.

Help!

thedolls - that is a coincidence! Funnily enough since we found out that he needed an op I have met a few people with relatives who had the same op there and they were very impressed.

harebelle - thankyou for thinking of me! That's lovely I tell him I love him every time I saw him in the hospital - he gets a bit embarrassed and gruffly but usually manages to say it back. Not his style really. Glad to hear it's so good there - it's a bit hard in some ways as he went last night and I couldn't stay to see him off as visiting time had ended. Bit of a lip-trembly moment but we made a few hearty jokes and all was well ! We can't visit him now until Sunday or maybe Saturday evening. Will have to rely on phone calls to see how he is. Mum can't drive after dark and isn't keen on driving in Bristol at all, so I will have to take her up at the weekend and maybe a few evenings (round trip of just under 100 miles ). But she is also hoping her neighbours might take her on one day - she is nearer Bristol than me.

Am spending Friday with mum - she was very happy to accept once I told her it was a fait accompli.

Rang BRI today. Have to ring back after 4pm to find out when the op will be. Mum's a bit shaky today

Thinking about you all, Orm - it was be terribly difficult for your mum and for you.

*must be, sorry

Thanks poledra.

We now have a direct dial number for him. Don't know when the op is but he has said we can come and see him on saturday afternoon.

hope evrything goes well for your dad. Hope your mum has a good nights sleep,and you. You will all need it tomorrow. I am sure he will be ok....just telll him how much you love him....

Just got to intensive care but not yet come round. All went well. Mind you we didn't find that out until 4.10! What a hellish day. But tis OK.

Thanks for all your support. It's much appreciated.

brilliant.....48 hours and you will be all through the worst..

Omrian - good news for you and your family - stay positive and strong.

Glad it all went well yesterday, Orm - I was thinking of you but RL got in the way of getting on MN. Hope he's continuing to improve.

Thanks everyone.

To update he is quite weak and dopey still but has now been moved to HDU and given a blood transfusion that will make him feel a bit better.

He was well enough yesterday to get narky with my mum for not visiting as she was ill

Much more himself

So pleased it went ok and hope both parents are soon fighting fit again!