whiskers_ump is down, not out

[whiskers_daughter]

I want to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers, and support. The "Umpire" network went into effect quickly and my parents cell phones are ringing off the hook; it does them both much good in knowing there are so many are concerned.

Whiskers is his usual self...he has yet to pull off any heart leads but given his short patience level and high need to dispense havoc in his wake.....I am sure the antics will start soon.

Sunday, he was clearing trees with a chain saw and developed chest pains; his 14 year old grand-daughter Kristen had the presence of mind to put him in the truck and drove him down the street to the Woodville Hospital. The hospital immediately flew him to the Heart Center in Lufkin where he has been since.

The Heart Center performed an angioplasty to clear the effected artery and he has been recovering well. He had two episodes of bleeding when vomiting (probably related to the blood thinners) but none since. He also had a little excitement when they sat him up and blood spurted from the femoral from the angioplasty site. They applied pressure and sandbagged the site until the bleeding stopped and the site clotted. Blood thinners are funny that way!!

Today they are hoping to sit him on the side of the bed and allow him to dangle his legs. I am sure his backside is sore from being on his back the last few days. He is also supposed to have an echocardiogram to determine the extent of the damage and if it is necessary to go back in.

The last word was that he will be there for 10-14 days; he will go to a stepdown and then a cardiac ward.

Mom was able to get a couple of chairs and put them together for a "cot" and one of the nurses, Mark, allowed her to shower in the ICU. She did take a few personal care items and a few changes of clothes. She is eating in the cafeteria at the hospital and seems to be in better spirits after the shower and food :-)

I am not sure what roads are open or closed; they seem to fluctuate. She plans to contact the highway patrol to see if she can get back to Woodville for additional provisions and personal items.

Again, I thank you all for the quick responses. My Father speaks highly of all those that he works for and with. You are all his extended family and I am thankful for that.

Cynthia