Disturbing call yesterday from my daughter in Illinois. Heart attack!

[John Schmidt]

She's been feeling kinda weak and easily out of breath, experiencing a lot of indigestion...she thought. Yesterday, Saturday, she and her daughter went grocery shopping and was left with the problem of getting the groceries into the house. That left her dead on her feet and had to lay down for a while, during that time she experienced chest pressure and more "indigestion" so took something for that. Finally got up the strength to put the groceries away and bent over to pick up some off the floor and felt a streak of pain in back between her shoulders, at the same time her arms started to tingle and as she put it...feel wimpy. She decided she needed to get checked out so headed for the nearest ER which was about 20 minutes away in Effingham, IL. Told me by the time she got into the ER she was in bad shape...you know where this is going. They immediately checked her out and told her she had, or was having, a heart attack. They airlifted her via chopper to St. Johns Hospital in Springfield, IL, nearly 90 miles by ambulance and roughly 2 hrs., but about a 30 minute flight via helicopter. They did an immediate heart cath and found 100% blockage on one, about 90% on another, about 70% on a third. They plan to do a triple bypass either Tuesday or Wednesday. She lives alone, is my second daughter and will be 61 in about five weeks, and understandably she's scared. I talked to her this afternoon for quite a while, she seemed to settle down some. She'll be staying with one of her daughters that lives near her home. I'm continuing with my IZ travel plans unless she takes a turn for the worse...which I don't expect. Obviously I'd go down to spend time with her instead. It worries me, many of you know I've already lost two daughters to cancer...not sure I could handle losing a third.  I will be stopping there during summer travels, by then she should well on her way back. Her name is Tari, pronounced like Terry, if you would...please keep her in your thoughts as time passes. Her insurance through her employer isn't all that great so I may be dipping into my savings a bit. Time will tell.

This is my favorite picture of my gals, taken about 20 yrs. ago. Tari is the top right, the two lost to cancer are on the left...top and bottom rows. All are/were bright, talented, and beautiful...inside and out.

[Rams]

Hopes and prayers to her.   I have no other advice but to stay strong for her.

Rams

[Valkorado]

She's been feeling kinda weak and easily out of breath, experiencing a lot of indigestion...she thought. Yesterday, Saturday, she and her daughter went grocery shopping and was left with the problem of getting the groceries into the house. That left her dead on her feet and had to lay down for a while, during that time she experienced chest pressure and more "indigestion" so took something for that. Finally got up the strength to put the groceries away and bent over to pick up some off the floor and felt a streak of pain in back between her shoulders, at the same time her arms started to tingle and as she put it...feel wimpy. She decided she needed to get checked out so headed for the nearest ER which was about 20 minutes away in Effingham, IL. Told me by the time she got into the ER she was in bad shape...you know where this is going. They immediately checked her out and told her she had, or was having, a heart attack. They airlifted her via chopper to St. Johns Hospital in Springfield, IL, nearly 90 miles by ambulance and roughly 2 hrs., but about a 30 minute flight via helicopter. They did an immediate heart cath and found 100% blockage on one, about 90% on another, about 70% on a third. They plan to do a triple bypass either Tuesday or Wednesday. She lives alone, is my second daughter and will be 61 in about five weeks, and understandably she's scared. I talked to her this afternoon for quite a while, she seemed to settle down some. She'll be staying with one of her daughters that lives near her home. I'm continuing with my IZ travel plans unless she takes a turn for the worse...which I don't expect. Obviously I'd go down to spend time with her instead. It worries me, many of you know I've already lost two daughters to cancer...not sure I could handle losing a third.  I will be stopping there during summer travels, by then she should well on her way back. Her name is Tari, pronounced like Terry, if you would...please keep her in your thoughts as time passes. Her insurance through her employer isn't all that great so I may be dipping into my savings a bit. Time will tell.

This is my favorite picture of my gals, taken about 20 yrs. ago. Tari is the top right, the two lost to cancer are on the left...top and bottom rows. All are/were bright, talented, and beautiful...inside and out.
http://vrcc.photostash.com/vrcc_18944/My%20gals.jpg

  Prayers out for Tari from windy (and windy -- double meaning adjectives this spring) Western Colorado.  Very understandable that she's scared, but bypass surgeries have come so far and there are very skilled cardio surgeons everywhere nowadays.

Your daughters all looked to be very beautiful both inside and out, John.  Hoping for the very best outcome here...

[old2soon]

     Prayers up from Southern Missouri My Friend for Your Beautiful Daughter Tari.  Please keep us updated John as this progresses.  RIDE SAFE.

[f6gal]

Wow John!  That sucks!  Sending prayers and good thoughts. 

[The emperor has no clothes]

Sorry to hear. Glad she got in when she did. 

[Patrick]

Yes, sorry to hear this. Hope everything turns out OK.

[Robert]

I will be praying for her, sorry to hear about the troubles

[Chrisj CMA]

Praying in Florida

[Oss]

so glad that she made it to the hospital and the docs think they can get her heart back in shape

Of course we will say prayers for her

[f6john]

Tari is very lucky I think. Getting to the medical professionals ASAP was key given her level of her blockages. My bypass surgery was 21 years ago now and I’m sure processes and procedures have advanced a bunch. We’ll keep her in our prayers for sure!

[bassman]

Thoughts and prayers on the way from SE MI

[henry 008]

prayers from N C Ohio 

[signart]

Glad she made it, many times those don't that are in such serious condition. Prayers for Tari from Tennessee.

[OnaWingandaPrayer]

May the Lord guide the surgeons hands and provide Tari a  successful recovery .

[da prez]

John , our prayers.

                                       Ross and Bonnie

[..]

 

[matt]

Sorry to hear John, happy to hear your daughter got to help in time. Thoughts and prayers from New Hampshire
Matt

[TJ]

Sending prayers for Tari and family ..

[flsix]

Prayers for your daughter Tari and the surgeon.

[f6gal]

How is Tari doing today John?  Are they keeping her hospitalized until the procedure?

[John Schmidt]

How is Tari doing today John?  Are they keeping her in the hospitalized until the procedure?

Yes, surgery scheduled for Wednesday. She is stable, fussing about all the fussing over her so I told her to just let them do their job. They have more experience handling such things than she does. I was surprised they did the heart cath from her wrist, mine was done from the groin. The cath lab for me was the source for an amusing interaction between me and the two nurses which is probably better told in person.  

I found out today her mother was a little upset because my other daughter and I talked to Tari Saturday after she was admitted, her mother didn't hear about any of it until yesterday. She will often talk to me before anyone else re. tough decisions, health, etc. Once told me I tend talk in a strong & reassuring manner at such times which helps her quiet down & relax. Her mother on the other hand...it's high pitched panic mode. I know only too well what she's talking about. Strange...all my girls did that. Even as teenagers they came to me with problems before their mother. I guess they'll always be "daddy's girls" even as adults. 

[f6gal]

How is Tari doing today John?  Are they keeping her in the hospitalized until the procedure?

Yes, surgery scheduled for Wednesday. She is stable, fussing about all the fussing over her so I told her to just let them do their job. They have more experience handling such things than she does. I was surprised they did the heart cath from her wrist, mine was done from the groin. The cath lab for me was the source for an amusing interaction between me and the two nurses which is probably better told in person.  

I found out today her mother was a little upset because my other daughter and I talked to Tari Saturday after she was admitted, her mother didn't hear about any of it until yesterday. She will often talk to me before anyone else re. tough decisions, health, etc. Once told me I tend talk in a strong & reassuring manner at such times which helps her quiet down & relax. Her mother on the other hand...it's high pitched panic mode. I know only too well what she's talking about. Strange...all my girls did that. Even as teenagers they came to me with problems before their mother. I guess they'll always be "daddy's girls" even as adults.  

Most doctors prefer going through femoral artery (groin), but some prefer the radial artery (wrist).  The radial access is more technically difficult, but the recovery is easier on the patient and there is less chance of significant bleeding.  

I'm glad she will be inpatient until the surgery.  From your initial post, it kind of sounded like she was being discharged and staying with her daughter (bad plan).

[Bigwolf]

John,
It sounds like Tari cut it pretty close by the time she arrived at the ER.  I am glad that she got there in time and is being treated!

It has been 22 years since I had triple bypass surgery.  The hardest part for me was sitting in a recliner for several weeks while my breast bone healed.  I felt pretty good long before my breast bone was ready for me to be doing any lifting or pushing.  I know this because I got restless and started doing things too soon! ........ it took a couple of extra weeks to get over the pain of that stupid action.

Anyway, here’s to a full and speedy recovery for Tari.  Prayers from Tennessee!

[Ken aka Oil Burner]

John; I'm sorry to hear this, and I truly hope everything goes well for her.

I know this is about your daughter and not you directly, but haven't you been through enough over the last few years? Stay strong, John. While I don't know you, I know that you're a tough SOB (meant in the nicest way; nothing against your mother  ). But watching your kids have troubles... that hurts deep. Be well, and again, prayers and lots of well-wishes for your daughter's health.

[Bret SD]

Prayers up from SD

[scooperhsd]

John, wishing your daughter the best of luck.

[cookiedough]

Am glad your daughter got in just barely in the knick of time she did the right thing by not ignoring all the odd warning signs going on there.  

I find it interesting all your daughters would go to you vs. the misses with you being more reassuring and calm and helpful.   My kids always go to MOM NOT ME for health related issues and I am always the last to know, not just on health issues but everything else.    Probably a good thing for I am the one to let things of health related issues go on for way way too long not doing anything.  Kids and wife know I will go well before they do if let nature takes it course.  My daughter only age 22 made an appt. recently to see her Dr. doing bloodwork, etc.  thinking something is terribly wrong with her like thyroid or other issues but seems like Dr. said just short of certain vitamins?  We saw her this weekend and I NEVER would say anything to her face, but she has put on much more weight than I recall seeing her only a few months ago even.   I think her and her new fiance EAT OUT way too much and indulge in non healthy food/drinking ways but not like I should talk even though I do not eat out much,  I do eat bad things as well.

seems like to me things can take a turn for the worse at anytime but more so age 55 on up or so.  This past January a former co-worker diagnosed with double cancers all at once only 5 months prior given 1 year tops to live was only age 60 before passing.  She was so funny and full of life at work in 2020 is still hard to fathom her being gone. 

am hoping for a full recovery heart surgeries are not as scary as in decades past so am praying she is in good hands in Illinois hospital.  Is not too terrible a drive though from Depere WI to Springfield IL can be done easily in one day am sure she would be happy to see you again prior or after surgery since you seem to make her reassured all will be well.

[RustyValkry]

My mother had a triple bypass back in the late 70s after a heart attack.  She got another 20 years as a result.  Add to that they've come a long way in the nearly 40 years since and the  chances are your daughter should do well.  Prayers for her.

[thedon]

John, hang in there bud. Hope to see you at Inzane.

[larue]

Thoughts and prayers for her my friend

[Willow]

John, I am praying that Tari's life and well being are held in the comforting arms of the Savior.  That is what is most important to me.  Secondarily for you and for us I pray that He would provide healing and life to Tari until you and I are gone. 

[DIGGER]

Thank goodness we live in a day and time that the medical field has gotten pretty good at dealing with heart attacks.   Prayers for you and Tari and family.

[Stanley Steamer]

Prayers for a full recovery......I'm glad she made it to get help in time......

[f6john]

John, how about an update? Tari back home yet, assuming all went well!

[John Schmidt]

John, how about an update? Tari back home yet, assuming all went well!

No, last I heard she was still in CICU, apparently having a difficult time. I was told this morning they were going to give her some blood since her count was down following surgery, that should perk her up a bit I guess. Last I heard this AM was she was pretty out of it due to pain meds. If I don't hear something positive in the next day or two I'm driving down there, will go to Athens from Illinois but probably wouldn't be on the trike if this case happens.

[John Schmidt]

UPDATE: Darn girl just called me, couldn't believe it. I had tried earlier but no answer and the mailbox was full so couldn't leave any message. She sounds tired and worn out, hugging the pillow when she coughs, has some pain in her spine up between the shoulders which I'm certain is due to the rib cage being spread. I know it caused some of my vertebrae to dislodge enough to pinch nerves and create pain. My granddaughter worked them out for me while I was still in the hospital, pain subsided within the hour.  I told Tari she needs to have a nurse or someone do the same for her. She said she was doing better, has been up and walking some, sitting in a big chair for a while. I'm now encouraged but will admit....old dad here got a little emotional just hearing her voice. She's a month from turning 61 and still calls me daddy. 

[The emperor has no clothes]

Good to hear John 

[f6gal]

UPDATE: Darn girl just called me, couldn't believe it. I had tried earlier but no answer and the mailbox was full so couldn't leave any message. She sounds tired and worn out, hugging the pillow when she coughs, has some pain in her spine up between the shoulders which I'm certain is due to the rib cage being spread. I know it caused some of my vertebrae to dislodge enough to pinch nerves and create pain. My granddaughter worked them out for me while I was still in the hospital, pain subsided within the hour.  I told Tari she needs to have a nurse or someone do the same for her. She said she was doing better, has been up and walking some, sitting in a big chair for a while. I'm now encouraged but will admit....old dad here got a little emotional just hearing her voice. She's a month from turning 61 and still calls me daddy. 

Great news John!  She will need some physical therapy and cardiac rehab.  It's not your everyday walk in the park. 

[OnaWingandaPrayer]

Wonderful news John . Praise and thanks to the Lord. He does great work thru the doctors hands.