Evil Oddie

Once Dad had an Angiogram, the Cardiologist (Dr Rafter) got the Cardiac Surgeon (Dr Mau) to get further advice. Dr Mau & Dr Rafter agreed that Dad needed four bypasses. Seeing that Dad’s heart was still trying to have further heart attacks, they scheduled Dad in for surgery asap. They were trying to get him in on the Friday afternoon, but they couldn’t get the theatre staff.

He went in for surgery on Saturday morning. Glen’s Dad had bypass surgery about 5-6 years ago, so I had already gone through what happens and what to expect.

During the Op, Dr Mau decided that Dad actually needed 5 grafts. Apparently there was only one artery keeping Dad alive.

I think the worst part was seeing Dad in the ICU. I can’t say at any point I thought we’d lose Dad. He’s such a tough old boot, I think he’d get through anything. My only thought was, I want Dad to see me get married & have kids (whenever both of these are going to happen – for everyone that knows me – NOT YET PPL!!)

Anyway, Dad was in the Wesley for a week after surgery. I cannot speak highly enough of Dr Mau & Dr Rafter. They did a fantastic job with Dad. Dr Mau has really made an impression with my Dad. Dad is not a small man (he weighed 94 kilos before the surgery) and Dr Mau sat him up on his bed with one hand. I can’t believe how strong he is!!

In Dad’s room, he shared with four other males. Wayne who was in the opposite bed turned out to be a great room mate. I think they both talked a lot about the surgery (Wayne was going in for bypass the week after Dad). If Dad was out getting tests done etc when I turned up, I would sit with Wayne and talk.

It’s been 7 weeks since the op now. Dad came back down last week for his check up. He has been given approval to drive again. I think he’s really happy about that. Normally, bypass patients have to wait 12 weeks to get the ok to drive.

So Dad has a zipper front & back now… LOL…