my parents on their wedding anniversary, two years ago
as some of you may remember my dad was hospitalized twice in the recent past with heart problems. in addition to having an arrhythmia that was persistent and difficult to control with medication,, he had a stent placed to clear an obstruction,, and was ultimately diagnosed as needing an aortic valve replacement..
he had the aortic valve replacement surgery last wednesday (10-8-08),, and made it thru the surgery just fine.. however since then,, his kidneys have not resumed function,, and as of yesterday he has begun suffering severe swelling and distention of the abdomen,, possibly related to a shut down of the intestinal track according to my mom, who is not really good at relaying medical information,, (he is currently being fed and hydrated intravenously,, he has taken no food or water orally since before the surgery) or the liver shutting down according to my own arm chair detective work..
either way,, his current prognosis is not real good.. my mom has asked to bring in an acupuncturist today,, and the cardiac surgeon is compliant, which kind of makes me wonder if he isn’t to willing to try anything at this point.,, although according to mom he told her he is not “overly concerned”?????
my mom is a bit strung out,, but seems to be holding up pretty well and she maintains there is no reason for myself or my sisters to be there.. i feel so out of control.. while i know there is nothing i can do, medically,, i also know i feel like i should be there.. i feel like she needs us.. like he needs us.. no matter what they say..
we have been so dysfunctional for so long,, i don’t know whether i should do what she asks and stay here,, or do what my heart tells me is right and just go… is she reluctant to ask us to come? does she think to do so would be a ‘bad omen’ so to speak?? is my dad adamant about not seeing us?? does she just not want us there?? i have no way of knowing….
she says the elders of their congregation (jehovah’s witnesses) are there and they are doing everything.. i only know that they are not calling any of the daughters and updating us as to his condition,, (is that because we are all disfellowshipped??) does their being there take the place of your own daughters being there?? or is she saying that so i won’t feel guilty that i am not there?? i honestly do not know…
i just don’t know what to do..
