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Crisis: Need Prayers and Understanding IT'S OVER!

3.8K views 85 replies 34 participants last post by  **DONOTDELETE**  
#1 ·
Crisis: Need Prayers and Understanding IT\'S OVER!

I apologize to Scram, Rio Grande, CJ7JeepOffRoad, and Mangler for not getting back to them, but I do have a good reason.

My father had a massive heart attack and was rushed to the hospital. He had two more while in the hospital and died, but they were able to bring him back. This morning at 2AM he had another, so they sent him to Portland (Maine), where they have some of the best heart specialists in the country.

He's stable now, and I have made a few trips to be with him, so I have not been around much, it's about 100 miles each way, so it gets a little taxing. Portland is 200 miles away, so I won't be around until probably after the weekend. My younger brother even flew in from Oregon, and it's been a coordination effort to get everything scheduled.

My father goes into surgery for 3 - 4 hours tomorrow at 8AM, and while none of you know him, I'd like to make a simple request to pray for him, his name is Ed Courtenay and he is my father, dad, best friend, and the most honest and hardworking person I know.

I also have not been online because I have to be able to receive calls on his status, I just got another one, so I figured I might be safe posting this (blocking the only phone line). I was instructed not to call the hospital, they want one focal point for information, which is my mom, and she said her blood pressure goes through the roof whenever the phone rings, she fears it's the hospital calling with bad news, so she calls us (myself and my 3 brothers) with the news when she gets it.

I'll let you all know how everything goes and thanks for your prayers and understanding.

JEEPN
Winter Harbor, Maine
'81 CJ-8 Scrambled, It's a Jeep, Chevy, IHC kinda thing!
'88.5 Zuki, 5" Calmini, Locked, Swamped, Rolled, and just generally broken in right!
 
#52 ·
Re: Crisis: Need Prayers and Understanding UPDATED

Mark.. Think good thoughts and have faith in the lord. My dad is 70, and was in the hospital for the first time in his life about a month ago. Congestive Heart Failure was the culprit. 4 or 5 day stay, and back out. I know the feeling you get in the pit of your stomach. Prayers are on the way...

J ust
E mpty
E very
P ocket
 
#54 ·
Re: Crisis: Need Prayers and Understanding UPDATED

JEEPN, I'm sorry that I am so late on this one. I haven't been on here much this week. My prayers go to your families and your dad. It was good to see that he is doing better. I do know how hard it is to go through times like these. Take care of yourself too. That is very important. And always remember, trust in the lord. He will take care of all of you no matter what. Like was said before, please keep us updated.

Image

http://home1.gte.net/rythem/davescj7.htm
"Get your finger outta there"
 
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#55 ·
Re: Crisis: Need Prayers and Understanding UPDATED

Good luck to your father, my heart goes out to your family. I've "been there, done that" so I know how hard it is. You my be all grown up now, but your dad is always the big, strong man you knew as a boy and it's rough to see him in poor health.

Can't say I'm a religious man, but I'm pulling for him all the same.

72 CJ-5: 305 Chevy; SM420; D-300; 30/44 with 5.38's, Warn axles, and Detroits
 
#56 ·
Re: Crisis: Need Prayers and Understanding UPDATED

Sorry I didn't see your post earlier. Still, my prayers are with you and your's. I've been busy at work in a cardiac cath lab. If you have any technical questions, I'd love to field them for you. Good luck!

I'm on here so much, I have carpal tunnel reader syndrone.
 
#59 ·
Re: Crisis: Need Prayers and Understanding

Keep the faith brother and trust in the guy upstairs.

85 CJ8 Undergoing Frame-up Modifications w/258/T176/Dana300-Looking 4 oversize gas tank, & aluminum/chrome spoke wheels.
 
#60 ·
Re: Crisis: Need Prayers and Understanding UPDATED

No need to appolajise to me, Take cear of your dad, and we will BS later.

I have gone through similar circumstances with my Mom, and there is nothing easy about it. I will see to it that you and your family are in our prayers..

97 TJ 31's and mostly stock but seeing what I can do about that..
 
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#62 ·
Re: Crisis: Need Prayers and Understanding UPDATED

Hi, Mark. I just now am reading this. Best of luck to you and your family. If you need anything taken care of in Waldoboro, let me know. Brendan

Proud owner of the world's best running Carter BBD
 
#63 ·
Re: Crisis: Need Prayers and Understanding UPDATED

You and your family are in our prayers. I can relate to your situation. My mom had a heart attack in Dec of 89, and we found out that my dad had terminal cancer in Jan of 90. Unfortunately, I had to leave for the Air Force in the end of Jan 90. I would have stayed home, but since my dad was in the Army Air Corps in WWII, he was excited to see me go, and would have it no other way.
Anyways, in Mar of 90, my mom had a double bypass to releave the clogged arteries she had near her heart.
Well, she is 79 now, and healthier then I can ever remember (she was 46 when I was born).
Recovery was slow, but eventually she got to taking short walks around the block. It also made her quit smoking which I think is a big part of new new found health. Now she is active, goes to Florida every winter, plays golf, and enjoys life traveling around between family members. In fact, she is hardely ever at her house!

Just keep your spirits up for you dad and your family, and hope for the best.

Always in our prayers,
TJ
 
#64 ·
Re: Crisis: Need Prayers and Understanding UPDATED

Jeepn,
Just read through the posts, sounds like your dad is on an upward swing.
I truley hopes that it helps him to know he has folks from coast to coast prayin for his fast and full recovery.
God bless you and your family.
I'll light a candle in prayer for him.

RocknCJ /wwwthreads_images/icons/cool.gif

for those who would trade a little freedom,
for a little security
...will soon find they have neither. /wwwthreads_images/icons/crazy.gif
 
#65 ·
Re: Crisis: Need Prayers and Understanding UPDATED

Second update.

My dad is stable, but only because of the drugs they are giving him. He's also Anemic (low iron resulting in low blood oxygen levels), which isn't a good thing right now. He's scheduled for the major surgery tomorrow (Wednesday) at 7:30 AM, the previous surgery was to determine the extent of the damage.

We had a scare last night, the doctors called and wanted to confer about the surgery date, they saw something they didn't like. We haven't been told yet, but we suspect it's fluid in the lungs as dad was starting to have problems due to the drugs they're giving him. As of today, the surgery is still a "go", so I'll be leaving at 1:00 AM to be there before they start, then the whole day until it's over and he's awake again.

I'm hopeful for the best, and so far all the signs are positive. As I reflect back on the whole ordeal, he could have died at any time, but didn't. The timing of everything has been perfectly orchestrated, like it's part of a plan that has been rehearsed over and over.

The overall response has been overwhelming, not just here, but in person, so many people have responded we have to tell them not to come up as it'll wear him out.

A few observations throughout this incident:

..Family takes care of family, no matter what happens and what the cost.
..Support is needed on all levels, my mom needs it as well as my dad, and we have been there to support her every inch of the way. The same is also true of us kids (all in our 30's), we support each other just by being there.
..No matter how hard we may think we have it, with the traveling, time for kids and work scheduling, and other inconveniences, it's nothing compared to what he's going through.
..While this may be a crisis for us, it pales to what other's have gone through, our deepest sympathies go out to those who have lost loved ones.

We hope he'll be home this weekend if all goes well, and we have already set him up with a computer and internet connection. He has only been online once, when he stopped by our house, so it's a novel thing for him. It'll also keep him off his feet, because he's the type that will push the recovery if you let him, and he hates being idle.

My, and our, thanks again for all the kind words and especially the prayers. I pray he gets through the surgery tomorrow in fine shape and lives a long and healthy life. Thank you as well for helping me get through this troubled time in my life, I appreciate it more than words can express and have learned some valuble lessons as a result.

JEEPN
Winter Harbor, Maine
'81 CJ-8 Scrambled, It's a Jeep, Chevy, IHC kinda thing!
'88.5 Zuki, 5" Calmini, Locked, Swamped, Rolled, and just generally broken in right!
 
G
#66 ·
Re: Crisis: Need Prayers and Understanding UPDATED

Glad to hear things are still going well, I hope the surgery goes great tomorrow and he will be in my prayers.

As far as getting him online, I hope to be able to wish him a speedy recovery as soon as he gets online.

Good Luck and best wishes

'95 Cherokee; '86 CJ-7, HEI upgrade
'84 CJ-10a, running stock; '84 CJ-10a, running stock; '84 CJ-10a, running stock; '85 CJ-10a, needs alt & vacuum pump.
 
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#67 ·
Re: Crisis: Need Prayers and Understanding UPDATED

Mark, Just thought I would give you some encouragement. Heart Surgery has came miles in the last 10 years. It has gone from a feat to a very standard operation. I generally wean my patients off the ventilator in 4 hours! In a time not so long ago that was unheard of. CABG's are a very good surgery performed by very good Doctors! Most of my patients are walking with assistance in 2 days. Your father is in very good hands. Be strong and believe in the best. If you need anything or have any questions dont hesitate to ask. My wife and I will be praying for you. Chad

1985 CJ-7 258/TR upgrade/4"superlift/2" bodylift 33x12.50 BFG mt/Ramsey Platinum 9000,Tomkin tire combo,home-made goodies,etc,etc.
 
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#68 ·
Re: Crisis: Need Prayers and Understanding UPDATED

Glad to hear that the doctors have settled on a time for the surgery. We're still prayin' for him and your family (more Mormon prayers /wwwthreads_images/icons/smile.gif). Hang in there, and keep your faith. I understand how hard it is to watch a close loved one go through health problems. I remember how helpless I felt when my Mom was put in the hospital with symptoms of a heart attack (face/neck pain extending down her left side). She was lucky. It was basically just a severe case of heartburn. She was back home two days later. We prayed hard for her and gave her two blessings (more Mormon stuff /wwwthreads_images/icons/smile.gif). I believe that the Lord works miracles every day. Some are small miracles that don't appear to be much, and then there are the bigger miracles (like the timing for your Dad) that really bring you back to the hard fact that life is fragile. I pray that you and your family will continue to have the strength and faith to know that the Lord will take care of you and your family no matter what happens, and that He will be working through the doctors to help heal your father. Keep us all updated when you can. Bret

'56 CJ-5, 283, t-90/d18, 25/44, 32's on 15x10's,no lift yet, cage.
 
#69 ·
Crisis almost over

Boy am I tired.

Many thanks to all who have prayed for my dad, it looks like all the prayers have been heard and answered.

He was bumped from surgery yesterday morning due to someone who needed it more. The guy had a triple bypass, then they found a faulty valve, so they repaired it, which was a few more hours, but luckily the guy is doing fine.

My dad finally got in at 2:00 PM and the surgery lasted 5 hours. They bypassed two of the blockages, but couldn't find the 3rd. As it turns out, the third was imbedded in his heart, so they had to cut part of the heart away to place the blocked line. This added another hour and a half. He was out of surgery at 7:15 PM, and the doctor said we could see him in 30 minutes. That came and went, and an hour later we started to get worried. Finally we were able to see him at 9:15 PM, about 2 hours after the surgery. Apparently his blood pressure wasn't stable and they needed to get it stabilized before we could see him. The nurse said he was really strong willed, he woke up after the surgery (despite the drugs to keep him sedated) and tried to get up, so they restrained him and put him back under. Typical dad, never doing what he's told.

This morning at 5:40 AM they removed the breathing tube and have weaned him off all but one of the drugs. He was talking and awake, and by this afternoon they hope to have him sit in a chair for a short time. He is supposed to be home on Sunday.

Many, many thanks to all who have left words of encouragement, e-mailed wishes and prayers, and even called to check up on me. This truly is my second family, and I have to say it's on par with my first family. I'm honored to be part of this group, and am very greatful you all are here.

I think I'm going to take some time off and relax a little, I feel 20 years older and very fatigued, I've been running on auto-pilot for days now.

Life is going to be different. We're going to eat a little smarter, enjoy life more, not take things to seriously, and definitely visit and spend more time with my parents.

A side note:

I have never liked doctors or hospitals, it's no secret. However, I have only been exposed to the local quacks (small hospitals and clinics) and not the people in a large hospital. I have to say my peception has changed. The people at Maine Medical are the most professional and hard working I have ever seen. I can't even begin to go into detail, but if you ever need the best care possible, go to Portland. It's a very long trip for me, but I'll go there if I need help in the future. People were coming up from Pennsylvania to have their heart worked on, and there was a lady from Georgia as well. They are truly miracle workers and have my deepest thanks.

JEEPN
Winter Harbor, Maine
'81 CJ-8 Scrambled, It's a Jeep, Chevy, IHC kinda thing!
'88.5 Zuki, 5" Calmini, Locked, Swamped, Rolled, and just generally broken in right!
 
G
#70 ·
Re: Crisis almost over

WONDERFUL NEWS MARK!! I have tried to keep up with all the posts, and I must say I have been deeply touched with your story and the many responses from everyone. I will continue to pray for a healthy recovery for your father. My father has been through two brain surgeries, and although the actual surgeries were difficult to "sit and wait", it is also a tense recovery period. My best wishes go out to you and your family - remain strong! And I look forward to "chatting" with your father online!!
 
#72 ·
Re: Crisis almost over

Glad to hear that things are on the upswing for your dad and family. I still am totally amazed and how this board pulled together. It is great to know that you have friends all over that dont even have clue who you are. Please keep us updated on how he does with recovery.

Can someone please bring me a hammer my 33's just ate my fender again. Damn i need more lift.
 
#74 ·
Re: Crisis almost over

Mark - thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to keep all of us here updated on your Dad's status. Glad to hear that he came through surgery ok and is on the road to recovery. Your Dad and you remain in our thoughts and prayers.

80 CJ7 258 T176
36X12.5 Swampers
Fiberglass body
 
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#76 ·
Re: Crisis: Need Prayers and Understanding IT\'S OVER!

Mark,

I've been there before./wwwthreads_images/icons/frown.gif Based on my own experiences I realize that it is not a fun place to be. I'll be thinking of him. Best wishes to you and your family to get through this.

Rawbin /wwwthreads_images/icons/laugh.gif

1984 CJ-7 304 V8

torx: mistake, or did they do it to us on purpose?