Welcome to Tom's update! In hopes of keeping everyone well informed, I decided a blog would be the best way to share my dad's progress through this difficult time with friends and family. For the many of you reading this with medical backgrounds (because there are quite a few) please bear with me! Please just post a note or send me an email if there are any glaring errors or something needs clarification.
To fill in those who might not be familiar with my dad's recent accident, here's a brief synopsis:
Thursday May 6th, while at his morning swim workout, my dad suffered a heart attack and full arrest while in the water. He was only under water for 15-20 seconds, thanks to the speedy efforts of his teammates, coaches and the lifeguards that pulled him out. Unfortunately, however, he still managed to inhale a decent amount of water and was without a pulse and was not breathing for an undetermined amount of time. He was quickly transported to Los Robles Hospital in Thousand Oaks, where he is currently in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) still in critical condition. His condition, however, has much improved from when he was first brought in! In the past two weeks, he is being aggressively weened off the ventilator and is doing well (except for a mild case of pneumonia, which is to be expected); he is tolerating his feedings very well and his digestive tract has returned to normal; his heart (believe it or not) is virtually undamaged, thanks to some pretty impressive collateral circulation around the blocked arteries.
As my mom likes to say, this is going to be his new "triathalon" (ie cardiac, pulmonary, and neuro). Because his brain was without oxygen for an extended amount of time, the neurological repercussions of this accident are still unknown and are of the greatest concern. But like the title of this post says, we are taking it one day at a time. So far, each day, we are heading in the right direction! No matter how slow the progress, it's still progress. After all, my dad certainly is a notorious procrastinator!
Thanks for following his progress, most definitely for all the love and support!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Allie this is great! Thanks so much for setting it up.
ReplyDeleteI always remember your dad saying that the yellow lines on the sides of the road were just guidelines when you guys would arrive for Christmas for so many years. I think he liked to test the boundaries! :-) I expect the path to recovery will be filled with many interesting twists and turns, just like those road trips!! And maybe a dinner at Bob Evans, eventually! My love to you all. Wish I was there to hug you all. Love, les
ReplyDeleteHi Allie, I think we met during a ski trip in Salt Lake City with your Dad. I was healing from a Ski Injury for the entire duration of your trip (and highly medicated). Thanks for starting the Blog. Your dad has touched many people with his passion for life, science, and brew=) This site will help us all stay connected with his improvements. Warm Regards,Thomas
ReplyDeleteAllie... thanks for the BLOG about your dad. Good choice of names! Your dad and I often share hop dreams and constantly out compete each other for brewing equipment!
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you for providing his friends with the updates. I can't think of a better reason to experience my first BLOG then to keep abreast of his condition.
Let me know when he is able to recieve plants in his room. Your dad and I planted hop rhizomes at the same time this year, so I decided to dig up and pot one of my more vibrant hop shoots to bring to his room.
Allie thank you so much for the great blog and updates on your dad. I know this is such a difficult time but you will get thru it and your dad will recover. I have a good feeling just like I did with my dad. Look my dad is a miracle and doing better than he was before his illness and I know your father is a fighter and he will fight because I know you kids are his everything. I like how you guys are putting this that it is his new triathalon. Keep your head held high and always positive thoughts and prayers. It all helps and I strongly believe that if your dad is willing to live and fight god will take control from there.
ReplyDeleteLove ya guys always
Jennifer
Allie, you rock! This is great! I never knew you were such an excellent writer. I can't wait to read future updates. Thanks for sharing this experience with us.
ReplyDeleteThank you Allie for setting this up! We are keeping you all in our prayers.
ReplyDeleteTom, you did a great job tonight. Very impressive. I couldnt wait to tell Ron. I know you heard Anne's voice because you turned your head toward her. It is hard work, harder than anything you have done before. Keep coming back.
ReplyDeleteLove P
Hi Allie: You did a fantastic job of updating everyone on your Dad's status - I think there is a 'medical person' incognito. Picture this: 1978, San Antonio, recovering from an evening of socialization I meet the young Dr. Comstock - smart, funny, charming, persistent, and full of passion for life. Those traits continue to serve him well. Love you all, Lori
ReplyDeleteThank you Allie for this new link to Tom. I'm curious about the when and where of that beautiful picture of you two. May all the love and prayers shown here be channeled to his healing.
ReplyDeleteAllie, thank you so much for posting this blog. I have had all of you in my thoughts and prayers since I heard the news. I used to work with your dad at Amgen and still consider him a good friend. I'm in Chicago and he has told me so much about you!
ReplyDeleteThinking about Tom and all of you. Hoping and praying for a good outcome. MJ
ReplyDeleteAllie, it was great seeing you tonight - keep posting update please!
ReplyDelete