Delfts has been sick all week with what he thought was bronchitis. His lungs were so congested, he was unable to sleep because laying down caused his lungs to fill and choke breath away. He had gone so long without sleep that he had started to hear and see things.
So finally, after a week of this he finally decided to call the doctor. The triage nurse set an appointment for this morning at 8:15 based on how he described his symptoms. We went to bed and got up early and made the drive to the doctor's office for what we believed would be a scrip for antibiotics and a good cough medicine.
What we got was something entirely different.
Based on his history of coronary artery disease, his family histories of both Congestive Heart Failure and Cancer, his sudden loss of weight over the last 6 months without any effort, and the way he presented at the office, the doctor looked at us and asked which ER we preferred, because Delfts was going to one of them and we might as well go to the one where we wanted him admitted. Delfts did not have bronchitis or pleurosy as he believed. Delfts is in some level of Congestive Heart Failure.
Off we went to the ER, where he was taken in almost immediately, seen by a full set of techs and physicians, and admitted into the CICU. He is on a continuous nitro IV, has been given Lasix(sp) for the fluid build up, and will probably undergo a contrast catheterization on Monday to check his bypass grafts.
He had what appeared to be a small silent heart attack this afternoon while I was visiting, and the nurses are aware of it. The cardiologist believes he has had at least one other earlier this week. They have drawn blood for testing for the heart markers to make sure that isn't the case.
Also, because he has lost 40 pounds and 4 waist sizes in 6 months without trying, because he admitted to some bleeding and fresh blood in the toilet, because of his coloring, and because he has a family history of it, they will also be checking him for various cancers.
So what he thought was just a bad case of bronchitis that he could ignore truly was not what it appeared. And he delayed treatment for almost a week because he did not want to go to the doctor. I think he was afraid that if he went, he wouldn't be able to go to Austin in April. Silly man...
He's comfortable. He's sleeping. He's eating better than he has all week, and he's being treated for the fluid and the cardiac episodes.
He asked that I let you all know, and this was the best way to do it.
Keep him in your thoughts, and I will try to print off all comments to this post for him to read. Even yours, Karlo. *grins*
Because he is in CICU, they will not let him have a phone, which also means no dial-up even if I could take in the Ancient Ritual Laptop of Doom™ and set it up for him.
As soon as I know anything, I will let you all know right here.
1
Delfts, we all love you ma man.
We are all praying for you!
Dea
Posted by: VANDEA at March 04, 2006 10:49 PM (v5cxG)
2
Sincerely hope you shake this off Delfts. Hopes and prayers are with you. Hang in there.
Posted by: Joe Dromedary at March 04, 2006 10:55 PM (u5oF2)
3
God Bless you Delftsman, I only know you from the Rott but wish you the speediest recovery. Listen to and do what the Docs say.
Posted by: jaybear at March 04, 2006 10:57 PM (BWcSy)
4
OK, Delfts, this is insubordination.
You know good and well that none of my friends are allowed to get ill without my permission, applied for in triplicate.
And no, the fact that you probably knew that I'd deny it anyway isn't an excuse either.
G-d Bless, my friend, and get well soon.
You and Mama are in my prayers.
Posted by: Misha I at March 04, 2006 11:06 PM (+PWiI)
5
Bah. The day you let a little thing like "congestive heart failure" get in your way is the day we take away your Dutch-ness.
I was lead to believe the Dutch were too ornery to let that happen.
Get well soon, friend. Prayers are enroute to Higher Command.
Posted by: the Humble Devildog at March 04, 2006 11:12 PM (TIYju)
6
Delfts, Get better my friend! Do what you're told and rest so you can get yer ass back on the line. Got ya in my thoughts. Take care
Posted by: maxxdog at March 04, 2006 11:20 PM (LMIOn)
Posted by: Gunsniper at March 04, 2006 11:36 PM (Z1wyT)
8
Get well, Dekftsman! Godspeed and a full recovery. If you start bitchin', you're gonna' be fine. But I remember walking pneumonia, felt like my friggin' lungs were on fire, pantin' like a dog, heart racin'. Take care of yourself..too many folks need your input. I'm one of 'em. But for heavens sake take care of yourself! Be nice, don't hit your doctor...I even posted this twice just in case you haven't got yer shit together. I know I didn't then.
Posted by: caveman82952 at March 05, 2006 12:30 AM (ggxPW)
9
Hang in there, Delfts!
Best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery. You belong to a tough breed; as our neighboring rancher has been heard to say, "If it ain't Dutch, it ain't much."
Get well soon!
Posted by: LC Moriarty at March 05, 2006 01:06 AM (wr8WL)
10
Don't make us send in the chicken!
Crossing all the fingers and toes for ya', my man.
Posted by: B.C. at March 05, 2006 01:49 AM (buVEM)
11
Delfts
I hope you get better soon .
Posted by: LC Scott at March 05, 2006 02:10 AM (k29k6)
12
Damnit Delfts, this is no way to get me to actually post a comment!
Now get yourself healed up so Denita can slap you upside the head for not going to the doctor sooner!
But seriously, heal up and get better. We'd love to see you out here in Tinyville sometime soon, the grill is always realy.
Hugs and prayers from Eric, Denita and Zane!
Posted by: Eric, the Mad Monk at March 05, 2006 02:38 AM (nmVu8)
13
Ready... it's ready, damnit!
PIMY
Posted by: Eric, the Mad Monk at March 05, 2006 02:39 AM (nmVu8)
14
Oh heck. Best wishes for a swift and full recovery.
Posted by: Pixy Misa at March 05, 2006 02:52 AM (1m0PA)
15
Get Well soon Delfts. Till you get back there going to be a hole over at the Rott. Have your daughter post an update when you know enough, as if the quacks will ever give a straight answer.
My prayers will be you and your family
Posted by: SoCalOilMan at March 05, 2006 03:03 AM (2B1nv)
16
CHF is nothing to screw around with. Best wishes and here's hoping you whip the snot out of it and get back on your feet ASAP, man!
Posted by: Graumagus at March 05, 2006 03:20 AM (5u5N6)
17
Get better Delfts,we will keep you in our Prayers...
Neil and Dea..
Posted by: LC NEilV at March 05, 2006 07:48 AM (v5cxG)
18
You and your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers. Get well soon.
Posted by: hoosierboy at March 05, 2006 07:56 AM (tt4DJ)
19
Mama, you are especially in my prayers. Delfts better get his ass to Austin in April, even if I have to CareFlite him down. Tell him I love him, and hugs and kisses all around. Trust in Him.
Posted by: ZiPpo at March 05, 2006 08:42 AM (BSzUv)
20
Many prayers from me and Merri, Delfts, and to Mama and the rest of the family too.
Posted by: Vinnie at March 05, 2006 09:59 AM (f289O)
21
Get well soon Delfts!! You're in my prayers. See you on the Bark soon!
Posted by: LC ima mommy at March 05, 2006 11:34 AM (NnFEb)
22
I remember a chatroom conversation we had a while back. Delft was saying how he popped nitro, some days, 3-4 times a day. I was so freaked I tried to get him to go to the ER right then. He just blew it off as SNAFU and thanked me for caring. Your in my prayers, Mama, Delft and the princess. Thanks for sharing your life with me.
Mike Howard
Chicago
Posted by: Mike Howard at March 05, 2006 02:15 PM (uo57r)
23
Delfts I am not happy about this, not one bit. PLEASE do not be sick. I hate when my friends are sick and I can't do anything to make it better.
You came into my life, I hold our friendship as one of my most precious things, now you do exactly what the doctors tell you to do.
PLEASE GET WELL SOON! Tons of praying for you.
Posted by: Wild Thing at March 05, 2006 03:22 PM (tj1zH)
24
get well soon delfts, you've already gone too long without posting, hope to see you back in the ring in no time at all
Posted by: Godandstarcraft at March 05, 2006 10:18 PM (b92Ny)
25
Thanks Lila, I've been concerned for him ever since he posted that he was sick. I pray that he has a rapid recovery with no lasting heart damage or other ailments.
Bert, get well soon, our prayers are with you.
Posted by: Jack at March 06, 2006 01:23 AM (ALFf2)
26
Delftsman,
Sending my good thoughts your way to a speedy recovery cause hospitals just plain suck.
Mikey
Posted by: Mad Mikey at March 06, 2006 10:06 AM (wAHgk)
27
I knew you were sick, but not that sick? Glad you had enough sense to call a doctor. I hope you get well soon, Cat
Posted by: Catfish at March 06, 2006 10:40 AM (wky0c)
28
Do what the nurses and docs tell you to..and know that there are a lot of people thinking of you.
Get well soon.
Posted by: LCBrendan at March 07, 2006 06:24 AM (VSswX)
29
How about an update hows Lambert doing?Get Well Lam, We miss ya man..
Posted by: LC NeilV at March 07, 2006 09:02 AM (v5cxG)
30
All my hopes go to you for a quick recovery.
Posted by: Bonnie Kuzminski at March 07, 2006 11:50 AM (+2LBV)
31
Keeping the prayers going here...sorry I haven't been around as much as I used to, but I think of y'all often!
--TwoDragons
Posted by: Denita TwoDragons at March 07, 2006 05:56 PM (UALgm)
32
Good luck.
Though the flesh might be weak, a strong spirit will overcome. All things are part of the journey. Find what each step teaches you.
Posted by: MegaTroopX at March 08, 2006 02:01 AM (yT/Rw)
33
I hope and pray that all goes well. I will keep you on my prayer list. If there's is anything I can do just holler!
Pastor Rick
Posted by: Pastor Rick Hill Jr at March 08, 2006 11:53 PM (ZR1Hl)
Posted by: Otto at May 05, 2006 08:36 AM (Off5M)
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