<p>I just wanted to let you all how things went with the doctor yesterday. First of all, the cardio spent about an hour with us, answering all our questions. He feels that its too early to panic. The artery that was by-passed and broke down again, is a very small one, connected to a portion of his heart that is completely “dead”. At this point there isn’t anything to by-pass. He said there were small blood vessels picking up some of the slack to carry blood to the heart etc. The major arteries are all open. They think that the extreme tiredness, is from the new medicines they added and think he needs to at least give it some time to adjust to it.</p>
<p>He does want my husband to go back to a doctor he saw several years ago, at Beth Isreal. He is the head of the heart transplant team. He is not a candidate at this point, because he isn’t actually “sick” enough. That is mind boggling to me. Apparantly, you have to be literally dying to get put on the list. This doctor would also be able to tell us what other options he has. So, for now it took some of the immediate fear out of things, but just means waiting to see the new doctor. I do feel somewhat better, because if they thought he was critical, he would still be in the hospital. I did feel reassured after speaking to the cardio. This heart condition is something we’ve been living with since the week after my kids were born, when he had his first triple bypass surgery, following a massive heart attack when the kids were 5 days old. </p>
<p>So, for now the news is sort of positive (I am choosing to look at this positively). Once again, thank you all for the support you’ve given me during this difficult time:)</p>
<p>Thanks for the update. I think it is somewhat positive news as well. It doesn’t sound like your husband is in any immediate danger but needs to see someone to explore what options are available to him. So, I think it is reassuring that he is not in the hospital and that they don’t have this “immediacy” concern with him. Obviously, he has issues with his heart and has had them for some time. I hope that when you go to Beth Israel, that you get some options from that doctor which will make you feel less in “limbo.” Best of luck and stay calm that there is not an immediate danger with your husband but more of an ongoing heart illness that needs continued treatment that must be explored.
Best.</p>
<p>So glad you are updating us. Good luck at Beth Israel. I think that the limbo that sooz is talking about is the worst. I wish doctors had more time to talk with their patients & get back to them sooner after tests, etc.</p>
<p>Thank you for posting, papengena. It sounds as if things are stable, and may improve with adjustment to the medication. And the collateral circulation (new blood vessels you mentioned) will probably continue to develop, and may help your husband to feel better (not sure about this; you might ask your doctor). </p>
<p>I somehow missed that your husband had a massive heart attack when the triplets were 5 days old! I cannot imagine a more stressful situation outside of a war zone.</p>
<p>Well NYMom…I didn’t orgiginally mention that, lol. If my kids are reading this, they now know exactly who I am here, lol. It was a very difficult time…going back nearly 22 yrs ago now. The triplets were born in March, and he had the heart attack when they were 5 days old…triple by-pass when they were 12 days old. I had two babies home with me, and the littlest one had to stay in until he got to 5.lbs…I actually went to get him the night of husbands triplet by-pass on my way home, and told them I just couldn’t stand having him away from us, over a couple of ounces. They totally understood and released him at 10:30pm, lol. I felt like we were sneaking him out, but it was all legit. I know the hospital realized that the stress was already high, and it would help heal one part by having all 3 babies at home. He gained those last 4 oz in a day:) I was sure he just missed all of us. With octomoms story out there…It just feels weird talking about the stress I had in the early days. I was going nuts driving from home, to the hospital where the baby was (40 min drive), from there back home to the other 2, then to Beth Isreal (1 hour without traffic) to see my husband…all after a c-section, lol. I just circled around doing that all day/night. I had freinds an relatives doing the driving and mom babysat…so, I’d catch catnaps on the rides. It was a very strange time for sure. I was in love with the babies, terrified about losing their dad, and just plain exhausted. I was able to compartmentalize my emotions, which is totally unlike me, lol. I was zoned into exactly who I was with at a given moment…and put the others out of my mind till I could get back to them. Oddly, this by-pass causing the trouble now, is one that was done nearly 22 yrs ago. So, it did last quite a long time…Grateful for that.</p>
<p>Oh, my goodness gracious. You dear, poor Papagena. What joys and difficulty life has thrown at you. I am so glad that CC has been some help and comfort to you during this latest crisis. All of us reel at the thought of all you have handled. Cyber-hugs, Wonder-Woman!</p>
<p>Nonsense; you could be mistaken for the thousands upon thousands of moms with triplets whose husbands also had a massive heart attack five days after birth. Heck, I myself know at least three people who had that situation. :D</p>
<p>I think we flatter ourselves to think that our kids hang out here! They’re busy flirting, making pizza, playing guitar hero and doing calculus problem sets on the way to rehersal…
Thanks for updating. Sending all good thoughts for the next step!</p>
<p>OMG, as the mom of ‘just’ twins, I cannot IMAGINE what you went through in your kid’s first year. Though perhaps your husband could sit and hold babies after home from the hospital? Regardless, you have been through plenty already. </p>
<p>H is doing very well if the bypass has lasted 22 years. The meds making him tired with major arteries open and collaterals forming is a whole different ball of wax than plugged arteries. Hope someone can work with the meds closely enough to give him a little more energy while keeping everything safe. </p>
<p>OMG I cannot imagine what you have triumphed over! I was a basket case with one infant who had jaundice!! You and your husband are clearly a special duo.</p>
<p>You sound like a very strong woman with a very strong family. I have faith you’ll find normalcy again. I’ll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Thanks for the update.</p>
<p>Thanks for the update, Papengena. It is so reassuring to know that there are options for your H. In your first post, you feared there were none. Your story of speaking to the cardiologist reminded me of when my 82 year old mother was in the hospital following a heart attack. All the other doctors, local and at the teaching hospital, scared us with their comments and seemed to provide no options for treatment, until we talked to the head cardiologist who was so reassuring and provided options. Sometimes it’s just talking to the right person.</p>