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Keep us posted Dana...this first 24 hrs is the hardest part, but it looks like he'll make it. He should look a whole lot better real soon... hang in there...I know it's tough.
-------------------- Jeff Ogden 8727 NE 68 Terr. Gainesville FL, 32609 Posts: 2138 | From: 8827 NE 68 Terr Gainesville Fl 32609 | Registered: Aug 2002
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Hi Dana, reading your post, I couldn't hold the tears back! Glad to hear Bruce came "through" OK! I'm sure this will change your whole outlook on life.......in a good way!!
-------------------- Tony Vickio The World Famous Vickio Signs 3364 Rt.329 Watkins Glen, NY 14891 t30v@vickiosigns.com 607-535-6241 http://www.vickiosigns.com Posts: 1063 | From: Watkins Glen, New York | Registered: Sep 2001
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. . . Went thru several years of 'balloons' and also a quadruple bypass with my Mom . . .all her heart trouble started when she was about 60. She had the OH when she was about 69.
The whole open-heart thing was pretty exhausting scene for her and all of us, but we were so thankful she pulled thru the OH just fine.
I really freaked out when I came in the morning after the day of her surgery and she had been moved from the CCU to a regular room . . . and they had her up walking in the hallway!!!
It's almost traunatic having to leave your CCU waiting-room family . . . people you have spent hours upon hours with, helping each other forget those uncomfortable chairs, talking news, work, and family, and for whom you've called-out the name of every family in the room when the phone rings, and who you left notes on the board for, or were able to tell the caller that their family/freind got moved to a regular room!!
You realize you develope a sort-of dependant relationship with the actual hospital building because it holds all the staff, some of whom you never even saw or met, who held your loved one in the skill of their hands and care, so that when it's time to leave the hospital with your released patient, you feel a little 'insecure' moving away from the intense care. Something inside you wants to ask if the Dr's are really sure that we don't need to stay another few days . . .and partly because you know and fear that you can't possibley care for that person like the hospital staff can . . .
But the miracle is how much a miracle modern medicine has been blessed to acheive!! And the miracle of how well the body can work with the treatements it receieves to heal itself.
Bruce, you will be amazed at how much better you will feel everyday now that you're body is cycling it's life's blood properly!!!!!
God bless y'all.
:x
-------------------- Signs Sweet Home Alabama
oneshot on chat
"Look like a girl, act like a lady, think like a man, work like a dog" Posts: 5758 | From: "Sweet Home" Alabama | Registered: Mar 2003
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Hi Dana, as a member of the bypass alumni, I can tell you that Bruce will have more discomfort from the removal of the vein from his leg than from the actual heart surgery. They will want him to do plenty of walking, a little more each day. This really helps the healing process quicken. For proof, I was on my way to England to Terry Colley's meet just four weeks after surgery.
-------------------- Bill Riedel Riedel Sign Co., Inc. 15 Warren Street Little Ferry, N.J. 07643 billsr@riedelsignco.com Posts: 2953 | From: Little Ferry, New Jersey, USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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Hey, all those prayers have been answered. That's why so many have been offered...and will continue to be sent up for you and Bruce.
Dana, you are probably suffering a lot more than he is. It's really hard to see someone you love hurting and not be able to do anything about it. Well, you are doing something - you are there for him, but I'm sure that you would feel much better if it were you in the bed rather than him. That's just the way people who love each other react.
Bruce - my best to you. Prayers will continue for you and your lovely wife. You have the best medicine in the world standing there by the bed holding your hand.
Both of you are in for some changes in your life. The great news is that you are both there together to make those changes.
Dana - when Bruce was down at Fred's gathering last March he told me that you were the best thing that ever happened to him. I think he's right. Now, don't forget to take care of yourself. Also, remember there is someone a lot smarter and stronger than either of you that is in charge....and He doesn't make mistakes.
-------------------- Chapman Sign Studio Temple, Texas chapmanstudio@sbcglobal.net Posts: 6306 | From: Temple, Texas, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Dana, I'm so glad you both came thru ok. I know it was terribly hard on both of you, probably moreso on you than Bruce. But you made it and we're very very happy about that. We all can't wait to have Bruce back on the board. I've never been thru heart surgery so I have no advice to offer. Just know that you both are still in our prayers and thoughts.
-------------------- Ricky Jackson Signs Now 614 Russell Parkway Warner Robins, GA (478) 923-7722 signpimp50@hotmail.com
"If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." Sir Issac Newton Posts: 3528 | From: Warner Robins, GA | Registered: Oct 2004
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It's been a tough week. We already had some very major changes in the works, then this happened. Heck, I had to call the realtor from the emergency room to cancel the appt we had with her that night!!!
I have heard and read from so many people that have either gone through this themselves or with a loved one, that I knew down deep he would be ok. Heck, if he wasn't supposed to be, then the one blockage would have been an inch higher (thats what the Dr said!)
But it's still really scary to watch someone go through it, and hide everything you're feeling from them, so you can be up and happy and smiling when they see you!!
THANK YOU SO MUCH for all the words, thoughts, prayers and well-wishes. They mean alot.
I can't see him until noon, but will be leaving soon to go to the hospital... gotta get started on figuring out how to deal with this financially.
He had already decided there was NO way he was gonna be sitting in the ER, feeling the way he did, again... so NO MORE SMOKING!!!! I am even MORE happy about him going in with that idea... now that I heard the Dr tell me after surgery... "ONE more cigarette, and he will DIE." Hmmmm.... not like sugar coating it, huh?
Thanks again for everything, and we will be contacting a few people for a hand with some upcoming stuff, ok?
-------------------- Dana Ferry St Cloud, MN Posts: 1556 | From: St Cloud, MN | Registered: May 1999
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Dana, I guess the good thing is that he is unable to smoke while at the hospital. He's going Dry Turkey while dealing with all of this too.
Is there a consideration for the withdrawal he must be going through, or has this whole process actually kinda "pre-empted" the withdrawal from nicotine? Just wondering how it is dealt with.
-------------------- Gene Golden Gettysburg Signs Gettysburg PA 17325 717-334-0200 genegolden@gettysburgsigns.com
"Art is knowing when to stop." Posts: 1578 | From: Gettysburg, PA | Registered: Jun 2003
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Got up this morning aand this was the first thing I wanted to check on ! Glad to hear surgery went well...each day things will get easier for you (both of you).
God Bless you both!
-------------------- "Werks fer me...it'll werk fer you"
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I guess when he first got to the CCU, they tried Wellbutrin (?), but it didn't help at all.
They gave him a bunch of papers to read about quitting. The nurse also suggested some candies, mints, something to divert the interest. He likes peanut M&Ms, but I know (from experience!) that ANY size bag is an individual serving size!!!
So I got a big bag of individual packs for trick-or-treat. I figured the small bag is portion control... but also give him something to do with his hands by opening it, then 'squirting' out the pieces, playing with them as they roll around the tray table.
Didn't work the greatest, but at least I tried! lol
I'm hoping that since he went into CCU last Wed night, then surgery yesterday, then another few days in the hospital, plus coming home to nothing in the house - actually in the basement, since he only smokes at his workbench down there. I cleaned that off, threw away anything that had anything to do with cigarettes, and sprayed the bejeeebers outta everything down there with Fabreeze.
I don't smoke, so that will help too.
He told me last night when I talked with him on the phone (and he sounded so much better!!!) that the nurses told him usually the patients are off the respiratory and such at about 6hrs post op. He set a new record with 3hrs! He was pretty proud of that!
He has alot of things lined up he is SOOOOO excited about, and is bound and determined to get outta there ASAP, back on his feet ASAP - without pushing it though, and on with his plans in life.
He is so INCREDIBLY TOUCHED with ALL HIS FRIENDS here!!!!!!
Anyone else wanna jump on the "I CHOOSE not to smoke EVER AGAIN!" bandwagon, jump on!!
Thanks again everyone.
-------------------- Dana Ferry St Cloud, MN Posts: 1556 | From: St Cloud, MN | Registered: May 1999
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That's great Dana! Try Orbit gum as a deterrent (and it's sugarless). You mentioned the "actions" involved in getting the candy. Orbit comes in a cellophane package that you have to unwrap. Then you lift a "lid" to get to the individual pieces, and then unwrap them. I've often told Debi how it must have been packaged purposely for quitting smokers, since all of the processes you go through are similar to getting a cigarette. AND the taste lasts forever.
-------------------- Gene Golden Gettysburg Signs Gettysburg PA 17325 717-334-0200 genegolden@gettysburgsigns.com
"Art is knowing when to stop." Posts: 1578 | From: Gettysburg, PA | Registered: Jun 2003
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Dana & Bruce, From the Lockwood Fire Protection District come many, many well wishes such as “Hang in there”, “You’ll be fine”, “Lot’s of thoughts coming your way”, “Get better soon as we may need another sign”, etc. – too many coming at me at once to write them all down. As I pass by Station #2 and your sign every day, I and many others are thinking of you. Love and best wishes for a speedy recovery from Chief Fred Assistant Chief Dave Captain Charlie Captain Nate Firefighters Robin, Greg, Chris and Chris, Jordan, Eric Paramedic Mary Trainee Megan Board Pres. Letha Treasurer Ken Secretary Jackie W. Director Don Director John Auxiliary Pres. Susie Auxiliary V.P. Ted Auxiliary Treas. Rena Bob & Jennie Wanda Glenn Carol Andrea And just about everyone else on the mountain . . . Your sign is shining brightly, and so will you. From Jackie aka Bomba-Dear
-------------------- Bomba-Dear Jackie Vaughn #5115 Volcano, California www.chocoholic.com Posts: 761 | From: Volcano, California, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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so happy to hear things went well and bruce is on his way to a speedy recovery! good to hear about giving up the cancer sticks...great move in the right direction! sometimes we just don't know why certain things happen when they do...i guess its all part of the big plan! i wish you guys the best!!!!!
-------------------- Karyn Bush Simply Not Ordinary, LLC Bartlett, NH 603-383-9955 www.snosigns.com info@snosigns.com Posts: 3516 | From: Bartlett, NH USA | Registered: Jan 2001
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Dana thanks for the update. sooo glad it went good.Will be hard now but the worst is over. Tell Bruce just get better-the one-shot will wait for him. Hang i thier
-------------------- Burris Custom Painting 203 Brown St. Tewksbury,Ma. 01876 Posts: 96 | From: Tewksbury, Ma 01879 | Registered: Jan 2003
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You know, peanut m&m's are the hardest candy to get lit. You cinge your mustache, they draw like crap and then they go out...Mars bars, now there's a smoke!
BwaaHaHa.
Seriously, getting off tobacco has to be the benefit to all this if there can be one. Nothing like pain-of-death as a deterrent. Bruce is lucky in an ironic way. Just the money saved alone could finance many new interests. Extra jingle and the extra energy of needing to fidget with his hands - man lookout. Bruce is going to rocket out of that hospital.
SONGPAINTER Original Sign Music by Sign People NOW AVAILABLE on CD and the proceeds go to Letterville's favorite charity! Click Here for Sound Clips! Posts: 1974 | From: Orleans, MA, Cape Cod, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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I'm glad to hear that you have both made it through this as well as you have so far! One additional suggestion for quitting tobacco is hypnosis. My ex-wife tried it several years ago and she was amazed at her lack of desire for another cig. The only problem was that she enjoyed showing everyone how she could lite up, take a couple of drags and put it out. She said it didn't even taste good anymore and she would go the rest of the evening without wanting another puff. She managed to repeat this trick so many times that before long she found herself smoking again.
Meanwhile, take care of yourself and tell Bruce I said Hi, I'm looking forward to seeing you both again!
-------------------- Chris Elliott 1longshot@classicnet.net cell 62084two2232 Posts: 686 | From: Scottsdale, AZ & Anthony, KS, USA | Registered: Dec 1999
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Dana, Even though I quit smoking when I was 19 (I am now 54) I still dream about it every so often.
Try getting him some sunflowers seeds or pumpkin seeds (IF YOU CAN GET HIM TO EAT THEM). It takes longer to eat them but is much more healthier and it temporarily satisfies having to have something in the mouth.
PS. I might be hard to find without salt though.
-------------------- Laura Butler Vision Graphics & Sign 4479 Welch Rd Attica, Mi 48412 Posts: 2855 | From: Attica, Mi, USA | Registered: Nov 2000
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Glad to hear how well recovery seems to be going! There are so many good people here sending well wishes and that has got to have helped. Keep on the right path and stay off the smokes. Hopin to meet you two at a meet someday!
-------------------- Tim Rieck Signs Halfmoon Bay, BC Posts: 736 | From: Halfmoon Bay, BC, Canada | Registered: Sep 2000
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Dana - I've never smoked, so I'm not much help there, but my Dad smoked for about forty years before he had his first heart attack and the doctor gave him the ultimatum to either quit or die.
He would cut a short piece of tree twig and trim the bark off and chew on it. It gave him something to put in his mouth and also the bitter taste of a green twig put some flavor in his mouth that took the place of the nicotine.
He quit cold turkey and never looked back. And then lived another thirty years.
-------------------- Chapman Sign Studio Temple, Texas chapmanstudio@sbcglobal.net Posts: 6306 | From: Temple, Texas, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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-------------------- Maker of fine signs and other creative stuff. Located at 109 N. Cumberland ave. Harlan, Ky. 40831 606-837-0242 Posts: 4172 | From: Ages-Brookside, Ky. Up the Holler... | Registered: Jul 1999
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No more cheap Reservation smokes for you, Brooce! No more chicken finger pizza either....BUT....I'll bet 3-Bean salad is cholesterol free! Glad you are doing OK. Dana, I hope you are holding up well. Thanks for all the updates. Even my Mom was worried! "He seems like such a nice boy, maybe a bit of a smart-aleck". (maybe she was thinking of Ryan Young!) Love....Jill
Posts: 8834 | From: Butler, PA, USA | Registered: Jan 2001
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I cant wait to see Bruce jump up and click his heels together like that old Tv commercial from the 60's about Quitting smoking.
Glad to hear things are going well for you Bruce and Dana
-------------------- Harris Kohen K-Man Pinstriping and Graphix Trenton, NJ "Showing the world that even I can strategically place the pigment where its got to go." Posts: 1739 | From: Trenton, NJ, USA | Registered: Jun 2001
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Like Mark said we're ALL watching and reading. Thanks for the updates, we're all behind you guys and know everything will turn out great! I think if you let us know when he can start taking phone calls he'll be on the phone so much he won't have time for a cigarette Take care and get well soon!
-------------------- Brian Diver PDQ Signs Everett, Wa
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Bruce- Although we've never met, your quick quips on this board have earned you a place in our hearts and we'll pray for you. Frank
-------------------- Frank Smith Frank Smith Signs Albany, NY www.franksmithsigns.com Posts: 807 | From: Albany, NY USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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I am soooo glad that things went so well for you & Bruce. Believe me I am aware of what CAN happen. When Lloyd had his by-pass surgery, he spent 31 days in ICU.
All the prayers have been answered. If he doesn't listen to his nurse (you) put a collar on him and lead him to obedience school!
-------------------- Kathy Joiner River Road Graphics 41628 River Road Ponchatoula, La.70454
Old enough to know better...Too young to resist. Posts: 1891 | From: Ponchatoula, LA | Registered: Nov 2000
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Bruce is good. (Good News!) He's under professional care. You're not. BUT!! You're under OUR care. TRUST me...it's NOT the same.
We all love and care for you. When You jump off the 'Caring for Bruce' cycle? You'll be down and out. KNOW that all of us are here for YOU, too.
Care-Givers NEED a hug. They're really special people. Dana? All my best for You and Yours. You're a strong gal, but don't live on strength. What am I saying? Don't be too strong to say, "What, now???".
Dana? LOVE him, take care of him--but don't forget that You are special. too. Take care of Yourself, so you can take care of him.
Bless Your Heart.
-------------------- Karen Wunch (kwunch on chat) A2Z SIGNS in Buford, GA 678.714.1965 ---------------- "Believe there is a great power silently working all things for good, behave yourself and never mind the rest." ~~Beatrice Potter Posts: 126 | From: Buford Georgia | Registered: Jan 2003
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Hmmmm.... not like sugar coating it, huh?
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