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TheVTCGuy · 19 January 2018, 11:06 AM

This last week has been extremely challenging, on Friday my mother was admitted to the hospital after suffering all week with that terrible flu. I came straight out here to Phoenix to be with her. While they successfully treated symptoms like dehydration, antibiotics, etc. The BIG problem was her heart, she was I Afib, Aflutter and her pulse was bouncing between 50 and 150. She is in generally good health but is 85 years old.

The hospital ER gave her some drugs, then admitted her, I am sure by design, she got posted to the same floor she volunteers on every week, she got royal treatment and visits from all her friends that work there. Right now, I need to through out a HUGE thank you to Terry, DJ TT 2002. Terry is an MD, and PM'd me to call him with any questions. Boy I am sure he regretted that offer! I was calling, texting, whining, he was nothing but a professional and acted as a true friend throughout this whole crisis. He is a credit to TRF, the medical profession, and a true gentleman, thank you again Terry.

Back to my mother, she never responded to the meds. The pulse would lower for a while, but generally climb back up to 150 and her heart beat was never near rhythm. Yesterday morning, VERY early, we got a call from the hospital, after five days of not responding to the meds, they had to take it to the next step, which involves shocking or freezing parts of her heart with electrical nodes. It is called ablation. I have learned a lot about this procedure, and while it is generally not dangerous, anything involving the heart with an 85 year old woman is definitely concerning. Yesterday morning, it was going to take about an hour before they came up to get her and take her to surgery, I spent every second of that with her alone in her room. Throughout this entire crisis, I had my Navy-Fighter Pilot face on with my mother, family and anyone else, but often had to excuse myself to the men's room where I dropped to my knees and sobbed like a five year old. Speaking to my mother, I had a positive outlook on my face, said calming and good words that this would all go well, not problem etc. Inside, I was that five year old sobbing. Now, I have to interject another quick point.

My grail car is a Lincoln MKZ (Hybrid). Laugh at me, agree with me, whatever you think, but I absolutely love that car and my mother knows it. I have taken her with me on a couple visits to the dealer and test drives. She doesn't get it, but understands my lust for that fine car. Ok, back to the hospital room.

My mother is a trooper, and she says to me while looking at the monitor that said pulse 150 and terrible rhythm:

"Paul, I want you to promise me something... if I don't come out of this surgery.." Of course I stop her immediately

"Mom, you are going to be fine" but she waves her hand to quiet me

"Listen to me, promise me this right now"

Still smiling, but sobbing inside I respond: "Sure mom, what is it?"

My mother surprised the hell out of me, she said:

"If I don't make it I want you to go right over to that Lincoln dealer and buy yourself the biggest, nicest car you can find, everything on it that you want and things you don't want; promise me you will do that"

All I could say was: "Mom" but she was adamant.

"Promise me, now, if I don't make it, you will go buy that car today!"

I said: "Ok mom, I promise... but you're going to be fine"

She said: "That's fine, but remember"

Right then, the crew came in to take her down to surgery. They were getting her ready to move to a gurney, the nurse looks at her monitor and does a double take. She stares intently for a couple minutes, finally everyone is looking at her wondering what is up. She practically screams: "She converted!" I have no idea what this means but look at the monitor myself and see a pulse of 72, a BP of 115/75, an O2 of 98% and (what was described to me) a perfect p-wave, t-wave.... whatever. Her heart was beating in absolute perfect rhythm and her pulse just as perfect. No one in the room said a word, it was like a switch and been turned and her heart started working perfectly.

They postponed her procedure.... finally cancelled it. Her heart as been functioning perfectly for 36 hours and if it continues for another 24 or so they will let her come home. She looks tired... but is talkative and alert. We are all amazed.

I am sorry Danny83, I won't be buying an MKZ Hybrid from you this week, maybe later when I can afford it.

An emotional and difficult week, but things are turning out OK.

BBL · 19 January 2018, 11:09 AM

Hi Paul
Your mother... You... are so blessed!
So thrilled for you.
Blessings,
DM

cop414 · 19 January 2018, 11:20 AM

Wow Paul, prayers for you and your Mom, sounds like a very special bond.

Flyinghunter · 19 January 2018, 11:28 AM

Prayers up for continued progress with her health.

GerardoG · 19 January 2018, 11:38 AM

I am very happy to hear she is doing better. Will keep her in our prayers.

Saludos!

BristolCavendish · 19 January 2018, 11:46 AM

Your words were spoken from the heart, Paul. Glad to hear that your Mom is pulling through. My mother (92) underwent a similar medical crisis and now has a pacemaker to counter her irregular heartbeat.

As far as the Lincoln hybrid goes, it's just a car. And ideally (in the event you opt to follow her 'automotive' wishes), may this acquisition be way farther down the road.

AzPaul · 19 January 2018, 11:47 AM

Here's to things continuing to improve.
I'll keep you both in my payers.

77T · 19 January 2018, 11:53 AM

It is clear to me that you are a great son - glad you could be by her side. I’m sure she was glad too.

Sent from my iPhoneX using Tapatalk

Canefan1 · 19 January 2018, 11:58 AM

Tears. Thanks be to God.

Abdullah71601 · 19 January 2018, 12:09 PM

Great news Paul.

Prayer works.

locutus49 · 19 January 2018, 12:17 PM

Glad things worked out, Paul.

I had my own crisis as my wife had a cardiac event (congestive heart failure, pulmonary thrombosis) while we were out for a walk, but she is out of the hospital and doing fine. So good news all round.

Brenngun · 19 January 2018, 12:19 PM

Paul, so glad to hear your mom has improved. Hope all continues in a positive direction except the Lincoln promise. I hope that promise doesn't get fulfilled for many years to come. I'm sure Danny83 will support that thought.

henrylee · 19 January 2018, 12:22 PM

Glad to hear she converted back to sinus rhythm spontaneously. She loves you greatly!

Kevin.S · 19 January 2018, 12:32 PM

Great post Paul , I really connect with trying to stay strong in front of your mother, then falling apart when by yourself ... very glad to hear she is feeling better:)

teqp · 19 January 2018, 12:41 PM

Very happy to hear your mother is doing better. Prayers sent her way that she continues feeling better. You’re a good man, Paul.

AzHadEnuf · 19 January 2018, 12:45 PM

Best wishes to your Mom Paul

Chewbacca · 19 January 2018, 12:51 PM

Be strong Paulie!!!

Laszlo · 19 January 2018, 12:58 PM

Your mom is awesome, Paul. What a trooper.

goin camping · 19 January 2018, 01:10 PM

Congrats on not getting the Lincoln! Great news.

Went through the same thing with my Mom. She didn't make it. Since I loved my Mom I'd call every few days and visit every fortnight or less. Fortunately Mom only lived 90 minutes away.

So why am I telling you this? Because it is crucial to your level of guilt later in life that you call and visit your Mom as often as possible. I doubt your Mother would be bothered if you called her every day. Mine wasn't.

Prayers sent for your Moms full and speedy recovery.

BNA/LION · 19 January 2018, 01:11 PM

You are a good son Paul! Take care of you Mon and yourself. Let me know if you need anything.

Lawman77 · 19 January 2018, 01:14 PM

Excellent and educational moment that you shared.
Hope it all works out well for your mother and you as well

Latrodectus · 19 January 2018, 01:15 PM

I wish you and your Mom all the best. Glad to hear that she is doing better!

Boothroyd · 19 January 2018, 01:18 PM

Hang in there, Paul. You are doing your stoic best to provide strength at a tenuous time...look at it this way, your strength has already improved the situation. Very best to you and your family. Be there for them, as you have been.

Old Geezer · 19 January 2018, 01:36 PM

Great news of your mother’s improving condition. Hope she is back on her feet quickly and coaxes you into buying your grail car. Continued prayers for a fast and complete recovery.

East Bay Rider · 19 January 2018, 01:43 PM

Prayers for your mom. She sounds like one in a million.

DJ TT 2002 · 19 January 2018, 01:57 PM

Paul, I am thrilled to hear that your mother has continued to improve!!!!
You have a terrific medical team team providing top notch care.
I am truly glad to have been able to able to help you, even in a small way.

Be well,my friend,and best wishes for your family,
Terry

Tri-Tip · 19 January 2018, 02:21 PM

Glad to hear of the wonderful improvement Paul. I hope it's many years before you have to go and buy that Lincoln!

swils8610 · 19 January 2018, 02:38 PM

Great news Paul!! You will get that new Lincoln yet!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Danny83 · 19 January 2018, 02:45 PM

Thats great to hear Paul ...!!! Terrys in for a ride

I hope I never sell you a Lincoln

tritium8 · 19 January 2018, 04:20 PM

Man, she really must not like that Lincoln.

Glad to hear she's doing better!

19 January 2018, 11:06 AM	#1
TheVTCGuy Banned Join Date: Jul 2008 Real Name: Paul Location: San Diego Watch: 126619LB Posts: 21,540	My Mother's mortality, a Lincoln MKZ, and a miracle This last week has been extremely challenging, on Friday my mother was admitted to the hospital after suffering all week with that terrible flu. I came straight out here to Phoenix to be with her. While they successfully treated symptoms like dehydration, antibiotics, etc. The BIG problem was her heart, she was I Afib, Aflutter and her pulse was bouncing between 50 and 150. She is in generally good health but is 85 years old. The hospital ER gave her some drugs, then admitted her, I am sure by design, she got posted to the same floor she volunteers on every week, she got royal treatment and visits from all her friends that work there. Right now, I need to through out a HUGE thank you to Terry, DJ TT 2002. Terry is an MD, and PM'd me to call him with any questions. Boy I am sure he regretted that offer! I was calling, texting, whining, he was nothing but a professional and acted as a true friend throughout this whole crisis. He is a credit to TRF, the medical profession, and a true gentleman, thank you again Terry. Back to my mother, she never responded to the meds. The pulse would lower for a while, but generally climb back up to 150 and her heart beat was never near rhythm. Yesterday morning, VERY early, we got a call from the hospital, after five days of not responding to the meds, they had to take it to the next step, which involves shocking or freezing parts of her heart with electrical nodes. It is called ablation. I have learned a lot about this procedure, and while it is generally not dangerous, anything involving the heart with an 85 year old woman is definitely concerning. Yesterday morning, it was going to take about an hour before they came up to get her and take her to surgery, I spent every second of that with her alone in her room. Throughout this entire crisis, I had my Navy-Fighter Pilot face on with my mother, family and anyone else, but often had to excuse myself to the men's room where I dropped to my knees and sobbed like a five year old. Speaking to my mother, I had a positive outlook on my face, said calming and good words that this would all go well, not problem etc. Inside, I was that five year old sobbing. Now, I have to interject another quick point. My grail car is a Lincoln MKZ (Hybrid). Laugh at me, agree with me, whatever you think, but I absolutely love that car and my mother knows it. I have taken her with me on a couple visits to the dealer and test drives. She doesn't get it, but understands my lust for that fine car. Ok, back to the hospital room. My mother is a trooper, and she says to me while looking at the monitor that said pulse 150 and terrible rhythm: "Paul, I want you to promise me something... if I don't come out of this surgery.." Of course I stop her immediately "Mom, you are going to be fine" but she waves her hand to quiet me "Listen to me, promise me this right now" Still smiling, but sobbing inside I respond: "Sure mom, what is it?" My mother surprised the hell out of me, she said: "If I don't make it I want you to go right over to that Lincoln dealer and buy yourself the biggest, nicest car you can find, everything on it that you want and things you don't want; promise me you will do that" All I could say was: "Mom" but she was adamant. "Promise me, now, if I don't make it, you will go buy that car today!" I said: "Ok mom, I promise... but you're going to be fine" She said: "That's fine, but remember" Right then, the crew came in to take her down to surgery. They were getting her ready to move to a gurney, the nurse looks at her monitor and does a double take. She stares intently for a couple minutes, finally everyone is looking at her wondering what is up. She practically screams: "She converted!" I have no idea what this means but look at the monitor myself and see a pulse of 72, a BP of 115/75, an O2 of 98% and (what was described to me) a perfect p-wave, t-wave.... whatever. Her heart was beating in absolute perfect rhythm and her pulse just as perfect. No one in the room said a word, it was like a switch and been turned and her heart started working perfectly. They postponed her procedure.... finally cancelled it. Her heart as been functioning perfectly for 36 hours and if it continues for another 24 or so they will let her come home. She looks tired... but is talkative and alert. We are all amazed. I am sorry Danny83, I won't be buying an MKZ Hybrid from you this week, maybe later when I can afford it. An emotional and difficult week, but things are turning out OK.

19 January 2018, 11:09 AM	#2
BBL "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Real Name: DM Location: USA Watch: DD-YG/DJ/Breitling Posts: 8,795	Hi Paul Your mother... You... are so blessed! So thrilled for you. Blessings, DM __________________ . People of integrity expect to be believed and when they are not they let time prove them right. A best friend is like a four leaf clover - hard to find and lucky to have. SJP

19 January 2018, 11:20 AM	#3
cop414 TRF Moderator & 2024 DATE-JUST41 Patron Join Date: Apr 2012 Real Name: Tim Location: Pennsylvania Watch: 14060M Posts: 71,828	Wow Paul, prayers for you and your Mom, sounds like a very special bond. __________________ Rolex Submariner 14060M Omega Seamaster 2254.50 DOXA Professional 1200T Card carrying member of TRF's Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons TRF's "After Dark" Bar & NightClub Patron P Club Member #17 2 FA ENABLED

19 January 2018, 11:47 AM	#7
AzPaul 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: May 2012 Real Name: Paul Location: Tucson, Az Watch: Rolex 1501 Posts: 13,203	Here's to things continuing to improve. I'll keep you both in my payers. __________________ Ain't much of a crime, whacking a surly bartender

19 January 2018, 11:53 AM	#8
77T 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Real Name: PaulG Location: Georgia Posts: 40,735	It is clear to me that you are a great son - glad you could be by her side. I’m sure she was glad too. Sent from my iPhoneX using Tapatalk __________________ Does anyone really know what time it is?

19 January 2018, 11:28 AM	#4
Flyinghunter "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: South Posts: 342	Prayers up for continued progress with her health.

19 January 2018, 11:38 AM	#5
GerardoG Banned Join Date: Oct 2005 Real Name: Gerardo Location: Here Watch: ALL of them Posts: 32,098	I am very happy to hear she is doing better. Will keep her in our prayers. Saludos!

19 January 2018, 11:46 AM	#6
BristolCavendish Banned Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: United States Posts: 1,864	Your words were spoken from the heart, Paul. Glad to hear that your Mom is pulling through. My mother (92) underwent a similar medical crisis and now has a pacemaker to counter her irregular heartbeat. As far as the Lincoln hybrid goes, it's just a car. And ideally (in the event you opt to follow her 'automotive' wishes), may this acquisition be way farther down the road.

19 January 2018, 11:58 AM	#9
Canefan1 Banned Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Homestead Posts: 1,247	Tears. Thanks be to God.

19 January 2018, 12:09 PM	#10
Abdullah71601 Banned Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Calumet Harbor Watch: ing da Bears Posts: 13,568	Great news Paul. Prayer works.

19 January 2018, 12:17 PM	#11
locutus49 Banned Join Date: May 2014 Real Name: John Location: La Jolla, CA Watch: Platona Posts: 12,194	Glad things worked out, Paul. I had my own crisis as my wife had a cardiac event (congestive heart failure, pulmonary thrombosis) while we were out for a walk, but she is out of the hospital and doing fine. So good news all round.

19 January 2018, 12:19 PM	#12
Brenngun 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Real Name: Rick Location: Smokin' Heaven Watch: Rolex & Tudor Posts: 3,822	Paul, so glad to hear your mom has improved. Hope all continues in a positive direction except the Lincoln promise. I hope that promise doesn't get fulfilled for many years to come. I'm sure Danny83 will support that thought. __________________ Simple solutions solve complexed problems more often than complexed solutions solve simple problems!

19 January 2018, 12:22 PM	#13
henrylee "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Socal/LA Watch: 116610LN Ceramic Posts: 3,214	Glad to hear she converted back to sinus rhythm spontaneously. She loves you greatly! __________________ ♛ Sub 116610LN 2011 ♛ GMT 126710BLNR 2021 ♛ GMT 126711CHNR 2020 ♛ Datejust 16233 X-series 1993 Ω Speedmaster Mitsukoshi 2019 č Cartier Tank w5200025 2021

19 January 2018, 12:32 PM	#14
Kevin.S "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Real Name: Kevin Location: Maine Watch: All of them Posts: 1,371	Great post Paul , I really connect with trying to stay strong in front of your mother, then falling apart when by yourself ... very glad to hear she is feeling better:)

19 January 2018, 12:41 PM	#15
teqp "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Real Name: Phil Location: SoCal Watch: 116613LN Posts: 3,052	Very happy to hear your mother is doing better. Prayers sent her way that she continues feeling better. You’re a good man, Paul.

19 January 2018, 12:45 PM	#16
AzHadEnuf "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Real Name: Ralph Location: Tucson, Arizona Watch: 6263,DJ,SUB,BB,THR Posts: 2,043	Best wishes to your Mom Paul __________________ "The only reason for time is so that everything doesn't happen at once." -A. Einstein

19 January 2018, 12:51 PM	#17
Chewbacca Banned Join Date: May 2012 Real Name: CJ Location: Kashyyyk Watch: Kessel Run Chrono Posts: 21,113	Be strong Paulie!!!

19 January 2018, 12:58 PM	#18
Laszlo 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: San Francisco, CA Watch: Date & No Date Posts: 10,857	Your mom is awesome, Paul. What a trooper. __________________ "You might as well question why we breathe. If we stop breathing, we'll die. If we stop fighting our enemies, the world will die." Paul Henreid as Victor Laszlo in Casablanca

19 January 2018, 01:10 PM	#19
goin camping "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Real Name: Milo Location: Mojave Desert Posts: 922	Congrats on not getting the Lincoln! Great news. Went through the same thing with my Mom. She didn't make it. Since I loved my Mom I'd call every few days and visit every fortnight or less. Fortunately Mom only lived 90 minutes away. So why am I telling you this? Because it is crucial to your level of guilt later in life that you call and visit your Mom as often as possible. I doubt your Mother would be bothered if you called her every day. Mine wasn't. Prayers sent for your Moms full and speedy recovery.

19 January 2018, 01:11 PM	#20
BNA/LION 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: May 2011 Real Name: Larry Location: San Diego, CA Watch: ROLEX Posts: 25,206	You are a good son Paul! Take care of you Mon and yourself. Let me know if you need anything. __________________ ✦ 28238 President DD 18K/YG ✦ 16610LN SS Sub ✦ 16613 18K/SS Serti ✦ 16550 Exp II Non-Rail Cream Dial ✦ Daytona C 116500 ✦ 126710 BLRO GMT-Master II ✦ NEXT-->? ⛳ Hole In One! 10/3/19 DMCC 5th hole, par 3, 168 yards w/ 4-Iron.

19 January 2018, 01:14 PM	#21
Lawman77 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Oregon, USA Posts: 481	Excellent and educational moment that you shared. Hope it all works out well for your mother and you as well

19 January 2018, 01:15 PM	#22
Latrodectus 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Real Name: Fred Location: KY, USA Watch: GMT-Master II Posts: 9,993	I wish you and your Mom all the best. Glad to hear that she is doing better! __________________ Member # 16057 4-Hands Club Tosser Club Member TRF Skypers Group

19 January 2018, 01:18 PM	#23
Boothroyd 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: May 2011 Real Name: Daniel Location: Minneapolis, MN Watch: Wilsdorf(s) Posts: 10,186	Hang in there, Paul. You are doing your stoic best to provide strength at a tenuous time...look at it this way, your strength has already improved the situation. Very best to you and your family. Be there for them, as you have been. __________________ Explorer 214270 MK I/Datejust II Black 116300/Tudor Heritage Black Bay Black 79220N

19 January 2018, 01:36 PM	#24
Old Geezer "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2015 Location: Earth Watch: 126619LB and more Posts: 5,207	Great news of your mother’s improving condition. Hope she is back on her feet quickly and coaxes you into buying your grail car. Continued prayers for a fast and complete recovery.

19 January 2018, 01:43 PM	#25
East Bay Rider "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Real Name: Bill Location: East Bay RI Watch: GMT-II 16710LN Posts: 11,886	Prayers for your mom. She sounds like one in a million. __________________ I bought a cheap watch from the crazy man Floating down canal It doesn't use numbers or moving hands It always just says "now" Now you may be thinking that I was had But this watch is never wrong And if I have trouble the warranty said Breathe In, Breathe Out, Move On J. Buffett Instagram: eastbayrider46

19 January 2018, 01:57 PM	#26
DJ TT 2002 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Hollywood 1950 Posts: 4,059	Paul, I am thrilled to hear that your mother has continued to improve!!!! You have a terrific medical team team providing top notch care. I am truly glad to have been able to able to help you, even in a small way. Be well,my friend,and best wishes for your family, Terry

19 January 2018, 02:21 PM	#27
Tri-Tip "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: CA, USA Watch: Out!!! Posts: 6,407	Glad to hear of the wonderful improvement Paul. I hope it's many years before you have to go and buy that Lincoln!

19 January 2018, 02:38 PM	#28
swils8610 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Real Name: shannon Location: usa Posts: 8,993	Great news Paul!! You will get that new Lincoln yet! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

19 January 2018, 02:45 PM	#29
Danny83 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Real Name: Danny Location: Bay Area CA Watch: Yellow Gold Posts: 20,166	Thats great to hear Paul ...!!! Terrys in for a ride I hope I never sell you a Lincoln

19 January 2018, 04:20 PM	#30
tritium8 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Real Name: N8 Location: L.A. Watch: 216570 Posts: 1,745	Man, she really must not like that Lincoln. Glad to hear she's doing better!

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