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Heart Healthy

by habituallychic

12 . 11 . 12

Contrary to popular relief, I don’t like sharing too much about my private life because I like to keep it, well private.  Something has happened recently that I feel I must share because it might affect the blog and posts.

My father just had a triple bypass operation so things are needless to say very stressful and upsetting right now.  I will be home for two weeks to help my mother take care of him.  It’s the blind leading the blind so if you have any suggestions for books or websites that helped you or someone you know get through a similar situation, I would appreciate some suggestions.

I would also appreciate your understanding if it take me longer to reply to emails or if there is a day without a post or a repeat post.  I’m not exactly in the mood to discuss decorating or fashion right now, well maybe a little fashion, but only a little. I would also appreciate it if you could please refrain from emailing me first thing in the morning to tell me that you don’t like something, you know who you are.

I would also like to thank my friends who have been extremely supportive and kind during this difficult situation.  I really appreciate it!

HC

50 Comments
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  1. design roundup December 11, 2012 | 2:26 pm

    Heather,

    You and your family are in my prayers as your father recovers from his surgery. And don’t worry about posts, your loyal followers will be here regardless of the circumstances.

    God Bless + Happy Holidays,
    ♥, Londa
    designroundup.blogspot.com

  2. Amy December 11, 2012 | 2:34 pm

    Dear HC –
    My dad and our family went through the same thing back in 1999. He is doing great…but men can be *such* bad patients. I remember my dad did go through a bit of depression after the surgery, which I imagine is normal. (That whole facing one’s own mortality thing…)I think that was partially combated by the vigorous rehab process and the physical activity regimen which followed.
    Peace be with you and your family through the holidays. I will keep you in my thoughts.
    Amy

  3. DaniBP December 11, 2012 | 2:37 pm

    I’m so sorry your father is in poor health at the moment, how stressful. I am sending my prayers and best wishes to you and your family.
    You always offer so much inspiration, thank you for that!
    xo

  4. therelishedroost December 11, 2012 | 2:44 pm

    This is such a stressful time as it is and when one is sick its awful, I feel your pain. My mother has to have spinal surgery this coming Friday. I actually used to be an intensive care nurse over 20 years ago before I followed my passion of design. A good book to get for you and your Dad is-So your Having Bypass Surgery-by Brett C. Sheridan MD>Its also to really rest, de stress and clean ones body out so also Dr. Joel Fuhrman who is located in NJ can get bodies right on track through nutrition as well. Hope this helps a bit, stay strong and get some good comedies nothing more healing than laughter!
    Karolyn

  5. agnes December 11, 2012 | 2:48 pm

    My Husband was just in the hospital (that’s why I missed your book signing in Jayson Home in Chicago)so I know how you feel. I will pray for you and your family.

  6. meenal bishnoi December 11, 2012 | 3:12 pm

    I am so sorry to hear about your father’s ill health. I empathize with you as I know exactly what you must be going through as we are also going through some really trying times with my mother’s illness. I don’t really have much to say except, be brave and stay positive as its your strength which will go a long way in giving your dad confidence and will power to fight the situation. Your family will be in my prayers.
    warm hugs, Meenal

  7. J December 11, 2012 | 3:54 pm

    I am so sorry to hear about your father’s surgery. My father had a quadruple bypass in 2000 and I think one of the most important things to remember is to practice self care. In order to take care of someone you must also take care of yourself. It isn’t selfish, it is a necessary step to ensure that you and your mother are giving your father the best care. As for your father, he will have his good days and bad. Depression is something that can set in for a patient who has experienced a major surgery such as this. However, he has the love of you and your mother which will help him through. Sending your father and all of you good thoughts and energy.
    Jennifer

  8. 9f169640-43ba-11e2-8403-000bcdca4d7a December 11, 2012 | 5:45 pm

    I’m sorry to hear your news. I will be praying for your dad and your family, and will be happy for whatever you post, whenever you post it. Both my parents suffered illnesses and I learned that both they, and I, were far stronger than I gave any of us credit for. I know you will be too.

  9. simplequietmodern December 11, 2012 | 5:49 pm

    Heather…first things first…there is pleanty of great material here already…don’t worry about it. My best wishes for his speeding recovery and to you and your Mother as well.

  10. Karen Albert December 11, 2012 | 6:23 pm

    Oh Heather I am so sorry about your father. I know he is in good hands. I would say surround him with comfort, a cozy throw, his favorite warm drinks, a neck massage, some Comedy CD’s believe it or not, or if he loves Westerns like my Dad; John Wayne and Clint Eastwood.

    Most of all; your love and being their will make him feel loved and special.

    2012 Artists Series,
    xoxo
    Karena

  11. Inner-Outer Beauty December 11, 2012 | 6:30 pm

    Take your time! Most of us have been through similar or rather similar experiences, in our case it went well, so far. Keep a positive attitude (that’s maybe the hardest though:) and try to bring joy to your father. There are many reports about recovering is easier and better when in joy and in a positive environment. Caroline

  12. Julie December 11, 2012 | 7:10 pm

    Sending prayers and positive thoughts to you and your family.

    Best,
    Julia

  13. Tish December 11, 2012 | 7:28 pm

    Sending prayers and well wishes for a speedy recovery.

  14. Holly Eve December 11, 2012 | 7:32 pm

    Hi,

    hope your dad will get better soon, unfortunatelly i cant offer any practical advice to you (fortunatelly i have never been in this situation), but i know that focusing on the positive always helps, though i know sometimes its difficult to do.

    Sending love and positive engergy your way,

    Zita

  15. Connie Paradise December 11, 2012 | 7:34 pm

    I know how that feels. My dad has been seriously ill off and on several times. Prayers your way. ~connie

  16. Chez Laurel December 11, 2012 | 8:42 pm

    Heather, you are such a dear and you deserve all the best. Just went through a big journey with my own mother and know how this just changes everything else in your life. I will be lifting you up in my prayers…surely we all must support each other in these times of crisis and challenge…life is way too short to waste any energy on being mean to others.

    Peace, love and light to you and yours, Sheila Gustafson (Seattle)

  17. Avis December 11, 2012 | 9:12 pm

    Heather, my father had quadruple bypassing NYC a year and a half ago. I don’t know when your father had his surgery , but I will say that for my father, the improvement over the course of 5 days was remarkable. When it looked the grimmest in the days immediately following the surgery, the tides changed and we saw our father come back to himself. Yours will too. God bless.

  18. Avis December 11, 2012 | 9:13 pm

    Heather, my father had quadruple bypassing NYC a year and a half ago. I don’t know when your father had his surgery , but I will say that for my father, the improvement over the course of 5 days was remarkable. When it looked the grimmest in the days immediately following the surgery, the tides changed and we saw our father come back to himself. Yours will too. God bless.

  19. pinkazalea December 11, 2012 | 9:17 pm

    Sending best wishes to you and your family. You and your mom take care of each other too. Believe and hope for the best. I hope it helps to know that others care.

  20. Meg December 11, 2012 | 10:13 pm

    Take your time getting back to us… We will be here waiting. I will keep your family in my prayers…

  21. Hurbie December 11, 2012 | 10:38 pm

    Heather, I love your blog and am so sorry to hear about your father! Focus on what’s important and don’t worry about a few missed blog posts.

  22. Fashion-isha December 11, 2012 | 11:27 pm

    I’m so sorry you are going through this hard time now. We will be praying for you!
    xo
    Sharon

  23. jtc December 12, 2012 | 12:19 am

    My husband had a valve replacement and a single bypass 2 years ago so I can relate. The best advice for me came from the great nurses who cared for him in the hospital – they said go out to a relaxing dinner and get to bed early at home and let us look after him for when he gets home you will need your energy.

  24. Suzy December 12, 2012 | 12:33 am

    Heather, my father went through the same a few years ago. Unfortunately I have no tips or hints to help, I was living overseas at the time. I hope he’s doing well, and I’m sure with two people who care so much about him taking care of him he will be doing fine in no time.

  25. christilsmith2 December 12, 2012 | 12:55 am

    Hi Heather,

    My dad felt the best he had ever felt after by-pass surgery!!! He did go through a bit of depression. So, hang in there with him and he will be great

  26. Barb December 12, 2012 | 1:36 am

    Heather – Do not worry about your blog community. All you need to focus on is your father. Breathe, manifest him recovering. We will all be here when you return. Namaste’.

  27. Handpicked by Ron and Chris December 12, 2012 | 3:11 am

    Our prayers and kind thoughts for your dad and your family. It is truly a stressful and quite uncertain but guess, the best help is the warmth, patience, utmost generosity and love of family that will see him through.

    All the best

    Chris & Ron
    the Philippines

  28. dervla kelly December 12, 2012 | 5:06 am

    Heather I’ll be thinking about you and your family this holiday season. Take care of yourself and your mom, that’s the most important thing now. Don’t worry about your readers, we’ll all be here when you’re ready to post again. Hope your dad heals up soon.

  29. Maia Carila December 12, 2012 | 8:35 am

    Prayers and best wishes for you and your family from Madrid, Spain.
    I read your blog every single day and it seems to me you are such a strong person, you’ll be a great support to your parents. In case you need to lean on someone’s shoulder, here you can always find your readers!
    Thank you very much for all you give us every day and just forget about the pressure of the blog, we understand and support you!
    Carmen

  30. Bumble at home December 12, 2012 | 9:36 am

    You are so generous we will miss the daily click but this is now the time for us to be generous in return and manage without all the latest news and inspiration until you are full and ready to come back, nothing is more important than ones family and we do all have your book to tide us over!
    All best wishes for a speedy recovery

  31. Donna in Potomac December 12, 2012 | 12:35 pm

    Best wishes to your Dad for a speedy recovery. I trust you will use all the same talents that make you a great photographer; passion, focus & patience. Now you just have to wait for the “picture of health”.

  32. EBeth December 12, 2012 | 12:36 pm

    Hi – my father, at age 80, had the same surgery and came through it fine…although it was incredibly stressful on all of us. I echo the sentiments of the other comments but would add that you are really taking care of two people: your dad AND your mom. Make sure she gets as much rest as she can and out of the house occasionally. Your dad may not be “himself” at first but that’s a phase and he will eventually come back and probably feel much better! I will pray for all of you!

  33. Sharron December 12, 2012 | 12:43 pm

    My f-i-l had quadruple bi-pass surgery many years ago and lived a long productive life after. Imagine how far medicine has come since 18 years ago! Best wishes to your father and mother and I am sure he will be fine. Thank heaven for the modern miracle of medicine!

  34. Creative Tonic December 12, 2012 | 1:32 pm

    Hi!
    Blessings to you! My sweet daddy have a triple heart bypass and heart valve replacement 18 years ago almost to the exact date! He’s 83 now and suits up everyday in a tie and dapper jacket and heads to his law firm! This is such scary surgery but what a blessing there is this surgery! His father died from a heart attack at 50. We are lucky and the prayers will be coming from Houston for your entire family! Be vigilant with the nurses… watch them and make sure what they are suppose to they are doing.
    xxooo-
    Creative Tonic (Courtnay)

  35. Shed - the Eclectic Home December 12, 2012 | 1:57 pm

    Sending good thoughts your way.

  36. MJH Design Arts December 12, 2012 | 2:07 pm

    Hi Heather, I’m sending love and prayers to you and your family. You are in my heart. Mary

  37. vickie landrigan December 12, 2012 | 2:50 pm

    My husband had a quadruple bypass two years ago. Our baby was only nine months old. It was a very sobering experience, to say the least. I just remember feeling frozen, and shocked at the lack of support from most of our friends and family. I don’t think it was intentional; I believe they did not know the magnitude of the surgery. The handful of friends and family who did show, held us up! Embrace all the support and prayers-they will strengthen you and your mother. Make sure to find a good critical omega for him. Be prepared for some temporary change in personality. This is a side effect of the surgery. I made a lot of recipes from the mayo clinic site and dr. oz. Soups are good during this time, because the chest is sensitive.
    And what a wonderful daughter you are to stop your life and be there for dad and mom during this time. This is such a wonderful gift. God Bless,
    xx V.

  38. saffron December 12, 2012 | 2:56 pm

    Sending positive thoughts your way through this challenging time. So sorry to hear about your father’s illness. Stay strong.

    Very best regards,
    ~ Antonia (Toronto, ON)

  39. Gail Storti December 12, 2012 | 3:08 pm

    Sending good thoughts and prayers to you and your dad.

  40. traci zeller designs December 12, 2012 | 3:50 pm

    Sending warm wishes and prayers to you, your father and your whole family as your father recovers!

  41. sandrajonas.com December 12, 2012 | 5:16 pm

    Sending prayers and positive thoughts for a speedy recovery for your dad.
    Take good care of yourself & your mom, you will both need your energy.
    Have gone through similar health and family issues, so I know the importance of keeping yourself strong.
    Don’t worry about the blog, we will all be here when you return.
    xo

  42. Richie Designs December 12, 2012 | 6:08 pm

    My husband works at a very prominent hospital here in LA in cardiac surgery. He does those bypasses daily [not that it’s a comfort when it’s a family member]

    Let me know if you have questions or issues, he could possibly answer things by phone or get you in touch with a surgeon if needed. The surgeons could also recommend other top people in the field back east if it was needed.

    lastly make friends with the surgical P.A. or the charge nurse they will be your best resource for getting you information in a normal lingo way.

    all the best to your family during this stressful situation.
    -richele

  43. Unknown December 12, 2012 | 11:50 pm

    I’m sorry your father had to have this serious surgery. My father had a triple bypass about 20 years ago, and once he was over the initial period of healing, he felt better than he had in a long time. During the rest of his 95-year life, he had no heart-related health problems. I wish the same for your father. You are doing the best thing you could do, for both him and your mother, by being there. Please don’t worry about blogging. Don’t post until you are ready…we will be here when you return. Best wishes to you, your father and you mother, from Leslie in Portland, Oregon

  44. Lindsay December 13, 2012 | 1:13 am

    Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and wishing your dad a speedy recovery!

    xo

  45. Mary December 13, 2012 | 2:26 am

    Wishing you the very best at this stressful time, Heather. Your book is such a pleasure, as are all your posts. They reflect your positive, upbeat attitude and your innate kindness to the world. You are a treasure!

    Mary

  46. TheThreeLLLs December 13, 2012 | 3:28 am

    Heather, I am sorry to hear about your Dad’s health problems. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and sending you positive wishes. Take this time to be with your Dad and take care of yourself as well.

    xoxo

  47. RDR4 December 13, 2012 | 3:53 am

    Heather – I’ll keep your family in my prayers. You do great work and it will be here when you get back, don’t worry about any negative people and best of luck in your Dad’s recovery.

  48. Hallie December 13, 2012 | 7:03 am

    So sorry to hear this Heather, and I’m sending you all the best and to your parents as well.
    Your kindness and consideration will help make him strong again. This is what matters more than anything.
    Good luck.

  49. A Well Styled Life December 13, 2012 | 5:50 pm

    Dear Heather,
    I’m so sorry to hear about your father. I know that as you care for your father and support your mother emotionally you must pay special attention to care for yourself. It can be all to easy to forget the support we ourselves need, as our parents struggle. My thoughts are with you all.
    Jennifer

  50. Belinda WornOut December 23, 2012 | 8:07 pm

    My Dad had a triple bypass in March. He had some very dark days following it and was quite unsure what stamina he would be left with. He now exercises every day (not strenuously) and just completed a long international holiday for my sisters’ wedding, with no dramas. Slow and steady, but an almost complete recovery is possible. Maybe suggest reading up on Sir Ranulph Fiennes (the explorer and also Ralph and Joseph’s father) – did a polar expedition 6 months’ after his bypass!!

    Am hoping your father is doing well.