Rick Alexander's hospitalization and passing
Moderator: Brad Bechtel
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- Ronald Smith
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rick
Rick,
This old man has already talked with the Master and looking for a speedy recovery. We all need you and your music that is so great.
God bless all,
Ronald Smith
This old man has already talked with the Master and looking for a speedy recovery. We all need you and your music that is so great.
God bless all,
Ronald Smith
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I talked to Rick this morning! He's doing as well as can be expected at this point. He's weak, of course, but in good spirits
He had the heart cath on Friday, and it went well. The heart and vessels were in good condition, so no no stent was needed; in fact, it was determined that the malfunctioning valve is a congenital defect. So at least there's no vessel disease or damage.
On Monday, he'll have the big procedure... replacement of the aortic valve via open heart surgery. Basically, a tube will be inserted into his airway, so a respirator can take over breathing. Then, the chest will be cut and cracked open. Since the surgeon can't work on a beating heart, a cardio-pulmonary bypass machine (also called a heart-lung machine) is used to keep oxygen-rich blood flowing through the body while the heart is stopped. Once the old valve is cut out and replaced, the heart is restarted, and he'll be disconnected from the machines. The procedure usually takes about 3 to 4 hours.
He was able to read some posts and is so thankful to everyone for their support. He asked me several times to be sure I thanked everyone. It has really meant a lot to him...at times, he told me it was as if he could feel the power of prayer helping him a long. Especially when he got the news that there's no further damage, other than the valve itself.
I'll update you on further info as I receive it.
Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers...he's certainly not out of the woods yet, and needs all of us pulling for him on the big day.
He had the heart cath on Friday, and it went well. The heart and vessels were in good condition, so no no stent was needed; in fact, it was determined that the malfunctioning valve is a congenital defect. So at least there's no vessel disease or damage.
On Monday, he'll have the big procedure... replacement of the aortic valve via open heart surgery. Basically, a tube will be inserted into his airway, so a respirator can take over breathing. Then, the chest will be cut and cracked open. Since the surgeon can't work on a beating heart, a cardio-pulmonary bypass machine (also called a heart-lung machine) is used to keep oxygen-rich blood flowing through the body while the heart is stopped. Once the old valve is cut out and replaced, the heart is restarted, and he'll be disconnected from the machines. The procedure usually takes about 3 to 4 hours.
He was able to read some posts and is so thankful to everyone for their support. He asked me several times to be sure I thanked everyone. It has really meant a lot to him...at times, he told me it was as if he could feel the power of prayer helping him a long. Especially when he got the news that there's no further damage, other than the valve itself.
I'll update you on further info as I receive it.
Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers...he's certainly not out of the woods yet, and needs all of us pulling for him on the big day.
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Rick
It is good to know that there is no other damage. About 70,000 of these "procedures" are done in the US every year, so the surgeons get enough practice to "keep their hand in".
He won't know anything about the operation, but when he wakes up, he will be in for 6 to 8 weeks of unbelievable weakness and lack of motivation. The salt free diet they put you own makes everything taste like sawdust, and I had to make myself drink water, and I still didn't drink enough. He will make it though, and be back at full speed by next March in Dallas.
He won't know anything about the operation, but when he wakes up, he will be in for 6 to 8 weeks of unbelievable weakness and lack of motivation. The salt free diet they put you own makes everything taste like sawdust, and I had to make myself drink water, and I still didn't drink enough. He will make it though, and be back at full speed by next March in Dallas.
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DAMMIT ......and every other exclamation I can and can't think of, condensed (^%$#^%$#@&$* ). Grrrrrrrrr.......
Just got back to the SGF after several weeks absence; And find this news. Grrrrrrr..................
Sorry, I have a hard time hearing of Friends with troubles, .....even though I know darn well that there is Good reason in the cosmos for Those that deserve it, and Rick SURE deserves Good (MUCH more than candy stripers washin' his toes .....although that's a pretty good bennie itself); And he's sure up to this sidetrack and challenge. So when my innards settle down here I'm sure I will realize this challenge is indeed for some Good and rewarding reason (like revealing the faulty valve at just the right time, etc.); Tryin' to convince myself anyway. But in the meantime, GRRRRRRRR...............
Lord, ......help me understand what yer doin' here ....7 come 11 for Rick if You will please ....I'll clean my dashboard's plastic Jesus, and hang a fresh lei on it, as soon as I finish this message (well, soon as I try to contact Rick); .....And bless all them starvin' pygmies down in new guinnea; Trying real hard here, Boss; Amen.
Rick and Family; BE SURE to let me & us here know if you Folks need anything at all; No doubt you got plenty Friends and Folks here eager to deliver. MANY hands and hearts outstretched for ya, Bro. Give us the pleasure and honor of returning the Friendship and gracious generosity you've given all of us; We.O.U.
Just got back to the SGF after several weeks absence; And find this news. Grrrrrrr..................
Sorry, I have a hard time hearing of Friends with troubles, .....even though I know darn well that there is Good reason in the cosmos for Those that deserve it, and Rick SURE deserves Good (MUCH more than candy stripers washin' his toes .....although that's a pretty good bennie itself); And he's sure up to this sidetrack and challenge. So when my innards settle down here I'm sure I will realize this challenge is indeed for some Good and rewarding reason (like revealing the faulty valve at just the right time, etc.); Tryin' to convince myself anyway. But in the meantime, GRRRRRRRR...............
Lord, ......help me understand what yer doin' here ....7 come 11 for Rick if You will please ....I'll clean my dashboard's plastic Jesus, and hang a fresh lei on it, as soon as I finish this message (well, soon as I try to contact Rick); .....And bless all them starvin' pygmies down in new guinnea; Trying real hard here, Boss; Amen.
Rick and Family; BE SURE to let me & us here know if you Folks need anything at all; No doubt you got plenty Friends and Folks here eager to deliver. MANY hands and hearts outstretched for ya, Bro. Give us the pleasure and honor of returning the Friendship and gracious generosity you've given all of us; We.O.U.
Last edited by Denny Turner on 17 May 2009 8:37 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Aloha,
Denny T~
http://www.dennysguitars.com/
Please help support humanity:
http://www.redcross.org/en/aboutus
Denny T~
http://www.dennysguitars.com/
Please help support humanity:
http://www.redcross.org/en/aboutus
- Fred Kinbom
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Thanks for the update Jeff! Hang in there Rick - all the best for the operation and recovery.
Fred
Fred
www.fredrikkinbom.com - New lap steel album out now - listen here: fredrikkinbom.bandcamp.com/album/songs-for-lap-steel-and-harmonium
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Another voice from Seattle wishing you all the best of everything. Quick recovery to you buddy!
"The Masher of Touch and Tone"
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Rick
Hey Jeff, Do you have another update for us??