Prayer request

[tsmitherman]

I am scheduled for open heart surgery on Monday, and would appreciate the prayers of my friends here who are believers.

I hope you will especially include Glenda in your prayers, as all this has come about rather quickly, and she (nor I) were really prepared for it.

Thanks,
Tom

[slug]

Tom; I am just now recovering/recuperating from triple bypass surgery I had on March 19. Like you totally unexpected. I now consider myself the luckiest man alive for several reasons;
One; I got a warning (angina) and the professionals jumped right on it. Two; My heart is in excellent condition in spite of complete artery blockages. Three; My wife of 52 years is a trooper in spite of her own medical problems and is my best friend.
Four; We have friends we have known for over 40 yrs' who took care of all transportation and visiting ( a 2 1/2 hr drive each way).

My operation was over in 2 1/2 hours and I was back home in 6 days ( Oh boy...real food again!)
In the US they do literally millions of these operations every year, and they have it down to a science..they are real good at it. Like everything in life, there are no guarantees, but you'll get the best care available by absolute professionals.
I wish you all the luck for a speedy recovery ( it does get boring at times not being able to do anything for 5 or 6 weeks ), and like you two, we are looking forward to the summer on the water.

God Bless; Doug and Verna Harrison

[Bill Edmundson]

Tom

Our best. We're headed to the coast tomorrow. We'll be back about the time you get out. Let me know if I can do anything. You know that I owe you.

Bill

[Lowka53]

My best as always Hang in there I was luckily I never have had the bypass done on me but have had several heart attacks. they are never something you expect. my father lasted 20 years after his by pass. recovery isn't fast but don't vegetate after it totally that is the real killer after having one not doing anything. Luck to you and prayers

[vupilot]

We will be thinking of you and your family Tom. Hope you have a speedy recovery so you can get back on the water soon with the grandkids when school is out.

[hdunk]

Tom, you and your wife are in my prayers... hang in there and how true the comment to stay active afterwards.. Wish I was closer.

[tsmitherman]

Thanks to everyone for the prayers and encouragement.
I spent 3 days on the tugboat with my son Nathan and my 8 year old grandson Dallas two weeks ago. We had a great trip from Nickajack Dam (just below Hales Bar Marina) to Chickamauga Marina (above Chattanooga). Dallas and Nathan both saw wild bald eagles for the first time.

My doctor had agreed to postpone my arteriorgram until that trip was over. I think we were both surprised yesterday when the test showed 3 blockages in the 80-90% range and one at 100%. It's a little scary now to think about how many trips I made up and down the steps at Chattanooga from the Bluff Dock to the street!

The surgeon felt it was safe for me to come home until Monday, and I'm sure that Glenda and I will both rest better here than if I'd stayed in the hospital.

As soon as I get access to my phone or iPad after the surgery, I'll post an update.

Thanks again and God bless all of you!
Tom

[Roberta]

You're in our prayers, Tom!! God Speed!!!

Roberta

[cusoak]

Tom I too got a wake up call in Dec 2012. Nothing Wrong I thought, then the pain. I had quadruple buy pass.
I Did not know what to expect from the whole thing, but I can tell you that if you were in good shape before the whole thing.
Then it will be some thing you will look back on in a few weeks and think that was not to bad. Make sure you do some of a heart Rehab workout when you are able.
They do these all the time ( piece of cake)
Jeff

[Trackhappy]

Our best wishes from Down Under Tom. I am sure you will pull up fine.

[fergal butler]

Best wishes from Ireland.

[John K]

Tom, will be thinking about you and offering a prayer that you come through and continue doing what you like best!

[slug]

Fergal; Looks like a Titan?


Doug

[ttownshaw]

Prayers your way Tom.

[John K]

well, its Tuesday. Hope Tom made it OK. Anyone hear?