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News and Discussions => Nuke Community => Illness & Injuries => Topic started by: blackballedsnake on Sep 13, 2009, 11:13

Title: Terence J. Shaffer needs a pacemaker.
Post by: blackballedsnake on Sep 13, 2009, 11:13

Hey there all you 'ol timers...;) My dad (Terence) is getting a pacemaker "installed" on 9/15/09. He had a stress test done about 2 months ago. Well, when he did the "treadmill thing", his heart rate went down instead of up! :o The doctor said, "Hmm?" My dad (in classic form) said, "Ohh, that can't be good!" :(  Y'know, isn't that the way life is...he JUST retired (in March '09), and now this! ::) I worry about the 'ol man...as I should. ;D  - Mike "Snake" Shaffer. 8)

Title: Re: Terence J. Shaffer needs a pacemaker.
Post by: NJ on Sep 13, 2009, 04:15

Sorry to hear this news.  This will go well..at least he caught it early enough to enjoy his retirement.  Tell him he's in my prayers!
Nancy Jo

Title: Re: Terence J. Shaffer needs a pacemaker.
Post by: Content1 on Sep 13, 2009, 04:24

I have a wierd heartbeat and I was investigate for a pacemaker.   I didn't need it at this time, but one thing I learned about modern pacemakers are they are a backup systems not in use unless the heartbeat gets too low and it kicks in to increase the rate.  Doesn't work otherwise like the 6 million dollar man.  They have their place and we are lucky such devices are available to prolong life.

Title: Re: Terence J. Shaffer needs a pacemaker.
Post by: hezabear on Sep 14, 2009, 12:01

Mike I will add your dad to my prayers. I have 2 friends with pacemakers and they are doing well. Take care of your Dad and yourself. Always Brad

Title: Re: Terence J. Shaffer needs a pacemaker.
Post by: blackballedsnake on Sep 14, 2009, 07:40

Thanks much NJ, Content1, and Heza Bear! :) It's nice to know that people care...my dad's been in the "nuke biz" since 1968! :o He started his career at Numec/B&W in Parks Township, Armstrong County, PA. (The people who worked there were known as the "Apollo Connection") When B&W got shut down by the N.I.M.B.Y.'s, he became a "roady" in 1977 with "outfits" like RAD Services, Chem-Nuclear, NSS, Numanco, Westinghouse, and Bartlett...yada, yada, yada! ;D He quit the "roady stuff" in the mid 90's, and settled into an office/sales/manager position with Master-Lee Energy. Now he's officially on "permanent vacation", so to speak. ;) He did what he had to do to provide for his family...I am VERY proud of my father, he deserves to enjoy every moment of his retirement! ;) ;D  - Snake. 8)

Title: Re: Terence J. Shaffer needs a pacemaker.
Post by: Nuclear NASCAR on Sep 14, 2009, 09:47

Mike,
I'll be keeping your Dad and your whole family in my prayers over this.  My son got a pacemaker about 5 1/2 years ago for his 13th birthday.  It worried us at first but with the issues that it has taken care of I can say if he needs it get it.  If you have any questions don't hesitate to PM me and I'll be glad to answer anything.

Peace,
Tom

Title: Re: Terence J. Shaffer needs a pacemaker.
Post by: Mike McFarlin on Sep 14, 2009, 10:18

You and your Dad are in our prayers.

Title: Re: Terence J. Shaffer needs a pacemaker.
Post by: blackballedsnake on Sep 14, 2009, 04:05

Thank you Tom & Mike. :) We (family) will be there for him when he comes outta surgery tomorrow evening...except for my brother, Eric. :( He's at Peach Bottom w/ Master-Lee. We'll keep him posted by phone. Again, thanks to everyone for your kind words, and personal experiences with this type of procedure. ;D   - Mike. 8)

Title: Re: Terence J. Shaffer needs a pacemaker.
Post by: blackballedsnake on Sep 16, 2009, 01:51

Hi there everyone! :) All went very well at the hospital. He was discharged today...no issues...just a little sore from being cut open. I asked him if I should hook him up to the "trickle charger" while he sleeps! ;D He just gave me that "look", and flipped me the "New Jersey salute". Hey, I gotta keep the 'ol man on his toes! ;)   - Snake. 8)

Title: Re: Terence J. Shaffer needs a pacemaker.
Post by: Mike McFarlin on Sep 16, 2009, 04:34

Glad all went OK!!!

Title: Re: Terence J. Shaffer needs a pacemaker.
Post by: hezabear on Sep 16, 2009, 07:36

Glad to hear he is doing well. Brad

Title: Re: Terence J. Shaffer needs a pacemaker.
Post by: SloGlo on Sep 17, 2009, 06:37

Quote from: blackballedsnake on Sep 16, 2009, 01:51

I asked him if I should hook him up to the "trickle charger" while he sleeps! ;D He just gave me that "look

nex time don't axe him!  just wait til he nods off 'n clamp his nips!  he'll give ya a look, aisle betcha!  tell da ole man i'm  pullin four hymn, k?

Title: Re: Terence J. Shaffer needs a pacemaker.
Post by: DoctorD on Sep 17, 2009, 10:06

Mike,

Sorry to hear about your dad's needin' the pacemaker but, darn glad to hear that the ol' SeaDog is doing okay now!!  Please tell him that Doc (from the old days with RSS and Palisades) is sending his best wishes for a complete and speedy recovery.  We haven't seen each other in many years but your dad is a great friend and one of those that's never forgotten.  If he's got Email access, tell him to send me a note:  Doc@Greer-Construction.com, I'd sure like to touch base with him again.

God Speed,  Doc

Title: Re: Terence J. Shaffer needs a pacemaker.
Post by: blackballedsnake on Sep 18, 2009, 12:26

Sorry, he's not a computer/email type of person. :( I'll do ya one better...give him a call! ;D He will enjoy hearin' from some of the "old school" crew. ;) (724) 787-2730. Thanks so much to everyone for yer thoughts, and prayers for my dad's recovery. ;)    - Mike "Snake" Shaffer. 8)