Guy Merrills Surgery

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. For those of you who don't know, it is an enlargement of the aorta, the main blood vessel that delivers blood to the body, at the level of the abdomen. It is hereditary and predominantly in older men and smokers.

It's not something I thought I would ever say to describe my dad but it is his, and Our, reality now. One minor fender bender and an xray a couple years ago revealed that he had the starting of the Aneurysm. From then on it has been a lot of traveling and extensive tests like cat scans, x-rays, ultrasounds, blood work and monitoring for growth. HE EVEN QUIT SMOKING! Our savings and credit are spent.

Well, his last appointment at Mayo has confirmed that it has grown to the size that it is now medically necessary for operation as soon as possible. At this time, an operation date is still pending as we wait for the dr but it is anticipated for around March/April. We can thank Covid for complicating and postponing the whole process.

Anyone who knows my dad knows just how stubborn and impatient he can be, just ask my mom. Lol He's always been the one who helps and refuses to ask for help so I am asking on his behalf. With very limited income and insurance, the medical expenses, travel, lodging (while he's in the hospital), time off work, medication and any necessary expenses that result are going to be far beyond what we can take care of. So I am asking all of our friends and family for your help. ANY amount would mean the world to him and our family. If you wish to reach out to him, please give him time to get back to you. Part of this whole process was for him to have dentures done so he has recently gone through oral surgery and is healing from that. Also, please share this any way you can to help this reach as many people as it can.

We are all soo appreciative of all the love and support throughout this unsure and difficult time. Thank you all.