Virginia (Ginger)'s Heart Valve Journal

Terrie Syvertsen  Hi Mia. How was your re-entry into the water?! I can't wait but still curious how the sternum area will fare. Does the chlorine bother your scar surface? Think ... Read more

Terrie Syvertsen  Hi Mia. How was your re-entry into the water?! I can't wait but still curious how the sternum area will fare. Does the chlorine bother your scar surface? Think of you often. Hope the kids aren't running you ragged.
Have to go. Love, Terrie

Mary Myers  My re entry into the water was fantastic. The chlorine doesnot bother my scar area. My scar is healing nicely. We will have to chat on the phone again soon. ... Read more

Mary Myers  My re entry into the water was fantastic. The chlorine doesnot bother my scar area. My scar is healing nicely. We will have to chat on the phone again soon. The kids keep me busy. I reduce my hours when I feel exhausted. Think of you too. Its hard to believe I am eight months post op. You are seven! Take care. Love, Mia

Virginia (Ginger) French  Terrie, Any day you're up to it is a good day for me! We always seem to have plenty to talk about, and the weather is always perfect! I always enjoy the time ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Terrie, Any day you're up to it is a good day for me! We always seem to have plenty to talk about, and the weather is always perfect! I always enjoy the time we spend together and I know that laughter is good for the soul!
Lots of love and hugs,
Ginger

Virginia (Ginger) French  Geri,
It is so great to hear from you! Sounds like there has been a lot to deal with in your extended family. I am delighted to hear you are doing fine and ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Geri,
It is so great to hear from you! Sounds like there has been a lot to deal with in your extended family. I am delighted to hear you are doing fine and have been able to get some exercise despite the weather.

My younger sister is a real yoga guru, and I think it would be a good thing just for the stretching as much as anything else. But you are smart to let your sternum heal first.

How compassionate of you to be with your sister-in-law. It is a sad situation. My Mom died of cancer when I was pregnant with my first child, and she died at home as my Dad's mom had died in our home years earlier. It is such a comfort for them to be in their own family home surroundings when possible, but not all families can handle it. I know when my father-in-law was pronounced to be terminal, he did not want to be cared for in the nursing home attached to the hospital where he had been a family physician. Although hospice was barely going back in those days, we were able to take him to his home and Jim's mom and I did most of the care. When you think about it, that is how it always used to be.

Thanks for your kind words about our family and little Grand Autumn Grace. Writing about the family just flows for me. I grew up in a wonderful family with loving, intelligent, and fun parents who had great senses of humor and really loved each other more than probably any other couple I have known all my life. It was absolutely the best atmosphere to learn in and see how they worked together and handled situations. There was rarely a harsh word, as each of them had a parent who was a Quaker. Dad was transferred around the country a lot, but that helped us to find our stability in the family itself and the faith that was evident and practiced. Quickly we learned that the town and house, neighbors and school, all would change, but God and the family were always there for us.

I have often lamented my having the traumatic brain injury when our children were only 6 and 8, but I was still there for them as much as I could be.

This next generation is such fun. Our daughter and her husband are extremely involved in every bit of Autumn's life, and she thrives in all of that love and attention. She is a joy to all of us, even my son Steven, the big Uncle! Autumn is growing and learning so much these days! Just this past week she said my name "Granna" and also got past cat and kitty to "Lacie". Our dear Lacie cat is at least 18 years old, and she tries to keep her distance from Autumn. Autumn and I were expecting one of her parents to pick her up just two weeks ago, and at 17 months, Autumn starting catching on to the word "Come". Then she added "Come soon!" Really fun to watch that strong little 17 month old as she picks up my 5 pound weights (weighing only about 20 pounds herself!) and carries around some of the large stuffed animals that belonged to her Momma, Elizabeth, initially. She hefts them into chairs and puts them on the ouch or down to "nap". And in volume they have to be at least 3 times her size!

My twin, who had the first grandchildren in our part of the family came up with "Granna" to honor our own grandmothers, both of whom were named Anna. I think it is clever and heart-warming. It makes me smile inside.

Again, so delighted to hear from you and to know you are well. I start to wonder how everyone is doing and just decided to check in!

Take care and know that I send love and hugs and prayers for all good things, Ginger

Virginia (Ginger) French  miniZ, you are really looking good and wow - you are literally going places! I am honored to be your friend. From hearing the helicopters you had mentioned ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  miniZ, you are really looking good and wow - you are literally going places! I am honored to be your friend. From hearing the helicopters you had mentioned and walking the loop of the hallways past the portraits, i am glad to be following your footsteps in my own way! Take care, Big Guy!

Virginia (Ginger) French  Karen, Thanks for the message! There was an overwhelming chorus of "Get a Chair" in full harmony, but, as in the past, I am not afraid to be called a Spoiler. ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Karen, Thanks for the message! There was an overwhelming chorus of "Get a Chair" in full harmony, but, as in the past, I am not afraid to be called a Spoiler. I do very firmly believe that there are multiple perspectives, and it is easy to jump on the bandwagon, but I want to hear Truth as different people see it.

We actually have a Tempeurpedic "Clone" -- really indistinguishable from each other. So with the bilateral mastectomies, I, too, had issues that would have been minimized with a bed that was less giving. But I think you may be able to compensate for it for the short time you will need less give by getting a large piece of particle board and having help putting it between mattresses where you sleep and move on the bed. Cheaper than a new bed! Might be worth a try!

I spent two long stretches in Denver hospitals when my Dad's now widow underwent neck and back surgeries. I lived in the hospital for 7 days and nine days literally in her room, even in the ICU, when she was in her 70s. I was there every step of the learning process for moving without twisting, then the PT that came later, and I think people should routinely be told about some of these things.

I suppose I could see if Adam Pick would put a piece in the Learning Center about physical preparation for valve surgery (without marathons), proper movement in order to maximize comfort and mobility without endangering one's health after surgery, and such.

I have also written several pieces on incision care from immediate post-op through incision sensitivity while bypassing the Drive Oneself Crazy Tug and Itch. I would have no problem in their being reproduced. I know that this is a greater problem for women than for men (and Terrie agrees) because of the pulling of the breast tissue, even for those of us not well endowed! But I recall Eleanor Rebollar referring to the "Bear Claw" that would suddenly attack her operative site. It can certainly be minimized or avoided altogether.

Karen, my Mom often told us that if we remained flexible we would be less likely to break. That is so true in so many instances.

I appreciate your friendship and am glad you are a part of this Heart Family.
Warm hugs,
Ginger

  Thank you again Ginger. I am going to try the piece of wood. I was talking to a man who does odd jobs for me around the house sometimes and he's going to ... Read more

  Thank you again Ginger. I am going to try the piece of wood. I was talking to a man who does odd jobs for me around the house sometimes and he's going to get me a piece of wood like described and help me with that. Money is tight so if I don't have to buy a piece of furniture just because it might help for a short period of time, then I would prefer to not spend that kind of money.

By the way, I practiced getting up and down, in and out of my recliner that I already have and I saw that it might not be much of a problem since the recliner is a rocker and whenever I get up from the recliner anyway, the front leans forward and touches the floor. I think this will work just fine. It's not a power recliner and not sure if I'll be able to reach down and use the handle, but I'll figure something out. Besides, it's not like it's going to be forever. And I have to believe that not everyone has a power lift chair. Some people don't even have a recliner. As I said earlier, I know people personally who have had OHS and they didn't buy or rent a chair. In fact, all I heard from them was that they missed the adjustable hospital bed because it was easier than propping themselves up in bed at night. So while it wasn't as nice as the hospital bed, they made it work. And during the day, when I visited the two I was closest to, they were sitting on their couch. So I feel better about the chair deal.

As for the mattress, I'm going to try the wood soon even if I'm not ready to have surgery because I find the mattress to be too giving anyway and I wake up with a backache in the morning. So I'm thinking maybe that will work even now. Thanks!

Mary Myers  Sounds like a plan Karen. I did use a electric recliner and it worked great for me. I slept in it for the first two weeks. It made it easier for me to get ... Read more

Mary Myers  Sounds like a plan Karen. I did use a electric recliner and it worked great for me. I slept in it for the first two weeks. It made it easier for me to get up and down. I found that a body pillow helped me to be comfortable in the recliner and then when I moved to my bed. Drop a line when you can Karen. How are you doing? Miss you! Mia

Virginia (Ginger) French  Pam, Glad you reached out. I tried to find you a few days ago and don't know why I could not, but there are so many people now compared to when I first came ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Pam, Glad you reached out. I tried to find you a few days ago and don't know why I could not, but there are so many people now compared to when I first came on. I'll send you an e-mail. And if you want to know more about me, feel free to go through my Journal. And don't miss the photos because the family I adore is rather prominently featured!
Soon, Ginger

Virginia (Ginger) French  Hey, Little Sis! Great to hear from you! I will put up a post about my energy level problem, but steps have been taken to step it up. Good for you to think ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Hey, Little Sis! Great to hear from you! I will put up a post about my energy level problem, but steps have been taken to step it up. Good for you to think of your safety. I was going through the same decision-making yesterday. I received a call from a friend saying the weather had turned to freezing drizzle or sleet, and to please stay home from cardiac rehab. I called my husband, who left at 6 AM for a case. He had not been out since then so couldn't judge. But when he left the hospital in the next hour he called to say "Wet roads, no ice, but dense fog. Use your lights, watch out for others who do not, and give yourself extra time." Yes, that sounds like a surgeon who was on two trauma teams for 18 years of his career. And I had called rehab just before he called and they said if I want to come to one of the later sessions, that would be fine - things were supposed to get warmer. I was glad to get to my regular time with 20 minutes to spare, and they had opened the doors early so people could get in and out. Very thoughtful.

I have way too much mail to go through and wish had more free time, but did receive my first answer to the "What do you want for Christmas?" e-mail sent this past week. My son Steven is always great at this. He sends a detailed list, often with links so one can click and get all info, prices, and even buy. He has been in the home he built for about three weeks now, and most of his requests are along those lines.

Autumn whispered her wishes in my ear weeks and weeks ago. She is a bit more aware this year, and knows about presents from her late September birthday. Her gifts have already arrived. As with your almost grandson, those birthdays are really fun!

I have not been on much lately, but ask that you keep a close friend of mine, Jan, in your prayers. She is almost surely going to need surgery soon for her mitral valve, and we have been sharing information and she has my newest copy of Adam's book. She helped me pack for Cleveland, and we did some picking and choosing and she headed home Wednesday afternoon after we had spent about three hours making choices on robes that zip up the front, pants with drawstrings of different weights (cool to warm), even the bandages for the Post-heart cath care and my second BP cuff. Some of what I sent with her will not be needed until she is back home, but she is going to be as comfortable as possible if I can help it. She is smaller than me, but looser is better post-op in my opinion. As we all do on that point in the path, there are so many questions and doubts, but she is otherwise healthy and takes good care of herself and she has not only a supportive husband, but great faith and many who will be (if not already) praying for her. Timing looks to be post-Thanksgiving early December, but without some testing yet to be done, those decisions have yet to be nailed down.

So glad you are enjoying the children at school and all you have going on.

I send you warm wishes for a wonderful Thanksgiving. We have so much to be thankful for this year, for we have been gifted with a new life and are all headed toward better health. I have been calling this "The Year of the Heart", and will continue to.

Three more rehab sessions for me! and looking forward to time with my family, as I know you are.

Butterfly kisses and Eskimo pies and every other good thing! Sending warm hugs and great love and prayers that you continue to be blessed with good things!
Back soon, I hope, Ginger ;o)

Virginia (Ginger) French  Karen, Thanks so much! The heart valve replacement was, I think you know, the fifth major surgery in four years for me. I would say that my identical twin ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Karen, Thanks so much! The heart valve replacement was, I think you know, the fifth major surgery in four years for me. I would say that my identical twin has fared a bit better, but she and her husband lost their incredibly beautiful home from a direct hit by a tornado on Mother's Day. So while they had a large family gathering at her oldest daughter's this evening, Patty spent much of the day on the house to do list. They hope to be back in by May first. We are just so grateful she and her husband Cliff had included a safe room (totally concrete with steel door opening into the room) when they built the house over seven years ago. We are both delighted to have these big events behind us and to be looking forward knowing God has reasons for all of this and stepping out in Faith!

Take good care of YOU! You are in my prayers! Love and hugs, Ginger

Virginia (Ginger) French  Tammy, thank you for sharing your story. I had the advantage of having my parents told after my birth that I had a heart murmur and a bicuspid aortic valve. ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Tammy, thank you for sharing your story. I had the advantage of having my parents told after my birth that I had a heart murmur and a bicuspid aortic valve. Ten years ago my family physician heard a change in the murmur and sent me to a cardiologist. I was fortunate to be closely followed for ten years with echos and consultations. Nonetheless, I was amazed to find that in spite of all of that the area of the opening was so small.

The fact that your murmur was first found by your colonoscopy doctor is almost unheard of. I agree that God had to have had His hand on you to prevent your valve from closing before surgery. We have much to be thankful for! Love and hugs, Ginger

Tammy Pilcher  Thanks Ginger. My murmur was actually first detected when I was 13 by my primary care doctor. But, he didn't order any tests and said I would probably grow ... Read more

Tammy Pilcher  Thanks Ginger. My murmur was actually first detected when I was 13 by my primary care doctor. But, he didn't order any tests and said I would probably grow out of it. So for the next 37 years no doctor ever suggested I should have it tested until the colonoscopy doctor. I guess it got really bad really fast. Mine was also a bicuspid aortic valve. You are right, we do have so much to be thankful for. Happy Birthday!

Virginia (Ginger) French  Tony, Bless you! Hmmm. Wonder who the little birdie was! I was thinking of you earlier today as I really worked up a sweat in Cardiac Rehab, followed by some ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Tony, Bless you! Hmmm. Wonder who the little birdie was! I was thinking of you earlier today as I really worked up a sweat in Cardiac Rehab, followed by some grocery shopping and carrying everything in and putting it away. I was thinking that while I am certainly not as fast as you are, I am moving better and faster and feeling stronger.

Apologies on missing your e-mail, but now that I know it is there somewhere, I will track it down. So great to hear from you. Are you flying??? I am hoping so!! If not, I would like to know so I can rev up the prayers. Love and hugs to the almost first escapee from CCF by helicopter! Always, Ginger

Virginia (Ginger) French  Tony, You are such a love! I think of you in your pink robe and running shoes making your laps around the CC circuit and photo gallery, as I did while I was ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Tony, You are such a love! I think of you in your pink robe and running shoes making your laps around the CC circuit and photo gallery, as I did while I was there, following in your footsteps! I am feeling that some things can be overdone and would appreciate the pics being toned down. But believe me, I am feeling good and my smile is glad to be lighting up my face! Yesterday a new lifting of weights in Cardiac Rehab woke my shoulder pain back up. I feel fortunate that I now know what to do about it. I am feeling more like the joy-filled me than I have in four years! A toast to you! Hope you also keep celebrating and feeling great! Hugs, Ginger

Virginia (Ginger) French  Bob, Great to hear from you. Sounds like you have been enjoying this odd phenomenon, too. I have been fortunate that I am getting a good response to heat ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Bob, Great to hear from you. Sounds like you have been enjoying this odd phenomenon, too. I have been fortunate that I am getting a good response to heat and stretching and an occasional Aleve.

Sorry you and A Fib met, but sounds like you were smart to assess and get appropriate help. I am thinking that the A Fib likelihood drops some after 3 months out, but I know everyone reacts differently.

I thought I was tired as the evening was ending, then got a call for help from a young adult who calls me Mom #2. It was an easy rescue - provide some keys and hugs and get to catch up, but I don't like those pretty young things out late, so kept tabs by phone until she was inside and safe. Suddenly it is 2:30 AM - how did that happen??? Can't stay up with the kids and not pay for it later!

Take care, Bob, and hope you continue to feel better! Hugs, Ginger

Virginia (Ginger) French  Mia Sis, Great to hear from you! Being in the pool sounds so nice. Had a good start with cardiac rehab and think I will be very happy with the results. They ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Mia Sis, Great to hear from you! Being in the pool sounds so nice. Had a good start with cardiac rehab and think I will be very happy with the results. They understand my needs to avoid certain activities to prevent triggering my vertigo, and once that was in hand the rest was a good experience.

Wedding to plan! My daughter and her now husband did over 90% of the planning for theirs after a discussion about the budget and some thought as to allocation of expenses to get maximum memories and make everyone as happy as reasonably possible. (No open bar -- we won't provide to put drunk kids out on the road after dinner and dance!) They did a great job and, because they did so much, I think it was that much more meaningful to them.

Fun that you get a new Grandson in the deal!

Take care and be healthy! Love and hugs, Ging

Virginia (Ginger) French  Mia, Sis, Great to hear from you and glad that you are enjoying cardiac rehab so much. That is truly encouraging! And you sure know your books for the little ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Mia, Sis, Great to hear from you and glad that you are enjoying cardiac rehab so much. That is truly encouraging! And you sure know your books for the little ones! Autumn and I read two of the ones you names when we were together yesterday. Of course, she hands book after book after book, so the stack gets pretty big, and she does love to turn the pages. Everytime we see a dog, she does her little "Woof woof" imitation. Nothing better!

Take good care of yourself. Jim dipped us a little ice cream after dinner tonight. Hits the spot!

Butterfly kisses and eskimo pies and hugs! Oh, and I got a call today that Phase I of 2 of my taxes are ready. I will be so thrilled when they are out the door, but really have to thank my sisters for making it happen!

Love, Ginger

Virginia (Ginger) French  Terrie, What a blessing to have two sisters who do not have time to spare give of their time and talents! Beth and Patty came from Omaha and Phoenix on Thursday. ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Terrie, What a blessing to have two sisters who do not have time to spare give of their time and talents! Beth and Patty came from Omaha and Phoenix on Thursday. I definitely wanted to find a time for Autumn to have a chance to meet her Great Aunt Beth without all the hoopla of a birthday party. And all of my sisters are aware of the difficulties I have had with my health over the past four years. I was not only unhappy with the condition of the house and the disarray of paperwork from the last four years, but was stressed about meeting the extension date on our taxes of October 15th.

They were here for four nights and worked and did some family enjoyment time all day each day except for one nap that we all agreed had to occur.

The results are amazing! Tax prep is ready to be sent by FedEx in the morning for the small business, and the rest is well on its way to meeting the extention. My desk in my study, literally buried under paper, is now clean and usable. Patty is the Great Organizer and swept the place clean, sorting papers by importance and years. She had a bad cold and worked long and hard. I was amazed when I saw the results!

We agreed to take a reprieve from all of the work Saturday to give ourselves time to get things we each personally needed to do, then we headed over to the big first birthday party of my little Grand Autumn Grace. Such fun! Her momma had made her a pink with red and white tutu to wear, and she had white lace tights and a white top with a big pink-colored "1" appliqued on, the in italics "Autumn" in black across the 1! Batting those pretty blue eyes and showing at least two of her four teeth in smiles are enough to melt any heart. And she had a pink cake all to herself to dig into (read mutilate!) as the party went on. For the brightly pink iced cake, the fancy clothes came off (less to wash!) Then packages and another large gorgeous cake in the shape of a 1 made by Autumn's Aunt Kristin. Very fun! Autumn was a mix of lots of sun, lots of fun, plenty of sugar, and towards the end a missing nap almost took her down, but she got a second wind to tell everyone goodbye and thank you.

My sisters and I stopped back for a minute at my house, then we headed to a quiet restaurant with outdoor seating by a pond and waterfall not far from our home. We relaxed and laughed, had a glass of wine to toast many things, including the fact that it would have been Mom's 90th Birthday, and ate small plates of crab and tuna. It was a great time of sisterly discussions and memories with lots of laughter. Then we headed home. Jim (on call all weekend) arrived home about when we did, and solved the problem of how to get the Nebraska football game on TV. (Jim worked his magic playing the game form a computer and projecting it onto a flat screen TV. We are all fans from doing most of our growing up in Nebraska. Wow! What a wild and joy-filled day.

Today we worked almost the entire day, but the results were just incredible, And we had a lovely visit in the afternoon from Autumn and her Momma, Elizabeth. This gave time for the Great Aunts to get to know Autumn better. This was the first time for Beth to spend time with Autumn, and Elizabeth agreed that it was a good plan. We had a great time playing together in the front room, Yes, we are all blessed!

Then it was back to work for hours until Jim arrived home and took orders for dinner, called them in, picked dinner up, and served! What a treat for three tired workers! The four of us enjoyed dinner, then it was time to print off a boarding pass for Beth's morning flight to Phoenix. Happy goodbyes, lots of satisfaction with time well spent accomplishing both work and family occasions,

I sent an e-mail to the accountant before coming to the HVS website, and will hit the sack soon. No promises what time I will be up tomorrow.

Thanks to the sacrifices and hard work of two of my sisters, my major stressors are gone and I feel for the first time in a long time like all that is behind me and I can concentrate on my heart rehab and getting stronger! It was a great time, and we will definitely do it again (except for leaving out most of the intense work! Hooray! Love always to my precious sisters and the rest of the family, including the Heart Family!

Virginia (Ginger) French  Olga, Just had a bunch of great days with two of my sisters. Read about it in the answer to Terrie's comment above. We had a great time and got a lot done! ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Olga, Just had a bunch of great days with two of my sisters. Read about it in the answer to Terrie's comment above. We had a great time and got a lot done!

So glad to hear you have the great Date! Prayers already on the way and they will be nonstop to get you in the best possible state for surgery! So definitely I am thinking of your often. Will try to get a better note off when it is not 1 AM!
YOU TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOU!
Love and hugs,
Ginger

Virginia (Ginger) French  Tony, I always appreciate hearing from you. I have been very fortunate to have my primary care doctors be people who care enough to listen and think about ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Tony, I always appreciate hearing from you. I have been very fortunate to have my primary care doctors be people who care enough to listen and think about the problem at hand. Hope you are doing great! How much are you running now?
My best to you, Ginger

Virginia (Ginger) French  Hey, Little Sis! Delighted to hear you are going to get to start cardiac rehab! I hope to be not to far behind you! I am doing fine except some vertigo and ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Hey, Little Sis! Delighted to hear you are going to get to start cardiac rehab! I hope to be not to far behind you! I am doing fine except some vertigo and some muscle soreness that I know is going to take time to heal. Had a great appointment w my FP today, so delighted with that! Love, hugs, Butterfly kisses and Eskimo pies, and comfort and good sleep, Ginger

Mary Myers  Hello big sister Ginger, Wow I am sure cardiac rehab will kick my butt! That is what I need., so I can be confident to get back to the gym. Will you write ... Read more

Mary Myers  Hello big sister Ginger, Wow I am sure cardiac rehab will kick my butt! That is what I need., so I can be confident to get back to the gym. Will you write to my email address kidsjunction @ gmail.com? That way we can keep in touch there. I am so happy that your appointment ast FP went well. Now that your medicine dosage has been adjusted you will feel better. Butterfly kisses and Eskimo pies and a restful night of sleeping. You can dreams all about our heart family. We are so blessed to be part of this heart community. Lover Mia

Virginia (Ginger) French  Mia, Little Sis, Always great to hear from you. Thanks for the e-mail addy. My inbox is flooded on a regular basis with e-mail, so hope we can continue to ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Mia, Little Sis, Always great to hear from you. Thanks for the e-mail addy. My inbox is flooded on a regular basis with e-mail, so hope we can continue to communicate here, but will send one for you to have mine. Butterfky kisses and Eskimo pies and all good things, Ginger

Virginia (Ginger) French  Thanks, Geri. I won't change my dose unless my cardiologist agrees with it, but I see my PCP this week and will talk with her about it. My cardiologist already ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Thanks, Geri. I won't change my dose unless my cardiologist agrees with it, but I see my PCP this week and will talk with her about it. My cardiologist already knows I have not started cardiac rehab yet specifically because of the vertigo. Thanks for the prayers and best wishes, and am doing the same on your behalf. Every day a little healthier!

Virginia (Ginger) French  Geri, Thanks for the thoughts and concerns. I know without question that the vast majority of my vertigo comes from the head/brain injury I incurred years ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Geri, Thanks for the thoughts and concerns. I know without question that the vast majority of my vertigo comes from the head/brain injury I incurred years ago. But I also know that in recent years it has rarely surfaced, let alone continued for periods of time. That is why I think this is an additive effect of the metoprolol with my already reasonable blood pressure dropping low. I see my PCP this week. I had a brain scan done in about April, and one in August of 2013, so there are no answers there.

But I do want you to know that I appreciate your sharing your experience with me. I may know more after my appointment this week.
Blessings and hugs,
Ginger

Virginia (Ginger) French  Bless you, little sis Mia. I appreciate your words on cardiac rehab waiting until the vertigo is gone. I cannot imagine a successful time in rehab with vertigo. ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Bless you, little sis Mia. I appreciate your words on cardiac rehab waiting until the vertigo is gone. I cannot imagine a successful time in rehab with vertigo. Thanks for all the good thought and sending Eskimo pies and hugs and more your way, Ginger

Virginia (Ginger) French  Eleanor, I always appreciate hearing from you. I have learned that your advise is always given with plenty of thought and cares. I have had episodes of vertigo ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Eleanor, I always appreciate hearing from you. I have learned that your advise is always given with plenty of thought and cares. I have had episodes of vertigo ever since the head/brain injury years ago. But over the years my doctors have been great in prescribing medication that most of the time keeps that area of the brain from actively causing the vertigo. I am sure that is a piece of this. And I have learned what to avoid or not to do that will trigger it and set it off. I think that is what is happening with the metoprolol. I am just going to take it slow and pray it will tone down. If not I will probably either wait it out or check with one of my docs to see if they can suggest something that may help. Always wishing the best for you, Eleanor! Ginger

Virginia (Ginger) French  Olga, You know I could not possibly leave you now. I am much too attached and you have not even crossed over the mountain on your journey. I am okay, just ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Olga, You know I could not possibly leave you now. I am much too attached and you have not even crossed over the mountain on your journey. I am okay, just have had some vertigo and achy days and have been trying to put in extra rest to try to get rid of them. You, sweet one, are in my prayers and will be for some time to come. Just hang in there and remember that the hardest thing to do is to give yourself a break. So ease up on yourself and the things you think you need to do and store up energy for the surgery and healing. Everything else will keep.
Sending blessings and hugs, Ginger

Virginia (Ginger) French  Little Sis Mia, I just had to get in some extra sleep and quiet time to get past the increase in vertigo and pain from the poor PT session. I was off pain ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Little Sis Mia, I just had to get in some extra sleep and quiet time to get past the increase in vertigo and pain from the poor PT session. I was off pain meds and had to go back on, which pretty much tells you how poorly I was feeling. Now I am doing better and will try to be back a little more often. I put up some more pics, and am thinking my best family pics are in the computer that is not a laptop, so when feeling stronger will make an effort to put up some of the fun ones.
You have a great night too! With Butterfly kisses and Eskimo pies!
Love and hugs, Ginger

Mary Myers  Big sis Ging!

Glad you took some quiet time as you needed to relax and get back on track. Sometimes we try so hard and run into little bumps in the road. ... Read more

Mary Myers  Big sis Ging!

Glad you took some quiet time as you needed to relax and get back on track. Sometimes we try so hard and run into little bumps in the road. Its good to hear from you sis. Saw the message about Popeye doing well and his address. Keep being positive and all well be better before you know it. Butterfly kisses and Eskimo Pies! Mia

Mary Myers  Ging, its your little sis mia, just wanted to say hello and that I am thinking of you. Hope you are gaining strength each day. I continue to get stronger every ... Read more

Mary Myers  Ging, its your little sis mia, just wanted to say hello and that I am thinking of you. Hope you are gaining strength each day. I continue to get stronger every day. Read the good news aboutbPopeye, and

M Ratchford  Yes miss gingers posts but fully understand. some days i dont put the laptop on and then theres a frantic catch up. lovely to know we are all recovering and ... Read more

M Ratchford  Yes miss gingers posts but fully understand. some days i dont put the laptop on and then theres a frantic catch up. lovely to know we are all recovering and working as hard as our bodies will allow to the best physical health we can be. take are ginger from oz. love m

Virginia (Ginger) French  Tony, Mia, and Kels, Looks like the website is all coming together. I was in contact with Adam today and found out what I needed to do to reset my password ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Tony, Mia, and Kels, Looks like the website is all coming together. I was in contact with Adam today and found out what I needed to do to reset my password after he posted the profile pic of tiny Autumn Grace and me. Also added some pics. Tony, I do not want to lose track of you. Looking forward the the Berlin Marathon news. I will try to find your site and sign on again. Hugs and love to each of you, and thank goodness Terrie is home and getting aclimated!

Virginia (Ginger) French  Geri, Thanks for the advise. I get the impression this is a smaller group, so am not sure he can be replaced, but I would rather work on my own until I start ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Geri, Thanks for the advise. I get the impression this is a smaller group, so am not sure he can be replaced, but I would rather work on my own until I start formal rehab on the 12th than go through this again. I have a book full of recommendations of things to do until starting formal rehab from the Cleveland Clinic and am going to just do those. Hope all is well with you, Gingwe

Eleanor R  I think you are right, Ginger, I think you know enough about your body and recovery to do PT on your own. I would recommend it for anyone living alone, just ... Read more

Eleanor R  I think you are right, Ginger, I think you know enough about your body and recovery to do PT on your own. I would recommend it for anyone living alone, just to have an extra person coming in and checking on the patient, but since you have your husband, and family and friends popping in, best to do what you can on your own. I turned it down just for that reason, my daughter was, and still is, staying with me, and a nephew is here as well. He had cardiac rehab a couple of years ago, so he was a pretty good coach ("Get us and do some laps!!") as he walked around the ground floor of our house which is all connected, many many times as he recovered. Now he's perfectly healthy. I hope to be well soon too, and that you and all our community heals quickly and completely. Eleanor

Virginia (Ginger) French  Little Sis Mia, I wrote on your Guestbook, but have not gone back to see if it is still there. Managed to finally get some sleep last night with a pain tablet ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Little Sis Mia, I wrote on your Guestbook, but have not gone back to see if it is still there. Managed to finally get some sleep last night with a pain tablet plus I know I was pretty exhausted. This morning almost afraid to move to see what would get stirred up - but did get up and can move around. I'm just slowing the pace and either lying down, standing, or sitting erect. Have decided to cancel the PT for tomorrow and talk to him before letting him come again. Need to set up some boundaries and make sure he can agree. I understand it could be hard for him to back off when I am able to do as much as he asked on Saturday afternoon, but to pay for it the rest of the weekend defeats the goal.

If you remember back, I have had vertigo off and on for years because of the brain injury, and I think walking on such a short course when there are of necessity so many turns got things going. Also, it was at the end of the PT session when I was already quite tired. So today I will walk more often but for shorter periods with rest in between to let my brain settle down. Am standing at computer and know that is also good for me, so since it is heavy may just keep it up unless Jim comes by and can move it for me. So going to call the Home Health PT and call regarding setting up cardiac rehab in the time frame my cardiologist said would be okay.

This is kind of a "test and assess" day to see if I can get through the day without going further backwards.

And smart you took that long nap on Sunday. Have to make up for energy lost and take good care of you and your heart!

Going to hit the phones and see if can get some things set up. Hope your day is a great one! Ginger

Mary Myers  Ginger, I am trying to figure out the new site! It will be great once we all get used to it.

I never did find your post to Terrie from yesterday. I will look ... Read more

Mary Myers  Ginger, I am trying to figure out the new site! It will be great once we all get used to it.

I never did find your post to Terrie from yesterday. I will look again for it. I saw the kids at school. Actually showed to families around and got home about 700 pm. I realized I am not ready to be back quite yet. Maybe a few hours but not much more than that. Plus cardio rehab will start and that v will be three times a week. So that will keep me busy and blood draws. Hope you are resting when you can. I actually did not have to take a pain pill before bed last night. I took Tylenol this morning as my incision was a bit uncomfortable.
Hope all is well with baby Autumn and all your family. Write when you can my big sis. Also sent Popeye the e card. What a nice thing to have available. I think zI will send one today and put from all of his heart brothers and sisters. He will be so happy. I really had the opportunity to chat back and forth with him. He is my big brother now!!! Wow our family is growing! Well my sis, I loved the Eskimo pies saying. I am thinking maybe a cold chocolate Klondike bar,?? Well it edging be long and we can have the ice cream party. Once Terrie and Popeye are home. Then Olga will have her surgery on Sept.8th. Enjoy the day!love from your little sis Mia
L

Virginia (Ginger) French  Adam, Thanks for the offer to post my profile pic for me! I attached it to an e-mail last night. I am pretty sure it will need to be cropped and explained ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Adam, Thanks for the offer to post my profile pic for me! I attached it to an e-mail last night. I am pretty sure it will need to be cropped and explained in the e-mail, but it would be nice to have a pic up! Again , y thanks! Ginger

Virginia (Ginger) French  Adam, another shorter question. Is there a way to edit now? I just glanced up and the "my" I intended is "y". Not a big deal, but we could edit or delete ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Adam, another shorter question. Is there a way to edit now? I just glanced up and the "my" I intended is "y". Not a big deal, but we could edit or delete posts before. So what say you Heart Valve Surgery Guru??

Virginia (Ginger) French  Adam,
Thanks so much for posting the picture of my little Grand Autumn and me. Clueless as to why I could not get it to go, and my Master Computer Jedi (AKA ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Adam,
Thanks so much for posting the picture of my little Grand Autumn and me. Clueless as to why I could not get it to go, and my Master Computer Jedi (AKA my son, Steven) is out of town - times 3 towns in 3 states. BLESSINGS, Ginger