About Me (In My Own Words)
When I was a junior in high school I passed out running laps in the gym during PE class. They took me to John Day to the hospital but definitely made a misdiagnosis. But that’s okay because I wasn’t really aware of my aorta problem until a few years ago. All those years would have been wasted worrying and instead I was enjoying life and living it to the fullest! Living with Phil for 40 years, riding horseback, and breathing this good Eastern Oregon clean air has kept me healthy and mighty happy enjoying an incredible family and friends each and every day!
I have known for several years that I had aortic stenosis (bicuspid valve instead of tricuspid) and that I would eventually have to have a valve replacement. I have been running in a lower gear for the past several months so on December 15, 2010 Phil took me to Bend to see the cardiologist for my regularly scheduled visit. After the echocardiogram, the Dr. thought maybe I should start recording my little episodes rather than just guessing. That ended up being a real “eye opener” for me (Phil’s humor there).
January 7th I made a trip to Bend again. Dr. Young scheduled the angiogram for January 20th. The best memory of that experience was the dinner Phil and I had the night before at Olive Garden in Bend!! At least this time when I had the angiogram I knew what to expect – the last one was in 1991. Well one thing leads to another and Dr. Young thought it would be rather wise to make an appointment with the surgeon, Dr. Vlessis, as soon as possible. January 25th saw Phil and I back in Bend to meet the surgeon. Of course Phil kept it “light” as he and Dr. Vlessis were discussing me. I was sitting on the exam table wringing my hands and swinging my one good leg!
The best part of the entire month of January has been grandkids!! Tegan and Kailee stayed with us the week of January 10th, Marina and Dima January 21st to the 25th and then Tegan and Kailee again the 25th to the 27th with Marina and Dima here too. They all bring such joy and smiles!! A Blessing for sure!! The most special part on the 27th was baby chickens that Kara had ordered and we surprised all four kids at the Post Office. Who would believe that the Postal Service actually delivers baby chicks all the way from Texas to Fossil!
February 15th Phil and I will be making another trip to Bend to stay for a few days, they say five to seven. My aortic valve replacement surgery will be on the morning of February 16th at St. Charles Medical Center in Bend. After much discussion with Phil and Dr. Vlessis, I have opted for the St. Jude mechanical valve instead of the tissue valve. Milne, Kara, Marina and Dima will be with Phil at the hospital while I am in surgery. What a great cheering section I will have.
I am so excited to feel good and I will be on a horse by the end of April or May just in time to help with the Spring work.
Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers you are all sending my way. On the 16th Milne and Kara will use this journal to post updates so you can check on my progress. I’m sure there would be a little more humor if Phil did the writing, maybe they can convince him to write some. You can leave messages for me here as well. I'll be on-line as time and energy permit.
Love and Hugs to All,
Nancy
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Fossil, Oregon
