Virginia (Ginger) French  Appreciate you, Eleanor, and have been praying that your urine culture comes back clean today. Cipro is a great antibiotic for the urinary tract. I have taken ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Appreciate you, Eleanor, and have been praying that your urine culture comes back clean today. Cipro is a great antibiotic for the urinary tract. I have taken it a few times - it is what my urologist routinely uses, and I had surgery for two large kidney stones, one in each kidney, two years ago.

I will be very surprised if you are not cleared for your surgery, but will keep on praying for that as well as the next days ahead of you. Try to remember to relax and take things one step at a time. That should make the days more joy-filled.

Sending love and hugs, Ginger

Virginia (Ginger) French  Eleanor,

I know I am blessed. I have been through a lot, but I know my friends and family are steadfast in their prayers, and it is a noticeable peace I never ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Eleanor,

I know I am blessed. I have been through a lot, but I know my friends and family are steadfast in their prayers, and it is a noticeable peace I never expected. I have never not slept the night before surgery or fidgeted or been anxious on the day of, and it is all due to prayer. My husband was really impressed at the calm spirit I had before the first of four major surgeries just a few years ago.

I love my family - the bigger one I came from and the one Jim and I have.

You may have missed this, Eleanor, but my twin and her husband's home was demolished by a direct hit by a tornado on the evening of Mother's Day this year. We are so grateful they had built a safe room in the walkout basement, or we would have lost them. They came out to find their home gone, the rain pouring down to soak through most things that might otherwise have been salvageable. But what they had with them and were able to keep dry besides their small dog were the family Bibles and the family pictures.

And now, living in a temporary apartment with rented furniture, my Twinnie takes time from insurance adjusters and trying to make sure everything they owned is on the inventory list to go and find something she knew would remind me of her, and that God is watching over me.

She called this morning with a prayer request. A friend of ours (she lives near where we went to high school; I am now in another state) has been battling breast cancer and today she went to surgery so the neurosurgeons could try to remove a tumor in her brain that is not responding to chemo or radiation. It really helped me get a different perspective of my own health situation. Again I am reminded that I am blessed.

I am so glad you have loved ones there for you. Like you, I have some family who are not related by bloodlines, but we have adopted each other.

You are in my prayers, but they will be more constant starting Sunday night.

Remember that you are indeed blessed and loved by many, including those of us here.

I pray that God richly blesses you with a smooth procedure, that you feel the comfort of Him holding you in his Mighty Right Hand -- a place of peace such as you have never before experienced, relaxed and filled with His love and the blessings He gives because He is hearing all of these prayers for you and granting them.

Love and hugs,
Ginger

Virginia (Ginger) French  Eleanor,
How wonderful that Erica will be there with you after surgery. I wish someone could "turn my bedroom into a spa", but there is simply not time or ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Eleanor,
How wonderful that Erica will be there with you after surgery. I wish someone could "turn my bedroom into a spa", but there is simply not time or room. I totally agree that family means so much, and I remember flying out to Denver, where my parents lived, so I could be with Mom, meet her oncologist and surgeon, ask questions, and get her home and as comfortable as possible. We had little money then, but it was a time that is still very clear in my memory. I have never regretted for one minute doing it, but I think I would have regretted not having been there.

My dear Dad, whom Mom pampered him with her love, was staying late at the hospital eating hotdogs from the vending machine! (I learned all of this because my older sister, Susie, who was physically handicapped, filled me in. And she helped me figure out how to change Dad's strong messages not to come into a huge welcome! Smart as a tack!) It was a time that was difficult for all of us, but I cherish those memories.

My every good with and prayers go with you, Eleanor, Ginger

Virginia (Ginger) French  Terrie,
Yes you are up at the crack of dawn and arranging "thinks" that I hope are small and once completed will be your last moving of things for the day. ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Terrie,
Yes you are up at the crack of dawn and arranging "thinks" that I hope are small and once completed will be your last moving of things for the day.

I think you are very smart getting a chair since you know you are having a full sternotomy (not that I am wild about that idea for anyone!) My husband tells me how quickly people adjust to that, but what is seen in the office and on rounds is not the same as what happens at home, necessarily. I suppose there is a shot of adrenaline just heading to his office. But since he is years out from his 18 years of taking Trauma Call, it has been a while since he has seen someone with a "fresh" sternotomy, I would think.

Finally got call back from the state yesterday and they will either try to rush and get things in or they will put it all on "medical hold" until November. At this point that has dropped a good number of positions on my Priority List. It just is not as important as getting my heart fixed!

So we shall see! Again, smart move getting the chair -- I am glad it will be there today and you can break it in before you need it.

Love and hugs, Ging

Virginia (Ginger) French  Mia,
Great to hear from you! I am so sorry you lost both of your parents when they were so young, but it appears you will not be joining them for some time ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Mia,
Great to hear from you! I am so sorry you lost both of your parents when they were so young, but it appears you will not be joining them for some time to come, God willing,

I have a book suggestion for you. It is not new, but I am sure can be found on the web. I received my copy on Mother's Day many years ago from my little sister, but I think you will find pieces in it that will bring back strong memories and maybe even emotions. Mine has yellow highlighting in it!
The title is MOTHERLESS DAUGHTERS by Hope Edelmann. First edition was printed in 1994, but the material in it is timeless. Hope had so many letters in response to her book that she put out a second smaller book the next year called LETTERS FROM MOTHERLESS DAUGHTERS edited by Hope Edelmann. Let me know if you cannot find it, and I will give you a hand. Definitely worth your time. No matter what age a daughter losses her mother, and no matter what kind of a mother that woman was, the loss makes an impact on the daughter left behind.

My Grandmother used to give us Eskimo kisses, which was rubbing the tips of our noses against each other. That's probably not hygenic for the preschool crowd, but it was fun for us as little girls!!

Hope your day is a great one, too! Sounds like you are off to a great start, and with joyful young little people I pray there is much laughter, so good for your soul.

So long distance Eskimo Kisses, Mia---Ginger

Virginia (Ginger) French  Mia,
I was thinking I needed to shut things down for the night, but was drawn back and find you have left a very nice post. Thanks! I have had a really good ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Mia,
I was thinking I needed to shut things down for the night, but was drawn back and find you have left a very nice post. Thanks! I have had a really good day, and will put something in my journal. You are quite correct that we are better off if we have faith and look beyond the surgery itself to why we are having it. Obviously, to save our lives, but in addition to improve the quality of the life we will be living. I was telling M that two of my most relaxing peaces are recordings of nature. One is a rainstorm with just a touch of thunder. The other is the sound of ocean waves. I was born close to the New Jersey shore, and the waves are one of the first sounds I remember.

Looking forward to your pictures. I will put up some more recent ones if I can get them down to an acceptable size.

Your butterfly comments touch me. My mom died when my husband and I were expecting our first child. She was an incredible woman. One of the last gifts my Dad gave her was a necklace with a butterfly on it. Dad thought of her very much as a light hearted soul whose spirit is like that of a butterfly. So when my sisters and I see a butterfly, Mom immediately comes to mind.

Bunches of great hugs and love,
Ginger

Virginia (Ginger) French  Mia,
I want you to be sure to know that you are also a blessing to me. I am delighted you are counting UP, and can hardly believe we are the dame day! Makes ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Mia,
I want you to be sure to know that you are also a blessing to me. I am delighted you are counting UP, and can hardly believe we are the dame day! Makes it even more special.

And I am glad you enjoyed the pics. Naturally my family is always going to be people I want to see, and I believe Tony has taught me how to get a favorite one of my son in.

I wanted to put in a few that I find relaxing, refreshing, and/or encouraging, and I hope you picked up my drift there!

Hugs and kisses back at ya, heart sister - and watch out, I am a great hugger - learned from my Dad, one of the best!

You've got me smiling!

Virginia (Ginger) French  Thank you! I was frustrated because I have a favorite picture of my son holding his new niece when she was about 20 minutes old and it gets rejected.

I really ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Thank you! I was frustrated because I have a favorite picture of my son holding his new niece when she was about 20 minutes old and it gets rejected.

I really appreciate your help.

And Tony, great to hear from you. Pray all is going well with you,
Hugs,
Ginger

Virginia (Ginger) French  Bless you, Jeffo! I did a lot of research before finding someone who I believe is not only and expert in valve replacement but also knows enough about the ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Bless you, Jeffo! I did a lot of research before finding someone who I believe is not only and expert in valve replacement but also knows enough about the brain to give this damaged brain of mine the best possible treatment throughout the surgery! And my cardiologist agrees, which is great!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Virginia (Ginger) French  Gigi,
You have me laughing out loud! How good for the soul that is!

Gigi, you really cracked me up with only two well written lines! Thank you for sharing ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Gigi,
You have me laughing out loud! How good for the soul that is!

Gigi, you really cracked me up with only two well written lines! Thank you for sharing your wit and making me laugh in the process!

I cannot imagine what I ever might have done to get myself on someone's favored list, particularly the one you are referring to! And I am much too straight an arrow for the Mob...

Do you know that a recent study found that Americans lie 11% of the time?!? That means that one can discount about one tenth of what people say!! And one of the things I work hard to do is to tell the truth unless it will hurt someone and is not necessary. So if some of us lie far less than 11% of the time, there must be others who are not telling the truth far more than 11% of the time. Pretty astounding.!

Now, I freely admit that I do not have my taxes done yet, but it is all legal and above board. We have an extension. Four weeks of double vision made it impossible to meet the deadline. One of the unexpected occurrences that can result from a brain injury that flares up!

And here's another one that made me laugh -- I received a letter last night from the state saying I have an appointment to consider an application I submitted months ago. I must be there on that date at that time or they can drop my application. But the appointment I must attend is the day before my heart valve surgery!!! I just shook my head.

The letter came from a woman with whom I spent 90 minutes on the phone last Friday explaining why I would be unavailable for a period of time. She knew the exact dates including the date of the surgery. My heart stenosis has now reached the critical stage according to the rating system of the Cleveland Clinic. I'm just thinking - okay, something is missing here. I double checked. Yes, same name and phone number, no question about it.

There was a line that said "Call us when you receive this letter!" in all caps, bolded and underlined. Did I call them? You bet! Were they answering? No. Did I leave a message on their 24/7 line that they promise to return the call on the next working day? Yes. Have I left a message on their 24/7 line in the past that was never returned? Yes indeed! Will I call them early Monday morning when their office opens to request a change? Absolutely! The whole thing is astonishing!! But they, too, gave me a laugh. As with Charlie Brown, Good Humor makes all things tolerable!

My best to you, Gigi, Ginger

Virginia (Ginger) French  Geri,
I am deeply touched by your kind remarks. I am also delighted that my writing is connecting with you. I do love my family very much. I worked all of ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Geri,
I am deeply touched by your kind remarks. I am also delighted that my writing is connecting with you. I do love my family very much. I worked all of my life in a very satisfying career, but nothing will ever be more important to me than my family and the people I consider to be family despite not being related in the usual way that families are.

I have a favorite poster discussing that:

"Family isn't always blood. It's the people in your life who want you in theirs; the ones who accept you for who you are, The ones who would do anything to see you smile & who LOVE YOU no matter what."

This incredible site is unlike any other I have known. People with medical problems in common share so much of themselves. I have grown to love the people who open their hearts and their lives, come wanting help and find help and so much more, speak of their fears and find they are lifted and buoyed up by various people who are at different parts of their journey, but a journey we are all intimately familiar with no matter how far along the path we may be.

A tremendous amount of teaching and learning goes on on this site, and I feel privileged to be part of it on many levels. I have learned much and been encouraged by many. I am just ending day 4 of my Count Up to 42 days to recovering.at home.

Geri, do you have a journal here, or are you visiting or ... ? Because I would love to continue to correspond with you.

My Mom died young and my sisters and I all say that we got quality even though we may not have gotten quantity.

I am now older than my mother was when she died. My husband and I were expecting our first child when Mom went to Heaven.

I have had many trials in my life, and there are those who ask me if I don't feel like I drew the short straw, but I certainly do not. Because I know I am blessed and rich in the things that matter, in family and friends and love and faith.

I certainly don't understand it all, nor will I pretend to. I have the advantage that my parents were wonderful people. And they taught us to do our best, do what we believe is right and the smart thing to do, and to live lives of faith and integrity. So I don't look back and wonder how I ended up where I am today. I have always done the best I can whatever the circumstances, and because of that I don't have reason to question. No matter what my physical condition, I try to be productive and live a life that honors them and the One I follow in the process.

I have had times when the best I could do was just to survive, usually because of some condition requiring surgery. Yes, I am a survivor.

My mother was an incredible woman, and she was a natural nurturer. She told my sisters and me that it came from growing up with her mother, the grandmother who died before my birth, who was a tiny (size 1 shoes) energetic woman, Quaker to the core, who was a tremendous nurturer. I feel blessed to follow in their footsteps.

There is nothing that makes me happier than to see my family at peace and enjoying one another, and I use the term "family" loosely here.

Geri, thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and reactions with me.

May you be blessed in all you do. Please let me know if you have or are starting a journal in the community that really is one big family.

My very best to you, with hugs, Ginger

Virginia (Ginger) French  M,
Jim is on call for the entire Fourth of July weekend, so it has been pretty crazy and hard to concentrate. As a result I am even later getting to this than ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  M,
Jim is on call for the entire Fourth of July weekend, so it has been pretty crazy and hard to concentrate. As a result I am even later getting to this than usual.

Bravo for cutting the sugar!!! Be careful not to substitute it with any artificial sweetners except Stevia. Stevia is actually a natural sweetner and should not have much of an effect on your blood sugar levels

Many diet sodas are sweetened with aspartame. If you have substituted those for regular colas, sodas, etc., that may be what is triggering additional migraines.

I have not gotten to your post today, but your comment about migraines and the increase in frequency is a concern..

Migraines often are triggered by various things, many times unique to the individual. You may already know some of what triggers yours.

Next, as you say you are changing your diet, I suggest you Google for tyramine containing foods, as they can definitely increase migraine activity. Avoid them. Bananas are not only high in sugar but also are high in tyramine. One other dietary thing is to cut out as much processed food as possible. Avoid smoked meat (Grilling is fine) and anything pickled.
Red wine contains much higher levels of tyramine than white wines.

One other suggestion on the migraine front, it is very common for people to experience migraines not when they are very stressed. but when they have been stressed and are finally getting some ease from the stress. You might consider marking what you do on a calendar and when the migraines occur and see if there is a correlation.

It just occurred to me that your good work with reducing your stress levels with the meditation/yoga and the Cleveland Clinic tapes may finally be enabling your body to finally relax enough that the migraines are kicking in. If this is the case, the frequency of the migraines should decrease as you become more and more adept at lowering your stress levels and keeping them low.

Oh, and by the way, as for the cats and dogs, Hunter is Terrie's dog. He has been very ill and it appears the vets have most likely hit upon the right diagnosis, so with treatment he should get better. It is so tough to see any animal suffer, even more so if that animal is old.

Our Great Pyrenees, Cassie, died of cancer years ago. It is quite noticeable when a 120 pound animal is suddenly gone from one's home.

Throughout we have had cats. Lacie, a Norwegian Forest cat who had been abandoned was given to us by one of my friends who is a vet. We have had her since 1999, and think she is about 17 years old. She has been my constant companion whenever I am home. There is a lot to be said for having a living, breathing, warmblooded animal in one's home. My husband has told me she is our last cat. I responded by saying she is not MY last cat!

Hope the migraines decrease and your stress level continues to lower. I am really impressed at all you are doing to optimize your health!

Love, hugs, and prayers,
Ginger

Lastly, if you have a full blown migraine, it is best to stop it instead of trying to sleep it off. That is because there is some research indicating that each migraine makes a future migraine more likely to occur. It is like walking every day in the same place in the grass. Pretty soon a path gets worn. The theory is that in the same sort of things happen in the brain. The more the "pathway" of the migraine is activated, the easier it is for another to occur.

Because of this, if you do not have a medication that stops the migraine within an hour, you may want to ask you physician for a triptan. There are a fair number of them out on the market, and I would suspect they would require a prescription in the UK just as they do in the US.

If in the process of changing your diet, you are decreasing your fluid intake, that needs to be attended to. Keeping the body hydrated is important for many things, including good kidney health and flushing toxins from the system, healthy vasculature (the circulatory system) among others. Most people recommending at least 8 glasses of water daily. One glass is approximate 240 ml. I recommend using a cup or bottle with measurements on it, or using something to figure out just how high your favorite beverage container needs to be filled to hold 240 ml. Or maybe you have something that is 250ml or 500 ml. Those are fine, just make sure to get your daily amount in.

One thing you can do is to try to do is to stop the headaches just as they start. You should be able to buy caffeine tablets without a prescription. The ones available in the States are 200mg. The dose to be taken as one feels the headache coming on is 100mg. 200mg is not better and can cause some problems. I tell people to carry a few (cut in half already if 200 mg) in a pocket or purse so they will be available right away.

Virginia (Ginger) French  Mia,
I love the way God brings special people into our lives in the most unexpected of ways! And I am so delighted to have my Count Up sister! It is a long ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Mia,
I love the way God brings special people into our lives in the most unexpected of ways! And I am so delighted to have my Count Up sister! It is a long weekend to me in a way different than to most. My husband, Jim, is on call the whole weekend, and the phone has been ringing off the hook. I am so thankful that it is his cellphone instead of the home phone, or there would be no peace.

As it is, he was out so early and for so long that my cat, Lacie, and I got in a long snooze and barely were awake before NOON! I'm guessing it was your wishes for me to sleep well and your prayers that made it such a comfortable night!

Bless you, my Mia. May this long weekend be one of great relaxation for you, a time of Joy and memory making.

Sending prayers and love and hugs, and thanking God for you,
Ginger

Virginia (Ginger) French  Mia,
Great to hear from you! if you want to COUNT UP to 42, when you should be home recovering with all the riffraff behind you, then I would say, Absolutely, ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Mia,
Great to hear from you! if you want to COUNT UP to 42, when you should be home recovering with all the riffraff behind you, then I would say, Absolutely, this is your DAY 4, making Thursday DAY 5! Congratulations! You have some days behind you and did not even realize it! Now you are making it easy! Which is great!!!

I chose to go to 42 because I knew that with my time to surgery, average stay in the hospital, and a few days for snafus, I still expect to be comfortably home on Day 42.

You don't have to use the 42 as your day, but are certainly welcome to. I figure it gives some wiggle room and might even give me some quiet at home before the phone starts ringing and the door bell gets going!

I am so delighted we are so close together! And Terrie is waiting for any good scoop we can give her. I think we shall have a lot of celebrating ahead of us.

So welcome to the COUNT UP Club. So far we have two members, whom we both know fairly well!!

So good to laugh and look beyond instead of concentrating on all the drama. Drama, what drama??? See???

You'll be taking that new valve home and have a situation analogous to bringing home a new baby. And how sweet it will be! But, you will not have to deal with months of feedings throughout the night and dirty diapers!

I don't remember if I have written you my favorite Bible verse, but just in case am going to put it here:

ll Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a strong mind.

That verse and the prayers of my family and friends have gotten me through way too many things to count. One of my friends here in Wichita suggested that I write a book. Very kind of her. But I told her if I wrote a book and put in even half the things my husband Jim and I have been through, people would not believe it was non-fiction! Can all of that happen to one family? In a word, yes!

Small but convincing example: This year on Mother's Day, my identical twin sister and her husband were in their beautiful home when it received a direct hit from a tornado. The house is GONE! But God is so good. When they were building it, Patty, my twin, thought to have a small room with concrete walls and a steel door poured down before the solid concrete entry way was put in above it. We are all so grateful, because she and her husband and little dog came out unscathed physically when the worst of the storm had passed! Yes, it was traumatic and they were pretty shaken up, but they are alive! A house, no matter how beautiful, is still just a house. I am so glad there are great pictures and memories of that great place instead of just pictures and memories of my sister and her husband, Cliff.

We started off the spring with more than we had counted on, and now it just is rolling on into the summer. But we are all alive to talk to each other and hug each other when the opportunity arises.

And so will we be, the COUNT UPs, well on our way to good health and a better life! Life is good. My twin reminded me to look for the little miracles God puts into every day or we will miss them.

And to put a smile on my face every morning until I get back to it being automatic like it used to be. A smile makes one feel better, even if you're just meeting yourself in the mirror!

Thank you, Mia, for being such a special friend! I return your wishes for a great night of deep sleep and pleasant dreams. May you wake up refreshed and ready to take on Day 5! Yes!

Send you lots of love and some great hugs,
Ginger

Virginia (Ginger) French  Mila,

Loved the phone call, loved your showing up here - a place that for such a long time was your second home, loved getting to really talk about the nitty ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Mila,

Loved the phone call, loved your showing up here - a place that for such a long time was your second home, loved getting to really talk about the nitty gritty of things, loved your phone call after you left for part of the long drive home, but love none of them anywhere near as much as I love you!

And to have someone who has your skills and medical knowledge alleviate my concerns about the heart cath - what better gift and encouragement could anyone possibly have given me?!?

You have, do, and will always have a very special place in my heart- and not the part that's getting cut out, either!

You, Mila, you are the gift! And I look forward to when I have healed enough to come and see the homestead again, hug Christian, get to know Mark.

I have a lot of life yet to look forward to - you may even have to go to the State Fair with me! - and I am so glad the count up is only 42 days. Who knows? I suppose it could be less! After all my sister, Mila, seems to be leaning that way!!!

Blessings to you and the guys...

Do you remember the time when....?

To say I am grateful to have a precious friend like you is an understatement!

Love always, Ging. I am a survivor, no question about that!

Virginia (Ginger) French  M, Great to hear from you! I just got back from repeat of an abnormal chest x-ray taken 8!weeks ago. No news from doc yet, but she told me my aortic stenosis ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  M, Great to hear from you! I just got back from repeat of an abnormal chest x-ray taken 8!weeks ago. No news from doc yet, but she told me my aortic stenosis sounds "classic". I had left her a message that if I came back before surgery, she was welcome to take a listen. So after checking lungs she did just that. Waiting for x-ray report from radiologist now.

So glad to hear you've gotten those apps. I have a couple things from there on my phone, but haven't stopped to listen. The literature says that 20 minutes a day of meditation or something like what you are referring to significantly decreases stress can also lower blood pressure and all kinds of other things. People who did 20 minutes every day did the best, and those who did it at the same time had the top scores. Lowest scores were from the not every day, changing length, and people who changed times. Those scores could be even lower if the place had distraction. Just heard a lecture in which the guy suggests using a kitchen timer. He tells his students to start with 5 minutes.each time, then add 5 minutes until reaching at least 20 minutes and keeping it consistent.

Seems like a stop at an oasis on a daily basis would be relaxing.

BTW, have let friends on FB know. They have prayed me through all kinds of surgeries, and I have felt like it makes a difference. What I post hear is tons more than I would ever put in FB. But I have friends from church, high school, college, former co-workers, neighbors, people I've met through my work

Hugs and prayers to you, M.

Virginia (Ginger) French  Mia, How wonderful of your family!

Look in my photos to see pics of my little Autumn Grace! She is nine months now but trouble loading those pictures for ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Mia, How wonderful of your family!

Look in my photos to see pics of my little Autumn Grace! She is nine months now but trouble loading those pictures for some reason.

Yes, I am praying for you my entire heart cath day knowing it is your New Valve's Birthday!

Love and hugs, Ginger

Virginia (Ginger) French  Bless you my Dear Sister!
Yes, I am counting UP! And I think I will count up to the day when it is estimated that I will be heading for home. It feels like ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Bless you my Dear Sister!
Yes, I am counting UP! And I think I will count up to the day when it is estimated that I will be heading for home. It feels like a very welcome outcome or endpoint, if you will. Going right past some of the other landings on the trip in my count!

And Elizabeth brought beautiful wee little Autumn by for a visit this evening! She has not been here for months, but at nine months of age she immediately perked up when she heard the clock. And we do this thing,"TICK TOCK GOES THE CLOCK" as I lean her back and forth with each tick. A great smile and two teeth she did not have last time she was here, and all evening she would turn back to that archaic clock hanging on the wall, pointing, Talking, Soon it will be "Tick Tock", but not just yet....

Peace, good sleep and easy breathing, comfort to one and all!

Virginia (Ginger) French  Mary,
I'm so glad to hear from you and so irritated that you did not hear from me!

I have had lots of trouble with this computer in the past few days and rebooted ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Mary,
I'm so glad to hear from you and so irritated that you did not hear from me!

I have had lots of trouble with this computer in the past few days and rebooted a couple of times, then MalWare found 72 issues -- I called my son, whom I call the Master Computer Jedi, to see what to do with him. "Dump them!" Well, no question what he meant there! So followed his instructions. Then went to see whether my major protection had been turned off. No, it said I was completely protected! So how did 72 files of garbage get in and where did my post to you go?? Will hope not to get a repeat performance of either!
So many hugs and good thoughts coming your way,
Ginger

Virginia (Ginger) French  Julia, I am so grateful to have heard from you and to know how you are doing. We come to care about one another, and I was concerned not hearing from you. ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Julia, I am so grateful to have heard from you and to know how you are doing. We come to care about one another, and I was concerned not hearing from you.

But you are such a trooper. You have had plenty of bumps in your trail, but now you know more about yourself and the changes going on. And that helps not only you, it will help other people, some of whom have not yet even found this website, as they struggle through some of the things you have experienced.

And if it is of any use, cut and paste answers that helped you for another when their time comes.

I was concerned that I was overdoing it when trying to answer your question regarding BP and heart rate. But the fact is, by plotting the two and seeing the inverse relationship, you discovered
something that was unknown for hundreds of years, that BP and Heart Rate have an inverse relationship. Did you know you are a scientist??

Working on the "Keeping my spirits up" part. I go from one end of the spectrum of emotions some days. Still trying to get used to the whole thing.

BTW, I did call and check into Dr. Ryan at Baylor Plano thanks to you. Great place. I just have this huge complication of the brain damage, and need someone who understands how to protect that from getting worse while still being a great surgeon. So yes, you inspired me in more ways than one.

Know that I care deeply about you and how you are doing. I hope you will post from time to time to let us know how you are. I'm looking forward to the day when you feel like you have really put things behind you, but realize that may be some time with the big procedure you have.

But I believe you will decide it was worth it all. If I were well enough to have a Ross, I would jump at the chance. It is just too long a surgery for me....

Blessings and prayers and peace and comfort and healing for you Julia,
Hugs, gentle hugs, Ginger

Virginia (Ginger) French  Terrie, I hope that in time you will realize that I wish you much more than luck. I'm not into tossing the coin and it's 50:50. The fact is, I really don't ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Terrie, I hope that in time you will realize that I wish you much more than luck. I'm not into tossing the coin and it's 50:50. The fact is, I really don't believe in Chance, although I may use the term from time to time.

I do now and will always wish you blessings. And those blessings come partly from my prayer, but much more powerfully, they come from the Creator.

Thank you for the creation you made and sent me. It is so beautiful. Now I have a treasure that reminds me of you every time I see it.

Bless you, with a great appointment, with a wonderful Saturday, with a bright future!
Love my special sister of the Heart,
Ginger

Virginia (Ginger) French  Kat, What a JOY, Pure and Utter JOY it is to get a message from you here, let alone such a loving one, and to know you will be with me all the way along this ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Kat, What a JOY, Pure and Utter JOY it is to get a message from you here, let alone such a loving one, and to know you will be with me all the way along this path! (No, not down this path. Yes, along this path!)

Truthfully, you have brought joyful tears to my eyes and I am blinking them away so I can type!

Do not concern yourself with my fear, because if it exists, it is ever so tiny. I have been through so much, and God continues to give me strength when I have none of my own. It is one step at a time, and I have been there and done that -- not in exactly the same way -- but so ridiculously often that I wonder if it makes God chuckle. "Oh, she got past that one, let's see what else we might have to keep her on her toes!"

But I am still overwhelmed and enthralled by the love I have felt from your prayers. I have prayed so often for so many, but to receive what I have -- it must be a God thing, a mystery beyond my imagination, so huge, so comforting and peaceful, so enveloping. I am astonished and amazed, and ever so grateful.

I love each of you more than I can say, and the incredible power of your prayers have brought me through so vary much! And here you are, my dear sister, at my side. I know that one of the good things that I will count from this heart valve replacement episode is growing closer to you. I am really touched, and I need you! I need you, Kat, and you are here! How could I ask for more?!

Thank you more than I can ever adequately communicate with you!!! I am sending hugs to you and thanks to God that you are with me!

I will be picturing you riding the horses when I am trying to get around, knowing you are enjoying the fresh air and winds of Kansas, the Heartland, after all.

I do hope you will come see me once I am home. The drive from here to Omaha is 6 hours, so you have to be less than half of that! I think a good Google map will show you several ways to get here in less than 6 hours!

Always, with great love, Ging

One thing I have learned about love -- the more one gives of it, the more one is fulled with it. Again, it can only be a God thing!

Virginia (Ginger) French  Tony, the Man! Bless you! I feel very attached to you, and here you are, your day to go home!!! That is HUGE!

I pray you will continue to post and let ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Tony, the Man! Bless you! I feel very attached to you, and here you are, your day to go home!!! That is HUGE!

I pray you will continue to post and let us know how you are and what your needs are.

Yes, it is a small world. When it is my turn to walk those halls, I will think of you being there beside me in spirit, saying , You can do it! And I will know you are out breathing in fresh air and constantly healing and moving forward.

I am honored that you would think of me and add my name to those you think worthy to receive your positive thoughts! You are an incredibly good man, and I am proud to call you my friend.

My prayers for you will continue. You have found a place in my heart, and it is not a place that will ever be replaced!

I will look for the pictures, and everytime I see them I will think of you, and I will also look for them in your Journal, where I can see your great smile.

Be joy-filled, brother! May your days be many and your Joy overflow.

Gratefully with hugs and love,
Ginger

Virginia (Ginger) French  Bless you, M! Wonderful to hear from you! Was barely awake when my dentist's office called this morning, I have my regular 6 month appointment with them today, ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Bless you, M! Wonderful to hear from you! Was barely awake when my dentist's office called this morning, I have my regular 6 month appointment with them today, and they wanted to change the time. But 30 minutes one way or the other is no problem. Amazing how God works. This appointment was scheduled 6 months ago, and Wednesday I received a Dental Health Form that Cleveland wants filled out to make sure everything is okay in the mouth, x-rays done, no active infection. There could not have been better timing. They know me well and asked if I am pre-medicating. I told them not today, but once I have a new valve in I will need to! So I will complete one more step I had not expected. They were a big shocked to hear I am having surgery, so I may take my book in so they can have a quick look. They are great people and I anticipate that they, too, will be willing to pray me through this!

So sorry things did not go better for your father. The good part is that he was 92, so you had the pleasure of his presence on Earth for many years. My own father, just the best Dad any of us could have asked for, died right before Christmas in 2008. He was 88 and wanted to live to be 89. His birthdate was Jan 15, so he got very close. But he packed a lot into that time. He had five daughters and four of us still alive, with thriving grandchildren and even a few great grandchildren when he passed. One nephew is the spitting image of him, which is very fun!

My mom died at 56 when we were expecting our first, but we all agreed we may not have gotten quantity (in years) but we sure got quality! Amazing woman. My maiden name is Farley and we Farley girls (now women) are all strong women with compassionate hearts and good values and integrity, so my sisters are an important part of my life even though the closest lives hundreds of miles from me.

I am very glad you and Terrie and I will be in this together. Kind of like the Three Musketeers! Before next year we will have to pick a date in the middle of our surgeries and at least raise a glass to toast our new heart health if we don't do the marathon -- I see it as very much an annual celebration together! or we can all three celebrate all three dates! May have to break out the champagne! (My brain injury would scream at me if I even started a Marathon!! LOL)

Thinking of you in Cornwall reminds me that my Mom always had a glass of sherry with a cherry in it for my Dad when he got home from work. They were from the East Coast. We girls were all born close to the Jersey shore. And he always had some anchovies on crackers to accompany the sherry.

Here in the Midwest/Great Plains/ Heartland of the country, anchovies would be something most people would turn their noses up at. But we grew up on them! We had little juice glasses of water with a cherry so we could keep him company! Good memories!

To be honest, M, I am not afraid of dying. I do not expect it at all, and in the freak event that it should happen, it will be like my older sister, who died in her sleep unexpectedly and had no pain. It was those of us let behind who were shocked and saddened.

It is the brain injury that frightens me. And that is all the more reason why I am ecstatic to know I will be in the best possible hands getting the best possible care!

I need to get my brain in gear and figure out how many hours ahead of us you are in your day. Terrie is in Pacific Time Zone and I am in Central Time Zone so we are two hours apart. And the East Coast is one hour ahead of Central. Then there is daylight savings, which most states do, and changes everything by 1/2 hour for about half of the year. So in the spring we move our clocks forward one hour, then when Daylight Savings ends we move back one hour to the "normal" time.

I am thinking I need to get rolling if I want to walk into the dentist's with some food in me. My hair is a disaster because I cancelled my appointment for cu, etc., so I could cover and care for my angelic Autumn, my 8 month granddaughter. (See Photos.) Her Dad is one of the strongest men I have ever known, and he is a firefighter for the city of Wichita. H Wednesday, which was a gift to me. Spending a day with Autumn is truly a blessing! (I wish her other Grandmother lived closer, because I know she would appreciate more time with this little family!) And since our firefighter called right after Cleveland called with the Surgery Date and schedule, I called my husband and popped over there.

So blessed to have all of my adult children here in town. I actually count 4 as my own, although only two were delivered by Jim and me!

But there is nothing to slow the winds that drive across the prairies. So every day is a bad hair day!!!

Sending so much love and Joy! Remember to look for it every day! I have not done as well at it with all the surgeries of the past 4 years, but certainly have nothing to complain about and am happier now that I have a better picture of the condition of my heart and plans are solidifying!

Love & hugs, Ginger

Virginia (Ginger) French  Suzanne, No worries on the spell correct! I am named after my Aunt Virginia who was also called Ginny. My folks thought I should have a name of my own, so ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Suzanne, No worries on the spell correct! I am named after my Aunt Virginia who was also called Ginny. My folks thought I should have a name of my own, so it was Ginger from day 3. (I was the second identical twin to be born, and they had one name for a boy and one for a girl, even though our mother was huge and there was no question about twins! So I was Farley B for first 2 days, Maiden name Farley and B for second baby. First was Farley A!)

Actually, I typed in "get the" one day last week and saw it had been corrected to "ghetto" -- yours was benign in comparison. Glad I caught it before sending.

Great they found your aneurysm, and that it is presently small! You will have another successful story as a result of getting that found, Just think, had it not been for your heart, that may very well have been missed!

Glad to hear you thought the valve easier than you had expected.

My repeat Brain MRIs are following a traumatic brain injury I had over two decades ago. They are keeping track of it, and last August my neurologist was retiring and realized one had not been done in years, so ordered it. It could have been better, but nothing huge, so they did a repeat to make sure nothing was in the process of getting worse. My hubby just called, as a copy was faxed to his office, and says no change, which is good news. All the best to you!

Say, 6 weeks out feels pretty good???

Virginia (Ginger) French  Terrie,
The cat has so much hair that it is hard to tell any is gone! Apparently I need to be more diligent!

Can you post the kayaking pictures? They sound ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Terrie,
The cat has so much hair that it is hard to tell any is gone! Apparently I need to be more diligent!

Can you post the kayaking pictures? They sound wonderful - would love to see them!

MRI is Thursday at 11:45 CDT. Very simple procedure for the patient -- actually a no brainer! But I do appreciate the thoughts and prayers!

Yes we had fires. All spring before any rain fell it was so dry. We would get warnings of High winds and fire -- and there is nothing to stop the wind, so it can really move.

My son-in-law, the firefighter, has been seeing plenty of homes on fire lately. I don't know it there is something that is a frequent cause - will have to ask. But he used coming up to a house fire as an analogy when we were talking yesterday. Part of it was, "When we are called to a house fire, we are not surprised when driving up to see fire and smoke coming out of the house. It is, in fact, what we expect, because we have seen it so many times before." Those firefighters are Wichita's Bravest. And the police are right up there, too.

By the way, I think stubborn is at times a good trait. I prefer the word "persistent", but if the shoe fits. There are too many times when one can and will be run over in this world if not standing one's ground.

Another word that reminds me of my sisters is "assertive". They can be assertive without being confrontational. I call it assertive with tact or diplomacy mixed in. No one gets mad, or if they do it starts to make them look stupid.

Dad used to say that when in an argument/disagreement and the other party starts to behave like a three year old, don't become a three year old yourself. Remain an adult. Before long the "three year old" will realize they are fighting with an adult and they better either grow up or give in. The matter has pretty much already been settled by then.

He was wise, very wise. For my young adult daughter, I call what she has class. She is poised, knows what she is talking about, and even though she is, as her oral surgeon called her at high school graduation, "drop dead gorgeous", she does not belittle other people or stick her nose in the air. She is real. She knows who she is and she, too, is not a pushover. The air conditioner man, who "fixed it" and was paid three days ago and now is back may try to hand her another bill. She will not take it or sign anything. Radiance does not equal dumb, although many men make that mistake. And what a great Mom she is to her now 8 month old. With the fols Autumn has, she is going to go far. She is already busy as they come and smart as can be. I repeat a sound she has heard only once before, and from across the room she will turn and crane her head to get a look at my face. Of course, the I have to repeat the new sound. (The most recent has been buzzing bees because she is so buzzzzzzzy!)

Well, need to clear off the deck, put papers in their proper place rather than sleeping on them, and think about BED.

One more KUDO: My husband did not only do the grocery shopping, he picked up some of my favorite tasty things. Yes, there are avocados and celery and carrots almond milk (great in decaf) and Lorna Doones (for the occasional late med dose with food), but also dark chocolate chips and two small bags of my favorite melt-in-your mouth cookies. Yes, I have to ration them or they would be gone in two or three days! But thoughtful -- absolutely! And it has been known that he will, upon occasion, get a few of his favorite things. They go down near his dictation desk never to be seen again (although sometimes I find a bag in the trash.) He sure keeps his weight down and I remind him I want a little more flesh so his immunity does not drop!

Virginia (Ginger) French  That just posted on it's own. Must be the dry air!

One more great story from a high school classmate. He has a PhD in violin and who knows what else. He ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  That just posted on it's own. Must be the dry air!

One more great story from a high school classmate. He has a PhD in violin and who knows what else. He is the maestro for and orchestra in Texas and is head of the music department at one of the large universities. They just sent pictures from a small town (which will go unnamed), and as he and his wife spoke, they received a question in thick Southern drawl -- What country are you from??? Some place in Europe??? Lovely and talented couple, I know they did not embarrass the gals, but they did give us a great laugh!

Love and hugs and great night, Heart Sister, Ging

Virginia (Ginger) French  Dear Heart Sister!
Yuck! Plenty of dust and pollen blowing across the Great Plains today -- but that is norm. Starting to cloud up and I am hoping for rain! ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Dear Heart Sister!
Yuck! Plenty of dust and pollen blowing across the Great Plains today -- but that is norm. Starting to cloud up and I am hoping for rain!
Trouble with our pollen is that on peaches accompany it!

You do not have to explain the FB reason for me. I worked hard to stay off and finally broke when a good friend posted wedding pictures of her daughter on there. Yes, I did want to see them. But I have a lot of issues, mainly privacy, with it myself, and an constantly checking because not all changes to the software (including privacy protections) are announced to the users, nor are users notified in much of any way.

But to see pictures of the Grand or the incredible gourmet meal (in Philly so too far to eat!) my cousin "Big Brother" Garrett and his wife "MNBF" Lisa have cooked up. Sometimes I think I can actually smell the aromas wafting through the house.

Am on standby today. The Grand's sitter's son got a bad bug bite and is running a fever. -- Not good - brown recluse spiders are hard to see and there are others. Uncle Paul, Jeremiah's little brother (all 6'10" pro basketball player of him) is reacquainting with Autumn today. Home from a season in Poland! Glad he and his darling wife are back!

Playing tomorrow by ear. I have PT at 2:30, so could cover by then, but if so am planning to sleep over so it will make the morning transition easier. May be a while before the sitter knows, then Momma knows, then I know tonight!

Thinking NAP just in case tomorrow is pandemonium, followed by repeat Brain MRI on Thursday. The thrill of it! Autumn Grace and her Momma (Daddy double shifting again) are a thrill; it's the stuff afterwards that is not!
Love and hugs!
Ging
Cat (Lacie) is getting old. All that long hair and she's asleep snoring. May cut off a bit of her hair before she catches me. Less hair, less dust, cooler cat. And she now wheezes in her sleep. ;{ Not good!

Virginia (Ginger) French  Terrie, Thank you for every single word you wrote above. I can totally relate!

Before the head injury, my two favorite things to do (besides reading, which ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Terrie, Thank you for every single word you wrote above. I can totally relate!

Before the head injury, my two favorite things to do (besides reading, which is a given) were to swim and to bike. Post head injury no flip turns in the pool ever again. I get vertigo triggered by just turning slowly to head back down the lane. As my balance was a mess, I was no longer able to bike outside. (It is flat for the most part here, but turn into the wind and one realizes they just hit a major hill!) My younger sister found the recumbent bike at the place she and her husband workout, gave us the details, and Jim carefully checked it out and we bought one. Even though it is recumbent, we have racked up so many miles on it that Jim had to find and replace the tire. Truth! On a recumbent stationary bike!

One of the outcomes from the trauma to my brain that took the longest to diagnose was Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. No question I have it. The good news is that my docs put their heads together and figured out a way to keep me from sleeping 21-23 out of each 24 hour cycle. Really tough to do much when practically in a coma all day and night. (What time is it? Is that AM or PM? What day of the week is this??, etc.)

But do not worry, Terrie, that I will overdo. I physically am unable to. I have so many restrictions with the vertigo, not being allowed to let my heart beat faster than 110 BPM, and still in PT with Achilles' that were painful yet today when they were worked on, I can't even take a walk!

Where I do err is sleep - or lack thereof. My now-retired family physician helped me work on that. I have so much I want to do, and I end up (now that I take something that helps with the Chronic Fatigue) staying up way too late. This is not helped by living with a physician who goes downstairs to dictate op and office notes and letters and tends to fall asleep there. On a rare occasion we actually sleep on the same floor of the house in the same bed, but it is a rarity.

So I have some new goals I am working on. They include getting up by a certain time every day (and it is not early!) Yesterday I added one additional thing: Move around at least once every 75 minutes (1 hr 15 min) between the hours of (9 am and 9 PM) - unless I am not up by 9 am). Recent literature has found that we all should be doing this, even if watching a movie or being in a desk job. Better for so many parts of the body that I hesitate to list them all.

This evening talking to Jim, he agreed that the new goal I start tonight is to get at least 8 hours of sleep a night. Careful documentation of the past three nights indicate I have not hit 8 hours in a single one of them. Research again states adults should get between 7.5 and 9 hours of sleep a night. It boosts the immune system- which is huge. I am rarely there.

I often leave e-mail, if I have a busy day, until late. I receive about 300 - 350 daily that are not spam, and unsubscribe from at least one thing each day. Most of it is related to investments, which is my responsibility and always has been, areas high on my interest list, and current events. Just going through and deleting what I know I do not have time to read takes time. And I check the markets twice a day and will sometimes tweak our portfolio. (Was not so bad with better economy and less volatility, but as it is I have done absolutely no day trading since January! I do not have the time to sit and work and watch the monitors. I was pretty good, but something had to go.) Each night I have two sets of what I call "Brain Games" that I run through on my iPad. The courses help keep my mind sharp, and track areas of improvement and weakening. And I handle all the family finances.

But take today, by the time I had done most of the market work I had to go to 1:30 PT (and do reps a total of 3 times a day whether I go or not.) Then I went straight from there to give Jeremiah, who had been firefighting for 48 hours straight, some time to do his laundry and get ready some things because tomorrow at 7 am he starts another 48 hour shift.

Poor little Autumn was having a tough day. She was fussy, would play some then cry. I thought she felt warm and had her Daddy (also EMT) check her. We stripped off her heart covered pants so she was bare legged. She only took two gulps of her bottle (Momma's milk) then refused more and cried again. I think she is teething again. Who cares if the books say it is not time yet? We did a little more distraction with singing and playing and then tears. And she had her naps! I fed her some of her pureed foods, and she had very little and some water. By then Momma was home and Autumn even cried when held by her. I pulled a cold teether out of the refrigerator, handed it to Autumn, into her mouth it went and the tears stopped. Who can eat when in pain? So it is 10:30 PM now and I definitely wanted to touch base with you.

Now my phone is beeping. Messages from friends. I have been breaking news to them about the heart thing and they want to know more, and they are such great support. So probably a stop at FaceBook again before bed.

Just a lot in a day (pay bills daily, too) without room for much more. I want to help out/be with my family when I am able. I know they need it. We were in a strange town not even in the same state as any family and I was working full time and Jim was on call and working when we had our children. I was a single mom a lot, and I know my kids need a hand. And sometimes just 2 hours gives them a huge reprieve.

Okay, health tip of the day from Dr. Michael Rozier, head of wellness at Cleveland Clinic. Keep a good stash of RAW unsalted walnut halves (Diamond is one easy to find brand) on hand. Each day have half a handful in midmorning and again in midafternoon. Cuts out the food craving and is extremely good for you in lots of different ways.

Are you on FaceBook? If so, look for me. I have a lot in there for my friends I think you might like.

Okay, check FB and e-mail, get one stock that is falling set to sell in AM, Brain Games, some stretching and rearranging the bed, then time to snooze. Often listen to 15 minutes of Audiobook or, if ringing in ears are like sirens, 30 minutes of music off iPod so can drift off and keep my mind from being too distracted.

Another day draws to a close. I got caught in a downpour twice but had my trusty rain jacket/windbreaker to keep from getting saturated. Trash night so my part and recycling is all ready. Jim finishes and moves it all to curb, if he remembers and can get himself upstairs!

Many warm hugs, prayers for comfort and peace and de-stressing. So glad you are moving in right direction!

Oh! Surprise of day! After nine months of low thyroid, Achilles' injury, etc., stepped on scale today and I actually lost a few pounds! Shockeroo, but a delight! Makes me smile!

Have a great one, HeartSister and don't let the heat steal your energy. Small cooler with ice and water and a few washcloths. Wear one on neck while garden. Exchange for cold one every so often. Helps beat the heat and keep it from sapping you.

Hugs,
Ging

Virginia (Ginger) French  Terrie,
Thank you for your kind words. I just kept typing and typing and it occurred to me that I might be saying much more than you wanted to hear. But you ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Terrie,
Thank you for your kind words. I just kept typing and typing and it occurred to me that I might be saying much more than you wanted to hear. But you make a good point, and I appreciate it, because I know I have greatly benefited from many of the things others have written in journals here that were not directed to me, but that I was led to.

I was thinking back to the time of the bilateral mastectomies. I had a 5 pound weight limit. That meant that no matter how much I wanted to use my arms to move myself into and around in bed, it was not permitted. And from what I have seen on this site, if a full sternotomy is done the weight limit would be similar.

One of the fairly early days after that surgery, Jim brought up (our laundry area is in the basement, and with the balance and falling I was doing at the time stairs were also a no) fresh towels and set them on the bed. I got up once I mustered the energy and went to put towels away and/or hang up fresh ones. In the process of hanging one towel, I lost my balance and fell into the bathroom.

The cat and I were the only ones home. Thankfully, there was no water in the tub, however a vaporizer was in there where it had been put to dry. So how do I get out of the tub with a five pound weight limit (and hurting enough that I was going to be obedient anyway)? It took me 20 minutes. And a very frustrating 20 minutes, no question.

I was thinking about your biking and that while that builds your legs, what does it do for your arms? I used to bike all the time, and with a good bike there was not a lot of tugging and pulling with my arms. I was not racing on the Toure! So thoughts - hand weights are okay. My cousin after shoulder surgery was told to get two cans each holding one pound of weight. Then came Thought #2, from physical therapy I have a stretch band of medium resistance, although it can be varied by stretching it more tightly or leaving it looser. Then as strength improves, one does not not have to find heavier cans or buy heavier weights.

The band I have is pretty long and as directed, I put a loop at one end with a solid knot. It works my Achilles' in multiple ways, but is very light and, as I said, very versatile. I was having some problems on one side of my upper body from the way the pectoral muscles are stretched to make room for breast implants post-mastectomy. I asked my PT about it. She suggested I use my band and loop it around a door knob, then pull on it in various ways to help those muscles. Smart PT!

My miracle band cost all of $3.00. it is easily carried in a purse, suitcase, or, depending on the pocket size, one pocket.

You may already do things like push ups for upper body strength, but with this you can work your muscles just waiting for a movie to start or watching TV. Another thought that might be helpful. I call them FFTK&T (Fun Facts to Know & Tell). I think it would be fair to say that with my curiousity, reading, and wide range of interests, I have may FFTK&Ts that sometimes are useful.

Here's a FFTK&T example:
Jim and I were at a couple's party where there was a demonstration of all kinds of kitchen gadgets. It started with all of us in the living room, but eventually moved into the kitchen. One demonstration was using celery. The D (for Demonstrator) put the celery in one end of a gadget. She wound the handle and we could all see the "strings" of the celery being separated from the rest of the intact celery piece. "See," says D. "That could save your life! Those strings are not good for you!" (I am thinking, yes they are very good for you. They are insoluble fiber and are great in maintaining a healthy GI tract. But said nothing.) Uh oh! Then D said, "If a rat ate that, it would die!" implying that it was bad for humans, too. Out of my mouth popped the words, "But that is because a rat can't vomit!" Astonished looks all around -- How do you know that?!? "I learned it in Pharmacy School. Never test an anti-emetic (a medicine to prevent vomiting) on a rat because....they can't vomit!" Laughter. "If they get a big bunch of celery string in their GI Tract, it balls up. They have no way to get it out, they get a blockage, and they die." was my logical, scientific conclusion. D moved us on to another gadget! But now, at least 20 years later, I know some of my friends who were there that night can retell the story! It was a FFTK&T. I just did not realize it until the right moment arose! ;o)
Laughter is so good for the soul!

And in some ways, that is what you are reminding me - just because I know it does not mean everyone else does, nor does it mean no one else is interested.
D did not sell any celery de-stringers that night! But it did not spoil the party. In fact, it inserted a moment of comic relief!

Love you, my Heart Sister.

Another possible conclusion: Don't sweat over the celery strings or ________ just because someone else implies that you should! Goes for a lot of details in the heart valve surgery world, as well as other places!

Hope the rest of your day is great, and everyone sleeps and heals just a bit more tonight!

Blessings!

Virginia (Ginger) French  Terrie, Had a wonderful time with my daughter, Elizabeth, and little Autumn Grace. Autumn's parents, by the way, met in the Autumn, married in the Autumn, and ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Terrie, Had a wonderful time with my daughter, Elizabeth, and little Autumn Grace. Autumn's parents, by the way, met in the Autumn, married in the Autumn, and Autumn was born - you guessed it - in the Autumn. I was there much longer than I had anticipated, then wrote paragraphs now lost in cyberspace. I am exhausted, but was able to flesh out, barely, what I do not know and what I do know for many of my close friends including past schoolmates, friends, family, neighbors, and friends from church, among others. They have questions that I still do not have answers for, but those will come in time. So glad to hear your day went well,
As for the vertigo, I comes from my brain - a result of the brain/head injury. I did not have it before the injury in April 1989, but it seems to like me and appears when it cares to. My heart valve was not at all a problem the vast majority of my life. The vertigo has not changed in the last few years as the valve deteriorated. But Terrie, great question!
So glad to hear your stress level is down and the weight is dropping. Now if mine would only do the same!
More tomorrow, Precious Heart Sister!

Virginia (Ginger) French  Terrie, Sounds like you are on the right track. Keep up the good work. I used to use Splenda and still have a whole jar of packets. But now that Stevia is ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Terrie, Sounds like you are on the right track. Keep up the good work. I used to use Splenda and still have a whole jar of packets. But now that Stevia is out, it is much better for you. From what I understand, because it is more "natural" - a word that is not always true and is overused - the Stevia is less likely to cause blood sugar peaks and then insulin reacting to it. It just keeps one a step further away from the mechanism that sets people up for diabetes. And so is also kinder to the heart.
The biking is great, and I, too, steer clear of much in the way of bread. I'm trying to get most of my fiber from veggies. The problem I sometimes have is vertigo keeping me from getting fresh fruits and veggies at the grocery store, but Jim helps when he is not tied up with work, etc.
Glad your morning has been good so far! Will look for you again.
Heading to my daughter's in a bit. Need some time with her and my little Grand, Autumn! They are full of Joy and so good for my soul!
Hugs, Heart Sister!

Virginia (Ginger) French  Bless you, jani! You are so very precious to me! I think of those healing chocolate chip cookies you made for me! I rationed them out and they lasted a long ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Bless you, jani! You are so very precious to me! I think of those healing chocolate chip cookies you made for me! I rationed them out and they lasted a long time, and every one reminded me of your love and of my love for you! Thank you for being with me! I carry you in my heart, and it's not where it will get replaced in the surgery! xoxoxo

Virginia (Ginger) French  Marci,
I appreciate the recommendation and glad to hear from another Oz Lander! You must be doing great if you are 5-6 months out. Minimally invasive? How ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Marci,
I appreciate the recommendation and glad to hear from another Oz Lander! You must be doing great if you are 5-6 months out. Minimally invasive? How long till you felt "Good"?
Blessings,
Ginger

Virginia (Ginger) French  Marci, the other thing I have to deal with is a traumatic brain injury that occurred in the past and still flares up decades later. The surgeon I am communicating ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Marci, the other thing I have to deal with is a traumatic brain injury that occurred in the past and still flares up decades later. The surgeon I am communicating with does research on protection of the brain during cardiac surgery, and I definitely need that taken into consideration. In past surgeries, extra things were done to protect my brain, and I'd like it to wake up thinking as clearly as I was when the surgery started. A lot to ask, but it adds a facet that requires a different perspective than "most" people need. I have heard that Dr. Muehlbach is good. It would be so nice to be closer to home. But I cannot always have it my way, I need to do what is best for more than just my heart, which adds to the challenge.
Again, Marci, I am glad to know you are near. Ever get to Wichita??? Would love to meet!

Virginia (Ginger) French  Terrie,
I think I have expressed to you before my concern that I am currently heavier than ever before in my life. The fact is that I have lost over 67 pounds, ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Terrie,
I think I have expressed to you before my concern that I am currently heavier than ever before in my life. The fact is that I have lost over 67 pounds, but that is the total, Somewhere between 17 and 20 pounds I would be told "No dieting now". That included before my tonsillectomy and when the cancer diagnosis came through, My family doctor's notes commented that despite my balanced diet I have been unable to lose weight because it took nine months to get my thyroid level to normal. I was steadily losing weight when last July I stepped on the scale and it had plateaued. I know that happens, but two weeks later, still on my slow weight loss regimen, I had gained two pounds! Now that was not fair. And the vertigo and my cardiologist making my target max heart rate 110 bpm have not helped. Two minutes on the recumbent bike and I am over 110! Today just doing my PT reps I checked at the end and was at 109! Just doing physical therapy stuff for my Achilles' tendonitis - which also means I cannot even go out and take a walk. My Achilles swell and ache afterwards!

So while I would like to be down the 67 pounds that I "lost", I am resigning myself to having to wait until after the valve repair so I can have a higher heart rate. Because I have never had trouble losing when I wanted to and had a normal thyroid level -- I just keep getting told to stop! Ridiculous!

But August 20 is a loooong way away! Go to BioTrust on the Website, Get three bottles of their low carb protein powder. Very tasty, easy to make shakes, Just add water and Ice and shake the cup. No biggie! Then drink one twice a day and have dinner of a fist or deck of card sized serving of protein (fish, chicken, beef,whatever), lots of veggies, no starches or saturated fats, and a chunk of dark chocolate (70% chocolate or higher) for dessert - it cuts the need for more. Six days of that then one day of what you usually eat, perhaps in smaller portions. Add at least 8 eight ounce glasses of water a day. Tea is okay, or there are all kinds of flavorings that come in drop form. Don't use ANY sweetener or sugar- or if you must use Stevia - comes in packets now. Get rid of all vegetable oil in the house including margarine. Cook with coconut oil. You can buy it solid and it melts down fast, and it is made of monounsaturated fat! Or macadamia nut oil (McMac Oil is tested the most.) And you actually will help not just your heart (and Gary's), but the coconut oil (1 teaspoonful a day in a shake, for example) is actually having a protective effect for your brain against plaque build up there. And amyloid plaques are found in high concentrations in Alzheimer's patients' brains.

But the brain is almost 100% fat. You just have to toss out all of the bad stuff, use a thin layer of butter instead of margarine, and cook with coconut or macademia nut oil at not too high a temperature.. And I do my veggies either raw or steamed lightly in the microwave. Grilled is good, too. Try sprinkling dill on them, or dip them in hummus or yogurt. But not fat-free yogurt with fruit on the bottom. Just a little regular or vanilla yogurt. And use it instead of sour cream! You can spread it in your celery or dip the celery in. Guacamole is good for you too. Avocados have the right kind of fat. Add some slices to your dinner!

And since you are in a hurry(?), BioTrust has a product called Leptiburn. Two caps on an empty stomach twice a day to enhance the weight loss without stuff bad for your heart in it. Can be used along with the protein shakes. They also have great high protein and fiver oatmeal raisin cookies as well as chocolate chip. I eat one of the former from time to time, Jim is into the chocolate chips!

I cannot believe I just wrote all of that, but it does tell you that I really do care, and I want you to succeed even if you don't do any of that until after surgery!

The other piece is this: Do not be afraid to ask for help when you need it! I was so self sufficient when I had the head/brain injury, I nearly starved before asking a neighbor to make a grocery run for me.

I shake my head at myself -- but it works and BioTrust is a little more $ than the local muscle supplement place, but they put enzymes in with the protein for the shakes and that way more is absorbed and there is much less gas and bloating!

Okay, I will shut my mouth and go look for something for dinner since it is close to 10 PM.

They'll be calling you Skinny before you know it.

Hugs & prayers & more, Heart Sister!
Ging

If I had that much time and could walk in addition, my weight would be dropping. As it is, it is hardly moving the needle on the scale.

Virginia (Ginger) French  Here she goes again. Check spice cabinet. MSG bad for brain. Freshly ground pepper good for several things do use on veggies. Tonight mine are brussel sprouts ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Here she goes again. Check spice cabinet. MSG bad for brain. Freshly ground pepper good for several things do use on veggies. Tonight mine are brussel sprouts al dente with fresh ground pepper and some garlic powder -- not garlic salt! And a little saturated fat is okay, but no trans fats - in margarine "healthy" vegetable oils, etc.
Smile- you're on candid camera.

Incentives - Before picture to hang on fridge -- movie night whenever you drop x# pounds, or whatever you really want - shoes, a new purse, a light robe for the hospital??? xoxox

Virginia (Ginger) French  Terrie,
Wow - great news! And August gives you some time to plan and get things taken care of that you won't want either in the way or to have to do in the ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Terrie,
Wow - great news! And August gives you some time to plan and get things taken care of that you won't want either in the way or to have to do in the post-op time!

And I think the valve selection is smart. No lifelong anticoagulants. You and Gary lead a busy life! Just the kayaking alone spells "no anticoagulants". And if you need it replaced down the line, I'm praying they will have TAVR perfected and available for people like you and me by then.

You are totally correct about the priorities. We will be okay. I just need to free up some money to travel, motel, etc., but that can be done.

There can be no better reminder to me than that my twin and her husband lost their home to a tornado not quite a month ago. Praises that they had a concrete safe room with a steel door. They came out with no injuries -- and we could have lost them both easily. So very glad we are not doing what the opposite could have brought -- sitting in their beautiful home with the family after two funerals. And their insurance will help. They grabbed the Bibles and family pictures! Good priorities!

But one of my sisters and her husband live in California and, from the sounds of it, were in a very similar situation. Glad that is behind you.

I am just trying to batten the hatches so I can focus on the surgery without all kinds of other things in the way. And there is plenty to take my attention if I allow it.

Time to do what is essential and not the rest. The audiobook I am "reading" is called ESSENTIALISM: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown. Jim and I are trying to :"Simplify". It is just hard to find the time and make the effort when not feeling so great. My phone can play the audiobook and it has a timer that can be set, so I listen to it in the late evenings in 15 - 20 minute segments. I highly recommend it. Bet you are much closer to it than we are! You probably just need to get your carving materials in order. Now THAT has me excited!!!

And my friend, Mike, who just posted, is a collector and maker of incredible things, most having to do with electricity and vehicles!. Can't remember how many garages and storage places he has on his land. He is on the faculty at Oklahoma State University and one of these days when I am better, I really want to go on a tour of their home and all his goodies. At Christmas he puts up a huge tree outside made of hubcaps with spotlights shining on them! And he has made his own sleigh - I think a motorcycle conversion - that he fits in well with a Santa suit and his own very thick large beard!

And I agree that waiting is hard! I have been praying for patience for years. (I actually have a small handwritten card on my stove vent, angling up, that is faded from time. "God, Please give me patience.") My daughter grew tall enough to see it one day in high school. "Mom, this looks like your handwriting!" I said yes, been praying for that for years. Reply, "Mom, you are one of the most patient people I know." Guess that prayer paid off! In fact, not a guess but a knowing that it paid off. But there are degrees, and somethings are easier to wait for then others.

And Terrie, as it is, I know I have some things to accomplish for this place to be ready to come home to, so I am in no big rush. Just don't wait too long and get more heart damage. I've had enough of that with my brain! And five months in the dark quiet on my back in bed certainly can be frustrating, but also encourages one to either find some patience or let the frustrations increase. The former is better for the brain - less stress!

The Brain MRI is delayed to next Thursday, but that's no big deal. It is not invasive, not far away, and the people there really know what they are doing. I am, though, praying that there is improvement from the last MRI early August 2013. My doctor and I and even some friends have done some literature review, and it is possible that the drug she took me off of after the last MRI was causing some of the problems. So hoping for something better this time, but as long as it is not worse, I will be content.

Have a great weekend, my precious Heart Sister! Bunches of hugs and those arrow prayers continuing, well past August now!

Virginia (Ginger) French  Bless you, Mike. You and I have been friends and closer than just "friends" for a long time now. I so appreciate your warm blankets of healing energy and ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Bless you, Mike. You and I have been friends and closer than just "friends" for a long time now. I so appreciate your warm blankets of healing energy and the little extra emotion. We now know my records have reached the surgeon and will probably hear in the next 10 days about whether he will see me and if so, start to try to coordinate dates. Sending bunches of hugs your way. Thanks for your continued positive thinking and encouragement. I hope you know how much I appreciate you! Ging

Virginia (Ginger) French  Woohoo! Fantastico! And, the fifth of June is one of the most celebrated days in my family of origin, for on that day in the late 1940's, after the war, Elizabeth ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Woohoo! Fantastico! And, the fifth of June is one of the most celebrated days in my family of origin, for on that day in the late 1940's, after the war, Elizabeth E Hughes married William H Farley, II, and became Buttons and Bill, so deeply in love with one another that they were unseparable until he laid her into the arms of God! My folks, bless them! You are talking about a spectacular day! And you are going to be leaps and bounds ahead of me, Ms. Terrie, although this is certainly not a race!

At 2:30 your time I have a webinar to check out. Guess what will hold my attention? That's right! It's you!

Praying for all good things! Ging

Virginia (Ginger) French  Blessed Terrie, My Heart Sister,
I am encouraged for you and afraid at the same time. But love is like that. Please get information on credentials, how many ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Blessed Terrie, My Heart Sister,
I am encouraged for you and afraid at the same time. But love is like that. Please get information on credentials, how many similar surgeries the surgeon has done in the past. (100 is not nearly enough!) And don't accept "really great outcomes and very few problems". I have gotten that response before. The death rate for this surgery is 2.7%. You want a number much lower than that. See what the numbers are for some of the more prominent valve sites. My cardiologist said no one like that gets the opportunity to touch you, let alone operate. This is a big thing that can change the course of your life for the better or not. I'm praying better for both of us Big Time. I remember my Mom, gone over 33 years now, saying, "God helps those who help themselves!" You have to be your own advocate. Write your questions down so you don't forget. Have Gary help you and coach each other. And finally, know that I am there with you in spirit whispering into your ear, "Terrie, only the best is good enough for you!" Because I WILL be there! Count on it, Sister!

For me, a good chance my records will be ready tomorrow. They will be sent by overnight FedEx, as I was instructed. The clock is ticking, but we have it beat because between us we have TWO tickers! It's like "Measure twice, cut once." We will not put up with someone who might put us in a position where we need a second cut, and soon! No maam!

Lots of hugs and shooting arrows! Remember the song "Me and My Arrow"? One of my long time friends used to call me her little Prayer Warrior. I don't know about the little part, but yes, Prayer Warrior for sure!

What a team we make! Look out world!

All my best and more,
Ginger

Oh, here's a great one: Failure does not come from falling down. Failure comes from not getting back up! :o)

Virginia (Ginger) French  Terrie,
I am so grateful for your prayers! Thank you, thank you, thank you! And of course I will keep in contact! Are you not my Heart Sister?!?

Yes, I felt ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Terrie,
I am so grateful for your prayers! Thank you, thank you, thank you! And of course I will keep in contact! Are you not my Heart Sister?!?

Yes, I felt so fortunate to catch that one item that was not had not been done but is required to be in the records for review before consultation. And even better to have both my cardiologist and PCP follow through! We are hoping to send everything off tomorrow if all goes well.

My husband may be a general surgeon, but he does not deal with valves in his work, so has been in agreement with my cardiologist.

I know between 55 and 70 years of age there is that sweet spot where one type of valve over another does not give definite reasons for using the one over the other.

My cardiologist does not think with my traumatic brain injury years ago and the occasional flare ups that long term anticoagulation therapy are in my best interests. That rules out the mechanical valve.

I don't play rugby or jump from air planes! so a mechanical valve would be tempting, especially since now the INR can be monitored easily from home and called in to the doctor for any needed adjustments. Being tied to constant trips to have the level of the drug's activity monitored is not something I would want to have to do.

So it looks like unless my valve surgeon says no way, and I do not expect this, I will get a bioprosthetic valve. And which one I anticipate the valve surgeon will be the person to explain the pros and cons and may even have a preference. Much of the available information on the different valves is from the Medical Device companies, and so may not be without prejudice.

As you know, the tissue valves are expected to last 10 to 15 years, on the longer side in older patients who do not work them as hard. And no one wants to do this (surgery) more than once.

Right now the transcutaneous approach, TAVR, is only for high risk, otherwise inoperable patients. But there is a great deal of research going on there to lower risks and perfect the technique as well as the valves.
I know that already TAVR has been used in some patients to replace tissue valves that are no longer functioning properly. So my every hope is that if and when I would need another valve, it can be done without going into the chest to open heart and the whole surgical deal like the first one will be. TAVR should be much less risky by then. I have even seen reports that it may be possible to do it in the future without general anesthesia.

Specific dates for consultation will not even be discussed until records are sent and have been reviewed. That may be two weeks away still. We will know in good time!

So praying for a good report on the EKG and all records are ready tomorrow! Also praying the surgeon who has the knowledge and skills you need is the one you are suggested to consult with. I am not sure where you are in California, but there are some reknowned valve surgeons in California. I particularly like Dr, Luis Castro at the Sequoia Hospital. He is very knowledgeable, a good communicator, has done thousands of valve replacements and would be my choice were I closer and if I did not have to consider the brain injury along with everything else. But you should have a say in the surgeon who holds your life, and in the process your heart, in their hands.

I would suggest you look at the surgeon finder on this website and see who is very highly recommended and is not too far from you.

My cardiologist told us there is no one close by who has the experience (thousands of valve cases like mine) and the outcome (low death rates, low rate of complications) that he would insist on. Those are things you should look into and know, ask and compare. Okay, so my opinion is strong, but check what Alan Pick and so many others say. I believe my cardiologist is right on target!

It is just that I really care what your outcome is, and sometimes convenience or close proximity is not a good reason to choose someone who is a specialist like this!

Love and hugs and prayers, Ginger

Virginia (Ginger) French  Autumn was eight months just a week ago. I sent in a question about posting pictures, because my first two went up fine. I can't imagine there is a limit ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Autumn was eight months just a week ago. I sent in a question about posting pictures, because my first two went up fine. I can't imagine there is a limit of two??

In the learning center or you can even look on YouTube and search minimally invasive aortic valve replacement or the like, there is a great video with the complete explanation. If it is safe for me to have a 2 to 3 inch incision instead of having my chest cracked open, I will not hesitate. Less pain, less blood loss, shorter hospital stay, quicker healing, not things I would pass up. I can do pain, but am very happy to do less and lower risks. But I know frequently it is the angiogram and finding a coronary artery needing bypass that causes a change from minimally invasive. And you, Woman, you are past that! Hooray!

Virginia (Ginger) French  Terrie, my Heart Sister,
I was so glad to hear from you last night. I just did not think about the pressure on the entry points, but thinking back I do remember ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Terrie, my Heart Sister,
I was so glad to hear from you last night. I just did not think about the pressure on the entry points, but thinking back I do remember them even using sandbags to apply pressure to stop any building during my years working at the med center.

The great news is that there is nothing big besides your valve, and that should mean they can go ahead with minimally invasive surgery. Is that what you understand???

Overcast here but that means a bit cooler. Am working on bills and taxes (very late this year!) with the cat sleeping at my feet.

Looking forward to visiting little Autumn while her mom and dad are out for a while tonight. Did you see the pictures I posted?

I can't seem to get more than just the two pictures to post. Don't know why, but want to learn the system sooner rather than later.

BTW, what is the name on your journal page? Could not find it...

That arrow in the back did not come from me! Ha ha ha! I shoot mine up! But glad they did you in good stead! So delighted you are well. Was just getting worried and forgot about pressure dressing.

With the saran wrap - ugh - have you tried micropore tape? My dad's wife (remarried several years after my mom died) was highly allergic to tape and all kinds of things, but despite the notes she would come out of surgery with all kinds of tape.. They lived in Denver and I would go out for her surgeries and took with me lots of Micropore tape and Coban. The Coban (and its generics now) are like stretching but not too thick Ace wraps that adhere to itself, so no tape on the skin. You may want to experiment a bit before you go in for "the big one". As I learned, we would put a sign on Barbara's operating gown (with safety pins and hang a roll of micropore tape on her. She would laugh, but it sure beat the welts of hives she would get!

So glad you got the green light! Celebrate!
Sending bunches of healing hugs, Ginger