Clare Auten posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
I am sure every place is different but I will tell of my experience with the heart cath. Mine was done the day immediately prior to surgery. I think my down time was 3-4 hours before I was allowed to get up and use the bathroom. Because I was staying overnight, I was moved to a room and did have to lay still. There was some sort of pressure dressing on the area and the nurses checked on me frequently. I couldn't raise the head of the bed much but my husband and his sister sat with me. I talked on my cell phone with my parents (there was a snowstorm and they are both well over 80) who couldn't get to the hospital. I think we had the TV on. The hours passed quickly until I got to the end and needed to use the bathroom but was not allowed up....those last 20 minutes seemed to take forever.
Virginia (Ginger) French Thanks, Clare, for your contribution to the discussion. Obviously different hospitals have different ways of handling things, and I think knowing what some of the protocols are is helpful.
On July 10, 2014...
Eleanor posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
Thank you for telling me about the spirit and stamina of your sister - must run in your family! The Midwest has been much in my mind this year with all of the tornados and floods. I am glad they had a safe place to go, and survived.
Good luck to you on your "upcoming" surgery, I was waiting to hear from the surgeon's office - I seem to have an asymptomatic urinary tract infection so yesterday they stopped one of the pre-surgery meds to add in Cipro. Scary thing, I remember it from the antrax scares a few years ago. They will let me know tomorrow what's "up" or what's on hold. I hope it is a go for, like you, every trip up stairs, every cough, is now worrisome now that I know the origin. I'll let you all know.
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
On July 9, 2014...
Eleanor posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
Hi, Ginger. You are lucky to have a twin, and other family, with such thoughtful gifts, and sentiments behind them. Treasure them. I have a brother and sister in law coming up from Florida to be with me, a very close nephew, and a lovely daughter. I also have a very close friend, almost a sister and she and her husband will be with my daughter and family during my surgery on Monday. We are blessed. Keep well on your journey.
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
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
On July 8, 2014...
Mia posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
Ginger,
I am at my preschool/childcare center. My precious little ones are resting and listening to soft music. Wish I could nap too.
We have lots of laughter in our school. I give hugs and receive hugs all day!
Thank you for telling me about the books. I am going to research getting it.
Got to go for now, eskimo kisses back to you in the land of oz.
Eleanor posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
Hello, Ginger. Your post resonated with me, as my daughter Erica is moving back into "her" room, to be with me the first couple of weeks after surgery. She lives only about 15 mins. from my house, but she wants to be close. Yesterday she was here helping me "turn my bedroom into a spa" as she said, turning the rocker/recliner towards a garden window, stocking the armoire with even more books and tapes, and generally cleaning and polishing. I am glad your daughter is coming to help you - it really is a lovely circle of life when our children begin to take care of us as we did them.
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
On July 8, 2014...
Terrie posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
Good morning Ginger.
I am up and having coffee this morning. Have to finish getting things ready for the "chair "delivery today. Taking more time to get things "adjusted" in the room to make ready for the chair as I am working on trying to get thinks arranged in such a way that I will be comfortable when I get home from surgery and be able to reach things, get to my favorite music/books/sketch-pads as well as be out of the way for the "naps" I hope to have by the back patio windows where I can look out onto the garden from my chair where I imagine I will be sleeping for awhile.
I am really happy that you, Jim, Elizabeth and Jeremiah have gotten the time line and flights together for your surgery. I think things will be looking up as you count up!
We will talk soon. Much love and hugs, your heart sister, Terrie.
Remember today is a brand new day and brings you one step closer to better days ahead!
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
On July 8, 2014...
Mia posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
Ginger,
Thank you for writing back so early in the morning. Hope you are still sleeping this morning!
Wow, I am thrilled that the butterfly kisses touched your heart.
Sorry that you lost your mom so young. I am sure she was a lovely. I have to share with you that I lost both of my parents very young too! My.dad was 46, and mom 56.
I miss them dearly. I try to live each day to the fullest. My mother was a nurse and was such a loving,nurturing, caring individual. I feel that she gave myself and siblings that gift.
I am now 58, and older than when she went to heaven. She is truly my angel and was so blessed to have her as my mother.
Oh well enough of that. I.have two sons a wonderful husband and a small family.
Of course my family is increasing as the heart community is now family too.
Glad that Elizabeth is coming in for your
procedure. Family and friends are so important.
Well, I need to get ready to.go see my little munchkins at my preschool soon
Enjoy thiis beautiful day and make sure to stop and smell the roses!
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
On July 7, 2014...
Mia posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
Hello my heart sister Ginger!
Thank you for letting me know that you are so happy we have connected. That means so much to me. I will also reach out to Terrie, I guess she is having surgery after we do.
Today I was at work and received a call from the hospital about pre-admission.
At the time I was calm and then about fifteen minutes later, I became kind of anxious. I need to check into the meditation tapes.
Fortunately, I am fine now. I think it just really hit me that three weeks from tomorrow is my surgery. Your surgery is two days after mine.
I will continue to keep smiling and have trust in God to watch over all our brothers and sisters in our heart family each day and during surgery.
I thought it was interesting that you love ice cream. Chocolate, ice cream and coffee are my favorite foods. We have lots of things in common.
As far as hugs go, I am a great hugger!
I will work on posting some pictures so you know me better.
One of my favorite things I say to my preschoolers is: I am sending butterfly kisses. They love it. Butterflies are so beautiful, gentle and I believe sent from above. So my sis, sending butterfly kisses to you tonight. Try to get to bed on time as you need your rest.
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
On July 6, 2014...
Mia posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
Good morning my heart sister!
I absolutely love your collage of pictures.
I wanted to tell you I decided to do the same countdown as you. So today I am on day 6 just like my count
up sister.
Yesterday I woke kind of in a weird mood. My hubby looked at me and said,"whats bothering you."? I said, that my focus has been on surgery to much. He replied," Mary, it is only one day out of your life." He is right. He told me to think on the bright side, and how I should feel so much better once the mitral valve is repaired or replaced. That is all I needed was his words of encouragement. I then left for my water aerobics class. Once I got moving I felt so better. The rest of the day was wonderful.
Ginger, I am so thankful and blessed to have you in my life. Hope you are enjoying this beautiful day.
Sending lots of Hugs and kisses from your heart sister!
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!
On July 5, 2014...
Tony posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
Ginger
Send the picture to yourself via email.
It will ask you what size you would like to send the picture if it is over 1 mb.
Pick a size that is less than 1mb since that is the limit for the website.
That will then be the picture you use after you save that emails picture.
Tony
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.
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
On July 5, 2014...
Jeffo posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
Had my aortic valve repair and ascending aortic aneurysm done at Cleveland by Dr Svensson last August.
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!
On July 4, 2014...
gigi posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
p.s. Ginger, re the IRS and tax returns, were you perhaps on the favored list of Lois Lowlife Lerner? and the Mob?
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
On July 4, 2014...
Geri posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
Hi Ginger, I enjoyed reading your stories especially your Gran and children. It is rare in life to read a stranger's journal and almost immediately feel the loving caring person behind it, at same time humorous antidotes. In this fast paced world with ephonies, i this and that, few people take time to discuss their thoughts and feelings
I will be thinking of you and your trials and tribulations and thank God we have the privilege of becoming acquainted with such a fine lady as Ginger
you could easily be a writer
best wishes
Geri
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 Geri,
How generous of you to write such kind words! I am deeply touched by your kindness!
I spent years looking at the other parts of this website, but when I felt it was time for me to
On July 4, 2014...
m in cornwall posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
Hi Ginger - Happy 4th July - and good news your health checks are ok and now just the big one to get sorted. Love when you talk about your dog Hunter. I miss our pets but our lifestyle at the moment wouldnt be fair to have a dog or cat. we have a lot of cats in our Row and as our neighbours say, we have the benefit of pet pussies without the worry or cost of pet food or vets bills. There is Spike who pretends to be the leader in the Row but he is really a big softy, Ruby who can stare Spike to back down, Minnie who is a bit aloof and spends a lot of her time sitting on top of her owners hot water tank, Geronimo (he is a marmalade coloured cat and we all call him Ginger) he loves to stretch out in the road and is very reluctant to move when a car comes along but as the row is access for residents only, we just humour him. Anyway now you know about the cats who live in our Row. There is a dog but she is very laid back and understandably very tolerant of the cats ! Went to my meditation/yoga class this morning and am doing the meditation relaxation that I downloaded from the Cleveland hospital web site. I really do think this is helping my stress levels although as i have put in my journal today I am having a lot of migraine episodes. I have been adapting my diet so perhaps I am missing something. have tried to cut out suger at all levels. lots of love to you and good thoughts m
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.
On July 3, 2014...
Mia posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
Hello my count up sister! Loved your words of encouragement. I am on the count up day 5 almost 6! The bible verse really made me think. Thank you for sharing this amazing verse.
You have had a rough year with the trauma that happened with your sister and family.
Smiling is so important to me! Once we have reached our count up day we both will be smiling more and more.
I am so thankful that we became great friends through the site.
We can be there to support each other through this journey.
Looking forward to the long weekend and spending time with family and friends.
Rest and relax if you can .
Sleep well my dear friend and will remember you in my prayers.
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
On July 2, 2014...
Mia posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
Hello Ginger!
Its Mia!
So question for you I need to do the count up for myself too. Would you say mine would be 4 today?
I love how you always make things positive. It really has helped me as my journey begins. Today I woke up feeling kind of down in the dumps, and decided that I needed to think of happy thoughts.
That is awesome news about your x-rays being good.
Hope you get enough sleep tonight. Pleasant dreams and I will be in touch.
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
On July 1, 2014...
Mila posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
You GO GIrl--
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
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!
On July 1, 2014...
m from cornwall posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
Hi Ginger - just saw on facebook someone refer to her open heart surgery as being rebooted. still havent put it out there in wide world that i am undergoing this thing. Oh and by the way, the meditation thing is great. I downloaded the Cleveland Meditation Oasis app - it was free to download and am now using it especially the wee small hours track. love m xxx
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.
On June 29, 2014...
Mary (Mia) posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
was is everyone here because I will be having surgery? My sister made sure I knew it was for graduation. There were balloons attached to my chair. This was an absolute beautiful day and am so thankful.
I will focus on counting my blessings everyday!
Thank you Ginger for being my heart sister. Sleep well and will catch up later.
Mary (mia) posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
Hello Ginger,
I love your idea of counting up. Wow I just looked at the date and realized that I am only one month away from surgery. Well I am hoping to have better health and more energy. I know in the beginning there will be bumps in the rode. Then your surgery is two days after mine. We heart sisters can do this!
Your granddaughter sounds beautiful. I am looking forward to the day I am a grandma.
Yesterday was a very surprising day for me. My two sons planned a surprise graduation party for me. I finished my degree in Early Childhood Studies last month. It was wonderful having my sons be so proud of me. I walked into a restaurant thinking my husband and I were just having lunch, and then saw my sister, and the rest of my family. I have truly been blessed to have two wonderful sons, a daughter in law, and a small family. They really touched my heart yesterday. The first thing I asked my self
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
On June 28, 2014...
Terrie posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
Good morning Ginger.
I believe I am counting up as well!
We are looking forward to getting this done& moving on with our lives.
My Count up is at 54 days today I like knowing where it stands so that I stay focused on the fact it will come and go and eventually means "better health" should follow! I believe that for all of us.
So count Up, Down, or Sideways or maybe don't count at all and have Jim just meet you by the front door, bags in hand saying "Lets go Babe" chuckle?????
Thinking of you Heart Sis!
Have a better day!
Love, Heart SIs
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!
On June 27, 2014...
Mary posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
Ginger, Good morning! I read your message that you posted on your heart valve journal. You mentioned that you had written to me. It didnot come through to me.
Look forward to hearing from you. Have a Blessed day.
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
On June 25, 2014...
Tony posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
One to add to your list
Not my monkies
Not my circus
Julia Hsu posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
Ginger,
Thank you for showing your compassion, wisdom, and medical knowledge to me when I was having a hard time. Good luck to you now that you have a surgeon whom you trust and a date. Keep your spirits up.
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
On June 21, 2014...
Terrie posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
Good morning Heart Sister!
I just wanted to let you know I was thinking of you and hoping all is going well. I will be going to the Dentist at 1:30 p.m. our time. Wish me luck?!!
If you get a phone message on your machine from a "drunken-speech slurring Woman, that would be me full of Novocain from my visit!
Take care,
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
On June 21, 2014...
Kat posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
God brought you your long-time cardiologist and God has now brought you the new doctor that cares for both heart and brain. Talk about a wonderful and clear message that God is right beside you. I can't imagine any fear you might have, especially for your post-surgery status. All l can say is your faith for yourself, for others is so heart-warming and true. I hope you are allowing all of this love from others fill you up every minute of every day. Love you!
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!
On June 20, 2014...
Tony posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
Ginger
Fantastic news
Such a small world.
I had responded earlier this week to an gentleman from my home state that was considering Lars. Here at CC they have the pictures and Bio's of their fourteen Surgeons in the halls. I stopped and took some pictures. Needless to say I have been sending Lars positive thoughts as I have my hundreds of rounds in the halls getting my walk on. I will now add your name as I pass this being my last day here.
Wishing you all the best.
BTW
I have added those pictures on my journal.
Tony
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
On June 20, 2014...
m in cornwall posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
Hi ginger - wow looks like you, Terrie and myself will all be recovering around the same time. perhaps we should get together and do a marathon next year LOL - yes agree total fix or death are the two options we dwell on but there is the other one. My father was offered surgery to fix the pin he had had for a broken femur when he was 92. when it was pointed out he could end up bedridden instead of the two obvious results, he chose not to have the operation. Sadly he ended up bedridden anyway. this this is the choice we all have, basically we dont have a choice if we want to continue living. Cleveland sounds an excellent hospital so you will be in good hands. love m
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
On June 16, 2014...
Terrie posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
Hi Ginger. Just wanted to make a note before I forget that the postings to "M" and I on her guest book got me a little confused and I am going to try to keep things separate so as not to confuse my posts in the future!
Also, thanks for the advice on the things you are doing to keep you safe when in need in emergency. I appreciate it but won't be using outside sources such as what you have chosen because I am not really afraid of being alone it is just a little uncomfortable to not be alone and be unheard when some of the symptoms get me a little concerned. It is more my getting panicky at times because it was all new to me. Once I stopped getting panicked it was easy to get back on track. I also have neighbors who are on speed dial if I need them and people with schedules on either side of me who know what is going on with the health issues and have volunteered to be there if I need them. I am also 5 minutes from nearest hospital and in an emergency would have response in plenty of time.
I am also used to being alone off and on and don't usually find it unsettling. I usually get up and sketch or carve one of my project block prints or read if I feel unnerved which usually puts me back to sleep quickly!
It was thoughtful to share your thoughts but I think you are also dealing and have been dealing with a lot more serious health issues than I so can see where your measures taken are warranted. Again, Thanks.
Hope you have a good day today and that everyone in Heartland got a great nights sleep!
Suzanne K. posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
Ginny, when I had my brain MRI I didn't give it much thought. Turns out they found a small brain annurism above my right eye. Hope to get an appointment with a neurologist when I return to the Cleveland Clinic on July 9th for my 6 week check up. Guess I should be glad they found it. Hope your results are clear! Good luck with your surgery! It was much easier than I expected it to be!
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???
On June 12, 2014...
Terrie posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
Ginger- You're welcome and I have been told there are many to spare!
I will be checking in to see how your MRI went.
I was watching the news early this morning and it appeared you were having some mighty fierce storms in your area. Hope you are home safe and sound. I am sore from my bike riding 5 miles yesterday. The area from the angiogram is still a bit tender so I didn't push the resistance either. Just glad I made an attempt. I miss biking outdoors with the cool breeze and fresh air. Grateful I have a choice to do one or the other(indoor or out).
I have been dead-heading roses in the yard since it cooled off here a little.
Doing housework(boring)most of the day. Glad tomorrow is Friday so we can get out and do some things outdoors.
Take care Heart Sister.
Virginia (Ginger) French Terrie, How did you know I was going to need those angel wings today? Because I did, so thank you more than I can say for sending them!
On June 10, 2014...
Terrie posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
Hi Ginger!
I just got up from an hour nap! Felt good to get some sleep!
I had biked 5 miles on my recumbent bike yesterday and the area where the cath was put during angiogram was really sore when I went to bed. I had thought it wouldn't hurt since the angiogram was done May 30th. I think I need to take it a little slower with a notch down on the resistance.
I can't walk outside due to the 98 degree heat and it has been "bad Air"
this past week and not good on the lungs.
I wrote a very descriptive post on joining my husband after work to pick up peaches in the backyard that came off due to branches being overloaded that I hadn't attended to due to the fact I would have to go up an 8 ft. ladder like last summer to do so..Guess what?
Have no idea where that post got itself to, chuckle, as it hasn't shown up that I know of! I just hate when I do that!
Anyway, it was too hot 102 degrees and stuffy to go out when I did but I hate not doing what I think I can only to find out it shouldn't have been attempted in the first place. I am a stubborn woman to say the least.
I was trying to prevent any more damage to the branches. It is a fine little specimen of a tree and deserved someone getting out sooner to thin down the branchs. We did the best we could but I was really tired from just all the bending. It was quite fun to throw the peaches into the trash bin as the dog thought Gary and I were playing catch. Poor thing is too old to run but
had a glint in his eyes during the process almost like he was smiling everytime I missed the "bin"and hit my
husband on the shoulder.
Oh yes, I do love being productive.
My husband says over and over how much he is waiting for his wife to "come back"!!!!!
Didn't like hearing of the spider bite your
sitter's son might have gotten. Hope He is ok and was a minor bug bite instead.
We have a lot of black widow spiders at the porch and patio doors from time to time and they scare me! I have to make sure the areas are clean and sprayed but frequently find them or webs when I least expect it. Do not mind lizards or snakes as I grew up with 3 brothers and handled them regularly. It was join them or have them chase me around the house with them like they did my older Sister!
I envy you the chance of rain as we are in a drought and it is not pretty! It makes the pollen and air always dusty and we have soil with sand that is great for gardening but tough when the wind from the nearby Delta and San Joaquin River areas share their breezes.
I know when my surgery comes in 72 days! the last thougjhts I wand to go under with are of the photos I took of Gary and I kayaking in just this kind of weather out on Whiskey town lake up North. The waters were so beautiful. I know I have mentioned this before but today and the past week has been so hot that my mind keeps going there.
I am grateful not to be facing some of the terrible weather that others in the US are facing.
So Ginger, keep me posted on the MRI,
ok? I am hoping and praying for good results. Not good but GREAT results!
Have you had a lot of fires in your state this summer? We have had quite a few but not near Manteca. The drought conditions have made it hard on the firefighters. Bless them one and all!
Well, I have paperwork all over the house that I am trying to put together so I will let you go for now. Hope your day went well. Also that your cat still has some hair!
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!
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
On June 10, 2014...
Terrie posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
Good morning Ginger. It is 8:20 a.m. and I just got up! Had a cough on off all last night. Dry(from nasty air outside)yesterday afternoon. When my husband got home from work, He and I went out into the back yard to trim back some branches on our overloaded peach tree that hung so in the 105 degree heat yesterday that some branches bent and stripped themselves off the tree. Not good. Felt terrible as I saw this happening. This is our second summer with peach tree and we got out early to go thru the branches to remove peaches to make room for the "right ones" to grow but it meant getting on a ladder(8 ft.) and I can no longer trust my balance(and cardiologist would hang me from the tree if he found me going up and down again like I did when painting the house by hand all last summer! So not having any choice, the poor tree became overwhelmed with peach's and is now suffering for our neglect. So, after cutting and trimming what we had to relieve some of the pressure off the main branches we headed in for dinner. My lungs were aching the rest of the night and hence the dry cough started as the peach smell and allergens were present to contribute to the bad nights sleep. I also get up with Gary at 2:30a.m. every morning and let the dog out/make lunch/and end up too tired to stay up so I go back to bed usually until 7:30 a.m. So I am doing laundry and about to feed Hunter and the birds outside before the heat returns. It will be only about 99 degrees. today so I will cut this short and add to my journal later.
By the way, I don't do Facebook nor does my husband. Why is a long and uninteresting story but I have just not gotten involved in it. Besides, your emails to me are entertaining enough, chuckle.
You have a good morning and I will get back to you.
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!
On June 8, 2014...
Terrie posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
Hello Ginger! Got to the computer late in the day but better late than never.
Read your post and want to say for starters "I will never look at a stalk of celery the same way" thanks to your storytelling! You are right, laughter is the best medicine and may we all get a healthy dose of this medicine daily!
You asked about the biking so here goes. When we moved in a year and a half ago to our home across from a quaint little community park, one of the goals was to get me in shape for the surgery somewhere in my future. One of the main reasons for buying the home was how well the park fit into both my husband and my plans to enjoy the outdoors for losing weight. I might add that I have been swimming on and off most of my life but have continued to stay heavy. Just a fact that now I face knowing I did not do all I could to make things different. I spent too many months tearing myself down for not being more motivated and focused. A lot of it had to do with a "cervical" issue that at the time had me seeing an oncologist as well as cardiologist. I don't need to tell you when multiple illnesses invade your life it throws the mind into directions that are hard to focus on in a constructive way. So I remained active by swimming and biking, starting insulin for type 2 diabetes and wading into the waiting game of which illness to focus on. I became deeply depressed as in addition I lost both parents within two years. I began distancing myself from people as not to burden anyone with my problems. Just gathered information and kept thinking that I needed to remember that I was not someone to give up. I realize now that especially being in my sixties this is not so different a life than a lot of other people. I am not alone in having more than one illness to live with and fight. You are and excellent example of having had more than you needed to handle at once and are leading by example the fact that the road is here,& we are not alone in our travels. keep on believing in miracles and move forward with faith in that whatever is meant to be will be. Whether it be Universe, God or the Sun you worship it stands out that out there is something bigger than us as individuals that we can draw from to be the best in this life that we can be. It is so important not to let our illnesses let that spark in us extinguish, that all the fighting spirit guides us to live life to our full potential.
I didn't mean to make a speech but rather reach out to anyone who is wrestling with similar bouts of just being overwhelmed with all of this.
A little lighter.....
I was out with our "spaniel" Hunter in the garden pulling more weeds as he has long ears and can easily pick up a foxtail and have it get in his ear deeply which is a NO-N0! I am not able to go at gardening full steam so made sure I took my time and was just happy to be able to be outdoors on such a beautiful morning. I especially enjoyed the waterfall/spray I set up inside my pink climbing rose for the hummingbirds. I took the black plastic waterline and added a small extension with a bubble sprayer. Now when I water the garden via that one line it sends out not one but two bubble sprayers where the hummingbirds gather to dart in and out. Their beautiful colors reflecting the sunshine and water take my breath away. So did the heat which reached 105 today! The yard was looking so pretty and I am happy that after August I should be recouping .
By the way Ginger, I ride the bike outdoors to gain strength in my back, stomach, legs, knees and gather in fresh air! I use the recumbent indoor bike to make sure I do something for at least 30 minutes without pushing the cardio to far and stay safe from making a possible "fall". I had to stop to recoup from the angiogram procedure but will be starting up tomorrow morning and getting back to the 5 miles a day hopefully up until before the surgery.
Ginger, with your vertigo alone I hope you will not push yourself to do more than you should. You want to be in good shape for your surgery too and trying to do everything you normally have done might not be possible at times and you need to let yourself understand it is ok. Especially if it keeps you safer from a potential fall like the one you took in the bathroom. So sorry as that did not sound like it felt good, duh? Take care of yourself. I am tired today and you can tell by my "on and on writing". Going to bed soon as I will be up at 2:30a.m with my husband as he gets ready for work.
Love and Hugs to all out there who want one!
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
On June 7, 2014...
Terrie posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
Hello Ginger. Just read one of your comments where you stated that you had "rattled" off information when I showed concerns of losing weight before surgery. You were not rattling! I appreciated your comments and suggestions. Do you know what? When we go online to respond to each other I think there are many times it may seem to those reading or receiving messages that we are "rattling on" but what better way to use this site than knowing that in responding in any way we may just happen to hit the right response someone was just out there waiting to be able to relate to their own circumstances which in truth is quite helpful. A sounding board mixed with the freedom to say what you feel and what you want heard In hopes of dealing with whatever heart issues you are experiencing. Where else can you find a more open way of communicating and my God I am thankful for each and everyone I read about. Ginger, I had another health issue that hit just as this heart situation for me changed where I got so low I just didn't know if I had the strength to face whatever was in my future. Thanks to being able to connect here with people like you it didn't take long to feel that the fight is worth every step forward we take. Knowing we are one of many just makes this knowledge sweeter. So rattle on dear heart-sister and know it is appreciated and understood as I do the same myself and in fact I am doing it now, chuckle.
Part of my symptoms have been fatigue that can be oppressive and it shows up in my journaling and responses as well to which I hope will be understood. So, off I am going to make a green salad for dinner! You take care my friend. Oh yeah, guess what" I hit one of those "tired" spots awhile back but I love to type, ha!
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!
On June 7, 2014...
Terrie posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
How are things in O my Friend? Had a wonderful day here in hot California! Gary Hunter and I were out watering quickly(as of course we are in a drought)) You can smell the skin of the peach's on the peach tree with the sun warming them up overhead. I found a couple of shady branches to work under and have been pulling weeds. Got tired fast as I don't do well in the heat due to a shortness of breath so I came back into the house to catch up on some laundry and work in my little printer. I want to have the print shop area cleaned up before I won't be able to work out there for awhile. I would like to send you some of my stationary that I carve/print one of these days. I am working on too many things at once. An Indian Elephant. My new Heart. I have the neighbors German shepherds photos to do their sketch and a block print of. I finished an English pointer sitting by one of the park trees since we moved in but haven't carved much since. I will have plenty of time to do the carvings when the operation is complete in between the re-hab hours. I am so lucky to have this little park across the street from us for my daily walks when I return home with many shade trees along the sidewalk to beat the heat. No inclines and plenty of neighbors who walk daily for company. The man down the street had a procedure done (Valvuplasty) years ago and has the habit of walking every day too so I will be in fine company. I have to admit for someone with no active Family involvement there are many who have become a new family here in the neighborhood. Many other retired people our ages who are still actually working part time or busy but have made room for both Gary and I since we moved into the "hood"! I have a few really close friends now here that will be of great company after the surgery so I am less concerned about help than I was prior to getting to this place. I am glad you too have family and friends to talk to. And of course a big thanks to Adam Pick for this site for all of us to visit with one another as we face our Heart Issues.
I spent time this morning learning more about the bovine and "pig" differences in replacement valves as I was wondering why one and not the other. I had made the choice for tissue over the mechanical mainly as for my age and lifestyle I think I will be happier even if it means another surgery one day. How good is it that we have choices to make?! I appreciate the run down on the use of veggies to promote a good source of foods to help me make the weight changes. I am steaming in our steamer most of the time and trying fresh as much as possible. I have been eating avocado by itself or in salads for the past few months but not too much. My weight is coming off better now I believe because I am working with less stress and anxiety. This site is so good to tune into to hear how everyone is doing. Reading their stories and sharing my own is an outlet while sifting through the personal choices and changes we are going through. I know my stress level was too high for a matter of months and it is so good to have worked through it all to get to this place. I am so ready to move forward and feel better and I wish everyone out there the same. I hope you had a good visit today with your daughter and "Autumn". I love that name for a little girl and She and Her Mom are so beautiful. I have no idea how your vertigo is to live with but imagine it to be difficult. I have had moments where I feel a little out of balance in the last couple of months and that was maddening as I was trying to finish painting our home by hand! Getting on the ladder had to stop. So I can only imagine your frustration on a day to day basis and hope this changes in the future Soon! Hope and praying for your next MRI to show good results as well!
Have you found a place for your surgery to be done or the Surgeon you will consult with yet? How far away are the Cardiac Hospitals or clinics from where you live? With your brain injury will you require more home help than most? I would imagine that Jim will be there most of the time for you. Gary will be taking off two weeks of vacation that he has on the books just for this. Our Hospital for the surgery is a couple of hours away but the drive is on some pretty busy Calif. Freeways which can make it stop and go coming and going! I am thankful it isn't further like I have read some people have had to travel. I feel good imagining the day when I am headed home to pull up to the house, dog, cat, garden and the park across the street. It is one of the reasons we picked this house. I stood in the kitchen window looking out on the park and said to Gary. I imagine myself here in not to long a time, smiling out onto the park and this pretty view with a "Healed Heart" and looking for a healthier me! I am going to think about that at the time they wheel me in for surgery.. That the long wait for the right time to mend this beautiful heart is here. You will feel that soon to! And I will be able to pull weeds, trim the roses, play with the dog without getting dizzy or out of breath! Sounds so good.
Ginger, do you know if your heart issues are part of the reason for your vertigo in combination with the brain injury?
I know that I have quite a few moments of feeling out of balance that started months ago and just haven't gotten worse. How uncomfortable this must be for you. Wouldn't it be nice to find that having had your heart "repaired" makes a big difference for you with the vertigo? I would imagine brain injuries must be slow to heal?
I wonder when the surgeon goes over the "risks of surgery" with others if people go through the what if's as I have done? Would seem only normal. But in the end, I think we all know that we need to have faith that moving forward will bring a better quality of life than face the alternative.
Let me know how you are doing and hope you had a really nice visit.
Take care Heart-Sister.
Virginia (Ginger) French Terrie, I had written so much, many paragraphs, and lost it somehow. I'll give it another shot when home and not on the iPad...
Be back before too long! Hugs Heart a Sister!
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!
On June 7, 2014...
Terrie posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
Good morning Ginger. We just got up after a long night of little sleep. Allergies hit me and I developed a wonderful dry cough that would not let up. Going to have my morning decaf coffee in a minute and start the day. Thank you for the input from the heart and I will listen wisely! (By the way I have been using splenda and stevia depending on which of the two I grab from the bowl. Do you think stevia is better. I only use it once in the morning.
I do have yogurt and blueberries for breakfast these days. I just bought a new thing of protein powder to make my drinks that I have either at lunch or in the early afternoon. Usually with banana, blueberries. I usually have no more than 2 slices of bread a day. I have been biking 5 miles a day for over the last year and a half outdoors around this cute little neighborhood park. I have an opportunity to visit with my new neighbors along the way as well as have a couple join me along the route. I go at a steady pace as to not excite the heart! but consistant. Recently it had to move indoors on our recumbent bike and it has been different but I am thankful I can stay at this form of exercise. Well, I have to leave the computer but will Part 3 this in an hour! Thinking of you and wishing you were here for tea or coffee so we could discuss this in person as it is so great that we are moving forward. Til part 2 Take care and hope today finds you and everyone doing well!
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!
On June 6, 2014...
Jane Erdenberger posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
ever since the third grade we have been going on adventures together. many prayers and much love. xoxo
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
On June 6, 2014...
Marci Stanwix posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
Ginger,
I noticed you are from Wichita and I am from Lawrence. I had my aortic valve replaced in December by Dr. Muehlbach at KU Med. He does a lot of them and is very good at them. My friend is one of his scrub nurses and has the highest respect for him. I had a very good experience there and came out with a brand new valve and tubing for the ascending aorta. He was very calm, personable and didn't make you feel like you were rushing him at all.
Just my two cents, in case you need them!
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!
On June 6, 2014...
Terrie posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
Good afternoon! Wanted to let you know that Knowing there is a date set has put me in a yo-yo frame of mind! One minute excited to just do it! The other is take the time to lose more weight in a safe way but put myself in the best frame of mind that I can. Certain things pop out at me like, I don't like the idea of a breathing tube and waking up to not being able to talk. I understand from the consult with my new surgeon that the tube usually is not in for long and I just hope that I don't feel panicky as it just so happens that my former experience with surgery was during a hysterectomy and it is something that stuck with me. I woke up while the Dr. was removing my uterus, literally. A feeling like something attached to Velcro. I said" are you almost done? and two very startled doctors started to talk to me while motioning to the anesthesiologist to do whatever_- I was out and woke up in recovery later but want you to know I wasn't in pain when I woke up but just terriebly confused! SO, not to scare anyone but that is what is on my mind now. I also shared the story during my consult as one of my concerns and was told this most definitely will not be happening with my surgery. So now I move forward with better understanding and a building confidence that my surgeon and his team will take good care of me. It also helped to see what the valves actually look like. I am amazed the more I learn and have gratitude in the knowledge that has been accumulated over the years to reach this point of such a unique way to save our lives. Gary took a photo of the acrylic heart on display which the surgeon used to teach me what my aortic valve does etc. so that I can sketch it and make a block print of the heart. He was as fascinated with the procedure and work the heart does as I was/am. so like everyone out there faced with the same questions I guess I will mull these over until I get tired of it!
I think as I am 65 years old now and overweight I am also concerned about having the strength to get up and move after the surgery. Because of the heart situation I haven't been able to kayak in over two years but they are waiting for me when I get strong enough to do it again. I hope I will be patient with myself that I will find the strength to do all I need to. I am definitely going to follow any and all instructions I am given! I want to face the future like so many of the people in our journals have. I consistently find more and more that I am saying, "See Terrie, they had the same operation and look at the attitude they took into and after surgery. Attitude that all will go well is important to take into this. Accepting help when it is offered when I need the help is something else I need to tune into as I am used to doing things for myself as I have no Family and few friends that live near our home that can be here at the time this is happening(since we moved from up North a year and a half ago). I do have two young neighbors in their early 20"s who have stepped up to offer help when I get home and will take care of Hunter our springer spaniel(and a howler) the day of post-op and a few days when Gary will stay near or at the hospital. That was a big worry for me that I no longer have. I guess I am seeing that all will fall into place and that the little things will get taken care of too. Speaking of Hunter, he wants outside to play in his pool as it is 96 degrees out! So for now, as Adam tells us, keep on tickin! Take care heart sister!
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 Corrections - MacNut Oil and fiber instead of fiver. Can get the oils (macademia nut and coconut from Amazon!) More hugs, G
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 No fruit juices. Fruit can be dessert in small amounts. Berries are the best for you, and blueberries the best of the berries.
I better shut my computer or this will b longer than my leg!
On June 6, 2014...
Terrie posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
Today is really the 6th. of June! Hi Ginger. Terrie here. First off, glad your records got received ok. Also, good news about the Ekg not being abnormal.
One thing also. Glad you won't lose the farm!!! Take it from someone who has.
For those of us caught up in the economy- I want to tell you that losing your job/retirement money/home. is nothing compared to making sure you have your loved ones and good health to face the future. You are going to be happy you planned and invested well but remember that you are strong, determined to fight the fight for your hearts sake so don't be pacing the floor over the money as you will make it through with or without it. I mean this from the heart as having experienced like so many other people in this country the "other side" you need to focus on getting on with your surgery which I hope and pray will come soon! This waiting is the hardest, isn't it?
I wrote you last night after returning from consult that my date for surgery is Aug. 20th. pre-op the 15th. I am hoping your date is coming soon. I will be receiving Bovine valve replacement and I enjoyed my consult with my new surgeon and have confidence after discussing in detail my particular situation. You will feel better at consult and knowing a date has been set. I wished I could talk to you yesterday I was so excited! So I posted last night and had a hard nights sleep knowing that things are moving ahead. Hope you had your MRI and all went well. I will check the posts but for now lots of hugs and prayers your way Heart Sister!
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!
On June 5, 2014...
Mike Veldman posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
Thanks for adding me. You are in my thoughts. Warm blankets of healing energy headed your way. Perhaps with a little extra emotion for good measure. Be well friend!
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
On June 3, 2014...
Terrie posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
Hi Ginger! NEWS! I have consult with my possible surgeon this Thurs. the 5th. at 2:30 p.m. So the game is afoot! Hope your day went well!
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
On June 3, 2014...
Terrie posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
Hello again Ginger. Just a note to tell you my cardiologist emailed me earlier. He is in the process of sending my information over to the "Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara Medical Center in Santa Clara, Ca." I felt confident on May 29th when he said "I will refer you to one of the best surgeons we have in the Bay Area. Today he said He is not sending me to any one particular Surgeon. He is sure the surgical service will be good" Kind of put a weird twist in me mentally as I have confidence in my cardiologist. So I wrote him back and said that I was hoping to be referred to someone that he knew of personally as to their work and track record. Waiting to hear back what he has to say next. I also asked how long it may be before I hear from a surgeon regarding the consult. I am nervous but excited to move forward and I know you get where I am coming from. I will let you know but have to say it seems things are moving forward for us and this is such a good thing rather than continuing with "The Wait"!
Here's to everything running smoothly for you and you get set up for your consult soon! Take care and I will keep you up on any news. I am especially hoping you get an excellent surgeon who is qualified to work with you concerning your past brain injury. it sounds like you have had your hands full and God continue to Bless you! I have a really good feeling about where we are headed Sis.
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)
On June 3, 2014...
Terrie posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
Well top of the morning to you Ginger! Terrie here- So now you are on your way to get two EKG's! (Just kidding) I am sure you will be moving right along now and hope the EKG is a positive one. We are in the same place right now. I am waiting to hear back the name of the surgeon I will have consult with in order to set up date for surgery too. Have you given any more thought to what direction you are leaning toward by way of Valve replacement? I hope you will keep in contact so we can compare notes as we are making these decisions. Also, since your husband is a general surgeon I am wondering what his thoughts are about your own upcoming surgery in terms of whether or not you will go mechanical versus tissue.. Well, I hope you have a good afternoon and I am sending prayers and hugs your way to making these plans! Take care,
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?!?
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
On May 31, 2014...
Terrie posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
It is evening here and wanted to drop a note of thanks for the information you passed on about minimal invasive surgery. Also, I am not sure with the recent angiogram how soon my valve replacement will be. I am not sure if I posted it wrong but it was looking like a month after the angiogram it could be scheduled for but of course I will now know better after talking to my cardiologist this coming week.
Feel much better to day after a long afternoon nap and taking it easy earlier . I didn't know you were battling with a bad cough Ginger. That knocks the wind out of you, now doesn't it?
And you do have to have energy for the little ones! I babysit for my daughter's first born for his first two years of life! Of course that was back when there were not any Heart related issues so I had lots of energy use up! I would not have been as able to keep up at this point in my life!
I am hoping you can find a surgeon you are confident with to do your surgery whatever type is decided. It is truly amazing the choices people have these days and the skills these surgeons have. I am interested in hearing other people's experiences and how happy they are with their choices. Especially when it comes to the types of valves chosen. I especially know that three important things keep shining through the discussions. We Heart People for the most part are Strong, blessed with a good sense of Humor when we need it and have large Open Hearts(no pun intended!). Feeling great at being a part of such a group. I have Faith and Hope in our making the best choices for ourselves in this adventure we are all on. Going to bed now: Again Ginger thanks for all the moral support and information this week. Going to bed now, tired. Sleep with the Angels!
Terrie posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
Hi kiddo. Terrie here. I just wrote in my journal about yesterday. It is posted under Terrie's Heart Valve Journal.
Yes I have seen Autumns photo and She is adorable! How old id She? I am also having trouble uploading the photo spot but will get it right.
In answer to your question I don't know about the option of minimal invasive surgery but it is one of my questions to pose to surgeon in future discussions. I will learn after I talk to my cardiologist this week. I will let you know.
I posted on my journal pages prior to writing back to you and probably should have waited when I wasn't so tired. I have been up all morning with Gary just having early coffee, visiting with Hunter the spaniel!Have to go. I will be on again later when I am more awake!
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!
On May 31, 2014...
Terrie posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
Good morning Ginger! Slept well on those "clouds" you ordered for me, chuckle. All but for the saran wrap they put on me after the procedure to pack it better(I am allergic to adhesive) I kept getting these little nudges of tape pulling all night! I forgot what I wrote as I headed for bed last night so if I repeat, sorry.
The good news is that the Heart Dr. that did the procedure was great before during and after and worked with a great team of people who made the event go well! The results are that there is only a small amount of narrowing in one of my arteries. The pressure range he said they were looking for was 26 and I am at 25. The heart valve is the only issue that we move forward to correct. I will know more this week when I talk to my cardiologist(who did not perform the procedure yesterday. He was not scheduled to do procedures that day but put me with a colleague of his to which I was aware of and had researched through our coverage. All is well. How are you doing this beautiful and NEW DAY!?
I am going to go sit by the patio door with Hunter and Gary for a great cup of coffee! Oh yeah! The arrival time yesterday was at 7:30 and after prep they got started at 9:30. I of course had to wait the 6 hours flat on my back so that the entry "spots" could be safe to go home. It took longer as the Nurses were the ones to remove the "sheaths"
after surgery and apply the pressure and dress the area. Then I was moved to the CCU to wait out the 6 hours. Most of the Drs. will remove the sheaths
of which there were two, but some let the nurses take over directly after the procedure. They were very careful in making sure all was well. I had confidence in them and will say I am amazed at the work they do. We will continue this later I am sure. Thank you so much for all you have done to support me as I think all the arrows were flying around me the whole time and that one is still stuck in my back as it is time to get away from the computer and into a better sitting position for a bit! Hugs!
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