Steven's Journal

Susan Lynn  Sorry to hear about your recent health issues, Steven. It's so incredibly cool that you're doing a one-man show! Love it!!

Suzette Schear  I would have liked to be in the audience.  It’s one of my favorites.  Great photo of you.  here’s one for you

Rose Madura  Steven, I'm so sorry you had to endure a surgery but incredibly "awesomized" that you are doing this one man show. You are very talented and inspiring to us all. Glad "the missus" put you up to it. She obviously knows your talent. Congratulations and thanks for checking in.

Ana Brusso  So good to hear from you Steven but sorry to hear about your health issues. Glad you are better and doing what you love. Say hello to your talented missus, and Happy Holidays to you and yours. Stay warm. 🙏❤️

Rose Madura  Steven, I get what you were saying. After my hysterectomy, I was less scared of OHS and "going under". 

Robert Miller  "female dog"?! Haven't heard that before. I need to remember that one... Wishing you all the best. I think you have a good attitude and that helps a lot. 

Grace Mason   Now I want to try your lentil patty. Share the recipe?
Sending well wishes for your gall bladder surgery tomorrow. Hope it gets you feeling better.

Rose Madura  Praying for successful surgery. Enjoyed the Jack Sprat story.  Maybe they can get you a lentil patty after your surgery. 😊

Richard Munson  All this talk about lentil patties makes me long for a big juicy hamburger patty with american cheese , relish and a slice of onion and grease dripping over the roll. Memorial day feast. 

Grace Mason   Wow! A surgeon who does gall bladder surgery and emergency aneurysm repair. Talk about a one stop shop.
Hope your doc can help you feel better soon. Feeling a connection here as my son is just recovering from a stomach flu, which had him heaving all night. Feeling for your billiousness.

Richard Munson  Gall bladder is easy beans. I had it years ago when covered wagons roamed the plains. I think they went in my belly button and exited out my right ear. Today its probably outpatient. 

Steven Methot  Oh... I know it's easy peasey.  I have been in discomfort, but not pain, so I felt a bit odd about "clogging up the system" with this complaint.  The doc said "You all say that, but it ain't gonna get better.  Let's get it done".  I agreed.  Just... unanticipated.

Steven Methot  I also had him laugh when he said "Oh, no lifting more than 20 pounds for six weeks after."  I raised an eyebrow and said "Aneurysm, remember?" He laughed.  "Yeah, I guess you have that covered."

Susan Lynn  Steven - Wishing you all the best with your gallbladder surgery. Please keep us posted. It's always wonderful to hear from you.

susan harris  Eat an extremely low fat (No fat) diet until gallbladder surgery. I went to a party, ate 2 bites of crab dip and ended up in ER and gallbladder out 2 weeks before my surgery date. But the dip was fantastic!

Susan Lynn  Steven - Glad your aneurysm is unchanged. Hope your other tests result in only good news. Prayers.

Barbara deLoache  Nature, a  relaxing beverage & a loving  cuddle seems like a good plan. May your coming scans be completely normal. 
Please keep us posted. 

Grace Mason   Glad you received good news on the aneurysm. Hope your next testing brings the best news too. A walk in the woods is definitely a great way to unwind ❤️

Grace Mason   Your posts are always so descriptive Steven I can envision your experiences. You always find the humor in the pains!
Maybe you were less hydrated before getting stuck this go round or they sent in the newbie vein pokers first, to practice on you.
I'm glad at least your doctor gets some good pictures. I hope they don't keep you waiting long for your results

Brady Busch  It nice to see a sense of humor about these things.It reminds me of an experience I had just before getting a pacemaker install.
They needed an IV in my left arm,for some unknown reason to me,even now.So while in the bed,a nurse attempted a couple times,without finding what she wanted.Another tried with no success.Then they made a call to the expert vein finder and after about two to three tries,he told them to leave it for the pacemaker crew.
The guy there did it on the first poke.
Now,I let the people drawing blood,know which arm to use.

Jennifer Fuller  As a fellow “difficult veins” haver, I sympathize. When I was in the hospital, they brought in some kind of portable imaging machine to find my veins. I swear I don’t try to be difficult!

Steven Methot  Jennifer, I had one nurse straightfacedly ask me permission to slap my arm.  It was light tapping, but in thinking about it I actually appreciated the warning.  Some people I know have PTSD and this might have set them off.  In my case I laughed and said "HARDER!".  It got awkward.  But yeah, an imaging device might help.

Ana Brusso  Happy New Year Steven. So sorry to hear you were so sick, but glad you are in recovery mode now. Keep us posted. 

Rose Madura  Stephen, it's always good to hear from you but so sorry you had RSV. Take care and thanks for the advice.

Susan Lynn  Steven - It's great to hear from you, but sorry to hear about your RSV. Glad you passed your stress test! Be well!

Susan Lynn  Steven - Sorry to hear that you and your guest weren't feeling well, but I thank you for the reminder, it is good to be alive! Even on our most challenging days, there's always room for gratitude. Be well.

Deena Z  If you can walk around unaware of your three cleanly broken-through ribs, then if and when you have heart surgery, it will be a piece-of-cake. 

Steven Methot  Oh at the time I was very aware.  The practice knew too... just wasn't much they can do for ribs apart from the general advice we get here...

Grace Mason   Ouch!! How will that affect a future heart surgery,  I wonder? Richard you crack me up, (but not like Steven)

Steven Methot  Grace, I'm sure I'll be healed by then.  What it's done though is made me aware of another health issue (why the PET scan was needed in the first place), so maybe the pain was worth it in the long run.  

Steven Methot  Richard, that's almost as bad as my telling my brother who was about to undergo a colonoscopy that it would all come out alright in the end.

Ana Brusso  Hi Steven, keep us posted. Is the house all finished? Last year I had a scan of my lungs also and whatever was there seemed to have disappeared. Yours will be gone too. 🙏❤️

Richard Munson  Good luck with your scans, may they be pet or cat. Aren’t cats pets? Is there a dog scan for folks like me? I have nodules on my lungs discovered during my heart testing. They check them yearly for growth. They are not unusual as we age they told me. Don’t worry i was told. Easy for them to say. 

Richard Munson  I get it if i access my portal. I can see past results also if i scroll back and am able to compare readings. That way if there are any changes like the size of my aneurism for example i can track it and see if it has grown or stayed the same. It also has an appointment segment and blood work results. Billing updates. None of my favorite songs yet. 

Steven Methot  Everything except the billing part for us.  Oh... and just as I pressed "Post" my family practice called to schedule an appointment for follow up.  I anticipate that the cardiologist will be next...

Klara Čičić  Dear Steven, I am glad you are focusing on the silver lining :) We all have our bad days... We are here for you. Thanks for uplifting and wise words.

DeLois Tweedy  Steven, sorry to hear you are having some rough days, but I like your assessment of the situation, that at least there is a silver lining.

And the "Pollyanna crap" sounds just fine - and so true! Lol Sending prayers and well wishes that things will improve quickly.

Grace Mason   It is great that you can find a silver lining. Hoping your despondency passes and you find the gold at the end of a rainbow... how's that for some Pollyanna talk, or is that leprechaun speak ?😉
I enjoy reading your antics, so I seriously hope you find some good days forthcoming.

Rose Madura  Steven, you are a true heart warrior. Your feelings are validated. OHS is no picnic in the park or bed of roses but it's doable and you are still in the waiting part which honestly can we the worst.  Your attitude is commendable and not pollyanna talk. It's all the truth. Hang in there.  

Susan Lynn  Steven - We've all been on that emotional roller coaster. It feels just awful. Sometimes those low feelings have to run their course - they're part of the mental evolution of OHS and life in general. But, there are plenty of highs ahead. It does get better. As you said, it does all work out in the end.

Pamela Gregory  Recovery definitely has ups and downs and quite literally highs and lows. I can totally relate to your post. This experience definitely provided me with an emotional rollercoaster! At 6 months out it is much better but I still get an occasional bad day or two. Hang in there and just take one day at a time

Steven Methot  The missus prevailed upon me in the never-ending run up to OHS to replace the godawful tub with a new walk-in shower.  We did so, but the shower door is still on order (long story).  We have guests and they have the other bathroom.  So...  you get the picture.

Richard Munson  We have a glass shower door so even closed you can see in. I should tape a full size photo of the body builder who still does competition after heart surgery just in case my wife opens the bathroom door. Hey honey, i just toned up a bit. 

Steven Methot  Grace, they're waiting because the aortic root, while distended is not in that range yet and the aneurysm is sufficiently far from the valve to not warrant a "one and done" (valve and aneurysm) just yet.  The surgeon consulted with 5 other surgeons across Kanuckistan and thought that they'd wait and monitor a bit.  Makes me feel like a sword is dangling over my head, but it's been like this for quite a few years now with me hurrying up and waiting.  My primary care team and cardiologist are a bit frustrated with it all and are monitoring me reasonably closely.  

Rita Savelis  Broken ribs are much more painful than a sternum cut. I was told that by an anasthesiologist. And she was right - I had no pain from the sternum cut.  

Marie Myers  Rita is right. I had little pain from the sternum, but my shoulders and upper back just ached! The exhaustion was very surprising to me also, but it is a huge surgery.

Steven Methot  Yeah, well I'm 10 days out from my fall and yes... I've done things I shouldn't but that is more due to the Vitamin I (Ibuprofen), but gee...  that hurts.

Susan Lynn  Noooo! Steven - I'm so sorry about your fall. Rib pain can be awful, too. Try to take it easy for awhile. Speedy recovery!

Grace Mason   Oh no, no more dress rehearsals! I'm glad it wasn't worse and your description...made me grimace and smile. Hope you are feeling better soon.

Ana Brusso  Steven, one of the things we need to avoid is falling. You were very lucky in your fall, please be careful and don’t fall again. God bless you 

DeLois Tweedy  Sorry to hear of your fall. Sounds like you are trying to look on the brighter side of it.....if there is one! Get better fast and no more falls. Blessings! 

Steven Methot  OH!  And he asked about my mental health and offered this tidbit.  "It may seem like a roller-coaster, but know this - you have already climbed the big hill.  You know that surgery is needed and you've agreed to it, it's now just a question of when not if.  So it's not two steps forward, one back, it's two steps forward and let's hold our breath..."  Guy shoulda been a counsellor.

Susan Lynn  Good news! Waiting isn't easy, but it's nice to know you're good for another year! Be well, Steven!

Susan Lynn  Wow, Steven! That's quite the story! Mine isn't nearly that interesting, so I'll spare you the details. Glad your cardiac issue was identified and that you've been vigilant all these years. Be well!

Rose Madura  That's some story Steven! Mine isn't as dramatic. Found out at age 7 that I had a murmur. Was carefully watched annually until age 59 when I had the surgery. However, when I had rheumatic fever and angel appeared in my bedroom in the form of a nurse and assured me (without uttering a word) that I would be ok. I'm still ok.....

Brady Busch  We find out things in different ways,but somehow they get discovered.I had a small mole,that looked like it was getting darker and went to a general practitioner,who  listened to my heart with a stethoscope.She said I had a murmur and sent me to get an echo-cardiogram.It was my first one and there were strange whoosing noises,when the sound was on.But nothing was told to me,from that test.
So,a few years later,while at another hospital,either they were sent the echo results or caught the murmur,I talked with some cardiologists and was told,the condition probably had been going on for a long time.Most likely a bicuspid aortic valve from birth.That was about 2017.Echos were done about every six months and surgery in 2021,as the stenosis became severe.
 

Trygve Harris  I've apparently had this for years but it's like there was a force-field around it, as no one had ever diagnosed or sent me to a cardiologist and I went through breast cancer treatment at Sloan and even visited the Pulmonary centre at NYU because I'm symptomatic--I lost my breath. The murmur would flag, apparently, and every single place would say the same thing: you know you have a heart murmur? I would say I've been told. What does it mean? And the reply was always a version of "Probably nothing!" Never occurred to me my breathing troubles were my heart, as I had so many tests with chemo, surgeries, etc.I assumed it was from chemo and made worse from the reconstruction.  I have been living in Oman/New York and Oman doesn't have the ability to diagnose this and New York failed miserably, continuously. I moved very recently, like 2 months ago, from Muscat to Dubai, and someone recommended a British Hospital here, Kings College London, Dubai Hills. My Omani insurance covers the world (except the US,) and the doctors there immediately saw I needed a cardiologist and found me one, and he diagnosed me as having severe stenosis almost immediately. We got the tests done and her arranged for me to go to Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi for surgery. The surgeon inspires confidence and I'm scheduled in 2 days....

Steven Methot  Brady and Trygve!  YES!!!  I was told repeatedly that I had a murmur and "probably nothing" until this last guy said "Hey...  I think you need to have this looked at."

Klara Čičić  Haha a farewell to Steven, love that 😂😂 it is nice to have people over, I just hope it is not affecting too much on your health. Stay well! 

Rose Madura  As I was reading your post I was thinking, he needs to start charging. Then you asked it. I say yes, do it!  Seriously, I'm sure the company will be welcome. Enjoy! 

Steven Methot  Well, she needed me to do some wood splitting, but limited me to 10 logs a day.  How's that for a bargain?

Richard Munson  A bargain is always good. Don’t overdue it. Log splitter i hope. Ended our wood fires a few years back. Too messy , too much work and too many ultra hot rooms and ultra cold ones. Now we just add to global warming.

Susan Lynn  Steven - Waiting truly is the hardest part. Glad you're being proactive. Take it easy in the meantime. You're clearly very special to many people including your HVS family.

Susan Jones  I'm in the same club. I have good days and bad. On my strong days I wish I could get it over. Hate the waiting. On bad days. Too much time to think about it. More good days now than bad. I take a deep breath and say a prayer. Trying to get healthier while waiting. Keeping busy is the best. Sounds like you're doing plenty of that.

Rose Madura  So, to put it into a different perspective, I was told at age 7 that "some day you will need open heart surgery". I was with my parents when the doctor told them.  So I had it hanging over my head for 52 years!.   I also had restrictions all my life. It's  tough but you guys can do it. Hang in there.  

Ana Brusso  Thank you for the update Steven. Hang in there and keep on writing as we enjoy your posts. Take care and be well 

Greg Lewis  Thanks for the post, Steven. Always love your writing!  Like Rose, I was told about 15 years ago that someday I would need to have my bicuspid valve replaced. I didn't think about it much. Went in yearly for a check on its progress. Then when it was needed, they looked after it. I am sure they will watch your progression closely. 
Good luck! 
Bathroom finished?

Klara Čičić  Haha Steven, sorry for the laugh but your way of writing gets me every time. I have been in that limbo. In the end I  myself pushed the operation a bit. Which future will show - was it a good move or not.... Hang in there!!

Steven Methot  Thanks all.  I think what makes us a bit fatigued of all this is that this is the third time that we have gotten all wound up by radiologists, cardiologists or other doctors only to have nothing happen.  Our cardiologist told us this time that surgery was imminent.  Sigh.  So it ain't a hardship to go back to live within the bounds we are used to, we're just tired of the rollercoaster after every round of tests.  I'm still sticking here with you guys...

Frank Giovanniello   All this really must be weighing on your head. That was my worst part, the anticipation. As long as they all appear to be in agreement. Stay strong Steven.

Rose Madura  Steven, you are in a pickle, aren't you? It's like the old saying, "six of one, half dozen of the other." You will need surgery, alas, but when? That seems to be the $64,000 question. Hang in there. Will be praying for you and family.

Greg Lewis  So, is this the doctor trying to decide if it's worth the risk to go in? One thing that sounds very good, is that he wants, and is willing to go get other opinions on it! I have a cardiologist like that, and it means a lot! 
So, there should be a high degree of certainty with what they come back with, since he is doing that.
Good luck with it, and will be interested to hear what they say.

Steven Methot  Greg, the cardiologist wants the one-meal-deal surgery - get in and get it all done.  The surgeon is the one who is more conservative.

Frank Giovanniello   Steven, you have alot to consider. Remember, this is your life. I hope he is not the final word based on his medical group. I feel into that, and went along with it on my Sternum Closing procedure, and what a mistake that was. My doctors original plan was best, but over ruled by his group. But, I have myself to blame. I shoulda insisted, or go to another surgeon. Big mistake. Please, think this over.

Greg Lewis  Frank, it's quite a bit different here. In Canada, we don't get the same options as in the States. We don't pick surgeons, or hospitals, or procedures even, to some extent. The trade off is that we don't pay for it.  

Rhodie Jacobson  I can not imagine your frustration. There are just so many opinions...and so many educated opinions. Well,...enjoy the beer

Rose Madura  Steven, I'm sure this is very frustrating for you. Your attitude is very commendable. And your humor will help you deal with it. God bless you!

Susan Lynn  Steven - You definitely deserve that beer! Be patient and wait to hear all the final opinions. It's possible your condition won't get any worse. There are lots of folks who remain in watch-and-wait status. Take it one day at a time. Please keep us posted.

Danielle Elizabeth  Have they done a TEE yet? Might give a clearer picture of the valve for planning. Do you have a baseline on the aneurysm to know if it’s stable? 

Klara Čičić  My biggest stress relief was this page ..reading other people's diaries, communicating my concerns with people who understand the most,  looking for silver lining in all of this, also humor, good old British humor, even dark humor, acceptance of possible death, acknowledging to myself how small we are in the vast universe and accepting the fact you did everything you could to get the best surgeon and best hospital and whatever happens will happen :)

Amy Berger  Hi Steve - my surgery is 10 days from today and I've read this site everyday and trying to keep busy. I also keep repeating to myself that I all I have to do is show up. My sister just had a colonoscopy and that prep work is miserable - we don't have to do that :)  I have started to use Duolingo to learn Spanish - it's a free, fun app and when I'm doing it I don't think about other stuff. I also tell myself that I'm excited instead of nervous. As Klara wrote above, humor is really important. I just bought myself a few weIcome home get well gifts that I will wrap and give to myself when I get home haha - makes me laugh. Years ago when I had a hysterectomy, I had mailed myself a congrats get well card that came in mail two days after I got home - was so happy to read it :) I pray quite often and find peace from knowing that God's got this. If you are so inclined, Google bible versus for anxiety and worry and many great versus come up. We've got this!

Leona N-O  Hello Steve, the roller coaster of thoughts and emotions is real! I'm so sorry you have to go through this. I encourage you to remember you have been a fighter and a successful one at that.  I pray for peace to envelope you and the reminder to be fully present each day.

Danielle Elizabeth  I was taking 6 classes, including 2 labs the 3 months prior to OHS. Writing and re-writing papers for a tough grader professor, and trying to be a perfectionist in all of my classes kept my mind occupied. All I cared about was seeing my final grades when I woke up after surgery. I’d suggest finding a small project, reading, or writing. I’m terrible at keeping plants alive but I think it’s the season where people plant seeds to watch them grow in the Spring. Maybe try basil or something that should be easy to grow so you have little things to look forward to after surgery? The wait is so much harder than anything else. 

Susan Lynn  Steven - You've watched tons of heart warriors go through procedures and recoveries since you joined this community. If we can do it, you can do it! Trust us when we say that waiting is the hardest part. Every step of the OHS process is very doable and the whole thing goes pretty fast. These surgeons and their teams really know what they're doing! The nurses are amazing! Your every need will be handled expeditiously! The best part is that the waiting and worrying are over and every day going forward gets a little bit better. Good direction to go, right! You're going to do just fine!

Greg Lewis  Morning, Steven!! Having a lazy Sunday here. Weather has been nice, staying around the -10 ish range. Raining out there now?So. For me to say..don't worry, may not help much, but I will try.  I have been sitting here thinking " what actually helped me, leading up to the date? " 
I was pretty worried about the procedure, and recovery. For that, I really think you gotta stay busy, doing something else. You have to give your mind something else to occupy it. ..Anything. ..If left to sit, and think, it will go to worrying. Don't look at any internet info. Once the plans are in place, just wait to show up. It's a tough one, though, partly because, the more you think about not thinking about it, the more you think about it. So..
But I was not really concerned with the bigger questions, that we can struggle with. " what if I am in that 1%? " I remember asking myself that as I walked from our hotel over to the hospital, on that day. But I honestly knew that God was there, so I wasn't too worried. I talked to him constantly until i went to sleep. I wound up being in that 1%. And God was looking after me the whole time. 
So really, for me, what kept me from too much worry, as I went in, was talking with God. 
I have learned that, for men, the Macho side, has no place here. You don't have to be the strong one, here. I found that this is one of those life changers, that takes us beyond, some sort of phony, macho, idea of life. So this makes it OK to be unsure, and worried, and sad, and stressed out, and all the rest. BUT.. I just give those to God, and then the peace comes in. Until next time...then give it to him again. 
Kinda rambled on here, but it's good to put it down..helps me too. 
So..writing out your feelings helps a ton, also! 😁
Talk soon.
Greg

Richard Munson  You can get a 2 for the price of one. Heart surgery and repair broken arm falling off ladder all same day

Ana Brusso  And Richard all for the same price 😂 Steven, agree with Susan Lynn, no more getting up a ladder. ❤️

Steven Methot  Well this is the thing that we were working on.  The light was actually on the wall 4 inches to the right but not centered over the sink.  I couldn't move it so I created that plaque with a groove and hole in it for the wires.  Looks reasonable.  But I gotcha, no more climbing on ladders.  I do have some filling of holes left to do...