Monday, May 14, 2018

Happy Mother's Day and a note



Just wanted to say Happy Mother's Day to everyone, and I hope you're having a beautiful day. April was a record cold month, but now all of a sudden when May got here it's turned into a heavy muggy 85, seemingly over night. 







I wanted to share a quick update on what's going on since my last post. I'm home after the angiogram showed that I had two blockages in my heart arteries. (There's a question about whether they could be partly a blood clot, but still need special procedures to remove.) Basically the angiogram was just a "look see" and the cardiologist felt like she should wait to do another CTO procedure later.

The CTO is a long involved heart procedure where they go through the femoral artery at the groin on both legs, then on up to the heart. Since my right artery had been opened up, they try to wait a couple of weeks to let it heal up before going back through, if at all possible. Anyway, they have to book the room for up to 5 hours at a time so I'm biding my time, taking lot's of heart medications and basically staying in bed. If things get too scary, I'm only a couple of miles from the hospital. They've been kinda scary a couple of times, but I'm using several meds to keep my arteries open enough to not have another heart attack. These are temporary medications and can't be used on a long term basis. There are times that I feel like a weak zombie with a really bad headache. (I guess most zombies would have a bad headache.)

I know this situation sounds pretty crazy to you all, but I've been living this off and on for the last 15 years. Heart procedures have advanced a lot in these 15 years, giving some of us better options. Doesn't make it easy though.

On a superficial level, I haven't been able to vacuum or pot flowers, or even drive. Dinner has to be super easy and I'm teaching my husband how to do laundry; so far he'd rather wear a knit polo shirt and chinos rather than iron any of his clothes. Thank goodness his office is pretty casual so he can get away with that. He's only a mile away, so I can call him if I need him. Oh, and diabetic cat injections twice a day, and her special diet. 

The baby finches left the nest last week, successfully, but now another pair have claimed the nest. One morning I found a scattering of nest debris on the doormat, I guess the new tenants at least tried to clean up a bit before egg laying "commenced". 

I have some more important testing information on cholesterol and autoimmune disease that I'll share with you soon. In the meantime I'm hoping to get started back on a half-dose of the new injectable cholesterol medication called Praluent. It's a little different to the new Rapatha that I was allergic to. Hopefully I can tolerate the newer one without an autoimmune reaction. 

So, that's life right now. treading water. reading a ton, and trying to stay positive. By chemical design the heart meds slow your heart down, so that causes me to be down and crabby. It's a bummer, but I have faith that God is in control of all this, I keep saying this... I believe it. 

Watched The Zookeeper's Wife this weekend. Sad and depressing in places, but has an uplifting ending. I love watching Jessica Chastain, she's a great actress and the Zoo in Warsaw before the war was a beautiful environment.

OK, I'll stay in touch. love you all. Deb

12 comments:

  1. I hope you have loads of good books on your stack, a pile of DVDs to delight and know that you are being well cared for. It sounds as though you are doing all the right things and now you just have to wait. I know a lot of people are in your court; count me as one of them. Happy Mother's Day.

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  2. So glad they are finding the problems and this can lead to fixing things. I know this is a bummer for now,but I know God will keep you safe and help the doctors find the find healing treatments. You are always in my prayers.

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  3. HAppy Mother’s Day Debra. Continued though and prayers with you as you go forth to have your heart issues resolved soon!!

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  4. Debra, Happy Mother's Day. I will continue to pray for you. Thank you for updating us.

    Our weather has been the same as yours, it seems, and if it rains as it's supposed to this week, that won't bother me at all, as long as it cools things back to more Spring-like temps. I started some seeds, but won't plant containers till nearer Memorial. Anytime we aren't capable of doing is when we get most frustrated, but just remember, you can always stick some faux flowers in pots. I know people who do and you can't tell!

    I'm glad you're so close to all that you need right now (hospital, your husband's work). Enjoy your reading and tv viewing, and keep a list of what you'd recommend or not. We're always interested in hearing from you!
    XO

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  5. Sorry to hear of your health problems. It's hard to be laid up anytime, but especially when the weather is nice and you would like to be doing and going. Hope everything works out and you are soon feeling more like yourself.

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  6. Thinking of you and wishing the best for you. I hope you have a wonderful Mothers Day.

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  7. Glad you are taking good care of yourself while you wait on the next procedure. Enjoy this down time and rest.
    Happy Mother's Day.
    xoxo
    Kris

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  8. I wish you pretty flowers, blue skies, chirping baby birds and good news from your doctors. Happy Mother's Day!

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  9. Sending healing prayers your way.......keep resting.......He has you under His wing......xoxoxo

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  10. So nice to hear from you!!! Continuing to hold you in the Light...as you continue this journey. Love and Hugs!!

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  11. Keeping you in my prayers.

    Thanks for the update.

    Treat yourself royally -Netflix is your friend. Write me privately for some recommendations.

    Big hugs. ♥

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  12. Oh dear. Praying for you! I loved the Zoo Keeper's wife. I watched it on the plane on the way back from France. Rest up and keep us updated.

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