Asking for positive thoughts. . . .

[shalanna]

This morning's adventure with my husband's stress test and nuclear stress imaging test at the Heart Place ended up with us getting a call from the doctor's office saying that we needed to come back in to talk to the cardiologist tomorrow morning at ten . . . and they wouldn't say why. So we were hoping it was some small detail of heart rhythm, or some medication he needed to go on.

Then we got a call from our primary care physician saying that there's a blockage, it looks like, and it's registering in the lower left part of the heart, the worst part for it to be in. His cholesterol has stayed good for years, though, so the doctor said he hoped it wasn't big, and that it could be taken care of with angioplasty. So tomorrow's appointment is to set up the angioplasty. If the balloon doesn't work, then you go to the bigger surgery.

Of course he's terrified. He said he didn't want to miss the client lunch they have tomorrow at noon, but we pointed out that this wasn't an option.

I'm asking for your prayers and positive energies towards this being something we can take care of without going to worse surgery . . . and that it goes well, if it has to happen at all.

My knee swelled up pretty badly just from walking all over the hospital all morning and part of the afternoon, and I had just iced it down when the phone started ringing. So I've got to go ice it down again.

The way I look at this is, my dad had the same blockage except he didn't know it (there was not an equivalent type of diagnostic test back in 1970) and his first symptom was a massive coronary with extensive heart damage. So we're lucky that the doctor demanded that hubby go take the test. On the other hand, we're disappointed that there was anything to find.

I suppose it's best to find it, if it's there. Anyway, if you are so inclined, please keep Don (and me) in your positive thought stream. Stay tuned.

Comments

[pameladean]

Golly, what a year you guys are having! Both of you will be in my thoughts.

P.

[abbie-normal.livejournal.com]

oh, sweetie--what a way to start the year! you are in our hearts and thoughts--prayers are on the heels of those! (our year started with the brain surgery...i hear you!!)

i'm inclined to agree with you--by finding it now, they can better deal with it. there is no worse discovery than in an acute situation. i'll be praying for smart surgeons, and more-than-capable anesthesia and operating room/imaging techs!!!

[anoisblue.livejournal.com]

I will most definitely be thinking of you both and praying, too.

[cathschaffstump.livejournal.com]

You're both in my thoughts. I know from recent experience how scary all this can be.

Catherine

[green-knight.livejournal.com]

Scary stuff, but at least you caught it in time, and he can get the care he needs.

Not that it'll teach him to go to the doctor when he needs to...

Best of luck with it!

May it be small

[dakiwiboid.livejournal.com]

and may your cardiologist and be as excellent as my great-nephew's. Jake has serious heart problems. He's had several angioplasties and a heart valve replacement. He's going to be nine just before Valentine's Day. I know just how good a cardiology team can be, and I certainly send you good thoughts.

[burningofroissy.livejournal.com]

Ack!

Thinking of you guys...

[dsgood.livejournal.com]

Good thoughts headed your way!!!

[funnelwebkitten.livejournal.com]

My goodness, most definitely, positive thinks coming your way..

[debg.livejournal.com]

Luck, indeed. Because no, ventrical blockage is not treatment-optional.

[dennismhavens.livejournal.com]

Every bit of luck to Don; may the angioplasty be enough without the additional surgery . . . and if it isn't, may that surgery be a success.

[heleninwales.livejournal.com]

I'm thinking of you all and sending supportive thoughts. As you say, diagnosis and treatment has improved a thousandfold since your dad had similar problems, so I hope all goes well and the major surgery isn't required.

[coneycat.livejournal.com]

Positive thoughts and prayers for you, Don, and Jody. I hope this stretch of bad health luck ends soon.

[imafarmgirl.livejournal.com]

Hugs. Hang in there and keep us posted.