mfh Posted June 26, 2013 Report Share Posted June 26, 2013 I talked with Anne tonight and will talk to her again later. She was pretty exhausted from a long appointment and needing to digest all that happened today. She met with the new team and will stay with them. She likes them a lot and feels they really understood and are being thorough. She went through some tests and is awaiting a call to be hospitalized for more tests. That is scheduled for July 1 but neither of us would be surprised if it was sooner. It depends on availability of a bed. Benji will be kenneled at a place she likes. He is her only concern. As she described what happened Anne was clear that this team would be managing her health situation more effectively. I did send a report to Marty at Anne's request. This is a complicated and serious situation but this team seems to be approaching her by being very thorough and by taking charge. She liked the nurse a lot and she likes the MD very much also. She felt they listened to her and asked her a lot of questions. Anne needed a boost and I think she got it today with this group while also being very clear about how serious this is. Of course she knows nothing yet as more tests will be done. In a sense she is starting over but this team is being very inclusive and not leaving a stone unturned. Just for your information, Anne has a contact in AZ who will get in touch with me immediately if something happens (surgery or anything else of an emergency nature). I then have instructions to inform Marty and to post here for Anne. I will post on this topic when I know more. We are all, I know, keeping her in our prayers and in our hearts. It is hard enough to walk this journey without having to deal with serious health issues as some here know. Peace Mary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
feralfae Posted June 26, 2013 Report Share Posted June 26, 2013 Dear Mary, Thank you so very much for the update on Anne. Please give her my love, hugs and *<fairy dust>* when you can. You are a dear to keep us all up to date. Yes, we all send love, prayers, and gratitude that she has found a good team and feels heard and more comfortable. Wonderful! Blessings, prayers and much love to you and to Anne. *<twinkles>* fae Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShanN Posted June 26, 2013 Report Share Posted June 26, 2013 Anne has been in my prayers. Please pass my love on to her. I won't be on here but please know my heart is with hers. I posted in a new thread regarding why I won't be here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mfh Posted June 26, 2013 Author Report Share Posted June 26, 2013 Shannon, I read your thread and I just feel so badly that the tough stuff keeps happening. I will hold you in the light as you undergo surgery and treatments, we will all be with you and walk this path with you. Peace and healing, Mary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wifflesnook Posted June 26, 2013 Report Share Posted June 26, 2013 Thanks for the up date Mary and I will be in touch with her. I'm so pleased she went for a second opinion. She is in my heart and prayers as is Shannon. Jan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MartyT Posted June 26, 2013 Report Share Posted June 26, 2013 Prayers and healing thoughts for Anne, and blessings to you, dear Mary, with heartfelt gratitude for all you do, and all that you are . . . ♥ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mfh Posted June 26, 2013 Author Report Share Posted June 26, 2013 Got an email early this morning...when the storms awakened Bentley and sent him leaping on to our bed. Anne said she feels hopeful that perhaps this team will get to the bottom of her situation and provide effective management. Marty, thank you. I am happy to do what I can...Mary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KATPILOT Posted June 26, 2013 Report Share Posted June 26, 2013 Mary, You are such a good person to help. Thank you for the update and my best thoughts and prayers go to Anne and Shannon for what has to be such a difficult time. It is so hard to go through the loss of the love of your life without having to struggle with your own health. I am so lucky that I have but one trauma to endure. I love the thought of Bentley jumping on your bed during the storm. It brings back memories of Mindy jumping on top of my head when thunder would strike. It was like "dad save me". I so miss her too. Our dogs can be there to comfort us but sometimes they need it as well. Stephen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HAP Posted June 26, 2013 Report Share Posted June 26, 2013 Tell Anne we all hold her in our thoughts and in our hearts. May the answers she needs be quick in coming--and may they be good ones. Peace, Harry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Queeniemary Posted June 26, 2013 Report Share Posted June 26, 2013 Thank you for keeping us informed, Mary. Prayers and positive thoughts are going out to Anne daily. Also for Shannon.Mary (Queeniemary) in Arkansas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
enna Posted June 26, 2013 Report Share Posted June 26, 2013 Where do I begin? Thank You. Your kind words are an expression of the care and compassion everyone has on this forum. Each day I wake thinking how grateful I am to see the sunrise, smell the coffee, watch Benji stretch (I wish I could stretch the way he does), and prepare for a new day. I love new days. Yesterday, while at the cardiac office with a new cardiac specialist I consulted with about my heart failure I realized that there were going to be many new avenues that I'll be able to walk. For the past seven/eight months this regimen I was on just was not doing the trick! They say that heart failure can be 'managed' so to my surprise when I worked with and tried everything and things still did not look good I became discouraged. Short story - the new doc looked at me (edema puffed up in feet and lower legs - I looked liked the Pillsbury Doughboy - I was once again in congestive heart failure, B/P off the chart, heart rate still too high) and the doc said, "you are having some trouble, aren't you." Spent over three hours with them ( blood work, EKG, shots to reduce the edema and lower the B/P - I was so glad that I was closer to home since I do not carry a port-a-potty with me - (anyone who knows about Lasiks knows you have to live next to a bathroom for a few hours), and a plan to get this heart managed. I am waiting on a call from the office to go in to the hospital for a few tests that he wants to do. The tests are rather invasive but it's better than open heart surgery. Benji will be well cared for and I shall miss him. Mary will post when updates need to be made. She has made a solemn promise NOT to embarrass me. I trust her! Mary, thank you for being so kind as to post for me yesterday - as you know, I was still a little hyped up. Excited that maybe something better can be done for me and a little fearful about what I don't know. I always like to know! Namaste Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KATPILOT Posted June 26, 2013 Report Share Posted June 26, 2013 Anne, I wanted to share something with you. I have been taking care of my step mom since my dad passed away almost two years ago. She has been living with congestive heart failure and at Christmas three months after Dad left, We had to put her in the hosptal here in Scottsdale. At that time, I was given a bad prognosis that she had a very short time to live. She was 92 at the time. With her assisted care home, we had hospice help in making her as comfortable as she could be. It is now a year and a half later, she is walking her dog at 94 and I was just informed by hospice that they cannot remain caring for her any longer. She is just to gosh darn healthy. I still take her to dinner at her favorite restuarant in Payson and she eats more than I can. just sayin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mfh Posted June 26, 2013 Author Report Share Posted June 26, 2013 You are all welcome. I am happy to help in any way I can. I will post whatever Anne wants and keep you as current as I can. The rain (that I will now dance in-fully clothed- thank you) has let up for a while. This so reminds me of 2008 with our huge flood and I can still see, clearly, Bill sitting in his chair aware that I was doing so much, night and day, and that some neighbors were helping with our flooded basement...mostly taking things out of it to the street for pick up....it happened so fast. Bill could do nothing and it was really hard for him to be unable to help. Tears shed by both of us during that time. Maybe that memory is surfacing more often than not these days...hence my obsession with the rain. Since I now have tears rolling down my face...I would say that was a good guess. Anne, I am happy to post anytime you wish. Just let me know. And I will do it just the way you wish though you do know I am not much for a lot of rules. So go easy on me. Stephen, I agree...dogs need us as much as we need them. They are babies. Someone told me once that cats are adults..they can take us or leave us whereas dogs are babies and need us. I am not sure I agree with that totally but I do know Bentley is VERY needy. Maybe because he has lived so much of his life with the stress of Bill's illness or maybe because he is Bentley Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kayc Posted June 26, 2013 Report Share Posted June 26, 2013 Anne, Bless your heart! While my internet was down again last night, I am getting caught up here as work allows. I am so glad you will be with a team you like and who are very thorough in their approach. I appreciate your getting Mary the report so she can relay it to us quickly. Will be keeping you in my prayers, along with Benji as he is kenneled. You are both very special to us here. Mary, Thank you for relaying the information!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
enna Posted June 26, 2013 Report Share Posted June 26, 2013 Thank you, Stephen for sharing that story with me. It did lift me up. I have been concerned about why my heart failure hasn't been managed after almost eight months! The procedures I will have are scheduled for Monday am - we shall see. I am not too thrilled about them going into my heart when they do the cardiac catherterization, or another test they will perform! If those appear alright then I might have to have a cardiac ablation - I sure hope those working on me know what all this means - I'm too scared to Google (which I've always believed have part truths about anything) - I'd rather not know the itty-bitty details. Hopefully, Monday and Tuesday will be fine. Mary will post updates if I am not able to. I have to be so careful with her though - rules are not part of her mantra! But, I do trust her and I do know where she lives. Kay, I'm still working on a place for Benji to stay - he has never been kenneled - So far Doggy Bow Wow seems to be a good place - I'll check it out tomorrow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MartyT Posted June 26, 2013 Report Share Posted June 26, 2013 Anne, my dear, you may have (physical) heart problems but your wonderful sense of humor certainly is intact, and we are forever grateful for that! You are simply delightful, and we treasure you! ♥ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mfh Posted June 27, 2013 Author Report Share Posted June 27, 2013 Anne, i am sorry I had to cut your call short tonight....I just ran out of steam shortly before you called. I am totally wiped out and exhausted from a way too busy day. I have absolutely no reserve...none whatsoever. Tomorrow morning I have my pre-op physical (ekg, blood, check up, etc.) and I canceled lunch scheduled with an artist friend who is moving back to town...she will be here but if i do not get some rest...I won't be here. When I get this tired, I sink emotionally so I need sleep. I will talk with you before you go to the hospital on Monday. Sleep well and know we all care about what is going on and will be praying for you as you go through your tests. I know they are scary...but perhaps will lead to better management and understanding of your situation. Peace, Mary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pumkin Posted June 27, 2013 Report Share Posted June 27, 2013 Dear Anne, I'm so thankful to hear that you have faith in the team that you've gotten a second opinion from. I was praying for you as soon as I woke up Tuesday morning. I'll also be praying that everything goes smoothly for sweet Benji at Doggy Bow Wow. Dear Mary, Thank you so much for letting us know how Anne is doing. Praying for Shannon also with all she is going through. I'll also be praying for you as you go through your eye surgery. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wifflesnook Posted June 27, 2013 Report Share Posted June 27, 2013 It's morning here in England and the beginning of a new day. Anne I love your attitude to mornings. I wish I could feel that way. It's all about attitude and you are an inspiration. I'm thinking of everyone, those who are suffering physically or in prospect and those also suffering from grief as we all are. Be better! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mfh Posted June 27, 2013 Author Report Share Posted June 27, 2013 Dear Mary, Thank you so much for letting us know how Anne is doing. Praying for Shannon also with all she is going through. I'll also be praying for you as you go through your eye surgery. Thank you so much. Yes, let us remember Anne and Shannon during these tough days. My eye surgery is not until July 24...just the physical today. Thanks. I am nervous about the surgery... On a lighter note, why can I go almost all morning without thinking about coffee or food until I have to fast...and feel like i am starving. Mary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KATPILOT Posted June 27, 2013 Report Share Posted June 27, 2013 Thats funny Mary, Yes we often don't miss something till it's gone. Good luck today if just avoiding needless anxiety. Remeber, never borrow trouble. S Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kayc Posted June 27, 2013 Report Share Posted June 27, 2013 Mary, good luck with your tests and hopefully you have your coffee by now. Anne, please let us know what you think of Doggy Bow Wow today. I am trusting that the doctors/team does know what they're doing and will take good care of you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HAP Posted June 27, 2013 Report Share Posted June 27, 2013 Be well, Mary, Anne, and Shannon. I am thinking of all of you this morning. Peace, Harry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mfh Posted June 28, 2013 Author Report Share Posted June 28, 2013 Mary, good luck with your tests and hopefully you have your coffee by now. Thanks, Kay. I talked long with Mark (my MD...he and his wife are also friends) about my general health and even discussed getting a paper that disallows CPR should I ever need it. He said in WI it is close to impossible to get a DNR unless I have a chronic illness but he thought he could get me a NO CPR (which would allow O2 and fluids etc) so he is working on that. I also discussed my extreme fatigue. I know I mention it here on occasion but I am way way way too tired. The meeting with him and getting my kitchen light fixed resulted in a two hour nap. (I have a new electrician who solved the loss of 3 balasts in 3 years...this guy is 81 and wired this house in 1952 when it was built). Then when I am so tired, I start sobbing and can not define the emotional pain specifically. So he is running tests on vitamins D, B; thyroid, inflammation CRP and another inflamation marker he likes, new titer test (RA) to see if it changed even though they rarely change, did an EKG and blood draws...drained my system I think. I am pretty concerned about my exhaustion. I do understand how the last 8 years has fed it. I feel like it is clearly related to the last 8 years of caregiving and grief and running about but want to double check as it seems it should be letting up some at least. He said the RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis) is a genetic marker that in his opinion got tripped off because of all the stress of caregiving and grief...cortisol and adrenalin flooding me daily for 8 years. Immune system compromised. Thanks for asking. I appreciate it. Mary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mfh Posted June 28, 2013 Author Report Share Posted June 28, 2013 Be well, Mary, Anne, and Shannon. I am thinking of all of you this morning. Peace, Harry Thank you, Harry. What i am dealing with can't hold a candle to what Shannon and Anne are dealing with but I am dealing with health issues and will be glad to see them end. Thanks, Mary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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