Tuesday, September 22, 2009

My Odometer Has Passed Sixty and with a BANG

I am so happy to be able to post. I have been on an adventure that I wouldn't have chosen, but perhaps it will help me change my life and save it. I'll start from the beginning. Thursday night I had what felt like a mild asthma attack. My inhalers and medicine for my nebulizer are expired because I haven't had an attack in years (thank the Lord). So Friday I called the doctor to get some new prescriptions called in. They said I had to come in and get checked since I hadn't been to my PCP since the spring. I go to the specialists, but usually not my PCP so much. I went in and they listened to my recent symptoms(chest pains, swollen ankles and feet, short of breathe) So they gave me an EKG and it was showing that something was wrong.



They wheeled me over to the ER and I was admitted. They thought I had a blood clot or possibly congestive heart failure. As some of you know, I am in Atlanta during the week and back in South Carolina on the weekends. Some of my co-workers came to the hospital and got stuff out of the back of my car so I could have my reading materials and get on with life. Saturday they started with what felt like a jillion tests: CT scans, ultrasounds, more nuclear tests and then decided to do a heart catherization Monday.



Sunday I turned the big 6-0 and how much fun was that? Saira brought me fresh warm Krispy Kreme donuts. Since I figured once I got out of there I would not be eating anymore donuts, I had to have one. I only had one, but one of the ladies that worked in dietary and had brought me my meals got me a birthday cake. I will post the picture later. Others from work came up and we laughed about the size of the bathroom. It was like an airport bathroom once I got my IV drips and all my paraphernalia in it. Remembering I am not a wisp of a thing.



My little cute doctors came in and after the cath Mark and Jolie were sitting waiting with me on the results and what would happen next. One of them told me I had an 'opportunity' and I needed to take it. I have to change my stress levels, diet, and I have to start moving around. When I asked him about my diet, he said, "Vegetables and fruits!" I about fainted and then I said, "Really, what do you mean?" He said that I had to get on a low sodium diet and I have to do some exercise. He said water aerobics and a stationary bike should be good for me since I can't put weight on my feet much. So I am off on a new path.



I came home and I'm staying with Jolie so I can truly rest and not have all the dogs at home. Mark will come over and visit and I am strictly in a 'chill-axing' state. I'm just going to read, look at blogs and watch tv. Oh yow, in the middle of all the hospital drama we had so much flooding in Atlanta. Some of my employees couldn't even leave their subdivisions. Schools are closed and it is a hot mess. It took us what seemed like forever to get out of town last night. It's so sad. I think six people have lost their lives. We have had a drought for so long and people were praying for rain. Well, we certainly got it.



I have missed you guys and I would appreciate your prayers as I get on all the new meds and changes my diet. For those of you out there that have great health, be thankful everyday! When you face possible heart surgery and know that you could be controlling your destiny with your eating habits and stress levels....it's scary. I will start leaving work at a decent time and I need to get at least eight hours a night sleep. It's always been easy for me to push myself and keep trying to go farther and I am now realizing it's not always worth it. For sure it's not worth it when I have to think about leaving my family.



My sister in law told me about a site called Spark People and I am trying to get some neat ideas for things I will enjoy and can eat that are low sodium. If you know of any please let me know. I'm so happy I'm back in bloggyworld. I love you guys.

19 comments:

Brenda@CoffeeTeaBooks said...

I came over as soon as I saw your comment on my blog. I'm so glad it didn't get erased (Blogger is having issues and lost half of the comments recently).

What a scary thing to happen. A good friend of mine here had a heart attack last year and she runs each day and eats health foods... go figure.

Both the endocrinologists I went to have preached to me how dangerous stress is to our lives. I must admit to getting rather snarky and asking them how to live without it.

You are in my prayers!

Barb said...

Oh my goodness. You know I am praying for you. My dear friend, this was a wake up call. We all need to really take good care of ourselves. What a way to spend your birthday- happy belated birthday!

I'm so glad you are on the right track. REST, rest, rest.

love ya,
Barb

Becca's Dirt said...

Sorry to hear you've had some health issues. Take care of yourself! Water aerobics are great. I need to get into a class again. My sis teaches a class at the Y and has so many people taking this class. I have had a few health issues in my life too and am trying to do better. It isn't easy making all these changes in our lives. I am praying that you will be back on your feet in no time. God bless...

Maggie May said...

I am so sorry that this has happened and I hope that the diet (much as you hate it) will work and help you get fitter.
Rest assured that you will be in thoughts & prayers.

Debby said...

Oh my goodness. Okay. I'm not really into telling people what to do, but really, Nana, I'm thinking that you should find another way to celebrate your birthday. Just saying.

Feel better soon, and enjoy your chill-ax.

joy said...

My heart goes out to you Trish and I wish you well.

I had a heart attack June '08, and was told yesterday that invasive surgery is on the horizon. Not a happy prospect. I am trying to invoke my living will, but my husband says, "no way".

Wishing you the best.
Joy

Barb said...

I'm so glad you are ok, what a way to spend your birthday!Do what you have to do to take care of yourself and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!blessings....Barb

Betsy Brock said...

Well, you really know how to get attention on your birthday! LOL!
I'm glad you are taking the doctors seriously and doing what they say. Rest up...we'll be glad to see you around the blogs more...you work too hard! I'm sure Avery will be glad to have you around, too! She'll be a nice distration. :)

The rains and floods look amazing on the news! They showed Six Flags and the roller coasters were under water! Scary!

Anita said...

I'm so glad you're okay and on the mend. You're in my prayers.

Tess Kincaid said...

Trish, what an icky way to spend your birthday. Glad you are home safe and sound. Big hugs and prayers coming your way from Willow Manor!

karen said...

Sorry to hear you're going through this. Take care dear bloggy friend, I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
(((HUGS)))

ChaChaneen said...

Oh my stars! Praise God for your opportunity! Wow it's knocking so loud I won't sleep tonight. I am so happy to hear that you are accepting this graciously and are not in denial as that will excel your recovery. I look forward to reading all your posts and I can't wait for the picture ofyou and Avery walking down the lane without your cane! Also I use Spark People too it's great and free and you will be a veteran with it in no time. I have the iPhone and they even have an app for it! Easy to keep track during the day for me. I will be praying for your recovery and remeber God loves you just the way you are but he loves you too much to let you stay that way. He has big plans for you so hang on my sweet friend!

Maree said...

You can do it Trish! God Bless!

julie king said...

oh, trish, i so hope you're going to be okay! that had to be quite scary but it sounds like you've been given a chance to turn things around. my prayers are with you. happy belated birthday as well.

i posted a little bit about you today and am giving you the hopeful award for your wonderful attitude when faced with a health problem. please pass the award on as you see fit! ((hugs))

steviewren said...

Wow Trish...good thing you are taking it easy or I'd have to run over there and make you! I bet you were a wee bit scared there for a while. Take care of yourself!

a woman who is said...

My I am just catching up here friend. I loved the pictures of Avery's vacation. She looked liked she was missing her Nana.

I hope all is going better now as I am late to your blog.

It is hard to slow down, but when life makes you, you will start to enjoy life a bit more, and then wonder why it took you so long.

Technonana said...

sorry I missed this post before!!! But I am sure glad that you listened to your body and sought help...
You KNOW you are in my prayers, My Sister!!!
Hope you are feeling much better SOON!!
Love you!!
Sharon

Judy said...

Oh...I'm so sorry to hear what you have been going through...on your 60th birthday, no less!

Wishing you much success on your new journey...and a great improvement in your health.

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