Recent content by Johnny Stephens

Thanks Thanks Thanks everyone for the good wishes. Still ticking here and had a great birthday. Went snowmobiling for the first time, so I guess I'm able do lots of stuff that normal 52-year olds do hahaha :biggrin2: Thanks again!

Thanks for the nice words, everyone! Al: I have been tested and retested for the anemia and it always comes back the same: Iron Deficiency Anemia. I make plenty of red blood cells, but they're low in hemoglobin. One doc even showed a picture of my cells and how "pale" they were. I did ask...

I'm long-overdue for checkin here. Life has kept me busy for the last couple of years; lost my job and finally got rehired. Not something I want to repeat! Healthwise, the 2 mechanicals are still clicking along, and pacemaker is pacing away. Looks like I'll need another one in about 3 years...

When I've had afib/flutter, I get very tired and sleepy - the almost falling asleep at work kind. The heart sensations feel kind of 'squirmy' to me. I described it to my cardio as a "bag of snakes wrestling in my chest." I wasn't painful, but it was a very odd feeling. I've had it 3 times and...

My valves vary in how loud they are - usually they're pretty noisy. My wife has even told me she has heard them over the phone! :eek: Sometimes, they do seem to go altogether silent, even though I can feel a pulse.

I was on Metoprolol at a pretty high dose for about eight years - started before my surgery. I frequently complained about it limiting how high I could get my rate during cardio training, and some "other" problems of the male-only variety. :eek: Once I went on Sotalol for my flutter, I was...

Last year, we saved up and went to Hawaii. Within 5 minutes of checking in, I kicked the bedpost and split my big toenail right down the middle. I also was amazed at the creative and colorful language that came out as I hopped around the room. A little creative bandage work and careful...

Congratulations, Christina - I hope that it's just the beginning for you! :D

I have received many eggrolls since my double-valve replacement. Unfortunately, I have had to go Out-of-pocket as they are not covered by my plan. :mad: I am, however, free to see the eggroll provider of my own choosing and as often as I like. :D

I've had the TEE done twice since my surgery - right before my first 2 cardioversions. Versed was given, and next thing you know, you hear them putting the equipment away and the doctor is already gone. I was distantly aware of the probe in my throat, but there was no choking or panic reaction...

My surgery got me three things that I did not have before: - Atrial Flutter (resulting in 3 cardioversions and 240 mg Sotalol daily) - Complete Heart Block (got me a shiny new pacemaker!) - A "messed-up" throat - I frequently inhale liquids. 8 days on the ventilator.

Congratulations, Susan! Your post is suitable for framing :D

How things have changed - Stopped sweatin' the small stuff Learned to appreciate the tick tock sound of a well made clock Got really good at explaining to people that "no, I didn't have a bypass.." No longer fear needles Am on a first-name basis with a large number of medical staff at a metro...

My scar is 8" but I wear size 13 shoes.

The byline is dated today and states he's still in the hospital, but also says the surgery was on the 13th. Did I read it wrong or has he been in there for 10 days?