Search results

I have not been active here in years, but I need help. I've had my mechanical valve since 2002 and have been home monitoring MOST of that time. Over the last 19 years I've changed insurances and home monitoring companies a number of times. However, now I'm struggling. Acelis Connected...

I know I haven't posted anything in somewhere near forever, but as I put together this blog post, I thought of all of you and realized you might find it interesting. As you know, February is Heart Month. 70+ Bloggers (including myself) have contributed to an eBook filled with 100+ heart...

For those of you who don't know (because there are a lot of new people since I was last really active), my hubby became a nurse 4 years ago. He went to school for nursing after sitting in the ICU with me after my VR, talking to my nurse. He asked intelligent questions and the ICU nurse said...

I realized it's been WAY too long since I last logged in (heavens, the forum even has a new look!). Life's been super busy chasing down the twins, who are completely mobile now. Believe it or not, we celebrated their first birthday two weeks ago today. Time sure has flown. Heart-wise, no...

I'm back in the hospital. But not for my heart this time. Apparently I have a blocked ureter (the tube between the kidney and the bladder). They can't figure out what's blocking it though, because the ct scan didn't show any stones. They mentioned a possibility of a blood clot, but that...

:rolleyes: I know it's been awhile since I've stopped by, but try keeping up with 6 month old twins and a dozen message boards and see how you do. ;) I've got some twinless time on my hands (explanation to come), so I thought I'd jump on and see what's been going on. But first I have to...

My husband landed himself in the hospital at the beginning of the month with a GI bleed. The EGD showed he had ulcers and esophogitis. The GI doctor put him on a "low residue" diet (sort of low fiber, but even more restrictive than that). Veggies are pretty much out, unless they are cooked to...

I know, I know. You're thinking "what now???" It's really just a continuation, really. Nathan went to a neurosurgeon to look at his back. He needed a more recent MRI (his last one was nearly a year ago), and he finally had that done Wednesday. His back had actually been feeling much better...

Anyone ever have to do a low residue diet before? Nathan has to do this until his ulcers and esophagus heal. Anyone have a good web site for recipes? So now we need low-residue and low-sodium. :rolleyes: Thanks in advance!

Of course, my heart always picks the most inconvenient times to act up. :mad: Those who have been following along know that right as I was getting ready to start fertility drugs to harvest my eggs for our surrogacy journey my atrial lead broke. I was still able to do the egg retrieval, but...

As soon as we knew we were planning to get pregnant DH and I discussed my work situation. I wanted very much to stay home for at least the first two years, but he was worried about $$. So we came to a compromise and decided I'd go to part time and work the days he doesn't (he only works 3 days...

Why is it that we're always playing detective, trying to piece together the clues that might solve the mystery of why I feel like crud? Allow me to back up a bit. Those of you that have followed me over the years know that in 2007 I had a bi-v ICD put in. The year to follow was GREAT! Then...

I just realized that today is my valvaversary! Seven years ago I was recovering at Texas Children's in Houston after having my tricuspid valve replaced with a St. Jude's mechanical. My mother and husband (of only 1 year) were by my side the whole time. And here I am today laying next to my...

It's another. :( For those of you who don't know, I am attempting to induce lactation for my twins through surrogacy (due in the summer). I had to come off my birth control pill, as it would inhibit lactation. However, we know we don't want me to get pregnant. So I decided to get an IUD...

As if it weren't enough stress to be told you have to have surgery. Or to fight the battle of scheduling to get it set up. Or to go through the surgery itself. Or to go through the pain of recovery... Oh, no! There's one more stress they have to pile on.... Bills. :mad: Now, I have two...

Okay, so it's really a little gaping hole, but still... The hole from my chest tube is not closing at all. :( I think my body has given up on closing itself because it knows it's just going to get opened up again. :rolleyes: Nathan says he thinks I'll probably have to visit a plastic surgeon...

Well, I don't think anyone noticed I was gone, but I wound up back in the hospital on Friday and just got back home today. :( On Friday Nathan and I went to lunch with his family and everything was going great. Suddenly, just after we'd paid the bill but were still sitting around talking, I...

Well, it looks like I have a surgery date. But here's the kicker, I MIGHT be having valve surgery while we're at it! :eek: Yesterday when I visited with the surgeon we were expecting just a "simple" epicardial ICD lead discussion. However, the surgeon had some data about my pulmonary...

Yesterday morning I was sitting in the living room typing away on the computer when I heard an electronic beeping coming from (I thought) the kitchen. I called out to Nathan (who was in his game room at the time) and said "What was that noise?" He had not heard a noise and looked at me like I...

Nathan and I spent the morning with his family. We went to his brother's hockey game, then had a leisurely meal with his mom, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, cousin and his cousin's wife. It was quite a pleasant morning... Then, as we returned home, we turned onto the street where our house is...