Getting Close ?

[ccrawford]

Since Bonnie offered me a roast possum once I got out of the waiting room, it seems things have started to hurry up a little. Actually, my stamina has been going south for about a month and the cardio wanted to speed up a repeat echo and stress test so we did it this week. My aortic valve size hasn't changed (still 1.2) but the pressure gradient is up to about 100, causing some concern. The stress test showed a repeat indication that the right coronary is stenosed. By the way, they did the stess test this time with adenosine because of my stamina issue. Some people have a lot of receptors in their vascular system and therefore have a real reaction to adenosine - I'm one of those. I've never had a more miserable six minutes in my life including a root canal.Felt like I ran a full marathon while lying on their table with Niagra Falls running through my brain. Anyway, the doc wants to do a heart cath monday to verify the pressure gradient and the status of the coronaries. There is some chance they might hurry up and schedule the surgery pronto so I thought I better update you guys. If I can get to a PC after the cath, I'll update you. If not, I'll ask my daughter to do so. Jane is a psychologist - so if she tells you her old man is a loony, will you beleive her ?? Logically, I ought to be uptight about all of this, but I'm not. I owe all you guys who helped me sort through some big anxieties, a great big THANKS. Thinking back just a few months ago, it was total panic time. Its funny, feeling the way I do about a group of people I've never met, but you know what I'm talking about. I feel like your expertise has prepared me for whatever lies ahead. Keep up the good work, there are a lot of newbies yet to come !! Chris

 

[TIM W.]

Chris, good luck to you, my VR.com friend.
Yes, it is truly amazing how close we come to feel about the people we have "met" here. I found the information to be very helpful both pre and post operative. Hoping to hear from you soon after your surgery and I know you'll enjoy this side of the mountain!
I'm sure your daughter will be very informative to us and we'll regard whatever she says as the truth!!!
Again, good luck. Tim

 

[Nancy]

Hi Chris-

I remember your very first posts. And you have made dramatic progress in preparing yourself for surgery.

You're about as ready as anyone I've ever heard on vr.com. Sounds like the time is right to get your shiny new valve or repair. I want to wish you the very best surgical result possible.

You'll do just fine, and it will be a relief to get it over with. The summer is coming, and you will be able to enjoy the sunshine without having to worry about a pesky heart valve.

So, if they whisk you in before you can post again, Bon Voyage and smooth sailing.

We'll look forward to your daughter's posts re: your surgery.

Talk to you later when you can give us the gory details.

 

[Ross]

I've found most psychologist's to be loony themselves. They're just a little better at hiding it.

I'm proud of you Brother Crawford. You've come along way and soon it may be behind you. I expect nothing less then a uneventful surgery and recovery, so that you can get back here and help get these people smiling again.

Let us know when you can and remember that we all walk through those doors with you.

 

[Scottie]

Hey Chris !

Hey Chris !

just wanted to let you know that I'll be thinking about you here in Scotland ....prayers coming your way for a great result .....please ask your daughter to let us know how things go if you can't get to us ...
take care
Scottie

 

[Rick W]

Chris,
I can really identify with what you have said about this process of preparation and friendship building. You have done what few people understand, namely taken responsibility for your own well being. The cath is a breeze and you will soon be on your way to a better quality of living once the surgery is done.

Best of luck, everthing will be fine.

 

[hensylee]

Yep, Chris, we're gonna believe everything she says!

We all know how you feel about VR cause we all feel it, too. Isn't it awesome. A common thread, I guess, that binds us together and makes us one.

If we don't hear again, we will help you up the mountain - GODSPEED

 

[pillarpaul]

Chris,

Just wanted to add my godspeed to you. Since I got booted out of the Waiting Room last week and now maybe you, what will poor ol' Steve do without us?

I, too, faced the surgery last week totally differently than from when I first scheduled the surgery two months ago. The difference is vr.com and the great folks here, you included. I came through with flying colors. Let our thoughts and prayers give you the same incredible peaceful energy it gave me.

Paul

 

[Ross]

Should I say anything in this thread? I might have to crack on ya.

The Adenosine stress test-I'll never have another one! I could not breath afterwards and was turning blue in the waiting room. Man that was horrible.

You keep in touch, ya hear! This place isn't the same without you so give me some warning before you leave.

 

[ccrawford]

Thanks

Thanks

Guys- I appreciate your words of support immensely. I'm guessing I'll have time to get to a computer. They may even send me back to the waiting room. In any event, I'll update you as best I can. If daughter Jane posts, give her a hard time about being an Indiana Univ. Grad instead of a Purdue Grad. Ross, the manufacturer of Adenasine is a Japanese company - I think their name is Gotchanowi Sockittoya. This product is their revenge for loosing WWII If this not politically sensitive, sorry, but Ross Is right - this procedure really sucks. Brings back the old thread about all doctors should have to endure every procedure they prescribe. Chris

 

[Ross]

Chris what gets me is that some people have no problems at all with that test. You and I just aren't that lucky I guess.

I think what really bothered me was watching 80+ year olds who had the test before me, sit there and appear perfectly normal munching potato chips. Here I sit 40 years old, turning blue, gasping for air. I bet I looked like a real winner to them.

 

[epstns]

Away one day and I missed a lot!

Away one day and I missed a lot!

Chris -

I was away from my computer for ONE day and you went and changed all your plans on me! Sounds like you're getting closer to the mountain each day. I sincerely wish you well, and envy your rapport with your "special" cardio. Wish we all had that kind of relationship. I'm sure they all will do their very best to keep you out of trouble.

Please be sure to update us when you know the schedule for the weeks to come.

I'll be here, rearranging the chairs in the waiting room. . .

 

[pillarpaul]

Steve,

As the soon-to-be-one-of-the-last-remaining-members of the waiting room, do you feel more like you are rearranging the chairs on the deck of the Titanic?

Paul

 

[epstns]

Hey, Paul, you may have a point. I am used to it, though, as I have been told in the past that I would need other surgeries "sometime soon" and still wait for the word on those. . .

Can't complain, though. This way I have lots of time to learn and get over my "Type AAA" phobias. It also gives the docs more time to perfect their techniques <g>.

Given the age demographic of our boomer generation, I doubt that I'll be lonely for very long. Also, the Waiting Room needs somebody to act as host for the newbies.

 

[Guest]

Hey Chris,

Best wishes for your upcoming surgery, I'm sure that you are going to do just fine. Before you know it you'll be out and about and forgetting all about the aniexty you had before your trek up the mountain.
We will look forward to updates from your LOVELY, INTELLEGENT, IU grad, Jane ..... can you tell I'm also an IU alum????? At least I know that she will be able to relate all the details of your surgery and recovery in a complete and knowledgeable way given her educational preparation at THE FINEST INSTITUTION IN INDIANA!!

PUR-who.....you got to be kidding!!!

Seriously, we'll be looking forward to your return!
Take Care!

Julia