Hello From New Member

[Lisa in Katy]

Welcome to the group Tom. From what I understand, hernia surgery, though fairly minor as far as surgeries go, can be quite painful. Get plenty of rest and don't move too much!

BTW, I went to school with a David Hosack in Lake Jackson, TX who is now a Podiatrist in practice with his dad. Any relation?

 

[tommy]

Katy,

We moved to Texas about 7 years ago. There are lots of Hosacks in Texas, but none that I have any documented relationship. Thanks for asking

BTW...........In the 1700's there was a David Hosack that was Alexander Hamilton's personal physician and pronounced Hamilton dead at the duel - but alas he had no grandsons. He was said to be the premier doctor in New York at the time. I wonder what he would have to say about valve replacements!

 

[tommy]

Hooray for Small Victories

Hooray for Small Victories

The bleeding has finally stopped.
The Lovenox regimen is over.
I go back to work in a few minutes.

 

[Ross]

My wife told me to tell you that I lied and did too have some bleeding after mine. I plum forgot it, but she didn't.

 

[M&M]

Goodness Tom - hernia surgery sounds very painful. I hope your feeling better. Maybe you could get a big fluffy pillow to sit on.

BTW, what is a "lovenox" and do you actually give yourself a shot in the stomach?? That sounds awfully painful. I think your a very brave soul. I don't think I could give myself a shot in the stomach. IS that what you did? I can't even look at the needle when the nurse takes my blood and most of the time I cry just feeling it prick me.. Some nurses are less painful than others. I usually get the butterfly technique and that's easier for me. The old hospital that I use to go to would put the needle in me and then move it around inside of me and then they would tell me how difficult my veins were and give me a sour look. It was awful and I cried all the time. The hospital I go to now is much nicer but it still hurts. When I'm in the hospital now - you know what I do - I keep track of when the IV lady makes her 'rounds' and I take off down the hall about 15 minutes before she arrives. They sometimes forget to come back and get me.. and sometimes I get one to two less shots.. I've learned a few tricks of the trade. You might say I've gotten older and 'wiser'..

Well, I hope you feel better and your able to get back to exercising soon.

Best Wishes
Runner

 

[Nancy]

Hi runner-

You didn't really run down the hall to avoid a necessary injection, did you? If you need an injection, then you need an injection. Not taking necessary medications is a bad idea. It could really harm your health! Injections are used to administer some of the most necessary medications.

There is something that they can put on your skin to numb it, but it has to be done a certain amount of time ahead of the injection. You could ask about it. It is used a lot with pediatric patients.

Take care,

 

[Christina L]

needles

needles

Nancy,

I understand perfectly where Runner is coming from and you! I am terribly afraid of needles and blood and all that stuff just makes me queasy. My whole family is like that - it is a learned response for sure - I have even thought about hypnotism for this problem. HOW I will make it through surgery I don't know, except that I will be laying down most of the time for the shots and all and also will be drugged up pretty good. Now my sister who will be there - we have joked about her passing out when she sees me, which she might!!

So, I totally understand Runner - it is not the pain issue for me of a shot or blood being drawn, it is the "thought" of it all. Sometimes I can go into the doc's office and be fine with a blood draw and sit up and the whole bit - but other times I will just work myself up too much beforehand and have to lie down and STILL get sick!!

It is a totally embarrassing problem for a 44-year-old woman to have!!

However, Nancy, you are right, no matter what, a person should never skip blood draws or injections for any reason. I sure feel like it sometimes, though, and totally understand Runner's fears.

That is why for my upcoming surgery, I am telling the hospital staff to keep me as "high" as possible.

Chris

 

[M&M]

Oh Nancy - I should have stated - this wasn't a shot for 'meds' - NO - its that daily blood withdrawal they do to you to tell them about your blood profile - you know the daily blood test.. I just can't imagine it changes that much in 24 hours - especially since nothing had changed in 24 hours... I think its a 'protocol' blood withdrawal. I would never hold back on meds.. No, that would not be wise.... But its awful - cause it really takes alot to make me cry.. I had 40 hours of back labor when I had my daughter and the last 3 cm took 6 hours and I still didn't cry on that.. But you put a needle in my face - and man - I am such a baby.. and like Chris said its so embarassing.. really embarassing. I'm a terrible patient in the hosptal. Really awful. Yes, they can give you that novacaine before they put the needle in - but I still feel it.. Its AWFUL I tell you - just AWFUL.. I do get myself worked up into such a tither at just the thought..

Chris - I can really sympathize with you. REALLY - I know the minute they get the IV in me - the worse part is over.. I always tell myself that - the worse part is over.

I can tell you alittle secret - when I do have a scheduled hospital visit - what I do is I bake lots of MUFFINS and I give them to EVERYONE - especially the IV lady.. She gets the very first batch.. Things have gone much better since I've done that. Try it - really they like MUFFINS.. especially the banana nut..

The best way to a persons heart is through they're stomach..
I know it works for me.

Runner

 

[tommy]

Runner,

Lovenox is another anitcoagulant. While Coumadin takes several days to absorb and several days to dissiapate, Lovenox is quick acting and lasts only 12 hours. The dosage is measured based on body weight.

For surgery, the plan is to be off anticoagulants altogether for a short window to accomplish the surgery.

The needle is small and relatively short (as needles go). The injection is just under the skin in the stomach area.

In all, I gave myself about 14 shots. Of course because of the anticaogulants there is some bruising. It's a hassle, but as with most medical procedures - IT BEATS THE ALTERNATIVE - one of my favorite mantras.

 

[M&M]

Thanks Tom for getting back to me.. I'm so glad to hear the needle is 'small' - that's good.. I've seen some HUGE needles - the ones they put in your groin before a catherization is big - but they one they use for EP ablations is HUGE... that one hurt...

So do you take it right after every surgery to bring your INR levels up? since you were off coumadin before surgery.. Is that how it works - does everyone have to do this after surgery. Take Lovenox? Is it mandatory.. or can you start back up on coumadin.. My doc mentioned something about after my valve surgery that I would have to take coumadin forever but also that any time after that if I needed any surgeries I would have to go into the hosptial early and have my INR monitored before the surgery is done.. I guess I get a few more days at the ICU 'resort' - lucky me.. So thats a real bummer.. Normally when people get their battery replaced for ICD's its just a outpatient thing - go in at 8:00 and your out by Noon - but I don't think that will happen like that after my valve replacement.. That's not the way he made it sound. He said its much more complicated and more risky for surgeries afterwards so you have to come to the hospital earlier and be monitored - boring !!! But I'm lucky to be alive so I won't complain - I usually find an IV pole and race around the nurses' station or up and down the halls.. My EP doc is great - he lets me try to have some "fun" when I'm feeling up to it.. They had to monitor me when they first put me on the meds for my vt's I wasn't really sick - but I had to be monitored - so I got to run around the hospital - I also wanted to try the new ICD program to test for my running and then they made adjustments as I tested it... That worked out well. It beats going home and then going back a million times - Heart Meds make me really sick and one of them a couple years ago gave me epileptic seizures - the next one dropped my pulse to low 40's that was before my ICD inplant - and that was only 12;5 mg of Atenolol - which he was going to give me 25 mg and I said - no that's to much lets go less - so we decided to cut the pill in half as you can't go any lower - and still 12.5 mg put in the hospital - I couldn't stay awake with my pulse so low.. Heck I couldn't stand up..

Well, as usual I talked your head off - I do it alot - I get going and one thing leads to another and it just doesn't stop !!!

But is that why you take Lovenox over coumadin after your surgery so to thin your blood back quicker since it was thicker for surgery ? I'm so glad you told me the needle is 'small' - that's much nicer to hear.. I wonder if everyone has to do this??? I don't remember my doc ever mentioning a needle in the stomach - I should ask him. Cause I don't want that.. I wouldn't have a TEE test - cause I don't want anything stuck down my throat.. I'll wait until it HAS to be done and since I'm not having surgery right now - it doesn't have to be done.. it can wait.. I'm not going anywhere. I hate to rush into things..

Runner

 

[tommy]

Runner,

I take the Lovenox over the Coumadin both before and after surgery. Each drug effects a different part of the clotting system. Lovenox does not show up in the INR.

So several days prior to surgery, I stopped the Coumadin and monitored the INR. When the INR went below the target (2.5), I started Lovenox. The last Lovenox shot was 12 hours prior to surgery. I was actually unprotected during surgery and for the first 6-8 hours afterwards. That evening I restarted both Lovenox and Coumadin and monitored the INR until it reached 2.5. When it reached 2.5 I stopped the Lovenox.

As for .....does this happen for every surgery? Not really. Cardiologists vary in their approach. I had a melanoma removed a year ago. The cut a huge hole out of my arm - but is was all skin and surface tissues, not deep at all. The cardiologist negotiated with the surgeon and all I did was skip a few doses of Coumadin. That surgery went real well.

I make a point to tell all medical people that I am on Coumadin - including the dentist for crowns, root canal, etc. Fortunately, my cardiologist is very pro-active and wants to manage all aspects of the anit-coagulation therapy wherever I go.

Now I'm the one that's long-winded.........

 

[MelissaM]

Runner - you are pretty sneaky. Love it! The nurses get soooo frustrated when trying to poke me because I grill them until they tell me exactly what they are doing. Someone must really regret the day they told me it was within a patiet's rights to decline meds/test/blood pokes. Now I am one of the most critical patients out there, and usually decline a handful of things being prescribed. Some stuff is just routine ballyhoo - seriously. And if that routine ballyhoo requires more poking than required, watch out. . ..

The muffin idea is a classic. . .

Melissa

 

[Nancy]

I just want to caution everyone to please not try to dodge the bloodwork that seems routine. With frequent bloodwork, they may be looking for a "trend", especially right after surgery or any other time you are hospitalized. Lab work is very, very important and you may not know just what has been ordered or why.

Sure it's annoying to get injections all the time, but take it from an old warrior's and his battle-axe wife , these things are much more important than you might ever know.

It might make the difference in whether you have a routine recovery or have a few problems.

 

[Christina L]

Muffin

Muffin

Runner,

You are too funny - muffins, huh? I don't think I will try that when I have my surgery (ha) as people will think I am a bit strange - making muffins for the surgical team when I am supposed to be (and am) scared out of my wits!! But I may try that on the doc's office (or Coumadin Clinic) post surgery!

Runner, I couldn't find that post of yours to answer your questions about me -- I live in Colorado, do not have any children and it was not necesarily a conscious choice not to have kids, just never had them. We have thought about adopting but at this point in my life (age 44) and very set in my ways, with lots of cats, I don't know if I want to watch Barney the rest of my days, if you know what I mean!! I think if we did adopt, a child would be the best thing that ever happened to us (Wayne and I).

I am originally from Iowa - born and raised and came to Colorado in the John Denver era. I admit it, a John Denver groupie I was/am!! He is our "native son" you know.

My parents are both deceased and I am missing my mother terribly at this time, although her watching me go through heart surgery would have just about did her in (she was as squeamish as I am - where do you think I get it from?). She died of breast cancer two years ago.

Wayne and I live in beautiful Estes Park, Colorado, which is where I guess they are talking of having the reunion next year. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most beautiful places on earth, of which there are many.

I am enjoying meeting all of the people on this board, albeit wish it didn't have to be in this context.

Chris

 

[Ross]

I don't know if I want to watch Barney the rest of my days, if you know what I mean!!

Maybe not Barney, but Spongebob rules!

 

[Georgia]

Needles schmeedles

Needles schmeedles

I'm a needlephobe from my childhood. Always went out cold from shots, and managed to make it through chemotherapy and all the attendant bloodwork still terrified.

HOWEVER (a-hem): I hate to tell you this, but the ohs and "stuff" cured me. I truly don't think I could give myself a lovenex shot, but I could find someone to give them to me and the thought doesn't terrify me anymore like it always would have; I just don't like them because they sting (but - and you fellow-phobes will understand this - it stings AFTER the shot, so it doesn't feed the phobia). And the bruising is the pits. And when I was in the hospital after ohs and they came in and told me I needed a shot IN THE STOMACH I think I'd have been out of bed and in the parking lot if I hadn't still had tubes and a catheter in!

I know how scarey this is for you guys, because this phobia makes it all so much worse. But not being able to lie down at night because you can't breathe is lots worse; and I'll tell you - it's wonderful to finally beat that fear!

It's just one more thing you have to meet head on for this. But by cracky you're going to feel so much better and you'll be really proud of yourselves. And all of us are here cheering you on.

 

[M&M]

Thank You Tom, Christina, Georgia, Ross and Nancy.. We get so many wonderful and different ideas. Its nice to hear all of them..

George, I know what you mean about the stomach shot - I got one 'once' in a hospital and I swore NEVER AGAIN. Well several years late they wanted to give me another - I said NO - they said: Are you refusing this treatment - I said: YES I was really scared but I stood my ground.. If I thought it was going to be really really necessary - I would have taken it - and if the doc had insisted I would have taken it.. But just this nurse - I don't think so.. One other time - after I had just woke up from having an ablation this IV lady comes into my room and wants to do a blood transfusion on me -- I said: Why - I don't need a blood transfusion - I'm here for my heart - I don't think I'm suppose to get a blood transfusion - noone mentioned it to me.. She said: Are you Marilyn Metcalf - I said: Yes, well she said: your due for a blood transfusion - and SHE GRABBED MY WRIST.. Now about this time I started to cry and scream - and the nurse came in and I told her and then they checked over the records and the lady beside me who's name was Marlin - was suppose to get the blood transfusion !!! So several hours later my cardiologist comes in and I told him what happened and he didn't believe me -so he got the nurse and she verified it - and I said: I want to go HOME - He said: Alright if that's what you want. I never dressed so fast in all my life.. So, I do question everything and everyone.. I thank god I had been awake when she had arrived so I could stop her. I have refused treatment when I think its the wrong treatment. I don't care whether they like it or not. In all the times I've done it - my doc has never said a word...

I agree Melissa - there is so much ballyhoo medicine given - its such a waste of money.. Waste of time and most of all a waste of 'pain'.. You know there was this one hospital I went to a long time ago - that was awful - those nurse's couldn't put an IV in you for the life of them.. They always would hit the side of the vein and it was sooo painful - and sometimes my hand would swell up and I'd say - you got that in wrong - no we dont' - I said Yes You Do - Now take it out and do it right.. No its fine Mrs. Metcalf -- I would say Look you take it out or I will.. and get someone in here who knows how to put an IV in or I don't want one at all. I"ve been in the hospital many times with NO IV's.. I mean there wasn't any med going in the IV - it was just in my hand in case they needed to admnister something - it would be easier - but it wasn't like it was really necessary - if they would put it in right - I wouldn't mind - but they didn't - I've had enough IV's to know when its in right and when its in wrong.. When its in right and they put the meds through it you don't even feel it - or a slight cool feeling - but when its wrong - its just a constant pain - just a constant pain....

I guess I'm a terrible hospital patient. I never really thought about it before - but I have just gotten up and walked out of hospitals when I didn't like the way they were treating me.. That's probably not good either. I should tell you I get panic attacks - and sometimes they are so bad - I just have to leave.. Its uncontrollable - I did seek help for them and I think it helped - but every once in awhile - if I think someone is mad at me - I get panicky and I don't want to stay..

I got some 'help' and things are better - but I still stand up for myself and I ask lots of questions and I want to feel that I'm in alittle control. I even asked my surgeon if I would be getting a St. Jude valve - and when I got my ICD I asked for a manual on the programming.. I like to be very active in my care - I work very hard to take good care of myself - and I don't want any blood transfusions.. NOW, I go to this new hospital and they are excellent - I've never walked out on them.. I did get a couple panic attacks - but it was like they could tell and just stayed clear from me for awhile. They Knew - I couldn't believe it - they knew exactly how to handle me. I didn't know they knew till afterwards and one of them said: You were having a panic attack - I said I was - He said Yes, we're trained to spot them. I said well you know I really wanted to just "leave" but I didn't so I thought I can't be cause in the past I would leave.. of course I would come back.. I would just step outside get some fresh air for 10 or 15 minutes and then go back in.. With this new hospital I've never refused any needles - they are very nice to me and they explain everything I want to know.. IT's a much better hospital. My panic attacks are much less frequent. They are awful..

Nancy your so right - no patient should ever refuse blood work - especially when having surgery - its much to dangerous. But I was not there for surgery. If they give you bloodwork - they should be able to explain "why" and of course then you wouldn't deny it.. I don't think it hurts to discuss this with your doctors.. Sometimes - they're quite surprised what's going on with your care. The hospital I go to now - those nurse's jump when they see my doctor - I think he must be a big wig.. I said that to him once - I take it you carry alot of power in this hospital - he just kind of smiled - and then HE pushed my wheelchair back to my room. I might add we actually 'raced' alittle - it was FUN.. He's kind of cool.

Christina - I'm so sorry to hear about your mother and father. My sister died of breast cancer - its amazing how we have so much in common.. Colorado is such a beautiful state - Rocky Mountain National Park would be a great place for next year's reunion. I think they're having one come up soon - in the mid west - I can't find it - I know I saw it posted once - I'll have to go searching again... I love cats Christina - I only have one - I'm allergic to cats and dogs - but I did manage to talk my husband into letting me keep this cat - he was a stray and living under our house.. I got lucky.. and I guess you could say he got lucky.. We call him stubby as half his tail is missing.. he's a calico cat - real cute. But when he runs he kind of hops - its funny to watch. He's very lovable..

I use to watch Sesame Street with Cookie Monster and Big Bird - afterwards it was "won't you be my neighbor" - one time we drove from New Hampshire to Florida to Disney for a vacation and I had read Jen my daughter that book "green eggs and ham" and she memorized every word on every page - and she read the book to us - virtually non-stop to Florida - I can still remember the words - I do not like green eggs I am I do not like them Sam I am.. I would not eat them here or there I would not eat them anywhere. I could go on but I guess you get the picture....
My husband and I still laugh about that one.. Now she's a senior in college and we're very much poor - but she'll be graduating next May and hopefull we'll be able to start banking alittle money before retirement comes.. She's majored in Criminal Justice and isn't sure what she wants to do - maybe police work - just what every mother dreams of - her daughter carrying a gun !!! and running after crooks.. !! Oh thats good.. I don't tell her cause I don't want to hurt her feelings - but I'm hopeing she finds another area of work that pays more and is safer.. You worry non-stop with kids.. at least I do.

I would love to meet everyone - but there's not enough hours in the day - I have about 40 hours of annual and my family and I are headed to "The Key's" this January for a vacation - so I have to watch my annual time... I've made the flight reservations.. I'm also scheduled for my next echo in January - I'm not sure I want to have it done before I go or after I come back.. I think my husband wants me to have it before so we know. But I don't want to know - as far as I know - its not now - so that's a good answer. I'll have to wait and see when they schedule me - usually his office does the scheduling - I don't get options normally of "when" - but if it hits my vacation then and he can't squeeze me in another time that month - then it will have to go to the next month - February.. From my house to my doc office/hospital is an hour and a half drive and its really trecherous roads to drive - so I don't want to go up there in the winter if I can help it.. I wish they could do the test in December or November and avoid January and February all together... I will not allow surgery to be scheduled in the snow season - that's a definent NO - I worry something terrible about my family driving in the stuff up route I-89 - alot of accidents. So I would wait till I thought the weather was going to be good before I do have it..

Well, I talked everyone's head off - good to talk to you all - but now I got to get to work - see ya
Runner

 

[Gisele]

Marilyn,

Marilyn,

Guess we both have daughters in criminal justice. My daughter just graduated in June and she had taken the civil service test to get onto to the dept where my husband and her brother are both officers. Without having a military veteran status it is very difficult to go to the very top of the list-she even scored a 96% on the test, but that isn't high enough. Where ever she ends up, I am sure that she will be fine.

You mentioned you visited NH. Where in NH did you go? Just curious as I live closeby.

As for the Lovenox, if it ever comes down to having to do that, don't worry, you get used to it. I have done it so many times in the past that it's no big deal. The very first time I thought that I couldn't do that to myself (I had no problems giving patients flu shots though). But after the first one, you can just sail through all the rest.

As for running from the nurses you remind me of when I went in for my OHS. I needed three injections of penicillen you know right where too-the night before my surgery. Let me tell you those hurt like heck. The nurse had told me about a patient who after the first injection had to be chased down the hall for the subsequent two! Does anyone know if they still give those?

 

[M&M]

Hi Gesele, You have 3 police officers in the family !!! Oh my god. I would be a nervous wreck.. But that's ME - I think its a very high stressful job. They see so much and its got to be one of the toughest jobs out there. My daughter has not taken the civil service test - your daughter has done fantastic. No, Jen is thinking about 'investigative' work - I don't know - what she'll do hor how she'll get there - or when - she's just turned 21 and once she gets her bachelor degree she wants to go for her Masters - She said she just loves college - I personally think she wants to make a career out of this !! I've tried to convince her that most moms and dads financially support kids up to when they get their Bachelors Degree completed and then we kind of bow out of the picture and give you lots of hugs and best wishes - but get a FULL TIME JOB !! I don't know - she's our only child - so we may keep supporting till she gets her masters - I think that takes another two years.. I don't know - I only graduated from high school. Of course you want your children to have more than you did. Right now she's working part-time at a bank and going to college full time. I personally hope she changes her mind and picks another type of career - criminal justice is such a huge field.. I use to get lots of vt's just watching her play basketball in high school - and when she was getting her associates degree in criminal justice - she was president of Criminal Justice Club and did some 'sting' undercover work with the local police. Selling liquor to minors - they did like 50 busts.. Then she had to go to court and testify a couple of times - you should have seen the look on Dad's face when the police drove up to our house looking for our daughter with 26 suphoenas !!! I thought Dad was going to have a heart attack !!! I told him it must be the undercover work she did - really dear - I'm sure - everything is fine - Jen is so straight and responsible - heck I have to tell her to 'lighten up' have some FUN.. she won't - she's so serious and I think she's very hard on herself - she just expects perfection sometimes.. But I guess its better this way than the other way - but I hope she doesn't have a heart attack from stress. I think stress had alot to do with mine and the fact that I had high blood pressure for years and years and then my previous cardiologist took me off my BP pills and three months later I had a heart attack.. My husband was furious - I don't have that cardiologist anymore..

quote - The nurse had told me about a patient who after the first injection had to be chased down the hall for the subsequent two! end of quote

Oh my god.. that poor patient.. IT must have been so painful and so EMBARASSING.. I've had shots in the butt - they hurt.. Of course what shot doesn't. Although I think some nurses' give better shots than others.. Some just *** - man they think they're handling a 'orange' - but I'm no orange I got feelings. I don't know if you go in the hopsital the night before surgery - I thought you went in really early the day of surgery. I don't know. I've never had OHS.. It just sounds awful.. but I keep telling myself - millions of people have it done and they survived it - so you can survive it to Marilyn - it won't be easy but you'll live.... Kind of like giving birth - it wasn't easy - but I lived. Remember the days when they said: Naturally - your going to give birth naturally - I was like what are you NUTS - my mother was knocked out when she had me and I'm fine - why can't I be knocked out.. NO, you want to 'experience' this motherhood bonding. Heck I can bond for the next 21 years - why do I need this time.. I'm sure I'll love her.. Now knock me OUT. No, didn't work.. So when I had my heart attack and I'm in the ER the doc says so Marilyn we're going to give you some pain killers for the pain - I was 'your kidding' we dont' have to do this 'naturally'.. so he says: On a scale of one to ten - ten being the worse - what is your pain level - I said: OH about a 3 or 4 mmmm No doc make that 5-6 level.. I thought gee Men have it made - this pain ain't nowhere as bad as giving birth.. I mean I had this BIG HEAD coming out of this little hole and all I have now is a sharp pain in the middle and alittle pain on my back and they - take the pain away !!! in seconds I have NO PAIN.. life is good.

Actually I live in NH - and I get my medical care at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon New Hampshire - I have gotten excellent care up there. But its a long drive from where my home is. But its worth the drive for the better care that I receive. So I drive it - that's why I don't have alot of sick leave - I use most of it up just driving to my appts.. Lately though I've only had to go every 6 mos... So that's good.. When I first got my ICD - I needed alot of fine tuning on programming my machine and I used up alot of sick leave then. I'm really trying to build up some time for my surgery - when - it comes. Hopefully it'll be awhile - cause right now all I have is about two weeks.. When I had my ICD inplanted I only had a week sick leave. Cause my EP doc had done two ablations previously - which really wiped out most of my sick leave when it came time for surgery. I took a week off - I felt fine anyways. Actually I was out running a road race two weeks later.. But the ICD kept bouncing around and so I had to hold onto to it as I ran - I decided I had better stop running and give it time to 'settle' down without bouncing around. It kind of 'heels' in place.. Mine sits real low - kind of almost in my **** - probably cause I was running and pounding the pavements.. Worked out well though - cause now my left **** is alittle bigger than my right.. You might say I'm alittle lopsided !!! You have to look really close to see it though and anybody other than my husband looking that close would probably get smacked.

So whereabouts do you live? Did you go to Beth Israel or Brigham and Womens Hospital - I hear they're very good. My EP suggested I go to this world renowned electrician at Brigham and Womens for an ablation - but I said - NO - I've had enough ablations - I don't want anymore - maybe later - anyways I don't trust anyone other than my EP right now.. I got spooked by a bad doctor and I'm very careful who I let 'touch me'.. I wouldn't let my old doc touch me for a year !!! But my new one - he can do anything - I trust him immensely - until such time I have reason not to. So I feel 'safe'.. He's not nervous about my vt's either which is nice - some of the other cardiologists just freak righ out when they see them. I kind of laugh - cause when I was highly elelctrical I could chew gum and actually create vt's.. just chewing gum !!! So when they did an ekg - I would chew and you should have seen the look on their faces - I thought they were going to pass out.. It was funny - cause I use to get them all the time.. The vt's never really bothered me other than the bigger ones which would give me shortness of breath - and it was hard to breath.. But the nonsustained ones weren't bad at all.

I had my flu shot last year and the nurse didn't hurt me at all - its where I go for all my medical care now.. Dartmouth up in Lebanon the nurse's are soo nice and they don't hurt you.. They really take special precaution so as not to hurt you. I don't know - they just know how to insert a needle. But I still get nervous everytime cause you never know if the next nurse is going to be as careful..

Well, I talked your head off once again. I have got to get some work done.. :-(

Runner

 

[Gisele]

Marilyn

Marilyn

Monique isn't on the police dept just yet. Being female isn't enough of a minority group to get her to the top of the list. You either have to score 99 to 100% or be a veteran. That is how my son got on-he did four years in the USMC so that he would have a veteran's status. It worked for him!

I live in Dracut MA which is a suburb of Lowell (where Norm and Jason are on the dept). I am right on the NH border-could throw a stone to Pelham NH and three minutes from Salem NH. Lebannon, I know I've been there, but refresh my memory. Is that near the Lakes region or Waterville? I usually try to make it to Waterville to ski at least once or twice per year but I am not sure about this winter. I am hoping to regain the feeling in my left foot as that would really help when skiing!

My OHS was done at New England Medical Center. I had it done 21 years ago so I had no input into my care nor did I have this board to help me through the process. My burr hole procedure was performed at MGH. My ablation was done at Lahey Clinic.

Oh and the patient running down the hall was because the injection was for penicillin. If you have never had a penicillin shot let me warn you.............you don't want one. I had three! I hope they don't do that anymore. Please someone tell me they don't do that anymore.........