Latest Challenge

[John & Joann]

Joann had a vascular survey on her legs. This was a general screening that hospitals provide free. The Dr. told her that she should get medical attention immediately. Her left leg has only 20% circulation. Her Dr. in Cleveland was off for the Jewish Festival. Local doctors were not in until tomorrow and Monday.

They believe that it is probably a result of the harvest of the veins for the bypass. She could also have a blood clot or blocked arteries.

Since she can not take Heaperin, we will probably go back to Cleveland Clinic ASAP. If they do surgery, she will need to go off the coumadin and they will utilize Rafludin (leech saliva). We are both very concerned, but not panic.

This is the first problem in 2 years.

God is with us during this earthly experience and his love will support us during the next few days.

Joann is upset and depressed, but will move forward as recommended. Our problems are very minor compared to the others in the United States.

John

John

 

[Peter Easton]

Thinking of you in these trials. May God's grace be -- as it so often is -- at the measure of the hills you most climb! We're cheering.

Peter

 

[Tammy]

Hi John And Joann

Hi John And Joann

Hey you guys. I was just thinking about you two this week. I hadn't seen any posts in awhile.
I hope Joann can get fixed up soon. I would certainly love to meet you both in Nashville. The number one priority is that she does whatever needs to be to get herself better.

Take Care,
Tammy

 

[Bob Gleason]

Joann, you are for sure, one of the mainstays of this forum and I pray that all goes well for you (and John.......your love and caring for Joann is beyond comparison)

God Bless You Both.

 

[John & Joann]

Update

Update

Joann met with the local cardiovascular surgeon on October 29th. He informed her that she has a major loss of circulation in her left leg (30% remaining.) He recommended arteriogram ASAP. This means going off coumadin for 4 days. He wanted a pro-time of 1.5. If there is no treatment, gangrene will develop at the toes, etc.

The entire family all agreed to return to Cleveland Clinic. Appointments with the vascular specialist and cardiologist are set for Nov. 7th. Surgery will be required and they may do the surgery at the same time they run the test. Strokes, blood clots, etc. are the major issues. She can not take any additional Heperin (sp?).

The carotid arteries and the right leg are all in good condition. No issues with diabetes either.

We both have a positive attitude--just another valley before we climb the mountain higher.

 

[Nancy]

John and Joann

John and Joann

You will be in my thoughts and prayers on November 7. You'll be in the best of hands at Cleveland Clinic. Somehow, I feel that all will be well.

Gather strength and may God be with you.

 

[hensylee]

You both and your family are in my prayers.You will get the best of care in Cleveland. Please keep us posted as you know things. God bless

 

[Bob Gleason]

Another Challenge

Another Challenge

You both are in my prayers and like you said, John, another valley before you can continue to climb your mountain. And like I always have said, "those who are on top of the mountain, did not fall there."

Tuesday, I am back to Columbia for testing and will begin with a TEE.........but I am praying extra hard for you Joann and for success in Cleveland.

God Bless You.

 

[Mara]

Dear Joann and John

Dear Joann and John

Sorry to hear about your vein problems.
If the Doc wants you to start wearing compression hose (Jobst stockings), I hope you'll let me know. I have an "in" with the Indianapolis Jobst salesman...he's my dad. I can see what can be done about getting you set up with a pair.

Good luck!
-Mara

 

[Zazzy]

Dear John and Joanne,
I will be praying for you Nov. 7! Aren't these little challenges annoying? But they are part of what makes our faith strong.

Take care,
Zazzy

 

[sylviayasgur]

hi joann and john!
i , too, hope that nov.7th goes well. you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
please keep us posted!
God bless.
-sylvia

 

[Rain]

Your mountain

Your mountain

John & Joann,

Your strength is an inspiration to us all. It's hard not to be depressed at times like this. Please know that you have many people here who love you and are praying for you.

Rain

 

[Perrster]

Thinking of you

Thinking of you

John & Joann,

We are thinking of you all on these trying new journeys. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.

And the same goes for you, Mr. Gleason. That TEE is a funky test, but I guess they can see quite a lot of detail from down there. The throat spray is the worst, but it wears off pretty fast if I remember correctly. I never even saw my TEE videos!

Wishing you both the best of success with these procedures.

PerryA

 

[ticktock]

Joann and John
So sorry to hear of your problems, procedures. Trying to keep the chin up is sometimes difficult, but it sounds as if your faith
will see you through. God bless.
mindy

 

[Jean]

Prayers go with you!

Prayers go with you!

John and Joann and Bob...indeed our thoughts and prayers do go with all of you in this week or so ahead of us.

 

[Turkey Hunter]

Prayers

Prayers

Jon & Joann,
You both are in my families thoughts and prayers.

God Speed & God Bless,

Ben

 

[John & Joann]

Great News from Cleveland Clinic

Great News from Cleveland Clinic

Joann was told by 3 doctors at Cleveland Clinic that her problem does NOT require immediate surgery. The plan is to exercise on a treadmill for several times a day. Walk until she feels pain, keep walking for another 5 minutes. This will develop new paths for the blood.

We go back in 6 months. Angioplastic can be done and a stent installed at the blockage. The bad news is that she has hardening of the arteries that is inherited.

We are both very happy! God has been with us for 42 years of valve disease and the artery disease is just a new chapter.

Thanks for all of your support!

 

[sylviayasgur]

hi john and joann!
great news! glad to hear the problem is easy to treat and the treadmill will help!

be well and God bless you both,
sylvia

 

[Rain]

A great attitude goes a long ways!

A great attitude goes a long ways!

You are such strong people... even when it gets tough you have a great attitude.

I look forward to the day I can meet you.

You are in my thoughts and prayers, daily.

Rain

 

[Nancy]

Hi John and Joann-

It's wonderful news and even better that there are a couple of ways that this can be helped. It's a long struggle and one more challenge, but you have prevailed.

Best wishes,