No Coumadin for me!

[Gisele]

Well, today was the long awaited neurology appt in Boston. I waited one and one half hours to be seen by the resident doctor. I had just been discharged this morning from a local hospital as I was admitted last night for numbness in my left hand. Seeing as my CT scan came back OK the covering cardiologist discharged me this morning so I could head out to Boston to see the neurologist. This is the result of my visit today:

I am to remain on Plavix and ASA-no coumadin
I can't drive until December (I was expecting to resume my driving privileges today)
I am to hold off on my valve surgery until I am six months post op which brings me to Feb.

I am going to discuss all this issues with my cardiologist to see how he feels about all of this. At least I found out that my short term memory loss is normal after a few subdurals. Phew I thought I was losing my mind! LOL

Right now that is about all I have. I will keep you posted on any future news. Thank you all for all of your support.

 

[Nancy]

Hi Gisele-

Well, it's very good news that there is a plan in place, and that your surgery will be soon.. Probably not as soon as you wanted, but you didn't want to be recovering during the holidays anyway.

Not driving is a bummer, so we'll have the pleasure of your company while you are sitting at home on your chaise and eating bonbons, right? So although you're not happy, at least we are, LOL

 

[bvdr]

Hi Gisele,

It sounds like you continue to wait for another few months. I'm sorry you didn't get the release to drive that I know you really wanted.

I'm glad your Cat Scan was ok but sorry you had to have it at all. Is your hand still numb.

If it helps any, we are here waiting with you and wishing only the very best for you.

 

[hensylee]

Still in the waiting mode. Like being pregnant! Just hang in there and we are right here when you feel like yakkin. I know you will get tired of not being able to do some of the things you have always done - driving! All good things come to those who wait, they say?

I am sorry you had to spend the night in the hospital but it's usually better to be safe than sorry. You are in my prayers, Gisele.

 

[Karlynn]

Gisele,
One of those good news, kinda bad news days. Cat scan OK -good! No driving and waiting on the surgery - kinda disappointing. Sometimes life just seems like a waiting game. I'm thinking that that between now and February you need to concentrate on being Professionally Spoiled. You deserve it. Have your husband get you a nice sparklie tiara and let your family know that it comes off when you can drive again.

I've been so impressed by your positive attitude. You are such a good example to all of us. We should all come to your home and spoil you!

Prayers go out for an uneventful waiting time.
Best wishes,
Karlynn

 

[McCln]

Just keep hanging in there, things will get better soon. I now it is tough when complications set prior to surgery. I had to wait fout months to get dental work done. and developed CHF thre months prior to surgery. Just hang in there and everything will work out, just got to have faith in the world.


Caroline
09-13-01
Aortic valve replacement
St .Jude's valve

 

[Gisele]

Thanks everyone

Thanks everyone

The driving thing is disappointing especially since when I was discharged from MGH they said after my follow up appt with the neuro guy that I would be able to resume driving. Soooo, on Wed (the day before my appt) I needed a ride down the street to get my nails done, and well I cheated. I figured I would be driving on Thurs, so I thought what is one day early?

My cardio guy called me last night as I didn't see him in the hospital I saw the covering cardio guy. All really nice docs that I love and they all know me as I used to work for them all. We reviewed my Boston notes and he was upset over the resident's answer to what he thought happened with my hand. Boston doc said he really didn't know so I asked him if it could possibly have been a TIA. He said he didn't know-he isn't a TIA guy! My cardiologist last night told me he suspected that I had an embolism to my wrist. Oh, and the resident in Boston told me to go on with my life and not to worry about my condition. Hello??? Are we talking about the same patient here? I don't think I over react with everything that has happened to me.

Oh, and I didn't share with everyone, (at least I think I didn't) but the morning I went to the ER with my headache I told the triage nurse that I had a subdural a few years prior and that I had a headache for the past ten days and I was on Coumadin. I know he thought I was over reacting as when he walked me over to the nurses station to be put in an exam room he was rather sarcastic relaying my medical complain to the nurse as if to say: listen to this story-she thinks she is bleeding in her head! Hey, guess who my ER nurse was the Wed night ????? The triage nurse! He came on at 11:00 and he replaced my nurse that had begun my treatment. I said to him-"weren't you my triage nurse when I came in here with my subdural"? (that felt good). He looked at me and said "yes" and that he was so shocked to hear that I had a subdural. He said he had never seen a patient walking in with that medical condition never mind looking as good as l looked. He said he learnt a lesson with me and that he will never do that again. I guess I just had to gloat.............lol

OK I have been a little bit long winded this morning haven't I?

 

[Karlynn]

Gisele,
I've been there, done that with medical care people who assume a woman who is under the age of 75 and complaining about medical issues must be a hypochondriac. I guess those people are around in order to make us more appreciative of the ones we find who take us seriously and act compassionately. I'm so glad you have a doctor you trust, that is as good as any medicine.

I'm glad you were able to see first hand that you make a difference in peoples lives, when you encountered your triage nurse again. Think of all those who benefited from his experience with you.

Stay positive - we're waiting along with you.

Karlynn

 

[Guest]

Gisele,

I do not think that it would be possible to overreact.

With short-term memory loss it is probably a good idea that you are not driving. "I don't remember that truck coming. I looked before making the turn in front of him etc."

You do have to admit that at least 999 of 1,000 people who would go to the ER and say that they were bleeding into their brain would be wrong.

At least they nurse admitted the error and learned. Everything we know, we learned for our patients.

I was going to write that you can't lose what you never had, but that is too sarcastic so I'll leave it out!!

 

[Gisele]

LOL

LOL

Hey, Alldowick, I am trying to think of a sarcastic comeback to your last line but I might have to confer with Ross on that one! He'll help me as it is still a little too early in the morning for me right now.

The nurse handled his admission very professionally and I was very nice when I mentioned that I recognized him. Besides, he was getting ready to start an IV on me and MGH ruined all my veins so I am a tough one to start. The lab wasn't able to draw blood-she tried. When they started the line they took their samples at that time.

I know that most people will not really come in with subdurals, but I thought in light that I mentioned I had already had one before and I was on Coumadin that he would take me seriously. Guess I was wrong.

 

[MelissaM]

You go, girl! Glad you "reminded" the nurse of his attitude. Sometimes serving up a slice of humble pie to those who need it can feel pretty good. Keep up your positive attitude!

Melissa

p.s. Don't ya love getting your nails done?

 

[Gisele]

Yes I do!

Yes I do!

Melissa I go every two weeks like clockwork for my nails and I love it. They are acrylic and it killed me when I was in the hospital as I missed my hair appt (for my color-oops that was supposed to be a secret) and my nail appt. I even begged the doctor to let me go home for one day. I think he thought they might have lost some of my brain cells during the surgery with the look he gave me. Well, I didn't expect him to say: here is your dose of oxycontin, make sure you make it back here in time for your next dose.............but it would have been nice. Unrealistic but nice.

It is those little things in life that make you happy and in my case something as simple as a fresh coat of nail polish is enough for me. I'm not a high maintenance type of girl, but this is my indulgence. Everyone has their own thing...............

 

[Guest]

My wife says, "Some days I can't decide whether to commit suicide or get my hair cut instead."

 

[Gisele]

Well,

Well,

I think the hair cut will feel better..........a lot less painful, don't you think?

 

[Christina L]

Relieved

Relieved

Gisele,

I have been thinking of you and just now getting on the computer today. I am relieved at your news - it sounds like your doctors have everything under control and you are being taken care of very well by them and your family.

I was worried about your situation, being off the Coumadin and all, but forget there are other blood thinners out there!

You seem so brave and upbeat - I admire you immensely for that! Now I know you are going to be fine.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Chris

 

[Guest]

What was the name of the theme song for M*A*S*H?

Still, a haircut is a better choice.

 

[Gnusgal]

Re: theme song for M*A*S*H*

I believe that title would be "Suicide is Painless," Bob. What do I win??

 

[Harrybaby666]

Hi Gisele!!!

Hi Gisele!!!

Hi Gisele,

I am sooooo glad that things are ok with you, and I hope you are doing well. As for driving....Are you glad that you get a break from the hustle and bustle of Boston Traffic? LOL I just had to throw that one in...I sometimes think I will blow a valve just putting up with the bozo's even here in New Hampshire...(I have this terrible habit of trying to deal with crazy situations with humor...lol) I just wanted to say hi, and keep on rootin for ya...Take Care and keep me up on how you are doing k? Harrybaby666

 

[Gisele]

Hi

Hi

Hey Harry, you should have seen me as a passenger on 93 on Storrow Drive last week. The traffic was backed up for a few miles due to guess what-----THE BIG DIG-and people were driving like maniacs trying to go around and then cut in. Thank goodness I wasn't behind the wheel. I never drive into Boston, if we need to go my husband drives. I live on the NH border so I drive the country roads in Dracut, Chelmsford, Salem NH, and of course the big city to me: Lowell.

Christina, Allodwick, Nancy, Betty, Hensylee, Karylann & Melissa, and everyone else, thank you so much for your encouragement. We have all been in the same boat so it is so good to have someone to talk to that understands. Last time I had no one to talk to, it was all so different then.

Tomorrow I am going to see my local cardio doc. I hope the Boston neuro doc has spoken to him. Things just move so slowly don't they? Of course I am the type that I want answers now. I am very patient when in comes to other areas of my life, but with this health thing hanging over my head I always feel that I am waiting for the next appt to find out a tiny bit of info. Hey-at least I am walking and breathing on my own and my valve is still ticking, so today is a good day-right?

 

[Ross]

Hey-at least I am walking and breathing on my own and my valve is still ticking, so today is a good day-right?

Yes it is and I'm still here to keep pestering you and keep those spirits up.