Ram Update

[mamsram]

I'm on the road with no exits, downhill with no brakes, and a big mountain ahead. SO!!!!!

My last echo revealed a .6 cm. opening that is rated as the step from severe to critical. I still have no symptons, ejection fraction is still up there, very slight wall thickening.
My card. said that he wanted me to go to surgery soon before irreversable actions occur. I said "what is soon?" he replied " within 4 weeks."
I then went to the surgeon that very day and talked with him. He thinks that I may well be a good candidate for min. invasive surgery. (depends on angio results for artery problems) He also said that at my age he would recommend the c-e bovine valve.

The date has been set for Oct. 28th Its really goin to happen!!!
I am looking forward to ending this tightrope walk.
I don't know what else to say, I feel like I have to get things in order.
I don't feel like I need any "there, theres" or words of sympathy, after all that I have seen, of so many of you terrific people and what you have had to endure ( rain nancy ross gisele to name a few). I have been enlightened, encouraged and at peace with this, thanks to this group of friends and aquaintances

Thats it from this neck of the country-- peace and better health to all

 

[Les]

We're with you all the way through this....Best of Luck!
_________________
Les AVR '93 / '95

 

[Ross]

I'm on the road with no exits, downhill with no brakes, and a big mountain ahead. SO!!!!!

That just means that you get a real running charge up that mountain which means things should go smoother.

We'd much rather have a fixed Ram then one that we have to worry about not being around in the future.

You know the song and dance my friend, so I'll spare most all of it, but you do have to put up with me saying good journey and I'll throw some prayers in there for you too.

 

[hensylee]

Ditto what Ross said, Ram. Been a real waitin game for you, hasn't it. We'll be strollin with you.

 

[bvdr]

Ditto from here too. I am really excited for you though to finally be getting this thing behind you! The other side of the mountain really is better.

 

[fyrfytr]

Hey Ram,
Ditto here also.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Dave
_________________________
Surgery: 4/21/03
Aortic Aneurysm Repair
AVR, with a St. Jude Mechanical
Heart Center of the Rockies

 

[Nancy]

Hi Ram-

It's good to hear that you won't have this heart thing hanging over your head anymore. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. The good thing is that you came here quite a while back and now you are quite prepared for the surgery. Even so, i'm sure there is lots of anxiety, but you know the drill by now.

We now have the pleasure of giving you back some of the kindness, warmth and friendship that you have so generously given to others.

I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers until your surgery date, and I know you will do just fine. I hope you will be able to have the minimally invasive surgery. It will make a world of difference, as you can see from Betty and others..

Best wishes, Ram and God Bless.

 

[epstns]

Hi, Ram,

Seems like things are finally coming to some clarity for you. As the others have said, you know the drill and what you're going to be going through. I just want to be sure to thank you for all the support you've given all of us, and to wish you a safe journey.

Hope you have nothing but good stories to tell all the kids in the Waiting Room after your trip.

We're keeping you in our prayers, brother.

 

[Bill Hall]

Ram - Good luck with the surgery. From your description, it sounds like you are going ahead at the right time. You heart is in great condition and the EF is still way up. You have been around for a long time, so you know this is all good news. My thought is that you will breeze through the surgery and be healed in no time. Please keep us posted.

 

[Rain]

*hugs*

*hugs*

RAM,

I wish I could just give you a great big hug. Even when you see it (OHS) coming, its pretty darn traumatic.

 

[Granbonny]

Ram

Ram

You have picked a good date...My daughter's birthday. You will be in hospital on Halloween. So be sure and take a costume You can go trick or treating down the halls. Find an inside place to walk when you come home. Weather will be to cold outside.You will do fine. Bonnie

 

[starkone]

Ram

Just want to wish you the best on upcoming surgery. You
were kind to answer all my questions a few months ago, now
you will have all the other answers when the time comes!

I am sure all will be fine!

Fondly,
Karen

 

[Gisele]

Ram,

Ram,

I am so sorry to hear the news that you will be having surgery. Have you chosen a hospital yet? I know you are much further north than me as I am right on the NH border. Will you be going to a hospital in Manchester or Boston?

Right now I don't know what is in store for me. I am going to Boston on Thursday and we take it from there. My local doc is still looking to have this valve replaced. To tell you the truth I am too. Too bad as it works just fine according to my last echo.

I am sure that you will do just fine on the 28th. Please let me know where you will be and I will mark my calender.

I will be thinking of you.

Gisele

 

[mamsram]

THANKS

THANKS

To those who responded to my post, A big thanks for the support. It helps to have a group rooting for you.
Gisele, I am going to Brigham and womens hospital in Boston for my surgery. A 1 hour trip. I live on the border of Mass., and I could throw a stone to the border. Karen, I know youve been to B+W, I hope you found it as good as I did.
Rain, I got that hug, thanks, I'll think of it whenever I need that little extra.
Bonnie, from what I've seen I won't need a costume- I'm sure the hospital will make me look scary enough to family + friends.
Got my paperwork today, the ball is rolling
Will try to keep you guys posted.

 

[Ross]

We all walk with you as you know. So.......

 

[Gisele]

Well Ram

Well Ram

I certainly will be thinking of you on the 28th. I would offer to go visit, but I have this thing............I don't drive highways. I know everyone laughs at me for it, but I do know other people who won't drive highways either. If I have to, I will drive north (there is less traffic-like in NH), but will never drive towards or into Boston.

I am the passenger in the car who is always holding on to the door handle and applying my imaginary break. My husband used to get irritated with me, but now he just laughs.

Good luck to you as you have plenty of support here.

 

[Peggy in Alaska]

Good luck with the surgery

Good luck with the surgery

Hi Ram:

Another one leaves the waiting room! Hope everything goes well for you. I'll be thinking of you on the 28th.