Ross

[Missy]

Hi Ross,
At the risk of seeming nosy... I have noticed in your postings several comments that you have made. You seem to have a rough time of it. I couldn't find a story on you (maybe I overlooked it) and I haven't read everything way back that you posted.
Do you have shortness of breat mostly? Or tired?
I wish you could figure out what is causing some of your problems.
I wish I could help.
You seem so jovial that it surprised me.
Missy

 

[Ross]

Hi Missy

I have a few issues that make life somewhat miserable. I have a lung disease called Idiopathic Pulmonary Hemosiderosis or in my case, unexplained alveolar bleeding within the lungs. It usually presents itself as pneumonia or inflamation of the lungs and then they bleed. I also get blebs or small (Sometimes) blisterous tissue on the outsides of the lungs that grow until they pop. When that happens, the lung collapses. I've been in the ICU a total of 9 or 10 times now with this issue. Each time, more and more of my lung function is taken away in the form of scar tissue and damaged alveolar air sacs. All of this started in 1991. They told me back then that I'd be lucky to be alive in 10 years. I passed that mark and then some I'd say.

Couple that condition with the heart situation and you can see why I'm a mess. Surgery of any type is now a major risk for me. There's more to the story, but to avoid boring everyone to death, this should give you an idea. After my AVR in July of 2002, I'm now on oxygen 24/7 and yes, I'm always tired though unable to sleep right and very very short of breath. I'm fine sitting, but the minute I start moving, my saturation levels fall like a rock.

 

[hensylee]

Missy, here's another take without skimming over the top. Last year, he had another valve replacement and we nearly lost him. So many of us were calling his home (and him, in the hospital but he may not remember this part), writing back and forth to his son, Steve. Talk about scared. Thought he was gone for sure, but his big ol heart just hung in there and he finally went home after six wks in the hospital - as he says, he ain't well and he ain't gettin any weller, but as the Boys Town father says - 'he ain't heavy, Father - he's my brother' -

 

[Nancy]

Hi Missy-

Ross is one of the many true heroes of this site. His determination and will to live through extremely serious medical trials are an inspiration to us all.

He is far too modest about what storms he's weathered, they are many and they have been life-threatening.

It's a miracle that he maintains his extraordinary sense of humor throughout it all.

Merry Christmas, Ross, even though you say you're the Grinch.

 

[bvdr]

Even though Ross is "hanging in there", he is more alive than anybody on this board. We truly are blessed to have him as our moderator. (NO one else has the time or guts to keep us all in line)

 

[Christina L]

I agree with what everyone has said about Ross. Ross, you are such an inspiration. We love you. God didn't take you yet because he has a reason for you being here - and that is this board and all of those you have helped! I have a feeling you will be around for a lot longer. However, I pray that you will improve in health in this next year and feel better. That's my Christmas wish for you.


Christina L.

 

[Ross]

Well God has tripped over my cord and pulled my plug a couple of times, but he's a pretty neat guy. He waits until my battery is just about fully discharged and then plugs me back in.

 

[RickKiem]

Hey Ross, Keep up the good work here. I don't know if I have told you but when I first came to this site, your posts really pushed me to get myself fixed up. With out your help I might still be "livin on the edge".

Thanks again friend!

Rick

 

[Missy]

Ross,
Thanks for explaining and all the rest of you also.
I won't even pretend to understand all that medical explanation but I get the basic gist of it. I am just sorry that you feel badly. You really are a neat guy!
I don't post much as I was one of the original members back on the old site and I have gotten my big problems kind of figured out and taken care of as much as I can. (At least I hope this is all of it.0 Every now and then I run up against something and you are always there to help. You are really knowledgeable! I read many of the postings even though I don't post much myself. And you are there for all. By the way do you know your IQ? I'll bet it is way up there. LOL There are some others on here that seem to know about lots of things, also. But you lead the pack!!!
Maybe this is your destiny. To help other people!!! You are sure getting loads of credit and respect on here.
I wish you a Happy Holiday Season! I am not real big on holidays either. Without the little kids here it is not the same. ( grandkids) And I believe it is too commercialized. But still, I think if we try to have a good time it takes our mind off our troubles for a few minutes. My doctor told me that when people are having fun they feel better! I think I do!
You are blessed to have the computer to help others since you don't have much physical activity. And we are blessed to have you!
Missy

 

[Ross]

My IQ? Just slightly more then that of a gnat! Between a flea and a gnat.

Thank you everyone for your kind words, now get back to work. There's nothing more to see here!

 

[fisher6476]

Hey Ross
I think I should give back to you what Santa gave to me. Sounds like YOU are the PRIZED ONE, and rightly so I think!.

 

[Ross]

Well if I bit someones head off about dragging their feet to be seen, you now know why. This stuff is serious business regardless of how much it is down played by lots of medical folks. I don't think we'll ever know how many lives we may have saved by sharing what we know. I'm sure there's been many a lurker that thought, "Wow, I must be in danger" and went for treatment or the person who dismisses his or her symptoms for that of just growing old.

We do what we can and that's to tell of our true life experiences, no matter if they were nightmares or not. You can't get any better information then from someone who's been through this stuff.

 

[epstns]

Ross,

I don't know how to put words to it. . . but I personally thank you for being here and for being Ross.

May God continue to smile on you!

 

[M&M]

Hi Ross, I very much enjoy reading all your posts and your knowledge on this subject is extremely competent. When I first posted - I asked for an honest answer if you thought with the information I gave if I would need surgery. You were honest and said YES and don't wait. I remember when I first read your post - I was most upset.. I thought this can't be. I asked for honesty - and yet I didn't like your answer at all. So, I became angry and thought - well he's not a doctor - so he doesn't 'really' know. After months of reading your posts. I have come to value your opinions in a way that I could never value any medical persons. You've been there and done that and I think if you hadn't been so honest with me - I would still be in denial and refusing to have my condition 'monitored'. I have vowed - not - to wait to long. Learning from everyone here I can 'now' understand that importance. You've really made a difference in my life - for the good. I have learned so much from you and all the others. I think its helped me to 'accept' my condition and 'move' on and not feel so 'alone' through all of this.

I very much value your 'opinion' and I love your sense of humor.

From my Family to You and Yours we want to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Very Healthy New Year..

Best Wishes
Marilyn and ****
(runner)

 

[Karlynn]

If there ever is an "I Love Ross!" shirt added to the VR.com apparel on Cafepress - I'll buy one for every day of the week.

However Ross, we know you'd really want the "I Love Ross" thong to be the best seller.

Wishing you the very best life has to offer in the coming year.

Karlynn

 

[Ross]

Runner believe it or not, I know the feeling of which you speak. I asked for honesty from a Doctor and got it. I didn't like that one bit, so I wanted a second opinion, I got that too and still didn't like it. None of us like the thought of being in danger or so very ill yet feel pretty good besides a few quirks here and there. When all the tests indicate that your messed up, your messed up! No matter how you want to think of it, it doesn't change that fact, only surgery will. Denial is dangerous, but we've all gone through it.

I'm no more special then any one of you. I appreciate your friendships, support etc, but really, I not one bit more special then any one of you, so pat yourselves on the back.

 

[fyrfytr]

Hey Ross,
I am with all the rest. You have helped me out in so many ways. You are always there when needed. I know the people in the other forums feel the same way.
We are going to find a way to get you to the reunion in Colorado! So just get yourself ready!
Take Care and Happy Holidays

Dave
______________________________
Surgery: 4/21/03
Aortic Aneurysm Repair
AVR, with a St. Jude Mechanical

 

[Marty]

Ross IS special !

Ross IS special !

Ross, You may not realize it but you are special. I read every one of your posts and always learn something. You are an inspiration to me and many others on this panel.

 

[catwoman]

I'll second what Marty said.

Maybe Ross' cat has been giving him sone of his nine lives???

 

[Bob]

Ross, when I first visited this site I read several of your comments. I thought, "who in the heck is this guy. He sounds like some nut who enjoys making others uncomfortable with blunt and pseudo-humerous comments."

I was in a world of hurt and looking for a way, any way out of MVR. "Someone please tell me it will all go away." Now a year after climbing the mountain I look forward to your comments because I discovered you really care about people in trouble. Instead of mouthing meaningless words and promises you jolt us out of the fog and send us on the way with good information. I needed that. There were plenty of people who gave me platatudes but what I needed was a kick in the pants to get going and fight for my life.

Thanks man, for the kick in the pants and the information. Nancy is another premier helper. The two of you are a great team. Merry Christman!