tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20840907523011460002024-02-06T18:57:36.425-08:00Living With Heart BypassCome journey with one man as he reflects on his heart bypass surgery and his ongoing struggles with depression and his quest for wholeness and peace in the face of a life-threatening illness.rcorumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02276694547675544067noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084090752301146000.post-46083933563517008402013-02-20T10:56:00.001-08:002013-02-20T10:56:23.098-08:00UpdateI checked my blog for the first time in a long time. I am glad to say that my blood pressure is back under control. I know that I seldom post anymore, but I still often think about all of the folks out there dealing with heart issues. I think I know one of the main reasons why I have slacked off. For me the more time passes the less I think about my heart. I remember in the beginning that was all I thought about. I was 46 and thought I might be dead by 50. I know anticipate the future, which for me is a very good thing. I feel so blessed. At 46 I was so close to dying, but now almost eight years later I have experienced the birth of my first two grandchildren. My wife and I are planning our dream vacation to Hawaii this Summer. Those are a couple of the good things that can happen as time passes after your surgery, but on the down side I know that I am not as vigilent about my heart as I used to be. I remember watching my dad go through the same thing. He had his CABG in 1979 at the age of 69. For a while he ate the perfect heart healthy diet, but after a while he was back to the perfect Southern fried diet. He died when he was 87 with the last three years spent in poor health, but he saw four more grandchildren come into the world and enjoyed 15 of the best years of his life. rcorumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02276694547675544067noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084090752301146000.post-3541597552844757702012-07-19T10:27:00.001-07:002012-07-19T10:27:50.801-07:00A Never Ending Struggle<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNTc8Q2crP0HZgf0J-7_MGvoK6SE6Sp8-t_o6Wz0kpHU7AY_9d1iA97g6nL5aPvBhf-h6PBCyw7cBB3qgATSfd12WU5KZiwZRrPnKTJn3Ymc3DHV2A5fh5prH_cRi7eGQzKkzCCBPsF4SN/s1600/BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNTc8Q2crP0HZgf0J-7_MGvoK6SE6Sp8-t_o6Wz0kpHU7AY_9d1iA97g6nL5aPvBhf-h6PBCyw7cBB3qgATSfd12WU5KZiwZRrPnKTJn3Ymc3DHV2A5fh5prH_cRi7eGQzKkzCCBPsF4SN/s320/BPM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I know it has been months since I have posted, but over the last few weeks I have been reminded that bypass surgery is not really a cure. Right now I am battling persistent high blood pressure. I have already had my meds changed once, but within about a month the number are sky high again. I am trying to get another appointment with my cardiologist. I remember something she said the last time I saw her. "Richard we will get your numbers down." I believe her, but that can only happen if I don't neglect my health. For the rest of my life, however long that is, I have to be vigilant. You also have to be vigilant. If you are having symptoms whatever you do don't ignore them.rcorumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02276694547675544067noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084090752301146000.post-5774278802827724012011-11-29T11:35:00.000-08:002011-11-29T11:47:25.705-08:00Holiday Heart AttacksResearchers have long noted a correlation between an increase in cardiac events and the Holiday season. There are many theories offered. In fact, there is an excellent article that you can find <a href="http://www.webmd.com/heart/features/the-truth-behind-more-holiday-heart-attacks">here</a>. I found it quiet interesting that one of the main reasons for the spike is that we tend to put things off during the Holidays. Just last year I had total knee replacement surgery on December 30. It basically ruined much of the Holidays. It was the first time that we did not put up a Christmas tree. I made the decision for financial reasons. My deductible was met, but I can easily see myself putting off a nagging feeling of discomfort in my chest or some other warning sign. Is holding out for Christmas worth that being the last Christmas you will ever see.rcorumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02276694547675544067noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084090752301146000.post-9226015361486151362011-09-20T07:59:00.000-07:002011-09-20T08:44:15.880-07:00It's HappeningWhen I moved back to Memphis in 2006 I had a dream. I knew that there was a role for heart bypass survivors to play in the recovery of people about to face this life changing surgery. I talked to everyone that would listen. Not many would, but you know how it is when your idea is more of a passion than anything else. Over the past five years I slowly began to meet people who had been through the surgery and felt the same way I did. I finally met the greatest cardiologist in the world, Dr. Stacy Smith. She not only became my Dr., she also became an advocate. Then it all started to really come together when Methodist Hospital began to see the important role former patients could play in the recovery of their current patients. Last night I finally got to see the video which is really a dream come true for me. You can see it here. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSjVgZrdr08">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSjVgZrdr08</a>rcorumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02276694547675544067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084090752301146000.post-68073157222305521572011-09-10T16:43:00.000-07:002011-09-10T16:51:47.000-07:00My Biggest ChallengeI struggle with my weight. There, I said it. You would think that after all that I have been through I would control the one thing that I ought to have some control over. Sounds easy enough, but since my bypass I have seen my weight fluctuate a good 30 pounds. I even find myself thinking that with all the good meds that I am taking it really doesn't matter what I eat. I know that is crazy thinking, but that doesn't stop me from thinking that way. Unfortunately, food is something that seems to give me comfort, and the really comforting food might comfort, but it usually isn't very good for you. I plan to write a bit more about this, but right now I just wanted to admit that I have a problem.rcorumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02276694547675544067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084090752301146000.post-57805743272436241592011-07-18T22:22:00.000-07:002011-09-10T16:43:54.847-07:00Does Someone Else Live in Your House?As I write this I am in a hospital. I started out in the emergency room thinking that they would run a few tests and tell me that all I had was indigestion. Wasn't that what I thought six years ago? Well, I am now waiting for morning to come so I can experience my forth heart cath. As you might expect my wife is worried. I don't particularly like it, but there's not much I can do. I have tried to accept that heart disease is an ongoing part of my life. A few weeks ago my wife and I heard a psychologist give a talk where he described a marriage where one member of the couple had a chronic health issue. In his words it was like another person living in the house with the couple. When he said that Tina and I just looked at each other knowing he was right. I often feel guilty that I have brought this un-welcomed visitor to live with us. It might be heart issues or it could be other chronic illnesses like diabetes or cancer that has lived with a family for years. <div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I hope everything goes well tomorrow. I feel more at peace with myself than I did in 2004, but I still have so much I want to do and so many places I want to see. Most of all I want to see my grandchildren grow up and I want to grow old with my wife. </div>rcorumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02276694547675544067noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084090752301146000.post-2759123644220613802011-05-19T08:54:00.000-07:002011-06-09T10:31:25.211-07:00Mark Norris<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi41vsZLsKMyUlQcrb1-KtCkXqoQRA4Ris3l5EzhR6cqBCcpHMNbBWkmmo0JllZVYeN4NrJpZEdp7lJpnhPqhF6WFIoCgn4Gj3Er9ytGcyGTZjhI6wRsJI1pCur38EYGUyiW0bCGB4E3PSA/s1600/MarkNorris.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 214px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616273756796219362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi41vsZLsKMyUlQcrb1-KtCkXqoQRA4Ris3l5EzhR6cqBCcpHMNbBWkmmo0JllZVYeN4NrJpZEdp7lJpnhPqhF6WFIoCgn4Gj3Er9ytGcyGTZjhI6wRsJI1pCur38EYGUyiW0bCGB4E3PSA/s320/MarkNorris.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>Mark was an espiring film maker. He seemed to be on the verge of really making it in the world of film. He died at 29 of a heart attack. People 29 don't die of heart attacks, but Mark did. Of course his parents are greaf stricken, and everyone else close to him is in shock. I found out that Mark had abnormally high colestrol levels. I am not qualified to speak about what, if anything, could have been done to prevent his death. My father was 69 when he had his bypass surgery. He seemed typical. He smoked until he was sixty and ate a Southern high fat diet. My brother was in his early fifties and was a heavy smoker when he went under the knife. I, on the other hand, was only 46 and a non-smoker when I had quadruple bypass surgery, and now I encounter a truly young man cut down as his career begins to take off. I guess the bottom line is that heart disease is just not a disease that we can not worry about until our retirement years. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Mark Norris 1982-2011</div>rcorumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02276694547675544067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084090752301146000.post-11360637935543766722011-04-13T09:15:00.000-07:002011-04-13T09:44:21.089-07:00Go Tell Your Story.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8kQUyFOdnq3KQGET6nXtIIm4vXGu4DFfuyhyphenhypheny4itNlURV3-yYGQsiFpek-QzN4eIOyU721FTQHOrZbl7GTWNfnwvlk6BcY9g-lfnfQHMiHeO-HhpqQ916h9-RnfVCO23vWvTtFFDqQaMR/s1600/hospital_visit.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 250px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 166px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595109955929821842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8kQUyFOdnq3KQGET6nXtIIm4vXGu4DFfuyhyphenhypheny4itNlURV3-yYGQsiFpek-QzN4eIOyU721FTQHOrZbl7GTWNfnwvlk6BcY9g-lfnfQHMiHeO-HhpqQ916h9-RnfVCO23vWvTtFFDqQaMR/s320/hospital_visit.jpg" /></a> <br /><div>On Monday I got a call from the former director of the Memphis area of the Heart Association. When I served on their Advisory Council he was a real help and encouragement to me. He called to inform me that his father-in-law was hours away from heart bypass surgery, and he was nervous and really want to talk to someone who had been through the surgery. As soon as that call ended I made a call and spoke to both his father and mother-in-law. I could tell the call seemed to calm him down, and I knew that I had done some good. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>All of you who have had bypass surgery have a gift to give others, and that is the gift of your story. Even if you had complications from your surgery you still have a story that can help others. I clearly remember before my bypass, now nearly six years ago, how much I wanted to talk to people how had been through it. I the years since my surgery I have had numerous opportunities to talk to people who were filled with fear, dread, apprehension, and a host of other feelings. With each one I have noticed the power of story to help them. I am sure to tell them that I am telling my story, and that there's will likely be different from mine. Even so, I watch each time I share my story how it always seems to resonate with each person in some way. This is especially true if I am able to speak with them after the surgery. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Remember. A gift is not a gift unless it is shared. Why not take the time and reach out to someone who could benifit from your story. As I have told my story to others about to go through heart bypass surgery I have been blessed myself. There is great healing power for yourself every time you reach out help another person.</div>rcorumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02276694547675544067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084090752301146000.post-6277014793573235972011-02-04T21:13:00.000-08:002011-02-04T21:34:50.330-08:00Barbara Walters<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyzHU_vSqmz9RhAWp3EQM6Rm5-jlzy2sauJhAgrE7dUy8ShGRHfqqMoHKBnSab2r69tycLO_ULFkYBQN6ggE68fQPus5W0SHQnvm3s1rXJt5vyS7wrLlyKcKFNsiUmHx7iTibypBJFaNka/s1600/alg_walters_clinton.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyzHU_vSqmz9RhAWp3EQM6Rm5-jlzy2sauJhAgrE7dUy8ShGRHfqqMoHKBnSab2r69tycLO_ULFkYBQN6ggE68fQPus5W0SHQnvm3s1rXJt5vyS7wrLlyKcKFNsiUmHx7iTibypBJFaNka/s320/alg_walters_clinton.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570069630660799186" /></a>Tonight my wife and I watched Barbara Walter's special on the heart. I sat through most of the program just shaking my head up and down in agreement. If you watched it you know that she not only told her own story of heart valve replacement surgery, but also told the stories of several other famous people from David Letterman to President Clinton. Even though I am just a normal person I felt that I would be at ease with each person featured on the special just because there is an almost instant bond between heart survivors. We all have the scar and in a strange kind of way over time you can become almost proud of your scar. It is your badge to the world that you lived through one of the most invasive surgeries there is. There were several things pointed out on the program that I believe need to be shouted from the mountain top.<div><br /></div><div>1. More than one mentioned that after open heart surgery there is no way to describe how much weakness you feel. I remember that in the beginning just getting out of bed and walking to the bathroom was exhausting. </div><div>2. Whatever you do don't ignore symptoms. This was something that President Clinton admitted doing and he also admitted that it almost cost him his life.</div><div>3. Everyone is different in the way they recover, but I really liked something that David Letterman said. He told Walters that he knew he was recovered when he no longer thought of his surgery. For me that took a long time.</div><div>4. More women die from heart disease than men. Everyone women in this country know to get a mammogram but often ignore symptoms of heart disease. I just don't think most women realize that heart disease is a women's disease ever more than it's a man's disease.</div><div>5. Tell your story. I am sorry that each one of these people had to undergo such a serious surgery, but I am so thankful that they were all willing to tell their stories. I am always encouraged with I get to tell my story or when I get to hear someone's story. Not surprisingly, Robin Williams was telling jokes about his heart valve replacement surgery just weeks later. It helps to laugh.</div><div><br /></div><div>To Barbara Walters, I thank you for putting together a special about a topic dear to me. It was excellent and I would love to have copies of it to share with others.</div>rcorumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02276694547675544067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084090752301146000.post-26559706931048471472010-11-22T17:14:00.000-08:002011-04-27T08:15:27.878-07:00Something to Live for<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZKXNLhb4dTxhcUyc5sAg0i_s5wHJ256jgexTIzQfb62i45Il9_Jt_YbhNOKVfOM1FEwNX9jO1ZfqXtZeY1-aQcB-eJhX68bhzRJ92A-wmCPj6eCQHM-bOCAAA6-kYKU8n3wIx_iMwxZbf/s1600/savandheather.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542551610865892466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZKXNLhb4dTxhcUyc5sAg0i_s5wHJ256jgexTIzQfb62i45Il9_Jt_YbhNOKVfOM1FEwNX9jO1ZfqXtZeY1-aQcB-eJhX68bhzRJ92A-wmCPj6eCQHM-bOCAAA6-kYKU8n3wIx_iMwxZbf/s320/savandheather.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfwFgbGmkBdo4i7jmNiTKLASMbeZ2csEj6BB9sfR1uw0ie8murmiQaDHO3yu4_cI4zC1mleRSGI1K1J9MGgtI76ezt6zI1JdktOZti001ttOdgzSfbFQzRmpvjFBdlWBG7P0azX1nyrkL6/s1600/caleb.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542551607389198466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfwFgbGmkBdo4i7jmNiTKLASMbeZ2csEj6BB9sfR1uw0ie8murmiQaDHO3yu4_cI4zC1mleRSGI1K1J9MGgtI76ezt6zI1JdktOZti001ttOdgzSfbFQzRmpvjFBdlWBG7P0azX1nyrkL6/s320/caleb.jpg" /></a><br />I know I haven't posted in a long time. I have found that as more time gets between me and my surgery the more it becomes a distant memory. For me this is a good thing. I remember a time when that is about all that occupied my mind. In time I was able to make room in my mind for others, and that was probably the beginning of my real recovery. Since my surgery in 2005 so much has happened. I have faced other surgeries, and found out that there are operations worse than bypass surgery. In 2008 I had a total knee replacement of my right knee, and on December 30th of this year I am scheduled to have my left knee replaced. For me the difference in the pain level between TKR and bypass was tremendous. The knee surgery hurt much worse, but there were no emotional issues with the knee as their was with the heart. I have has so many surgeries that my gall bladder surgery in 2009 doesn't even count. Yes, a great deal has happened since May of 2005, but nothing compares to the birth of two beautiful grandchildren. I think only another grandparent can really understand the impact these little people have on your life. More than anything else they have given me even more reason to live well and take care of myself. Savannah and Caleb need their Pappy and he needs them. If you are about to face something as serious as bypass surgery it sure helps to remember that there are people counting on you. You really do have a lot to live for.rcorumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02276694547675544067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084090752301146000.post-72249099384431062382010-05-19T07:54:00.000-07:002010-05-19T08:28:43.975-07:00Large McDonald's Mocha Frappe<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3koCqEpPcPqN_ed6v2b3zzQ1zmbX7iYb71hbk547NNyqpNOSCTRz9bxgZq8WNhRZhoiHBCEps_gRHBfLimk36vNB57uNS2fo1tbEoptT45dsDpTdsQRHOG-ddLwLt9D6IxqKyc0a1p8T9/s1600/mac.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 64px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 108px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473002992919333026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3koCqEpPcPqN_ed6v2b3zzQ1zmbX7iYb71hbk547NNyqpNOSCTRz9bxgZq8WNhRZhoiHBCEps_gRHBfLimk36vNB57uNS2fo1tbEoptT45dsDpTdsQRHOG-ddLwLt9D6IxqKyc0a1p8T9/s320/mac.jpg" /></a><br /><div>My wife has always been slim and doesn't mind treating herself to a calorie packed dessert on occasion. Her latest favorite treat is a large McDonald's Mocha Frappe. Last night we went we out and she sad that she wanted to stop and get one and said that I could get one too. I struggle with my weight, but I have been doing well with my diet and I love those things as much as she does. We both got a large one. I knew that it had to have a hefty dose of calories, but I enjoyed every sip, that is, until I got home and actually checked the calorie count. That one drink had almost 700 calories!! I am convinced that most of us don't have a clue just how many calories are packed into the food we eat. This especially a problem when we eat out. Like I said, I knew that the drink had plenty of calories, but had no idea just how many. I try to avoid fast food, but the calorie count problem is sometimes worse at nicer restaurants. I am not a big fan of government telling us what we can eat, but it sure would be nice to know what the calorie count is when it comes to the food we eat.</div>rcorumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02276694547675544067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084090752301146000.post-5811299364754377832010-05-15T04:35:00.000-07:002010-05-15T04:57:07.139-07:00Five Years Post-Op<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi46UlwmxkJtClq8ZYrxzjB8iMCyD_vBcGnlD3jpMM1nyLQt_bLTFKW1E-uGEkRW6Fl3L7JWG59VQ9FqknDNAuEoEFAr7l99CIBMXtGmYbvHD2WKX1Mika0vXsduZ6UZ3IdIvV-gNGzkG9d/s1600/porch-swing.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi46UlwmxkJtClq8ZYrxzjB8iMCyD_vBcGnlD3jpMM1nyLQt_bLTFKW1E-uGEkRW6Fl3L7JWG59VQ9FqknDNAuEoEFAr7l99CIBMXtGmYbvHD2WKX1Mika0vXsduZ6UZ3IdIvV-gNGzkG9d/s320/porch-swing.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471463728412560610" /></a><br />This past Thursday my wife and I were sitting on our back porch swing. She got my attention with a little poke in the ribs and ask me if I knew what day it was. In a matter of fact way I told her that it was March 13<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> and asked her why she wanted to know. After my answer she asked again what day it was and then the lights went off. That day marked the fifth <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">anniversary</span> of my bypass surgery. I couldn't believe it that I had not thought of it once. I was too busy thinking about other things. Don't get me wrong. I still think about it quiet often, but I really do go for pretty good stretches of time when I really don't think about. <div><br /></div><div>I remember well the time when my whole mind was consumed with what had just happened to me. I remember thinking that my world had just fallen in around me, but as it turned out it hadn't, and I would make it. I have no idea how long I will live, but to me the most important is that I am living again. I am not thankful for the surgery instead of feeling resentment for having had to have it in the first place. </div><div><br /></div><div>I know from reading posts on other <a href="http://www.inspire.com/groups/heart-bypass-surgery/journal">sites</a> that there are so many people who have just gone through the surgery and you are convinced that your life is over. Everyone's experience is different, but for most people they can and will get better. I try to enjoy everyday to the fullest. It just takes time and the willingness to take a journey that at times can be awful rough. </div>rcorumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02276694547675544067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084090752301146000.post-41367033134077376432010-02-19T20:24:00.000-08:002010-05-15T04:34:58.086-07:00Bill Clinton: It Could Happen to You<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBudEl3oPQp5HMgv7QDp9Wzy6xmcvyRFTsEXcueeh0dGsnBCRu4Q_J49vja8ZUzd0OiwIpyE2IMuTiCfSkZNR3tqbh-5MCOc0OSu10kDu1Ld0cDltUNdq2WV6bYoETK0rg-t727unqJZZt/s1600-h/bill-clinton-photograph-c10102849.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 259px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBudEl3oPQp5HMgv7QDp9Wzy6xmcvyRFTsEXcueeh0dGsnBCRu4Q_J49vja8ZUzd0OiwIpyE2IMuTiCfSkZNR3tqbh-5MCOc0OSu10kDu1Ld0cDltUNdq2WV6bYoETK0rg-t727unqJZZt/s320/bill-clinton-photograph-c10102849.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440179022339385922" /></a><br />In Kate <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Dailey's</span><a href="http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/thehumancondition/archive/2010/02/11/bill-clinton-s-stent-it-could-happen-to-anyone-plus-what-happens-during-a-stent-procedure.aspx"> blog</a> about Bill Clinton's recent heart procedure she made clear something that anyone with coronary artery disease ought to know. Sometimes your arteries can block again no matter what you do. That, of course, doesn't mean it doesn't matter what you eat or whether you take your medicine, but the truth is President Clinton, by all accounts, had changed his lifestyle, was taking good physical care of himself, but he still had another blockage. Let's face it, some of us have <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">heredity</span> working against. The good news is that we are still not helpless and hopeless. I think that that Clinton's story ended well for a very simple reason. He had chest pains and he didn't ignore it. I remember well that when I went in the hospital for my bypass my diagnosis was coronary artery disease and when I was discharged that was still my diagnosis. I wish President Clinton many more years of quality life, but more importantly I wish for all of us dealing with his condition to learn from his actions. It could save our life.rcorumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02276694547675544067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084090752301146000.post-42881745014987548082009-12-09T08:58:00.000-08:002009-12-09T12:10:50.678-08:00Cardiac Rehab<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavqlWut1tjS57Vz4FT-UzAAcadrY0bKt0YdELmf6UxE-W5UfegDoH5Mz-mHllPO7AVeJ_DSdDDxypF5nYoJIyW6D02idUQD5gqJuR49sPPOwMVrWwFVjjERTqQaWgyGhKfho4U76YUDK3/s1600-h/CardiacRehab.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 186px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413331282855050882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavqlWut1tjS57Vz4FT-UzAAcadrY0bKt0YdELmf6UxE-W5UfegDoH5Mz-mHllPO7AVeJ_DSdDDxypF5nYoJIyW6D02idUQD5gqJuR49sPPOwMVrWwFVjjERTqQaWgyGhKfho4U76YUDK3/s320/CardiacRehab.jpg" /></a><br /><div>I was at an evening meeting a few days ago filled mostly with hospital folks who are making a concerted effort to improve their communication with patients and family members. Any hospital with this as a goal is to be applauded. Sitting to my left with the director of Cardiac Rehab for this hospital. As we chatted he said something that just floored me. He said that recent statistics indicated that only 13% of patients <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">eligible</span> to receive rehab services after bypass surgery actually go to rehab! I didn't have time have time to question him more, but I plan to. As I look back on my experience with bypass surgery without a doubt one of the most helpful things I did was rehab. It helped me regain my strength and stamina. I had people to talk to who had been through the surgery, and I got some great information from a group of caring health professionals. If you have just had your surgery or are facing it soon please talk to you doctor about cardiac rehab. I promise you it will make a difference in your recovery.</div>rcorumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02276694547675544067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084090752301146000.post-11853808893653525772009-11-12T18:19:00.000-08:002009-11-12T18:37:36.883-08:00My StrugglesEveryone has struggles. That is an undeniable reality of life, and after my bypass surgery several personal struggles came into clear focus. I have come to realize that I will have to deal with depression perhaps for the rest of my life. Right now I feel great, but for me it seems to linger in the background. The reason why I started this blog was because I had faced real depression after surgery and found little in the way of help, especially in the early days. I also struggle with my diet. One reason why I needed bypass surgery is that I loved the classic Southern diet. Just think of Paula Dean. I still love that kind of food. I know my diet has improved, but I am not where I would like to be. There are other struggles in my life that relate to my bypass surgery. More to come.rcorumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02276694547675544067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084090752301146000.post-7020089457272942472009-10-06T09:26:00.000-07:002009-10-06T09:41:43.162-07:00Heart Disease and Smoking<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8PNP6IYz7IL0fdXmhS9-BZQSK19WM0JS2NpXEMl3KvpmEcjRsVlNqMnrdgfUgRD35seLKNg7kr6r1uuLI3N3rQJOzf-2boPKnRRBwCboRHTvV4rxlzw68krnhp026Z7Nm0nK1NB4TFaY3/s1600-h/cigarette.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389528054987487698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8PNP6IYz7IL0fdXmhS9-BZQSK19WM0JS2NpXEMl3KvpmEcjRsVlNqMnrdgfUgRD35seLKNg7kr6r1uuLI3N3rQJOzf-2boPKnRRBwCboRHTvV4rxlzw68krnhp026Z7Nm0nK1NB4TFaY3/s320/cigarette.jpg" /></a><br /><div>I just finished talking to a woman who is scheduled for triple bypass and valve repair surgery next Tuesday. She is scared. I know the feeling. She is concerned about how soon she will be able to go back to work. I know that feeling too. She has so much on her mind, but at the top of her list is her continuing struggle to quit smoking. She feels guilty. She tells me how hard it is to quit. I know that non-smokers just can't understand how a person who is about to have open heart surgery can still smoke. We forget sometimes that smoking is an addiction, but I know that if she doesn't quit her long term prognosis is not good. I hope she can quit. Her life depends on it.</div>rcorumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02276694547675544067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084090752301146000.post-51989590402963242722009-09-09T07:36:00.000-07:002009-09-09T07:55:17.463-07:00Ordinary TimesI must <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">apologize</span> for being so <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">delinquent</span> in posting. Summer has been especially good, with the exception of gallbladder surgery. I seem to not be able to make it through a year without some kind of surgery, but it was uneventful, and easy to get over. Right now I am experiencing a great time in my life. My wife and I are just loving being grandparents. There is just so much to live for.<br /><br />My message for those of you who are still struggling to find your new normal after bypass surgery is that that time will come. I wish I could show you what your new life will be like in time. Sometimes I go for days and don't even think about my heart. I think that's one reason why it has been a while since I have posted. There was a time when I thought my life as I had known it was over. I felt like and emotional and physical cripple. Today I can enjoy just plain old ordinary times. I went hunting last week. My wife and I went fishing. I played with my granddaughter. I might die tomorrow, but there is so much to live for. I know that I will always have to take medicine for my heart, and I also know that I still have <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">coronary</span> artery disease, but I have learned to live with it, and to not allow that reality to ruin my life. My journey continues, and right now I just love having an ordinary day.rcorumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02276694547675544067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084090752301146000.post-87195324010237561182009-07-03T21:25:00.000-07:002009-08-19T21:38:56.629-07:00Good DoctorsI now have a general surgeon to add to my list of doctors. I needed that kind of doc last week to remove my gallbladder. That also marked the end of my New Year's resolution for 2009. I thought I would keep it simple this year. No vow to loose 25 pounds, just a goal to go through a whole year without surgery. My 90 year old mother has kept this one for each one of her 90 years. Surly I could last one stinking year without a surgery, but no not me. Even though I failed at my resolution I did find a very good doctor. There is a sense in which laymen like me don't always do a very good job at judging the quality of a doctor. but while I might be limited in my ability to offer a peer review, I can, I believe, offer a meaningful observation or two.<div><br /></div><div>This whole gallbladder thing started about three weeks ago with a trip to the emergency room convinced I was having a heart attack. My <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">cardiologist</span>, Dr. Stacy Smith, was concerned enough to do a heart <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">cath</span>. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">cath</span> actually looked great which made her suspect some gut issue. Off to the GI doctor. He confirms her <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">suspicions</span> and sends me to Dr. Carter McDaniel. He was able to schedule the surgery quickly. It went off without a hitch, and then he did something the day after the surgery which I thought was pretty cool. He called me, not his nurse, but him. He just wanted to see how I was doing and to see if I had any questions. The call was over in less than two minutes, but I wonder how often that is done? Maybe more often than I think, but I doubt it. Like I said, I can't judge a M.D. as a peer, but I sure can tell when a doctor communicates that he or she cares, and that still matters, and it still makes up part of my definition of a good one.</div>rcorumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02276694547675544067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084090752301146000.post-45705721154352477122009-06-03T08:19:00.000-07:002009-06-03T08:28:28.013-07:00Chest TubesEven though it has been over four years now since my surgery that are some memories about the whole event that still remain fresh. I remember how strange it looked to have two rather large tubes and a wire protruding from my chest. For me the tubes were the most uncomfortable part of my post-op experience. I couldn't wait for them to come out, but I also dreaded the experience of having them removed. I had been told that it would hurt. I think it was two or three days after surgery when the nurse came in and announced to me that the time had come for the tubes to come out. She then just walked over and started pulling. The pain was intense, but short lived. As soon as those tubes were out I cannot tell you how much better I felt. This was one of many things that I wish a survivor would have told me about prior to my surgery.rcorumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02276694547675544067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084090752301146000.post-80994665327047344412009-05-18T04:42:00.000-07:002009-05-18T04:47:36.233-07:00Team InspireI just wanted to let folks know about a great website that is a fantastic place for support and information for those of us who have gone through bypass surgery. It's called <a href="http://www.inspire.com/groups/heart-bypass-surgery/new/active/">Team Inspire</a>. Anything you can do to avoid going through this alone will help you and once you visit this site you will know you have a group of kindred spirits who have been there and are ready to listen and help any way they can.rcorumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02276694547675544067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084090752301146000.post-64797000956386960602009-05-11T13:49:00.000-07:002009-05-11T13:57:46.018-07:00Four Years and Feeling GreatIf I live to Wednesday I will mark my four year <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">anniversary</span>. If someone would have told me four years ago that I would end up feeling this good I would have told them they were crazy. I can now look at every day as a blessing from God to be deep cherished. Yesterday I got to just stare at my beautiful three month old granddaughter. Last week I made my annual pilgrimage to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Pepperdine</span> University for their annual conference. That place has to be the most beautiful college campus in America. Life is good, and I am so glad I can say that, but today I visited a lady from my church who just found out that she will be having bypass surgery in the next day or so. Even though I have been through the surgery I still don't know how she feels, but I have a pretty good idea of what lies ahead. I hope I can be there for her and offer a bit of encouragement, and somehow communicate that things will be alright.rcorumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02276694547675544067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084090752301146000.post-470863642034689202009-04-25T21:11:00.000-07:002009-04-26T00:51:23.071-07:00Pump HeadAs I have made clear before, I am not a doctor nor the son of a doctor. Now my grandfather on my mom's side was a Vet, but I don't guess that counts. Even though I am not an expert I can tell you what has been one of the most frustrating of my recovery. I am almost four years post op, and basically feeling pretty good, but there is one residual effect of the surgery. My cognitive abilities are <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">noticeably</span> lacking, or in other words my memory is shot for a 50 year old, and I am not as quick on my feet as I once was. It frustrates me to no end, and in the past I believe the dulling of some of my cognitive skills was on source of my depression. <div><br /></div><div>I titled this post "Pump Head." That refers to the possible effects of the heart/lung bypass machine. Feel free to google the term and you should have enough material to read for hours. No everyone seems to be affected, but there seems to be consensus among health professionals that the issue is real and many patients are a bit less in regards to mental capacity after bypass surgery. </div><div><br /></div><div>This is another one of those issues where I was so encouraged when I found out that I wasn't alone as I struggled to get back to something that approximated normal. In my case I started with a lass than desirable memory and it just got worse. The real problem can when I needed to think quickly on my feet. I found myself often searching words and responses that should have come quickly only to have the finally come to my mind long after the discussion was pointless.</div><div><br /></div><div>I know there are many others out there, and I would love to hear from you. How have you coped? </div>rcorumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02276694547675544067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084090752301146000.post-30397805811987942652009-04-13T22:12:00.000-07:002009-04-13T22:26:41.448-07:00Sick and Tire of Being SickWhat do kidney stones have to do with coronary artery disease? Not very much I hope. It is a little past midnight and I just got home from the emergency room after suffering complications from a kidney stone attack over two weeks ago. Last Wednesday the urologist removed a small stone and inserted a stent in my right ureter. My body not being particularly thrilled with the insertion of a foreign object basically rebelled. My weekend was most unpleasant, but Monday was supposed to be great because today was the day to get that stent out. Well out it came and within three hours my ureter has swollen shut and I experienced pain that I would not wish on my worst enemy, well at least most of my worst enemies. I am no at home feeling much better, but wondering if I am just falling apart. I seem to be able to accept that reality in a much better frame of mind than I did after my heart surgery. I have said this several times on this blog, but it is so true. There is just something so different about heart surgery. I have experienced many things more physically painful than bypass surgery. Today being one of them. At this moment I feel good. I was blessed with another day albeit a painful one. I got to look at some wonderful pictures of our granddaughter. I realization that I am married to the lady who is and has become my soulmate.rcorumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02276694547675544067noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084090752301146000.post-18456102809136184702009-04-01T08:03:00.000-07:002009-04-01T08:20:12.137-07:00Do Doctors Really Get It?My cardiologist gets it. A growing number of physicians are starting to get it, but many others seem to still be in the dark. I am talking about the depression that so often accompanies bypass surgery. Here is my simple wish. I want cardiologists and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">cardiovascular</span> surgeons to talk to their patients before and after surgery about depression and for the patient and his family to be aware that the risks for depression are real, but are treatable. A bypass patient could be screened for depression while still in the hospital. In my case I ended up suffering for weeks not really knowing what was wrong. Like is so often the case my wife's strong suggestion to seek help is what caused me to take the first step which led to a visit to my family doctor and finally to the medication that I needed to help me recover from my depression. Not everyone who has bypass surgery gets depressed, but many do and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">unfortunately</span> many of those that do never get the proper care for a medical condition that is just as real as <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">coronary</span> artery disease.rcorumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02276694547675544067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084090752301146000.post-71191112715726020992009-03-23T03:56:00.000-07:002009-03-23T04:05:00.343-07:00Sickness after SurgeryI have been sick for about a full week. I feel fine now, but a few days ago I just felt rotten. Most people don't realize this, but a normal run of the mill sickness can drive a bypass survivor crazy. After surgery you already feel like you have narrowly escaped death so anything even a little out of the ordinary can really mess with your head. "Does this have anything to do with my heart?" is usually the first thought to pop into your mind. In time you realize that you can get sick like everyone else and that a cold doesn't mean your imminent demise. There are a lot of hurdles to get over to get back to your normal, but you can get there. I promise.rcorumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02276694547675544067noreply@blogger.com1