Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

OldBaldy1701E

(4,973 posts)
Mon Oct 26, 2020, 08:05 AM Oct 2020

I have now retuned from the most horrible week I can imagine

Last Monday, I went to a cardiologist to do what I thought was a second attempt to take a stress test because the last one had to stop due to the very symptoms I was there to have examined. They did not do a stress test this time, but instead hooked me up to an EKG machine. After looking at the readout, the doc told me I needed to immediately go into the hospital because he felt I HAD to have an angiogram to see what was really going on, which they scheduled for the next morning. They did the angiogram and that afternoon, I was informed that I had blockage in all four major veins and had to have open heart surgery to perform a quadruple bypass, which was scheduled for the next day. Wednesday arrived, and I had the operation, and was put into ICU until Thursday, when I was transferred to a main floor, where I languished until yesterday evening, when I was finally discharged. I am now home, and dealing with a place that is so not ready for the level of 'gimp' that I am now. Add to that the fact that I live with two other people who take 'slob' to new depths every single day, especially the owner. I want to just pull the stitches out and rip out this thing and get it over with. Anyway, this past week has been something I would not wish on anyone, and it ain't looking to get any better. Please get out and vote. Please try to be kind to your fellow human being because you have no idea what is going on in his/her life. I know it is pointless in today's climate to expect anyone to be respectful and understanding, because there is no profit in it, but I can dream my last days away with that ideal. (The fact that it is an 'ideal' is probably the most frightening thing I can imagine, but this past week has give that thought a run for the money, let me tell you.)

58 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
I have now retuned from the most horrible week I can imagine (Original Post) OldBaldy1701E Oct 2020 OP
you need a (((hug))).....i hope your complete recovery is quick! samnsara Oct 2020 #1
Oh no! Damn. That is so frightening. I'm glad you made it home. CottonBear Oct 2020 #2
I hope you heal quickly! cate94 Oct 2020 #3
You say you have retuned. You may have meant to type returned, Croney Oct 2020 #4
Unfortunately, it was a misprint (n/t) OldBaldy1701E Oct 2020 #51
What a shock that was, to your life and your system dawg day Oct 2020 #5
I am so sorry you had such a terrible experience. madaboutharry Oct 2020 #6
Feel better soon! Jane Austin Oct 2020 #7
Yes, call back to the hospital or your doctor. Delmette2.0 Oct 2020 #20
Am so sorry your living arrangements are not optimal UpInArms Oct 2020 #8
Wishing you a fast recovery genxlib Oct 2020 #9
Best Wishes, Sir The Magistrate Oct 2020 #10
Wishing you a full recovery. My father had two bypass surgeries and sinkingfeeling Oct 2020 #11
I completely understand and empathize vlyons Oct 2020 #12
Wonderful response and advice vlyons. I note how many times on DU people express anger c-rational Oct 2020 #47
Sending you love and peace... Freedomofspeech Oct 2020 #13
I'm so sorry. I hope you heal quickly and have better days soon. Squinch Oct 2020 #14
I'm so sorry you have been through this. LiberalLoner Oct 2020 #15
Best wishes this week. Unplug the political stuff and watch nature shows grantcart Oct 2020 #16
Sending you hugs and all best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery. The hospital niyad Oct 2020 #17
My Dad had a quadruple bi-pass in 1975. TruckFump Oct 2020 #18
"You got a gift." Rorey Oct 2020 #27
That's how I look at it. TruckFump Oct 2020 #29
Wow, you're home already? LittleGirl Oct 2020 #19
It works The Jungle 1 Oct 2020 #21
I also wish you a swift and complete recovery. Fortinbras Armstrong Oct 2020 #22
So sorry you have to deal with this. 58Sunliner Oct 2020 #23
Hey OldBaldy1701E ... ewagner Oct 2020 #24
Ay, dios! [omg!] All that happened in one week? Happy you're home, take care. RestoreAmerica2020 Oct 2020 #25
Are there any family members nearby who can help you? FakeNoose Oct 2020 #26
All the best for a full recovery and having some help appalachiablue Oct 2020 #28
Yours definitely qualifies for a lousy week, not taking away from that, it's your experience and chia Oct 2020 #30
Open heart to home in less than a week. SpankMe Oct 2020 #31
What a shock for you Marthe48 Oct 2020 #32
Your in good company... N_E_1 for Tennis Oct 2020 #33
I am wishing you this best and shaking my bald head. TexasProgresive Oct 2020 #34
I'm thankful they found the issue... ohtransplant Oct 2020 #35
Hoping for fast healing. qwlauren35 Oct 2020 #36
Hang in there - It'll get better packman Oct 2020 #37
Baldy- That is one hell of a week. I hope you heal with no major complications and get stronger Evolve Dammit Oct 2020 #38
Healing vibes on the way! 💗💗💗 SheltieLover Oct 2020 #39
Wishing you the best! MLAA Oct 2020 #40
Agree 100%! True Blue American Oct 2020 #42
Physical Therapy True Blue American Oct 2020 #41
Wishing you a speedy recovery. gademocrat7 Oct 2020 #43
Voted!! Your heart will heal under a new administration Demovictory9 Oct 2020 #44
Best wishes and hopes that next week we will all have something StarryNite Oct 2020 #45
Thanks for your story. I hope you find a joy in every day, no matter how small. Tiger8 Oct 2020 #46
Wishing you the very best OldBaldy flamingdem Oct 2020 #48
Feel better soon, OldBaldy! The Velveteen Ocelot Oct 2020 #49
I'm so sorry you've had a terrible week, OldBaldy. smirkymonkey Oct 2020 #50
Listen well malaise Oct 2020 #52
Thank You All for the wonderful words and thoughts. OldBaldy1701E Oct 2020 #53
There are several FB groups specifically for OHS patients that are VERY supportive and useful. Grasswire2 Oct 2020 #54
Thanks for the tip and the support! OldBaldy1701E Oct 2020 #55
What.😠 Lady Freedom Returns Oct 2020 #56
You are correct OldBaldy1701E Oct 2020 #57
Glad you're still with us! orangecrush Jan 2021 #58

Croney

(4,646 posts)
4. You say you have retuned. You may have meant to type returned,
Mon Oct 26, 2020, 08:10 AM
Oct 2020

but whether you did or not, I like the hopeful "retuned" and wish you a fast continued recovery.

dawg day

(7,947 posts)
5. What a shock that was, to your life and your system
Mon Oct 26, 2020, 08:12 AM
Oct 2020

Take it easy and demand your housemates clean up.

Gentlw virtual hug!

madaboutharry

(40,153 posts)
6. I am so sorry you had such a terrible experience.
Mon Oct 26, 2020, 08:12 AM
Oct 2020

I hope you will have the support you need as you recuperate.

Is there any way you can stay somewhere else? Stress will not be helpful as you need to heal.

Jane Austin

(9,199 posts)
7. Feel better soon!
Mon Oct 26, 2020, 08:13 AM
Oct 2020

The hospital should have asked if you needed a social worker.

Kind of sounds like you do - to arrange for food and other necessities.

Best of luck!

UpInArms

(51,253 posts)
8. Am so sorry your living arrangements are not optimal
Mon Oct 26, 2020, 08:15 AM
Oct 2020

But am glad you are home and, hopefully, on the mend.

Take care of yourself and hang in there

genxlib

(5,508 posts)
9. Wishing you a fast recovery
Mon Oct 26, 2020, 08:15 AM
Oct 2020

The good news is that you may feel better than you have in years after you heal.

Sending you the best thoughts.

sinkingfeeling

(51,281 posts)
11. Wishing you a full recovery. My father had two bypass surgeries and
Mon Oct 26, 2020, 08:39 AM
Oct 2020

my mom had bypass at 75. She lived until age 96.

vlyons

(10,252 posts)
12. I completely understand and empathize
Mon Oct 26, 2020, 08:43 AM
Oct 2020

Several years ago, I was in the hospital for 3 weeks for heart disease. While I didn't undergo surgery, my heart was shocked several times because it was racing as tho' I was running a marathon. About half way into my stay, I really started to freak out and cry inconsolably. No one would tell me what was going on. It was at that point that I realized that I needed to calm down. My Buddhist meditation practice kicked in and helped. I imagined myself in a canoe on a c alm still lake on a moonlight night. I watched the bow of the canoe glide gracefully and easily through the water. The waves slipping silently by as the bow of the canoe parted the water. I imagined that was how I would navigate through all obstacles -- like a canoe gliding through the still waters of a calm lake.

And then I remembered that I'm in samsara. We're all in samsara, which is the universal condition of suffering for all sentient beings.
We are of the nature to age and grow old. We cannot prevent growing old.
We are of the nature to become sick and diseased. We cannot prevent our bodies wearing out and becoming diseased.
We are of the nature to die. We cannot prevent our death.
But today I can reaffirm my aspiration to become a completely and perfectly enlightened Buddha for the benefit of all beings.
Today I can reaffirm my aspiration to never speak angry words to anyone for the rest of my life.
Today I can reaffirm my aspiration to pacify disturbed and afflicted minds.

A boddhisattva is someone who works tirelessly for the liberation from suffering for all sentient beings.
One of the perfections of a boddhisattva is enthusiastic perseverance. Obstacles and difficulties don't matter. That there are so many angry, unhappy, stupid people in the world just shows how much we are all locked in the samsara of pain and suffering. The way to change that, to be liberated from suffering is to change our way of habitual thinking. Whenever I encounter something distressing, I ask myself: If the Dalai Lama were here looking at this, what would he see? Whatever that is; that's what I want to see too.

I hope you find this helpful.


c-rational

(2,581 posts)
47. Wonderful response and advice vlyons. I note how many times on DU people express anger
Mon Oct 26, 2020, 11:15 AM
Oct 2020

and I sometimes respond that is not the place to be, but often do not, knowing it will fall on deaf ears. What would a wise man or woman do now is a question I used to ask myself often. Thanks for the reminder.

LiberalLoner

(9,761 posts)
15. I'm so sorry you have been through this.
Mon Oct 26, 2020, 09:01 AM
Oct 2020

Sending hugs and wishes for a very speedy recovery and for better times ahead.

niyad

(112,444 posts)
17. Sending you hugs and all best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery. The hospital
Mon Oct 26, 2020, 09:09 AM
Oct 2020

Should have put you with a social worker to help you through this. Remember that your DU family is here for you.

TruckFump

(5,812 posts)
18. My Dad had a quadruple bi-pass in 1975.
Mon Oct 26, 2020, 09:09 AM
Oct 2020

He lived to 84 and played near par golf for many years.

You got a gift. It may not seem like it right now, but remember in the future that you lived and watched Joe Biden kick the orange asshole out of the WH!

Rorey

(8,445 posts)
27. "You got a gift."
Mon Oct 26, 2020, 09:48 AM
Oct 2020

That is exactly the best way to look at it. The diagnosis wasn't the problem. The PROBLEM was the problem, and now OldBaldy can move forward with the solution.

TruckFump

(5,812 posts)
29. That's how I look at it.
Mon Oct 26, 2020, 09:56 AM
Oct 2020

My Dad watched and changed his eating habits, when he was able, he began to walk the course and not ride a cart.

It was indeed a gift.

LittleGirl

(8,261 posts)
19. Wow, you're home already?
Mon Oct 26, 2020, 09:13 AM
Oct 2020

That is a quick recovery! I wish you nothing but healing vibes your way.
Take rest and good luck in the rest of your recovery.

 

The Jungle 1

(4,552 posts)
21. It works
Mon Oct 26, 2020, 09:19 AM
Oct 2020

Keep yer chin up this operation works and they have been doing it for a long time.
I had a stent put in and it was a new life for me, instant cure and way more ability to do things. A stent is the minor version of your procedure but heal up and you will feel way better.

Fortinbras Armstrong

(4,473 posts)
22. I also wish you a swift and complete recovery.
Mon Oct 26, 2020, 09:19 AM
Oct 2020

I'm reminded of my wife's uncle. The day after he retired, he and his wife were literally on their way to a travel agent to see about the trip to Europe they had been talking about for years. He had a heart attack on the sidewalk and died shortly afterwards.

58Sunliner

(4,339 posts)
23. So sorry you have to deal with this.
Mon Oct 26, 2020, 09:25 AM
Oct 2020

You might contact a social worker at the hospital and see if there are any other resources to help you. Thanks for the heads up. I talked to my neighbor the other day and told them if they need help, leave a note on my door. Covid times are especially crazy. One of them is an invalid and another neighbor and I helped pick him up off the street after he had fallen from his walker-he is a big guy. Good luck and good healing.

ewagner

(18,964 posts)
24. Hey OldBaldy1701E ...
Mon Oct 26, 2020, 09:30 AM
Oct 2020

I've had 3 heart attacks resulting in one triple bypass surgery and 10 (count 'em) stents installed. I have hereditary cardio-vascular disease which makes this shit recurring...but I'm not giving up.

You won't believe how much better you are going to feel in a very short time.

A little "cardiac rehab" won't hurt either...teadmill, bike, or just walking..within a short time you'll be ready to take on the world.

FakeNoose

(32,356 posts)
26. Are there any family members nearby who can help you?
Mon Oct 26, 2020, 09:37 AM
Oct 2020

I'm sorry your housemates are such slobs. Perhaps you can call a meeting to discuss your new situation and explain that you'll be needing some help for a while during your recovery.

Something similar happened to a good friend of mine 10 years ago. He's fine now and much healthier than ever before, but it was a difficult transition. My friend had to change his dietary and eating habits, now he avoids red meat and eats mostly fish and lots of fresh vegetables. No more bike-riding, no heavy lifting, and he walks a mile or two every day.

You can do it, and hopefully your housemates will be a little more considerate. Good luck!


appalachiablue

(41,056 posts)
28. All the best for a full recovery and having some help
Mon Oct 26, 2020, 09:53 AM
Oct 2020

at home. Sorry you had to go through that, but now you're safe & can go on to better things when you've healed.

Thanks for the update and stay well.

chia

(2,235 posts)
30. Yours definitely qualifies for a lousy week, not taking away from that, it's your experience and
Mon Oct 26, 2020, 10:01 AM
Oct 2020

yours only and no one can live through it but you.

But - I hope each day is a little better than the last and that your recovery will be a good one, and that some day you'll look back and be glad you were given more time. You can do this, friend.

SpankMe

(2,937 posts)
31. Open heart to home in less than a week.
Mon Oct 26, 2020, 10:12 AM
Oct 2020

Well, there's one silver lining if we have to find one. I'm glad you're well enough to log in and write us here.

I'm sorry about the slobs. I hope that doesn't interfere with your recovery.

Keep that heart beating!

Marthe48

(16,697 posts)
32. What a shock for you
Mon Oct 26, 2020, 10:18 AM
Oct 2020

I hope you have a quick recovery. Hope you have everything you need and feel better every day.

N_E_1 for Tennis

(9,593 posts)
33. Your in good company...
Mon Oct 26, 2020, 10:21 AM
Oct 2020

I’m 68 my story starts about 12 years ago. 4 maybe 5 heart attacks never went to hospital because I just hurt in my RIGHT shoulder, very, very uncomfortable. Did not know those were heart attacks. Downed an aspirin and went on, that action probably saved me. At the time I had no idea aspirin was a first response.
Well all that eventually led to an unexpected stroke, little one called a T.I.A. they resolve themselves pretty quickly. But...hospital was my home for the next month.

I have had bad circulation for a very long time, family traits... what can you do? I had a vein stripping done when I was in my 40’s so there was no grafting material to get out of my legs.
They had to take a vein from my left arm and plugged mammary arteries into my heart. Quite inventive!
I was in the Veterans hospital in Ann Arbor Michigan which couples up with U of M hospital next door. I was lucky and my doctor was head of the transplant team there.

Got a bone infection in my sternum and stayed in hospital on an antibiotics drip for a month.

Three years later I was back at hospital to get my aortic aneurysm fixed from kidneys to groin a new aorta!

This year was my hip replacement surgery.

I’ve never felt better. Ten years after the bypass my heart is stronger than it was when I was in my early fifties. It took time to recover but each time I learned a little from before and came out better.

These next couple months are all about you. Try to keep a good attitude and not get to far down. Exercise lightly at first, take your time but do something...ask your doctor what may be best for you, everybody’s different. Walking is the best exercise you can do at this time. Low impact but gets everything moving again.
Your endurance will probably suck for a while but go with it and do just a little more every day it’ll come back.

Good luck. Get healthy.

TexasProgresive

(12,148 posts)
34. I am wishing you this best and shaking my bald head.
Mon Oct 26, 2020, 10:25 AM
Oct 2020

My wife had double bypass and aortic valve replacement she also got a pace maker. I cannot believe that you were sent home so quick. Did you get any PT in the hospital and any afterwards? It is really good to get moving soon after any surgery especially this one. How did you get home? Driving is definitely not helpful in healing the sternum.

Enough of that, praying that you heal fast and feel way better once the healing progresses.

ohtransplant

(1,488 posts)
35. I'm thankful they found the issue...
Mon Oct 26, 2020, 10:27 AM
Oct 2020

and took care of it.

Remember you're not alone. You have the DU!!! And we're glad to hear from you post-op!!!

 

packman

(16,296 posts)
37. Hang in there - It'll get better
Mon Oct 26, 2020, 10:33 AM
Oct 2020

My story - shortness of breath, red face, high blood pressure- Doctor at 9 A.M. , surgery bypass at 11. Went into retirement after leaving hospital . Pacemaker a few years later and some other heart issues. Good days and bad days ahead. Watch your salt intake, fluid build-up, and diet(loose weight).

Evolve Dammit

(16,632 posts)
38. Baldy- That is one hell of a week. I hope you heal with no major complications and get stronger
Mon Oct 26, 2020, 10:41 AM
Oct 2020

every day. The world needs those of us with the ideals you speak of and wish for. Be good to yourself and take all the time you need. Thanks for posting, and keep us posted, okay?

SheltieLover

(57,073 posts)
39. Healing vibes on the way! 💗💗💗
Mon Oct 26, 2020, 10:43 AM
Oct 2020

So sorry to hear of your awful week! I hope you are all better very soon!

MLAA

(17,165 posts)
40. Wishing you the best!
Mon Oct 26, 2020, 10:51 AM
Oct 2020

Husband had a single bypass surgery about a year ago.

One tip: whenever you are cleared to go to cardio rehab (just like a gym only staffed with PT specialists and nurses) embrace it! Go regularly as directed and do what they say 🙂. It will help get you back back to your old self only better!

💕

True Blue American

(17,972 posts)
41. Physical Therapy
Mon Oct 26, 2020, 10:55 AM
Oct 2020

Do you enjoy water? The exercises are so much easier than machines.

Walking in water for 20 minutes is equal to one hour on land. Glad to know you are healing. Those operations have been so perfected.

Try not to think of your aggravation. Check to see if there is anything to be done.

Best of luck to you!

 

Tiger8

(432 posts)
46. Thanks for your story. I hope you find a joy in every day, no matter how small.
Mon Oct 26, 2020, 11:07 AM
Oct 2020

I really appreciated reading your story. Sometimes I sit here grousing about how shitting things are, but I realize that I woke up today.....and there was coffee!!

So I am going savor my humble cup of coffee, and focus on that. It will make me happy!!

The Velveteen Ocelot

(115,281 posts)
49. Feel better soon, OldBaldy!
Mon Oct 26, 2020, 02:23 PM
Oct 2020

I love your wise words. Can your health care people recommend some in-home care so your slob roommates don't make your recovery unnecessarily difficult for you? Please report back now and then and let us know how you are doing.

 

smirkymonkey

(63,221 posts)
50. I'm so sorry you've had a terrible week, OldBaldy.
Mon Oct 26, 2020, 06:28 PM
Oct 2020

I really hope that you make a swift recovery and that everything turns out ok. Take care of yourself and especially your mental health. The stress only makes it worse. I try to avoid politics and watch comedies and old movies when I get overwhelmed and too stressed out and it really helps to calm me down. I wish you all the best!

malaise

(267,847 posts)
52. Listen well
Mon Oct 26, 2020, 07:25 PM
Oct 2020

Life is what we've got. You'd better stick around for the election results.
You will feel better and you'll be fine. Someone very close to me underwent that procedure fifteen years ago.

OldBaldy1701E

(4,973 posts)
53. Thank You All for the wonderful words and thoughts.
Mon Oct 26, 2020, 07:46 PM
Oct 2020

I have had a few people tell me the same thing, that this was a very quick trip from a follow up to a discharge. I replied that it was because I am not rich and therefore they can toss me out so they can fill their beds with people who will pay outrageous prices and fees just to feel better while dealing with a cold. This was a joke more than anything, but the fact that some took offense and some decided to defend just makes me despair more. (Just as a disclaimer, the 'outrage' was more about pointing out a disparity in our culture, not about Covid cases taking priority. WAY more, in fact.) I am sorry if I went on a tirade in the last post. I have always been a 'hands on' type, and now that I am getting older, I am having to deal with that part of me disappearing. I can not handle it, it seems. I have not had work in over seven years due to my health, and after almost a decade of not being believed, not being taken seriously, and not being given any options other than getting rich (which I will never be able to do because I am just not cruel enough to be a good business person), not to mention a three year fight with SSID just so they could tell me to kiss a big one, has not left much of a personable nature in me.

Thank You again and I will post an update one day. (If anyone will want to hear it, I guess.)

Grasswire2

(13,564 posts)
54. There are several FB groups specifically for OHS patients that are VERY supportive and useful.
Mon Oct 26, 2020, 10:21 PM
Oct 2020

One is called Zipper Club.

I urge you to find it. My friend is 6 years out from his OHS, and has gotten so much support and information there. I joined it to learn how to support his needs.

BTW, two years after his surgery, he got halfway up Mt. Kilimanjaro. (The altitude sickness got to him, but at least he tried.)

OldBaldy1701E

(4,973 posts)
55. Thanks for the tip and the support!
Fri Oct 30, 2020, 02:12 PM
Oct 2020

I do not have FaceBook though, nor will I personally ever have it. My ego does not need constant salving.

Lady Freedom Returns

(14,120 posts)
56. What.😠
Fri Oct 30, 2020, 07:01 PM
Oct 2020
"I want to just pull the stitches out and rip out this thing and get it over with."


Don't go talking like that. You're just as tough as I am!
And there are still people out there that are respectful and understanding. Heck, this board is full them. And we all have your six and are Cheering for you!

OldBaldy1701E

(4,973 posts)
57. You are correct
Sat Oct 31, 2020, 12:01 AM
Oct 2020

I should have said, "Excluding this board... we know how to be respectful."

I am pretty sure you are way tougher than I am.

Latest Discussions»The DU Lounge»I have now retuned from t...