Wednesday, December 10, 2008

~ Dr Follow Up ~

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I guess I will start with the Dr's appointment yesterday.  It went very well, I guess, I mean I was at the Dr's.  I liked him.  It was the first time I'd seen him and he made feel very comfortable.  We went over all the things that have happened and how I came about being in his office.  He let me know that he thought I looked great for someone who had open heart, triple bypass only about a month ago.  I may have blushed a bit.  Especially after being so emotional and feeling sorry for myself as I told him my story. 
He had the results from my doppler tests and confirmed what my primary Dr had said.  I have some issues in both legs.  He let me know that the left leg was most likely more bothersome and in the fore front so quickly because of the balloon pump.  My right leg has issues, but nothing in comparison.  I can't even explain what I feel.  My left foot is pretty much numb.  No tingling really, just no feeling.  It goes up my ankle and then on occasion will be in my entire leg.  I can walk but my foot kind of falls like dead weight.  Some days it's better then others, but lately it seems to be worse.  I wake up in the middle of the night from an ache.  Oddly enough it feels better once I get up and walk around or am in a sitting position.  He actually told me that prior to me getting that far. 
He did tell me yesterday that I would need surgery, and had his office call me today with the day.  I will be going in on Wed the 17th.  He will do an angiogram and most likely put stents in my left leg.  He said he can't do both legs at the same time as he feels the issues are in my groin upper thigh area.  He is confident it will be done as an outpatient and I will be home after.  Can't promise anything because he won't know until he gets in there. 
I asked him to promise me I'd wake up.  He smiled and told me I would not be out.  I'd have something for pain and something to make it so I don't remember.  He said just like when they went in my wrist in the hospital.  Well, I don't remember that at all.  I only remember them telling me they would have to do surgery and I told them to call my mother and my son.  He chuckled and told me I'd be talking to him the entire time.  Ok if he says so :)  He is pretty sure that once he does this the leg and foot will be much better.  I have to hope and pray he is right. 
Tomorrow I go for some blood work and then on Tues I will see my primary for confirmation and the release to have the procedure done.  I hope there are no issues and things go smoothly.  I'm nervous, I'm scared, I just want things to move forward and start me in the right direction.  
Thanks so much for all the good thoughts, concerns, support, and prayers.  Can I bother you to keep them coming?
Hugs
~d

63 comments:

LadyLeo said...

Donna, I will certainly be saying a prayer for you. Think of us all being there holding your hand !!
Please take it easy and hope you will be back home soon !!
(((Huggs))
Linda

Linda Brown said...

Thanks for the update. I will be praying. So sorry you have to go through more procedures but thankful they have found the problem and are able to correct it.
Linda
LLBrown247@aol.com

Bridgett said...

Well, I think most of this is really good news!

We'll help prepare you emotionally/mentally before your procedure. When you get in there, you'll feel so confident and secure in your ability to get better. :)

Hang in there sweetie. I know things seem rough and rather harsh right now...but I truly think you're handling it all beautifully.

Love you.

Lisa said...

Donna, will continue to send up prayers for you and keep you in my thoughts every day, Love You Lisa XO

Darlene said...

Praying for you Donna, today and everyday. Keep the faith and know that your not alone in this!!
xoxo
~Darlene~

Yasmin said...

Thanks for the update Donna, sending waves of good thoughts and prayers.

Take care

Yasmin
x

Dutch said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you. I know everything will go smoothly. Take Care. Hugs

redpoppy007@aol.com said...

I bet you will feel so much better once this is done.
He sounds like a good dr.
You have been through alot, just try to relax and be good to yourself and hopefully after Surgery you can enjoy Christmas.
Take care...

Missie said...

This is just a little hurdle compared to what you've been thru.

We're all here to help you make it over the hurdle!!

Love ya!

Unknown said...

Hope everything goes well. You're in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs Alvia

Unknown said...

Knowing what is causing the numbness is half the battle--and the good doctor will soon have you on the road to recovery. Will be having a Mass offered that the surgery goes well for you. Much love, LaVern

MammawsDecorativeArt said...

The entire time they were doing a test on my brain, they were injecting dye in something they threaded through a vein in my thigh all the way up to a vein on the side of my neck. I was awake and talking the whole time but very groggy. I hope that you have nothing but the best care and treatment while there and that you come home feeling your foot and are treated with dignity too. I want this mess to end for you. Nelishia

Joann said...

Definitely keeping the prayers up for you!! I know this must be so frustrating for you. Keep your spirits up!!

Julie said...

This is good that you will be done with it soon and that they can do it as a same day procedure is good news. I know you will be happy when they get you fixed up. Hugs.

Anonymous said...

Will be praying for you hun. So sorry you are having so many problems.

Anonymous said...

At the risk of burning down the house I am lighting more candles!
xo
MJ

Allison said...

You sound pretty upbeat about all of this. I'm glad you have a good outlook even though I know you have aprehension. You will do just fine and that will be the best Christmas present ever for you, a new lease on life!! Luv ya!

Big Mark 243 said...

I am nervous and stuff for you as well ... but I am hoping nothing but the best and expecting to hear good news from you soon!

Maria-K. said...

No bother at all... of course the good vibes will keep on coming your way. Will keep you in my thoughts. I am sure you are in good hands and I am sure you will feel better after the surgery.
Continue to think positive. Everything will be alright. Hugs, Maria

Linda said...

The prayers have never stopped & will continue as long as you need or want them!!! Hugs of comfort & strength ... just make sure to get plenty of rest ... there's nothing more healing.

Peace~
Linda (ILBELLE)

Mari said...

We did most of our heart caths via the femoral artery in the groin

The balloon pump could have caused you to form a clot in your left leg or your leg arteries could be like your heart arteries ...with blockages

You will be awake for the angiogram but given some sedation ..we usually gave patients valium or versed for sedation

You are in my thoughts and prayers Donna

Hugs Mari

Sweetnessk71 said...

Hey there. I will keep you in my prayers. I feel so bad that you have to go through all this. Keep strong hun.

Kris

Debbie said...

Keeping you in my prayers it's the least I can do wish I could do more. It's good that your Dr. was able to set up the procedure soon. My Dad has stents in both legs and it's made a difference. Sending you love and hugs.
Debbie

Jeannette said...

I'm sorry you have to go through even more Donna but I'm praying you'll be much better after this next procedure. I was getting a bit worried when I saw no update but I guessed you need rest. It's not good to be sitting at the computer for long periods right now. Take care. Jeannette xx

Teresa said...

Thank you for the update Donna, my prayers will be with you. I think about you every day and put out a little positive wish for you. Blessings, Teresa

LYN said...

WISHING YOU ALL THE BEST...YOU WILL BE ON MY MIND AND IN MY PRAYERS...

Lois B said...

You know those prayers WILL be coming your way ... sounds like you are in very good hands. You'll have this behind you before you know it. Wishing you ALL the best, gal!

Hugs ~ Lois B

Anonymous said...

"issues are in my groin upper thigh area"

Chuckle...I'm so childish.
:o)

Joyce said...

Yes, keeping those prayers going...the good news was he told you the new surgery will make it better...praying so!!
Hugs and love...you take care...
Joyce

- said...

I could never imagine the dead weight feeling you are getting...i would HATE that!
I will be keeping you in my thoughts!

Miss Slick One said...

I hope you know you're always in my prayers.
Hugs,
Phyllis

lisa said...

if there is anything i can do, i will. I pray for your legs and feet...and i will be thinking of you constantly with this surgery coming up. Trust in those doctors! They will take wonderful care of you. Love You

Linda said...

I will be continuing with the prayers for sure! I am glad that you liked the dr. that is important. Linda

Helen said...

Prayers going up for you from me. I bet there will be a world of difference in your legs and feet afterwards, Helen

Sugar said...

prayers being said by me. i have your name in my prayer box.
blessings...

Pamela said...

Donna, this is a common procedure. I know that doesn't help, but I'm sure you'll be ok. I will be keeping you in my prayers as always. I'm sure you'll do fine. I've assisted with these many times when I worked in Cath Lab. If you are awake enough you can look up at the screen and see what your vessels look like. You might not want to, though. You can just close your eyes and relax.
Love you, Pam

johnmichael said...

Hope it all goes well. At church today lit a candle for you
and keeping you in my prayers...............johnmichael

Beth said...

Absolutely, D. Sending you all kinds of good vibes!

Your doc sounds like a keeper. He'll take good care of you!

Hugs, Beth

Leslie said...

Hey hun, :) Im so glad you had a chance to update and let us all know your doing ok, well as can be :) I agree with what every1 said on here. Your doc sounds great :) Its very comforting to have a great doctor one who geniunely cares and understands. Oh hun thats not good that u have issues with both of ur legs ;( Im so sorry. I cant imagine trying to walk like that with just no feeling in ur one leg, like ur dragging it ; Oh and im again sorry ur going to need surgery. But it doesnt sound too bad cause he mentioned it should eb outpatient possibly right? Im praying for u so hard. I do know and have faith it will be ok :) Thats all u can do hun is hope and pray hes right by doing this procedure ti will definetly help ur leg and foot. I cant blame u at all for feeling that way that u just want it all to be done, over with and go in the right direction. It will happen hun i do, i know it will be ok :) Love yah hun. Take care. Praying for u lots! xo, Leslie

Gerry said...

I think you will find that this procedure will be less daunting than the last. I will be sending you healing thoughts.

Penny said...

My friend, you are as always in my prayers. It's my thought that God wouldn't have brought you through the heart attack/surgery to dump you on your butt now. As nervous as you must be, I offer my faith to keep you strong. I love you and will never stop praying. Blessings, Penny

Anonymous said...

[[[Donna]]] With you, Bill

ADB said...

Won't make light of any surgical procedure, Donna, but you'll be just fine :-)

Hollie said...

Donna,
I'm so sorry that you are having such a rough time. You know you are in my thoughts & prayers, friend. Just try not to worry...I know that's easier said than done. Please keep us posted....

Love ya!

gina said...

no bother my friend!! will be praying for you. and...there is this lil drug called versed used often for these types of surgeries...an amnesiac and it works wonderfully. :)

Terri said...

No bother at all Donna...absolutely keeping you in my prayers always...sending good thoughts and vibes! Everything is going to go great..I just know it...

Hugs
Terri

Lisa said...

Sure will be sending up Prayers for you. I know you will come through this just fine. Your doc sounds great and you are a tough cookie!!! Hang in there, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Amelia said...

Donna,

I'm sorry that you have to go back through surgerey but I'm glad that there is something that they can do to help you. I'm keeping you in my prayers, stay strong. *M*

Martha said...

More prayers headed your way - but it's like I said, don't worry, you've been through the hard part! You aren't even getting knocked out for this one, it's a breeze! Medical technology is so unbelievable these days. You'll be at home typing up an entry by Wednesday night - ok, I'll give you till Thursday morning, but that's it!
You are in my prayers every day Donna.
Hugs!

Bethe said...

The Cardio doc's always give me Versed witl Fentenyl or something simlar for my procedures. The Versed is the drug that they call an "amnesic". It's wonderful...I don't want to know anything and it works!

It is nice to have affirmation that this is something that is definately not normal and can be fixed. I've konwn a number of people who it has.

Try not to get teary. I know it's hard, but you konw we are all routing for you : )

((Gentle Hugs))

Carlene Noggle said...

You know that I am praying for you ....I know all will be well with you. :-) God is in control.
love ya,
carlene

Jeanie said...

Dear Donna,
You are precious to many people and not just to your family.
You are bound to be tentative after having such a big heart operation. Do you know ....I believe you will look back on all this as a time when you recognise that you can deal with anything sent your way. You will be the stronger for it.
My prayers continue my friend. You will be fine. I am glad it is being done soon. That way you can enjoy Christmas with your family and not be worrying about your health.
Get well soon
Hugs
Jeanie xxx

Unknown said...

Hi,

Glad to hear your doctor was so great to you. I will be hoping that surgery makes your leg feel better. Its good to know he thinks you look very good after your surgery.
Take care

Debbie said...

Hi Donna just wanted to stop by and give ya some love. Thinking of you.
Hugs
Debbie

Shelly said...

I don't have a clue what you are talking about with the stint and the surgery you need, but I am and will be praying for you. Love you lots!!!!!!

Diama ~*a.k.a*~ Cherry said...

You have a long way to recovery hun and im here with you a 100% you will do just fine.

Jeannette said...

Bless you Donna. I shall be praying for you and more so on the 17th. I know how I felt when I went in for my surgery last year. I have the results of my HB1C test the day before you go in and I am terrified even of that. You have come through with flying colours and I know you will do the same again. If you feel nervous think of all of us wishing you well, think of our journals and smile. Love you girl.

Joan said...

Popped in to wish you well for Thursday will have you in my thoughts and prayers. Think my hubby is going to have something similar done in the New Year. Love Joan.

Chris/cacklinrosie101 said...

Goodness, D, I hope they fix you once and for all. You know I will keep you in my prayers and hope this is the last procedure you need. Hold onto all the good thoughts and prayers being sent your way....love you!

Cal Dream Squirrel said...

D,

Finally had a chance to catch up after vacation. I do appreciate your comments on my blog, and I try to leave one when I can on those others I read. It's not uncommon to be depressed after heart surgery. I know a lot of patients at BWH that we started on some anti-depressants before they were discharged.

While I can't promise a fun road, I know that 6 months from now you'll start to feel more "normal." A year from now, almost 100%. You've got a great spirit and some good support, so I know you'll do great! Always, let me know if you need anything. I am your "neighbor" after all in this little corner of Western NY.

:D

Veronica

Heavenlybama said...

I haven't been doing rounds on journals or writing in my own but I had to come here when I got your alert. It's good to hear you're recovering well. Just want you to know I'm praying for you. I had the angiogram last year. It's normal to be nervous but the drugs will take care of that. :) It's very common and you're awake and won't feel anything. You'll do fine. Hugs..........

Traci said...

Oh goodness. I'll be praying for a great outcome! At least something can be done. Blessings to you!

Anonymous said...

D,
Playing catch up. Glad to hear that the docs appointment went well.... well as well as could be expected. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers that your op goes well

hugs Jayne