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More Medical Intervention




I decided that I would knot a pair of socks before I forget how, so that is my next project.  It should keep my hands and mind busy as I spend my time waiting for Mike on his all of a sudden endless round of doctors' appointments.

I mentioned that he had a rough winter, but then seemed to feel better.  He was treated for a bladder infection this past spring, which was knocked out quickly with antibiotics.  Still, he has had a round of follow-ups for the problems he experienced last winter and his blood thinner medication was changed to the type that requires a lot of blood testing.

So he goes twice a week for blood tests.  He has been to the kidney specialist who ordered blood testing to be done only on his right arm so that his left arms veins would be kept intact for dialysis in the future.  WHAT??  Not to worry about now, but "just in case."  The good news is that his kidney function bounced back after the infection was cleared.

Then he went to the heart doctor for a regular follow-up given his a-fib.  That is back so more tinkering with the meds.  Oh, and by the way, there is this suspicious bulge and I'll need to consult with a specialist.  So now he needs surgery.  SURPRISE!  An aortic aneurysm--wasn't even on our radar, but already needs surgery.  Moral here: don't get comfortable with the good news.

You know what?  We were just not prepared for this old age thing.

Comments

  1. Wow, Mike and you have really been through it. Just be grateful the aneurysm was caught. It can be corrected and it will save his life. Too often they are not found till too late.
    Old age really does wreak havoc on our peace of mind and our pocket books. Prayers for a successful surgery, quick recovery and no more surprises.

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  2. Oh my, I feel for you. As you know we've been living on the edge with Bob's health for several years now. It's not a lot of fun. He's always on the road to a specialist or a lab. The good news may be that once they've resolved all of Mike's immediate issues his health may level out & he'll return to 'normal' living. There will likely always be more doctor appointments & lab appointments but they're part of the new norm. He'll be watched closely and that is good. That allows you to live without a knot in your stomach every time he sees a doctor. Yes, you can live a good active life & still have a lot of medical appointments. First they've got to deal with his immediate crisis & it's the pits while that is going go. Hang in there, there is good hope for normal life again.

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    Replies
    1. Yes, I cannot think of an easy way to get news about an aneurysm, but there are much harder ways. So I am going with the feeling of lucky that it was found in time.

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  3. Oh, Olga, it's always something, isn't it? I pray that Mike gets well really soon. I guess it's a good thing that he goes so often to the doctors. Then they can detect changes right away. My husband is the same way. Me? Not that much...
    Peace,
    Muff

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    Replies
    1. I had to beg him to go for a physical a few years ago. Now he is not thrilled with the schedule, but he has lost a number of friends and family members in the past couple of years and he has gotten much better about taking care of himself. I have been relieved of some of my najgging duties.

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  4. It is frustrating and sometimes scary, these transition times as we age. Good for Mike to keep up with his medical appointments.

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    Replies
    1. We just can't take things for granted anymore, that is for sure.

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  5. We all just move along realizing we are getting older and something more serious catches us short and in your case, several somethings. My husband has been keeping up is regular pace, but I can see how this spinal stenosis is stopping him from doing so many of the things he never worried about before. At least medicine keeps improving all the time.

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    Replies
    1. We are fortunate to have access to good medical care without having to drive for a day to get to it.

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  6. Oh, that's sad. Good luck and best wishes for a speedy recovery.

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  7. Hope hope all the test results are good!

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    Replies
    1. And that is my hope for you as well. I know I can get by because I read your blog.

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  8. I am sorry you are having to battle with this again -- I was optimistic for you -- and I still am. Fingers crossed and keeping good thoughts.

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    Replies
    1. Maybe taking care of this will affect other conditions in a positive way. I am an optimist after all.

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    2. Gosh - I thought you were both feeling well! As I know, that can change overnight. I'm glad Mike's aneurysm was caught early. I guess he'll need to go off the blood thinners before surgery. I'll be thinking of you/him.

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  9. I hope all the medical interventions allow Mike to regain his health. It's a frightening and stressful time for both you. Take care and wishing you all the best!

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  10. Oh my, Olga, you and Mike have some serious stuff to deal with. It reminds me to enjoy our good health while we have it.

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  11. The follow up appointments for various ills can become bothersome, but so many unforeseen issues get caught in the net that they're worth it. Thank God you have health insurance.

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  12. I agree about this aging thing. Nowadays, if it's not one thing it's another. Mom and I both have to go in and get our blood tested tomorrow. We probably didn't eat as carefully as we should while we were on our road trip so I shudder to think what our results will be.

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  13. My goodness! Too much going on for Mike right now. I'm sending him and you good vibes.

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