1 year ago
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
LOOKING DOWN AT THE GRASS
I was a little shocked but pleasantly surprised to see how many stat hits my "Bit of a Break" post has gotten since I went silent. Wow!! What a heartwarming thing to see so many of you still checking in on me. Sooo, I thought I should at least let you know that I am still on the right side of the grass and am being patched up. It just takes longer the older you get.
I had the pacemaker implanted in June. It seems I am allergic to something in it but they have left it in me anyway. Then as my angina attacks became really frequent--I had a only couple hundred of steps in me before the alarms went off and I needed my nitroglycerin so I was given the nuclear stress test and finally the stent placement last week for my 95% blockage.
The stent really should have been done 6 months ago but sometimes, finding good doctors can be a bit of a crap shoot.
No more heart pains, yea, but I still have abdominal pains that make sitting at the computer or any chair for any length of time uncomfortable. Pretty sure it is caused partially by the kazillion pills I must take. Ah the joys of aging. These are the golden years-- golden for the doctors and pharmacies.
The good news is that I am here and determined to scrap out a bit more time. I will try to remember that when I get discouraged that I am no longer an active 76 year old. I am going to do what I can to get that ole gal back and up to snuff.
Considering the news of the week, not everyone is privileged to enjoy old age so I am curious but grateful and feeling blessed to still be here. So many were taken so young. My heart--with all its bionic aids--goes out to those suffering unspeakable loss recently. All of our hearts took a hit over what happened to the French. I will never understand the vicious, sick side of man. Sadly, it seems they are multiplying.
Hope to be fully back soon. Each day is a bit better. I think my humor is coming back. Even had a fun giggle or two in the hospital but that is for another day.
A mammoth thanks to those of you who stopped by and left your digital traces on my stat counter. That really meant a lot. It was kind of like a welcome knock on the door and brought quite a bit of comfort.
Stay safe and healthy my friends. See ya soon.
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I'm so glad to hear that the stent went well. Do you still have the pacemaker? One of the annoying things about getting older is that it takes so much more time to heal.
ReplyDeleteGreat to have you back; toes crossed that you will continue to post.
So nice to be able to leave more than a digital footprint. Yes, you were missed and sorry you have had so many ups and downs. Happy it is more ups now. I have four stents. Mine have been around since before the word stents was recognized by spell check.
ReplyDeleteMy sister had 13 stents before they said they couldn't do any more. She had diabetes and that was part of the reason she had so many. She always said it made a huge difference. I am so glad you are still on this side of the grass, because I think of you (only three years older than me) as paving the way forward. Sending you lots of love during this tough time in the history of the world.
ReplyDeleteHi Patti! Good to see your post. Sorry you're going through all of this.
ReplyDeleteI recently saw a news report out of South Bend about a program being used there called Ornish Reversal Program. I'd love to see it become the norm.
http://m.wsbt.com/news/south-bend-man-is-off-heart-transplant-list-thanks-to-new-program/36472500
Sending you good vibes and thoughts from Cape Cod.
Take care.
BG
Glad you're back. I find that my body is now sensitive to the rays that come off the screen and that gives tummy aches:( but I still try here and there to pop by.
ReplyDeleteThe world of current fear reminds me of the late 50's early '60's when we thought we had to build backyard bomb shelters! Fear can make us illogical. Sadly there are always young ones lost in the powe struggle:(
So happy to see a post here and really glad you are on the road to recovery. Looking forward to more news here and your wonderful sense of humor about life. Welcome back and take care there!
ReplyDeleteSo happy to see you back, Patti! I was among the many worried, wondering what was going on and how you were doing. I so hope the stent works well for you and that those stomach pains can be diagnosed and treated soon! Older age really isn't for sissies, as the saying goes. On the other hand, I share your gratitude about the privilege of growing old -- something denied so many good people.
ReplyDeleteMy husband received a pacemaker in August. He's still adjusting & the pacemaker is being adjusted in the hope of achieving harmony. We shall see. So glad you're back. Good it's this season of the year when you don't have so much work outside. Hang in there.
ReplyDeleteWe owe it to those whose lives are cut short to live our lives to the full so hope to be reading more of your posts in future.
ReplyDeleteAs long as they didn't take your sense of humor you should be fine. Welcome back!
ReplyDeleteHi Patti, it is so good to see you back again. To know that you are working to recover is just wonderful. It is hard but worth it since there is so much to enjoy on God's earth. Take care of yourself and I will come back this way again soon. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteHey Beautiful Lady, It's SO SO SO good to hear from you. You have been in my prayers--and will continue to be as you heal... Glad you finally got 'fixed'....
ReplyDeleteYes--what is happening in the world (and in our country) is very very sad... WHY so much hatred???
Take care and continue counting your blessings...
Hugs,
Betsy
So happy you're at least on your way back--you've been missed!!
ReplyDeleteWell, I am so very glad you gave us an update--and a good news update at that! Sending you lots of healing thoughts.
ReplyDeleteSmartcat,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the encouragement and yep I still have the pacemaker even though I am allergic to it. The allergy doesn't seem to get worse and it appears to be doing its job.
Grannie Annie,
Who knew spellcheck was so far behind? I am sorry you have had 4 of these and hope that last one did the trick for you. Thank you and I really missed the daily give and take.
Djan,
So sorry your sister had such a struggle. I know stents can be a slippery slope. Had to laugh that you use me as a gauge. I do the same with my brother who is 3 years older than me. He is doing wonderfully and gives me hope. You are doing everything right in your life. Keep up the great work. I felt your love---thank you.
Barry,
Thank you so much for the great reminder. I had forgotten about Ornish's approach and I am a big believer. When all this started, I went heart healthy and have lost 27 pounds. Think I will get even more serious and will get his book. Thanks again for the good thoughts and the reminder.
Heidrun,
Goodness, do you get them from the computer screen? Maybe that is something I should look into.
I so agree with you, it is always the innocents that must pay the ultimate price for those who only care about their own agenda.
robin,
Thanks so much for your email and for stopping by today. It meant a lot to hear from my oldest follower---time wise--not age wise:))
My humor is a bit darker these days but I think a rebirth is soon to happen. Laughter really does help.
Dr. Kathy,
Thank you so much for wondering and caring. I know, it is so easy to grouse when things don't go our way health wise but mercy, I have lost family and friends who would have loved to have just reached 76.
Linda,
So sorry your husband is a member of the PM club also. Wish pacemaker's were a simple cure all but sometimes it takes time and work. Hope he and I both are functioning at 100% soon. I thought I had found the lucky part of the year for outdoor work but all the recent rain has made my grass grow. Now that is not fair:))
Fun60,
You bet. Too many today have never had the chance to enjoy old age. I know how lucky I am.
joeh,
Thank you Cranky. I need to visit your blog to sharpen up my humor. Humor is fortunately contagious.
Rita,
Thank you so much for checking in on me even before I posted. Your support is very welcome.
Still think you ought to blog yourself.
Betsy,
Thank you for your support, prayers and email. They were a real comfort. I so agree, hate seems to be self feeding these days. I just don't understand.
fishducky,
Aw, thanks Fran. I need to get back to reading blogs again. Your is always good for some real laugh out loud moments and what is better for healing?
Olga,
Thank you so much. I feel those healing thoughts. Hope you are finally moved and settled. I'll be by soon.
In all the time I have followed you I don't think I have ever posted a comment. I am happy to hear that everything went well for you and nothing can hold you back now.
ReplyDeleteNice to hear from you. Glad to hear you are healing.
ReplyDeleteWell, you are a fighter, for sure. Sounds like you have been through a lot. Sending good thoughts to you as you work to get your old self back.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to know you are truly on the mend now, my dear.....I am with you on this getting older thing---it stinks! Really. I always say, whoever called these the Golden Years, never got there! Take good care my dear Patti, and I send you Healing Hugs and much love! And stay above ground for as long as you can....lol!
ReplyDeleteLove your blog! So glad you are on the road to recovery. Finding a bit of humor in life helps us to keep a positive perspective.
ReplyDeleteVery glad the stint is doing its job! You do take good care of yourself and am certain you will be gleefully back to ole Patti soon! :D
ReplyDeleteMolly M,
ReplyDeleteWhat a delightful surprise. Thank you so much for commenting. I know I have lurkers out there
( I use to be one till I started blogging) as I always have way more hits than comments so it is really nice to hear from you. Do hope you will be back.
Meryl,
Thanks you so much. I am doing all I can.
Linda Reeder,
Thank you so much for your good thoughts.It has been a bit of a long tussle but I have hopes that the ole Patti is just around the corner.
Naomi,
Thank you so much my friend. I know you are dealing with your own problems. Thanks so much for the love and hugs. I felt the warmth. May we both get some of the old zip back.
Carole,
Thank you so much for stopping by and commenting. Humor is like that spoonful of sugar. It helps the medicine go down and work better.
Jewels,
Thank you so very much for all your help during this time. Couldn't have done it with out you. You're the best.
So glad to hear you have been to Mr fixit and are on the road to recovery. The Cowman had to have a stint put in after his heart attack. Said he really didn't realize how bad he had felt and how hard he had to push to do the simplest things.
ReplyDeletePrayer Up for you and hugs too!
Laura and I are both so pleased that you are back! Have been thinking of you these last few weeks and hoping that your health would return. Thank goodness for plastic pipes and bionic bits and pieces! :-) Very best wishes from us way down at this corner of the globe, Peter, Laura, and Nigella Stopit xxx
ReplyDeleteSo happy all seems to be going well for you at the moment, let's hope it stays that way. Believe me, I know what you mean, having turned 79 last month and Abe 81. We never thought we would be using those numbers with our ages. LOL We also keep plugging along, doing as well as possible. Some days I feel like I don't get much accomplished, but I guess being able to care for myself is an accomplishment. Looks like they are all coming for Thanksgiving, my son says he just wants me to set, it's all taken care of. He's ordered two, turkeys with all the trimmings from Krogers. Two of the daughters will be picking them up on Wed. considering our son and his group won't be leaving Fl until some time on Wed. Thank goodness they (five of them) will be staying at a motel. I suppose if we had to we could squeeze them in, but that's four adults and one small child. We have one full bath. I'm anxious to see them, but the last two times they've made a trip to visit us, just son and his wife, first time I ended up with cellulitis and had to go to hospital for a couple of days while they pumped antibiotics in me. Just this past May when they arrived, I was just getting over shingles, and about a week after they left, I got pneumonia. Just hope no surprises this time. You hang in there and take care of yourself. Hope your house animals are doing ok. Also hope you have someone to spend Thanksgiving with, if not and you wre closer, you could spend it here.
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you back online again. We have been doing the pacemaker/meds/med adjustments as well. It does seem like a catch-as-catch-can process, but is leveling out as we return to our normally scheduled lives.
ReplyDeleteGive yourself all the time you need to recover. You've been missed ...as you can see by all the comments. Yes, getting old is no picnic but I've made it to 82 and am still upright so I guess I'll count my blessings. So glad you are back !
ReplyDeleteDear Arkansas Patti, I am so relieved that you are feeling somewhat better. This aging business is, as Bette Davis so famously said, "not for the faint-hearted." Like you, I am grateful that I've lived this long when so many die so young. In my mind, I'm 42, but the body hasn't gotten that message. I so hope that soon you will wake one morning and find yourself truly renewed and ready to take up the reins of your life. Until then, I encourage you to be patient with yourself and gracious to yourself. Peace.
ReplyDeleteHi Patty, I have missed your posts. It is good to hear that you are doing better and you sound very positive and upbeat. When Mark had his 4 bypasses, we were so shocked...but since have heard story after story of folks who have gone through this.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a blessed and happy Thanksgiving!
Glad you are home safe and sound. Take it easy as you regain your strength.
ReplyDeleteYou have been through too much! I'm glad you are starting to feel better. Thank goodness they found the blockage. Take care of yourself, Patty. Don't start doing too much. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteHang in there Patty. I'm rooting for ya....:)
ReplyDeleteTrust things are getting a bit easier. Have you tried blogging using an ipad or tablet? It might be less uncomfortable than sitting at a computer. Every Blessing from Freda at Dalamory. www.freda.org.uk
ReplyDeleteBrighid,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much and I hope I have the good reactions that the Cowman had.
Peter,
Thank you Peter, Your wishes arrived warm and welcome after such a long trip.
Patty,
Thank you and God bless you child, you have really been thru the mill. Shingles is no fun at all and right now my sister is battling cellulitis. Age does bring its challenges doesn't it?
Linda M,
Thank you. For some the pacemaker is an easy fix, others, not so much. I guess we just have to be grateful that the options are there.
Ginnie,
Ah, you give me hope gal and you seem to be doing well with that ole demon age. I want to grow up to be just like you.
Dee,
Thank you so much and I hold the same hope as you. I do believe it will happen.
Terri,
I know you and Mark have been through it and hope he is back to his old--naw--better self now. It is amazing what they can do these days to keep us chugging along. Thank you.
NC Mountainwoman,
Thank you, I am glad for the extra years medicine has bought me.
Sally,
Thanks Sally, I am trying to be patient. Just miss being active but know that will again happen.
TB,
Thanks, that really means a lot.
Freda,
Thank you so much for stopping by with the kind words of encouragement. I don't have either an iPad or tablet--maybe I should think of getting one though as computer sitting still bothers me. I would need a router since we have no service here. Ah, the joys of country living.
Dropping back by to check on you. {{hugs}}
ReplyDeleteYou're in no hurry. . . slowing down is AOK. So glad you're not ignoring symptoms. I'm certainly thinking good thoughts for you and your ticker, Patti. Should you hear of an especially doctor in my neck of the woods, I'll get your room ready.
ReplyDeleteYesterday I went to buy some new walking shoes. I found a brand that's supposed to correct pronation, thus helping knees and ankles. I tried on some that looked like mesh running shoes as well as a pair that looked like black leather oxfords. I was undecided and texted my daughter a photo of my feet--one in each shoe. She wrote back that I should get the running shoes, that the others looked like old lady shoes, to wait 15 years before buying those. HAH! Then I looked at the prices. I wrote her back: Thanks for your advice, but the black ones were 40% off. Love, Old Lady Mom.
I am so glad to hear from you. I missed you and have often thought of you . I hope that you will be a lot better in the new year. You are always so good humoured and optimistic. You are a model to all of us. You are right :"old age is not easy to accept and deal with".
ReplyDeleteI wish you a great month of December.
Wil
So glad you're feeling better and even havivg a laugh. You must be well to be able to have a laugh in hospital. Be strong, see you soon.
ReplyDeleteCame to check on you and read that you got a stent. Hope that takes care of your heart discomfort. Yes, the pills can cause havoc on your system. I was on so many, too, for the first year and then gradually was weaned off them - now only take a baby aspirin. However, I felt very weak and vulnerable for awhile. Having heart issues is definitely scary! Hugs to you from CO - I hope Santa brings you something to make you smile.
ReplyDeleteI am so happy to hear you are here and keeping your good humor, Patti. You are truly a blessing for all of us. Your posts are like dessert to me. Please take good care of yourself! Have a soothing holiday and come back to us strong in 2016 if not sooner.
ReplyDeleteWas thinking about you sweet Patti and came by to check on you. Hope you are getting all better and will be doing just fine very soon. Love and hugs, Maggie
ReplyDeleteHappy holidays Patti!!
ReplyDeleteYou are in my thought.
Terri,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the drop in. Very much appreciated. I am progressing, just not at the speed I'd like. I have high hopes for 2016.
Mary Lee
Ha,ha that reminds me of my banking days when they made us wear Old Lady Shoes with barely elevated but broad heels. Thanks for the chuckle and the offer of a room.
Reader Wil,
Thank you so much for stopping by and your good wishes. I have missed you too and hope to get back in the saddle after the first.
Molly M,
Thank you so much for stopping by for a cheer up. I have a weird sense of humor and can find most things funny given time.
Barb,
You nailed it. "Fragile" is the descriptive word and has been a new state for me. Am doing much better, even enjoying Cardiac Rehab. These comments have made me smile so Santa can rest.
Kay,
Thank you so much. You always say the nicest things. Never thought of my posts as dessert but am so happy you do.
Maggie,
So happy to hear from you and I will be visiting again soon. I have thought of you so often and just hope things are getting just a bit easier.
DDD.
Thank you so much for stopping by and for putting me in your thoughts. That means so much. Back at ya for a great Holiday.
Still thinking about you and hoping you are slowly recovering. I miss your posts.
ReplyDeleteDearest Patti,
ReplyDeleteHope you still remember me as my name keeps a changing from Beaulah to Inday, and now Jaca Randa which in itself is a purple flowering tree! Since my computer died, so is my blogging days. My Parched Paper and the Quill is out of circulation as nothing has been filled in there... How I came to be alive in your commentary box is by the strong urge of nostalgia. I've been cleaning up my email by getting rid of those unwanted junks and spams that clogged my storage space for years... Cleaning every corner. One by one. Inspecting every fiber of cobwebs like putting every minute particle under a microscope - and Lo and behold - there goes your response on my Just A Few - Year in Review 2011! I was lying on a Stonehenge I mean on a broad rock, bedrock you call it - and my two daughters started their own epic drama why I was there in all my Asianess cuteness. I still very much think of you. Now as I'm over 60 myself I can't tell you where on earth I have placed your postal address. I ventured coming over to visit your blog today - your tracker will tell you- to find you if you're still okay. Thank God, you are! I've been missing a lot about what's going on outside my box and how relieved am I that you're still in your bright spirit to spare us a ton of your humour. I was in America last 2013. I was supposed to meet up with a guy but it didn't eventuate. Instead I landed visiting old time friends whom I didn't see for 4o years - then you can imagine what a joyful reunion we had! I also met up a fellow poet in one forum where we used to be members and other unknown relatives there. In turn, I visited Texas, Nevada via Oklahoma and few other places around California. For now, I am a Grandma of two. They came in my 60's and plus. Happy to see you still writing Patti. Love to you. God bless. Leah Dancel
SO glad to hear from you today... I've been thinking about you and wondering how you are... Hope your health is getting better and better. I miss your weekly blogs. Of course, I haven't been blogging much myself --but I do want to keep up with my special friends like YOU.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you and yours. I hope and pray that 2016 is a great year for us both.
Betsy
Patti, thinking of you this Christmas! I think of your dog and hope it is not to hard for you to handle while you are sick. If you could just give a little shout out as to how you are feeling it would be much appreciated. Merry Christmas a day late! : )
ReplyDeleteDear Patti,
ReplyDeleteAlthough I don't always leave a comment, I love reading your blog and the stories you tell. I'm happy to hear of your progress and hope 2016 if filled with everything healthy, joyful and blessed. Happy New Year.
Dec. 31st, 2015 ... HAPPY NEW YEAR ... dear Blogger friend ... and all best wishes for you and yours. I look forward to receiving your comments in 2016.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Patti. Welcome to 2016. I hope you have just been lazy about blogging or too busy like I have been. Don't want to think anything is wrong. You are missed and we are all eager to see what fun you will have this year.
ReplyDeleteLL Cool Joe,
ReplyDeleteThanks for dropping in Joey. I am getting better and hope to start posting soon.
Inday,
Wow, haven't heard from you in ages. Good to know you are doing OK. Lets not be strangers.
Betsy,
So good to hear from you again. I'll be back soon--honest. Hope you and George have a wonderful and adventurous 2016.
Rita,
Thank you so much for your kind thoughts and wishes. Back at ya. I will be back soon--I hope. I am getting better.
Diana,
Thank you for stopping by and for the comment. Comments mean a lot. Wishing you the same for a great 2016. I should be back soon.
Ginnie,
Thank you and hope you have a great year in store also. I have missed everyone and hope to be back soon.
Grannie Annie,
Thank you and hope the same for you. Sometimes when we pack years on our bones, it takes longer to heal. Think I have it mostly solved now so should see everyone soon.
Hey there, dear Patti.....Thanks so much for coming by and for your Heartfelt Good Wishes!! As I have been saying for many years, whoever coined the phrase "The Golden Years"--Never Got There!" (LOL) I'm laughing through my Aches and Pains....And I'm so glad that you are too, my dear......You have had one hell-of a Sh*tty year!!!! May 2016 be a much much better one for everyone in the world, and for all those who have lost loved ones so dear to them...... And for you, dear dear Patti.....Wishing you Good Health and much Happiness! Sending you Big Healing Hugs. (((((((HUGS)))))))
ReplyDeleteI am so happy that you are back and that you're starting to feel better. Lots of gas is a real pain, I hope it'll be completely gone soon!
ReplyDeleteI totally hear you about the medication - doctors don't even bother to ask what else a patient is taking, which can be very very dangerous. I'm so sorry to hear you had to go through this.
Your invention ideas are awesome!
Have a wonderful, happy and healthy new year!
Lots of hugs to you,
Beate