Lettie,
Yes, since 1998 I've been involved with heart disease in general since that is when I had my MI and for the past few years have enjoyed talking to others on heart boards that have shared similar problems. You can see I've been a member at HealingWell for 2 years...For the past year I've performed moderating duties on another cardiovascular board, so you could say, I've been around this area for a while. 
Good Luck with your new endeavor with the medical transcription-I think that's great, Lettie! 
Teri
"Because he is he and I am I."......E. V. Lucas
"Because he is he and I am I."......E. V. Lucas
Thanks Terri,
I sure am tired of waking up each morning with this pain in my chest though. I like 4 days it being 2 months since I had the surgery and each time I wake up, whether it is from a nap or overnight sleep, I hurt like crazy. My surgeons nurse said I shouldn't be hurting so bad by now, but I am. Expecially after I make a trip to and from town. Hubby said I guess I shouldn't go to town unless it is to a doctor visit. I did give another Protime test Friday and it came out good again, so now I don't have to do another for a whole month. That is better every week.
I am glad to see that you and Barb and all the others are doing so well from your heart surgeries. It gives me hope that I will do fine and the pain will go away. I just hope it will be soon. hehehe I hope you have a nice day.
Lettie
I sure am tired of waking up each morning with this pain in my chest though. I like 4 days it being 2 months since I had the surgery and each time I wake up, whether it is from a nap or overnight sleep, I hurt like crazy. My surgeons nurse said I shouldn't be hurting so bad by now, but I am. Expecially after I make a trip to and from town. Hubby said I guess I shouldn't go to town unless it is to a doctor visit. I did give another Protime test Friday and it came out good again, so now I don't have to do another for a whole month. That is better every week.
I am glad to see that you and Barb and all the others are doing so well from your heart surgeries. It gives me hope that I will do fine and the pain will go away. I just hope it will be soon. hehehe I hope you have a nice day.
Lettie
Hi Lettie, I heard from my son on Thursday by phone. He is doing good. He works long hours in the shop. 14 hour days and then 12 on Sundays. He's got most of his buddies from the garage in North Carolina with him. I am hoping they just keep him on the base like this. He is very lucky to be staying in a building instead of a tent like most of the troops. He even got a real bed to sleep on instead of the usual cot. The walls in the building are 3 feet thick. That makes me happy. He also said he hasn't heard any gunfire or bombing. He's only been there a week and a half. He has 7-8months over there. I just hope they don't decide to send his wife over there. Yes she's a Marine too. That is how they met when they were both staioned over in Japan. She is a sweet southern girl from Tennessee. She can be a little spit fire though. My son needs that though to keep him in line. Ha Ha.
I graduated from college with a diploma for Medical Assistant in 1994. Medical terminology was my best grade. I got A's in that one. I work in a group home nights which I don't really care for anymore but it pays the bills. It also helps that I can sleep 4 hours a night if no one needs me which is usually the case until about 6am when a few of them get am meds from me. During the day I have a job I work 3 days a week that I really love at a Senior Center. I get to do all sorts of things there. I take care of the front desk and do all sorts of receptionist type things and working on the computer. I also plan our monthly parties and do alot of the cooking for them. Sometimes close to a hundred people. I have helpers though. I do all the decorateing and teach craft classes. I also have a weight loss support group that I teach. I get to use so many of my creative talents. The only way it could be better is if it was full time. I am forced to work 2 jobs because of the rediculous cost of insurance. My insurance right now is 722 a month for family. As soon as my daughter graduates in May she is on her own for insurance because I can drop it down to 450 if I take her off. It's still very expensive but what can I do. I have to have insurance. Well I'm off to walk to the video store now. It takes about 30 minutes so that should be a good walk. We have friends coming for supper. The chicken is in the slow cooker so I'm all set to go now. Hang in there and keep up the good attitude. It's much better to laugh than cry. Talk to you later. Barb
I graduated from college with a diploma for Medical Assistant in 1994. Medical terminology was my best grade. I got A's in that one. I work in a group home nights which I don't really care for anymore but it pays the bills. It also helps that I can sleep 4 hours a night if no one needs me which is usually the case until about 6am when a few of them get am meds from me. During the day I have a job I work 3 days a week that I really love at a Senior Center. I get to do all sorts of things there. I take care of the front desk and do all sorts of receptionist type things and working on the computer. I also plan our monthly parties and do alot of the cooking for them. Sometimes close to a hundred people. I have helpers though. I do all the decorateing and teach craft classes. I also have a weight loss support group that I teach. I get to use so many of my creative talents. The only way it could be better is if it was full time. I am forced to work 2 jobs because of the rediculous cost of insurance. My insurance right now is 722 a month for family. As soon as my daughter graduates in May she is on her own for insurance because I can drop it down to 450 if I take her off. It's still very expensive but what can I do. I have to have insurance. Well I'm off to walk to the video store now. It takes about 30 minutes so that should be a good walk. We have friends coming for supper. The chicken is in the slow cooker so I'm all set to go now. Hang in there and keep up the good attitude. It's much better to laugh than cry. Talk to you later. Barb
Hi Barb,
Boy you are a busy person. I am very happy for your son being in a building. It's nice to have some of your buddies there with you. Maybe it will make the time go faster for him.
I see you must like the medical field also. Have you ever thought of taking a medical transcription course so you can work at home on the side?
What kind of crafts do you do? I see you are very talented. I do crochet, quilting, crosstitch, I do rug kits, some plastic crafting, and of course my flower garden, which isn't a craft but I love doing it and watch them grow.
I talked to my neighbor yesterday, who had heart surgery 20 years ago, and she told me she still gets sore once in a while. I told her not to be telling me that, I don't want any more pain after this passes. hehehehe She is a good friend. I have known her for over 10 years and I didn't know she had surgery. I did know that heart problems run in her family though. I plan on talking to her more about this, I think she can give me some great input on it, don't you? I don't get to talk to her very often, because her and her husband are like us and stay very busy.
Well, I will talk to you again later. Have a nice day kiddo.
Lettie
Boy you are a busy person. I am very happy for your son being in a building. It's nice to have some of your buddies there with you. Maybe it will make the time go faster for him.
I see you must like the medical field also. Have you ever thought of taking a medical transcription course so you can work at home on the side?
What kind of crafts do you do? I see you are very talented. I do crochet, quilting, crosstitch, I do rug kits, some plastic crafting, and of course my flower garden, which isn't a craft but I love doing it and watch them grow.
I talked to my neighbor yesterday, who had heart surgery 20 years ago, and she told me she still gets sore once in a while. I told her not to be telling me that, I don't want any more pain after this passes. hehehehe She is a good friend. I have known her for over 10 years and I didn't know she had surgery. I did know that heart problems run in her family though. I plan on talking to her more about this, I think she can give me some great input on it, don't you? I don't get to talk to her very often, because her and her husband are like us and stay very busy.
Well, I will talk to you again later. Have a nice day kiddo.
Lettie
Hi Lettie,
I'm glad you were able to find someone that you know to talk to-that can really be helpful.
One thing that I was thinking about with you...have they done any chest X-rays since this pain started?? Just wondering...perhaps you may want to enquire about that, okay?!
Be well. Teri
"Because he is he and I am I."......E. V. Lucas
"Because he is he and I am I."......E. V. Lucas
Hi Terri,
Yes they took a chest x-ray about month ago when I had bronchitis and when I saw the surgeon the last time, which was the 28th of February, and everything showed up fine. I have had this same pain since the surgery. It is like a soreness that is real bad. Everyone that I talk to that has had the surgery had the same thing. Everyone healed up at different times with it. My neighbor, who had her surgery 20 years ago, said that she still wakes up with it sometimes. I can tell that sometimes it is not as bad as other times. My foot gives me the worst pain and it isn't the leg that they took the veins from. I go to a podiatrist today, maybe he will be able to help me with that. Then I will be able to get around better and heal this chest problem. I don't get around very good right now, because I can't hardly walk. I need to walk before everything else falls apart. hehehehe Besides I need the exercise. My surgeons nurse said I shouldn't have this much pain either and to work a little harder. But everyone that I talked to who had the surgery said theirs healed at different times too and it took eight weeks or more to get over it. Really though, as far as feeling good, I feel real good, not sick just hurt a lot, expecially when I just get up of the morning or a nap during the day. I am really doing great otherwise. Good spirits except when I just can't take the pain anymore, not sick, good appetite, everything.
Lettie
Yes they took a chest x-ray about month ago when I had bronchitis and when I saw the surgeon the last time, which was the 28th of February, and everything showed up fine. I have had this same pain since the surgery. It is like a soreness that is real bad. Everyone that I talk to that has had the surgery had the same thing. Everyone healed up at different times with it. My neighbor, who had her surgery 20 years ago, said that she still wakes up with it sometimes. I can tell that sometimes it is not as bad as other times. My foot gives me the worst pain and it isn't the leg that they took the veins from. I go to a podiatrist today, maybe he will be able to help me with that. Then I will be able to get around better and heal this chest problem. I don't get around very good right now, because I can't hardly walk. I need to walk before everything else falls apart. hehehehe Besides I need the exercise. My surgeons nurse said I shouldn't have this much pain either and to work a little harder. But everyone that I talked to who had the surgery said theirs healed at different times too and it took eight weeks or more to get over it. Really though, as far as feeling good, I feel real good, not sick just hurt a lot, expecially when I just get up of the morning or a nap during the day. I am really doing great otherwise. Good spirits except when I just can't take the pain anymore, not sick, good appetite, everything.
Lettie
Lettie, you get that foot fixed and I bet that'll help you a whole lot!
I'm glad the x-ray showed nothing there, but once your foot is taken care of, I'm hoping with some more exercise and movement that will help improve things for you.
Best wishes and please keep keeping in touch with us! 
Teri
"Because he is he and I am I."......E. V. Lucas
"Because he is he and I am I."......E. V. Lucas
Good morning,
I found I have a pinched nerve in my foot. So glad it wasn't anything more serious. I have to call the doctor back in 10 days after taking my medicine, which is Ultracet for the inflamation. He said this should cure it. There is inflamation in my foot causing the swelling and pain. I do seem to be walking better after taking 3 of the pills. It is still painful, but not as painful. So more walking that will help my heart also. More good spirits also. I no longer take Vicodin since I am on Ultracet, which both are pain relievers. I don't feel I need both.
I do have another question though. I still have numbness in my left breast and it has almost been 8 weeks. Did either of you have that? The surgeon said it is because they have to under the nerves and it will cause numbness. But does it last this long?
Yes Terri, I think I will keep coming back, cause I enjoy talking to you all. Besides I am a long ways from recovery even if I can walk and get around good. Besides I consider you all friends.
Have a nice day.
Lettie
I found I have a pinched nerve in my foot. So glad it wasn't anything more serious. I have to call the doctor back in 10 days after taking my medicine, which is Ultracet for the inflamation. He said this should cure it. There is inflamation in my foot causing the swelling and pain. I do seem to be walking better after taking 3 of the pills. It is still painful, but not as painful. So more walking that will help my heart also. More good spirits also. I no longer take Vicodin since I am on Ultracet, which both are pain relievers. I don't feel I need both.
I do have another question though. I still have numbness in my left breast and it has almost been 8 weeks. Did either of you have that? The surgeon said it is because they have to under the nerves and it will cause numbness. But does it last this long?
Yes Terri, I think I will keep coming back, cause I enjoy talking to you all. Besides I am a long ways from recovery even if I can walk and get around good. Besides I consider you all friends.
Have a nice day.
Lettie
Good Morning, Lettie!
Did you have a leg vein graft for your bypass, or a mammary artery?
Whenever they 'invade' your body like this, you will find you will have lots of different feelings in the parts that were 'tinkered' with. Most of the time this is to be expected. I had a vein graft taken from my left leg and I still after 6 months feel some numbness over the left ankle and slight pain around the areas where the vein was harvested. If they used a mammory artery, that could explain some of your breast numbness.
Most of the time this is to be expected. I had a vein graft taken from my left leg and I still after 6 months feel some numbness over the left ankle and slight pain around the areas where the vein was harvested. If they used a mammory artery, that could explain some of your breast numbness.No matter what-just the way the rib cage is opened and the heart and lungs maneuvered during the surgery, nerves are damaged a bit and need time for healing. You are such a pleasant person. Try to think of all the positive things that have ocurred from just having this surgery and how lucky we are that this was made available to us! With time, most of your other problems will disappear before you know it. You are still in the very early stages of healing.
I'm glad they're on the way to fixing your foot, that'll be a happy day for you!
Teri
"Because he is he and I am I."......E. V. Lucas
"Because he is he and I am I."......E. V. Lucas
Hi Lettie! Glad they were able to diagnose your foot problem so quick! Good luck with the med helping and I bet you will feel a lot better all over soon! When the feet or back hurt, seems like we hurt all over!
Pat, thank you again-I'm so glad that you found Healing Well again-you were missed!
Teri
"Because he is he and I am I."......E. V. Lucas
"Because he is he and I am I."......E. V. Lucas
Hi Pat and Teri,
Pat I have not had the pleasure of meeting you. I am Lettie, 53 years old and have had a double heart bypass and a valve put in on January 10th of this year. I am fairly new here, but have met some good friends. It seems like since I came home from surgery that I have fallen apart. Terri and all the others have assured me that I will heal and do fine. I surely hope so, for I have 12 grandchildren and a hubby that need me. Besides I am a great asset to the world. hehehehe
I have a pinched nerve in my left foot and it seems to be taking its time healing up. Spring is coming on and I am looking forward to putting out my flowers. It is very difficult for me to walk this way and I still tire out quick. Foot doesn't help any. I might need to cut it off and buy me a new one. What do you think? hehehehe Yes I have a great sense of humor. I have to to get through all of this.
Terri, I had a vein graft in my right leg. Three different places. They are sore to the touch, but otherwise they don't bother me. Right foot is fine. Just sore up and down my leg,expecially on the incisions, but I figure they will heal soon. Scars are looking very good. Chest pain seems to be moving up now. It is on the bone between my shoulders. Of course, it may have already been there and I didn't notice it. It may be the only place that hurts now and that is why I noticed. Of course, it hurts the worst when I get out of bed as usual.
The medicine they gave me for my foot doesn't seem to be working all that well. I don't know how long it should take before you notice a difference. It has been 5 days today. He gave me Ultracet for it. After 10 days I am supposed to call him and let him know. If it didn't work he is going to give me something else.
But other than that nothing else has happened and I am still alive, just impatient. hehehehe As you can tell, I am not a couch potatoe. I love getting around and going outside. Expecially in the Spring and Summer. As that songs says, I will survive, I will survive.
You all have a nice day now.
Lettie
Pat I have not had the pleasure of meeting you. I am Lettie, 53 years old and have had a double heart bypass and a valve put in on January 10th of this year. I am fairly new here, but have met some good friends. It seems like since I came home from surgery that I have fallen apart. Terri and all the others have assured me that I will heal and do fine. I surely hope so, for I have 12 grandchildren and a hubby that need me. Besides I am a great asset to the world.
heheheheI have a pinched nerve in my left foot and it seems to be taking its time healing up. Spring is coming on and I am looking forward to putting out my flowers. It is very difficult for me to walk this way and I still tire out quick. Foot doesn't help any. I might need to cut it off and buy me a new one. What do you think? hehehehe Yes I have a great sense of humor. I have to to get through all of this.
Terri, I had a vein graft in my right leg. Three different places. They are sore to the touch, but otherwise they don't bother me. Right foot is fine. Just sore up and down my leg,expecially on the incisions, but I figure they will heal soon. Scars are looking very good. Chest pain seems to be moving up now. It is on the bone between my shoulders. Of course, it may have already been there and I didn't notice it. It may be the only place that hurts now and that is why I noticed. Of course, it hurts the worst when I get out of bed as usual.
The medicine they gave me for my foot doesn't seem to be working all that well. I don't know how long it should take before you notice a difference. It has been 5 days today. He gave me Ultracet for it. After 10 days I am supposed to call him and let him know. If it didn't work he is going to give me something else.
But other than that nothing else has happened and I am still alive, just impatient. hehehehe As you can tell, I am not a couch potatoe. I love getting around and going outside. Expecially in the Spring and Summer. As that songs says, I will survive, I will survive.
You all have a nice day now.
Lettie
Hi Lettie!
That darned foot again! I'm glad you have such a great attitude, cuz it seems the bypass surgery 'stuff' is doing great! When you speak of the pain between your shoulders-you are referring, to the chest area?? If that's the case, then I think you are doing super! Unless a specific area seems infected...that pain will start to diminish each day.
That's great that you are not a couch potato-it will keep you going a lot longer that way.
As far as 'surviving'? You already are a survivor and may wear that shirt and title proudly!
Teri
"Because he is he and I am I."......E. V. Lucas
"Because he is he and I am I."......E. V. Lucas
Hi Terri,
Yes, I was referring to the chest area. Everything seems to being running smoothly with the surgery. I have even noticed after being up for a while in the morning, that the pain and soreness is not so bad. I think it just may be healing up after all. Of course I have to watch how far I stretch just yet, because it can still hurt till I do a few more exercises. Of course, I believe after this weather straightens up, then I will be doing a whole lot more. You know what spring can do to you? hehehe These cold, rainy, snowy days can sure turn you off of everything. I got to go outside a little while Saturday and it sure felt good. I went out and sat on my front porch and just imagined the flowers in bloom. Oh, it was pure heaven, but then on Sunday it turned cold again and I was stuck inside. But it won't be long, just 7 more days till spring. Yippee!
I hope you had a nice weekend.
Lettie
Yes, I was referring to the chest area. Everything seems to being running smoothly with the surgery. I have even noticed after being up for a while in the morning, that the pain and soreness is not so bad. I think it just may be healing up after all. Of course I have to watch how far I stretch just yet, because it can still hurt till I do a few more exercises. Of course, I believe after this weather straightens up, then I will be doing a whole lot more. You know what spring can do to you? hehehe These cold, rainy, snowy days can sure turn you off of everything. I got to go outside a little while Saturday and it sure felt good. I went out and sat on my front porch and just imagined the flowers in bloom. Oh, it was pure heaven, but then on Sunday it turned cold again and I was stuck inside. But it won't be long, just 7 more days till spring. Yippee!
I hope you had a nice weekend.
Lettie
Thank you, Lettie. I had a very nice warm weekend. Even got the itch to look at some nurseries, but didn't buy anything yet. I figure I'll give it just a week or so longer to make sure before another cool front comes along. Though, my husband already has onions and tomatoes planted in his vegetable garden! We can always cover those, if necessary.
weekend. Even got the itch to look at some nurseries, but didn't buy anything yet. I figure I'll give it just a week or so longer to make sure before another cool front comes along. Though, my husband already has onions and tomatoes planted in his vegetable garden! We can always cover those, if necessary.Yes, the weather can play havoc on surgical areas! So I hope some warmth heads your way soon. I'm so happy to hear that you seem to be doing better, Lettie!
You take care and please keep me posted!
Teri
"Because he is he and I am I."......E. V. Lucas
"Because he is he and I am I."......E. V. Lucas
Yes I will keep you posted.
We always wait till after Easter to plant, because most generally all the cold snaps are gone. I can't wait. I have bought some saddles for my railings to put some impatien plants in on my front porch. I also have some other different ideas for my other flowers this year. Can't wait to see how they turn out. Plus, I have to finish my rock bed. I didn't quite get it finished last year. Then I have a smaller rock bed that I want to redue. I have a lot planned for this year. I do have a little helper, that just loves to garden. He is a God send to me. He is really learning a lot too. He just doesn't relize that this year he will be doing most of it. LOL But he will do a good job.
Have a nice day Terri.
Lettie
We always wait till after Easter to plant, because most generally all the cold snaps are gone. I can't wait. I have bought some saddles for my railings to put some impatien plants in on my front porch. I also have some other different ideas for my other flowers this year. Can't wait to see how they turn out. Plus, I have to finish my rock bed. I didn't quite get it finished last year. Then I have a smaller rock bed that I want to redue. I have a lot planned for this year. I do have a little helper, that just loves to garden. He is a God send to me. He is really learning a lot too. He just doesn't relize that this year he will be doing most of it. LOL But he will do a good job.
Have a nice day Terri.
Lettie
Lettie,
That saddle idea sounds super!! I bet you have many great gardening ideas?!
One thing I like to do with Herbs...I buy cheaply, or get for free those plastic black pots from the nurseries? Then decide which Herbs are going in and I use fabric-type paint from the craft section at any store in any pastel colors you like, and write in sort of a fancy lettering what Herb is in each pot on the outside! It looks pretty and you can get even fancier and prettier by drawing (stenciling) flowers, etc. on the pots...and what was once, just an old cheap black pot, now has edible Herbs in them right out my back and front door!! They give out wonderful aromas and are just an arm's reach away for using in any meal and they look nice, too!!
Happy Spring Gardening to You All!
Teri
"Because he is he and I am I."......E. V. Lucas
"Because he is he and I am I."......E. V. Lucas
We have done that to the pots that I put my plants in also. I also put artificial flowers in my plants to make them look even prettier. You know the baskets with handles that you can buy peaches in, I took those and put aluminum foil on the bottom and put my Philadandrons in them. You can also paint the baskets and put plastic in them instead.
You know you might think we are getting off the topic of this website, but actually we aren't, because it does a heart and body good to work with gardens and plants. I love to watch them grow. Since what happened to me, I think I appreciate them even more.
Lettie
You know you might think we are getting off the topic of this website, but actually we aren't, because it does a heart and body good to work with gardens and plants. I love to watch them grow. Since what happened to me, I think I appreciate them even more.
Lettie
We're never too far off topic, Lettie, when it comes to lightening up one's day, or making someone smile and feel good!
Texas Hugs, Teri
"Because he is he and I am I."......E. V. Lucas
"Because he is he and I am I."......E. V. Lucas
That's right Terri, and if there is anyway that I can make someones day and give them a smile, I am there.
Thought I would let you know the chest is much better. Mostly sore of a morning, but I can tolerate it. Past my 8 weeks though. hehhehe During the day it is not so sore. If it wasn't for my pinched nerve in my foot I could get around better. I tell you though, when the foot gets better and I can do my normal work, my work is cut out for me. The dusting and cleaning I will have to do is getting enormous. My husband and daughter-in-law are cleaning for me, but you know how it is, they just don't clean the way you do yourself. But bless their hearts, they try. I just don't feel right telling them what to do when they are volunteering in the first place. Know what I mean? hehehee But I am afraid things will have to wait a little while longer. I don't want to overdue and end up back in the hospital. Maybe when I can start cleaning, they will help me catch up, if I am good to them. hehehehe
You have a nice day. Counting down till after Easter, and I can start planting. hehehehe
Lettie
Thought I would let you know the chest is much better. Mostly sore of a morning, but I can tolerate it. Past my 8 weeks though. hehhehe During the day it is not so sore. If it wasn't for my pinched nerve in my foot I could get around better. I tell you though, when the foot gets better and I can do my normal work, my work is cut out for me. The dusting and cleaning I will have to do is getting enormous. My husband and daughter-in-law are cleaning for me, but you know how it is, they just don't clean the way you do yourself. But bless their hearts, they try. I just don't feel right telling them what to do when they are volunteering in the first place. Know what I mean? hehehee But I am afraid things will have to wait a little while longer. I don't want to overdue and end up back in the hospital. Maybe when I can start cleaning, they will help me catch up, if I am good to them. hehehehe
You have a nice day. Counting down till after Easter, and I can start planting. hehehehe
Lettie