I have been having trouble with the stent that is in the left side of my neck. The neurologist sent me to the hospital for a sonogram. I mentioned to MK that I thought something was wrong on the right side because they spent so much time on it.
Well, the neurologist called me at 9:10 this evening and there is something wrong on the right side. His office will call me in the morning to schedule the MRA. The first time, on the left side, they did an angioplast on both carotids and I just cannot even think about one done again. I'm so tired of tests, meds, drs, and surgeries. I'll book the PCE when I know when.
I'm starting to wonder if all of this is worth the cost. I never had any problems before this disease and now everything starts to fall apart. And they told me the left side could have been from smoking. Now I'm worrying that if the carotid is blocked on the right side, there may be heart blockages. Guess I'll ask him all of this when I see him. Right now I can just throw my hands up in disgust.
Oh, honey, I'm so sorry you've got another thing to deal with. Worrying about blockage is just worrying and won't help. Try to distract yourself until it settles in your mind, finally. Try not to give it playtime. You're one strong lady, with a great attitude. You'll perservere! I'm proud of your spunk throughout the years, and I hope you get past this downspot quickly. I'll tail the PCE with the mustang, just let me know when..."Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." -Confucius
Well, Jo-Ann you and I have held each other up before, we can do it again. I know how worried you are and how badly you don't want to have to deal with surgery again. But as we pointed out a few minutes ago on the phone, the alternative is not acceptable, either. Many prayers coming your way my breast friend and breast sister. Hugs MK
(((Jo-Ann))) I know that all of this gets you down. It is frustrating. You have been through so much, you just want all the problems to go away. But, I know what a tough fighter you are. Look at how far you have come. You can do this. I know you can. No matter what has to be done, you will do it, and we will be right beside you all the way. Just take a deep breath or two and leave it all in God's hands. Hugs, Lauri
"Go confidently into the direction of your dreams. Live the life you always imagined" Thoreau
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
I'm sorry you are going through this. My mother had severe blockage in both carotids and actually blacked out while driving. After her surgery, she was fine. Try not to worry too much (easier said than done, I know). We are here for you and I agree, you can do this! It does get overwhelming, I imagine, but hang in there. Hugs from California!L & H,
Your storey is inspiring to me, and you make me ashamed of myself. This a.m. I was packing for a trip and mentally complaining about packing my "over the counter" meds: eye drops for dry eyes, motrin for joint pain, neosporin for bug bites, flouride for teeth, antihistamines for runny nose, immodium for -- well you know what. All these have been added since my diagnosis, but no real "Meds".
Thank you for making me realize how fortunate I am. Please continue with suggested treatments and get well soon. I need the courage and advice of you "vetrans" so I can face my own treatment and shortcomings.
(((Jo-Ann))), Well, that's quite a plateful you have there. Whatever you decide re: this new turn of events, I'll be there holding you up on the other side of MK.
My heavens, if it isn't one thing, it's another with our health since this wretched disease came to roost inside our bodies.
I'm holding you tightly, my friend. You're in my thoughts and my prayers. L&H's, Luci
In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me lay an invincible summer. Albert Camus
I guess B/C didn't give us a free pass from everything else. My BIL had to have both carotids cleaned out last year. He is doing great and feels much better. I have you in my prayers.
My hands are up in disgust right with yours.
Hugs,
Candy
The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, nor to worry about the future, but to live the present moment wisely and earnestly."
Hi Jo-Ann, I have been MIA for so long but just saw your post and had to reply. You know that you have always been my inspiration so don't give up now! It sucks that there is so much that we have to go through but we are all here for each other. I miss you. L&H, Christi
Jo-Ann- We're all right there with you... I am reserving my seat on the PCE right now (what's this $25.00 refreshment fee?!) I thought we brought our own? I had planned to make brownies..... ;-) Trying hard to help you get thru this with a smile... you are such a strong lady I know you will bounce back from this too. Sending all my prayers to you tonite, for a great outcome.
Jo-Ann: Oh my friend, what can I say? I know how frustrated and angry you are and you have every right to be. It just isn't fair! Especially when you feel that you are really all alone but please remember that we are all there with you. You are not one to give up. If that were the case, you wouldn't be here right now. You are a fighter. You helped me after my rediagnosis. The packages and cards and words of strength that you sent to my family and myself helped us get over the rough times. So, now it is your turn. Whatever you need, I am there. Tx isn't that far from Mo. If I feel that you are giving up, I will jump in the van and pickup any of the gals on the way that want to come with me. Trust me, when we are all there, in your teeny tiny house, you will not know what happened! You won't have a chance to feel anything but positive.
Please remember how much you are loved by all of us here. And please don't be afraid to ask for whatever you need.
Love, hugs, prayers and lots of positive thoughts! Deb
P.S. Since you will have a lady on each side, I will be right behind you, not holding you up but pushing you!
I'm going to need y'all at 1:30pm cause that's when the right-side MRA is scheduled. They have already scheduled me for a follow-up appointment on July 27. I don't think I will be able to wait that long. We'll see what happens.
I'm hoping to squeeze in on the PCE and wish you well, too! I was thinking about you the other day as I have my "Outstanding Mammogram" Award on my wall. You always know how to cheer all of us up just when we need it the most.
I hope we can return the favor! We'll be there for kick-*ss support (and doctor slapping if needed ;-)