I have a new meaning for "broken hearted," at least according to my doctor.

[GeneL]

mrbigstuff wrote:
Gene, if you have the desire to live and to see those of us who may make thetrip to see you, by all means get your ass to Cleveland!

I have relations who have had major heart surgery at your age, and are using artificial assistance (pacemaker, pig valve).

Can someone familiar start a Go Fund Me page for Gene?

Thanks buddy! I appreciate the thought, not only from you, but from the others that have encouraged going to Cleveland Clinic. As I said before, it was my initial thought, as well.
I just don't see how I can pull that off.
Right now, I can't drive myself to appointments or to even get out to do some shopping. This is brand new for me and terribly depressing. I hadn't had an accident nor a ticket for so many years that I can't even remember when. Now, I'm so stuck, both by not being able to just hop in the car and go and by my having problems doing the most basic things.
Just walking to the mailbox has become a physical challenge. Any small effort leaves me out of breath and after walking short distances I feel as if I've run a mile.
This should give you a picture of what I'm pushing against. As I said, it's so disheartening because I haven't had any indication that I might be able to improve or even get back to what seemed normal, just a few months ago.
Believe me when I say that I am open to solutions!

[mrbigstuff]

Is it congestive heart failure? If so, this is what my family member in her mid 70s is battling.


There appear to be some prophylactic solutions although no real permanent solution, which is okay if you know your limitations, and it sounds like you do.

[CJsNvrUrly]

I don't have any advice to offer. I just want to send you my best wishes.

[rgG]

Sorry to hear this Gene.

[NewtonMP2100]

....sorry for your issues....not religious but will say a prayer......keep your chin up........

[Yoyodyne ArtWorks]

The Cleveland Clinic has a Travel Assistance department that can help you get your transportation to the Clinic arranged. They get patients from all over the world, many in dire physical condition and even bed-ridden. They've seen it all, and they will calmly help you get things sorted.

Appointments 866.320.4573
Questions 800.223.2273

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/patients/...assistance

If it were me, I'd find a way to get my butt there and learn definitively what's wrong, and what can be done about it. The Cleveland Clinic specializes in patients that come from far away, they will help you get this done with far less stress than you might think. When we scheduled my wife's surgery, they were so kind and compassionate that it brought me to tears.

[Uncle Wig]

That's great info, YoYo. Gene, I sure hope you can work out a way to get there!

[$tevie]

I know that everything exhausts you, Gene, but please don't write off the Cleveland Clinic idea too quickly. Please listen to all the good advice and look into ways of getting there as soon as you can.

And chin up. We are all pulling for you.

[N-OS X-tasy!]

CJsNvrUrly wrote:
I don't have any advice to offer. I just want to send you my best wishes.

Me too.

[GeneL]

I had another rough night. My routine has become going to sleep around 4am and sleeping for 5 to 8 hours. For several days now, I abruptly wake up after only 2 to 3 hours of sleep. I feel terribly uncomfortable when I wake up, but I can't pin the reason on a specific. It's a horrible feeling.
I have appreciated the kind thoughts and yo yo's Cleveland Clinic referral numbers. I will definitely call them on Monday.
The support from my friends means a lot to me. Thanks!