Greetings from Saddleback hospital...

[GeneL]

...where they moved me a couple of days ago.

The procedure that was planned couldn't be done in Laguna, so a beautiful young EMT (sorry no pictures) and her partner, along with a nurse, moved me to Saddleback Hospital in Laguna Hills. This is where my cardiologist "practices" and where they are set up to do the proposed angiogram.

Skipping forward, I've decided to hold off on the angiogram because I hadn't been able to discuss it with my doctor and wouldn't see him until 15 minutes before the procedure which had been scheduled for Monday at 7:30a.

I did finally hear from him and he was very understanding about my concerns. Mainly based on the fact that he had already done two angioplasties and here I was again! The risk to my one kidney has been brought up very pointedly and my arteries had been described as being so blocked that they were almost inoperable. As understand it, there are networks of small blood vessels that have been created to take up the slack due to the blockage, but they are too fine to be operated on.

I had some input from a close relative who is a top doctor in Boston. He suggested that one of the options to explore would be to possibly treat my condition with medication. I asked my cardiologist about this and also about having him refer me to Scripps Institute, a leader in cardiology technology in this area. He was very accepting of my thoughts, which I really appreciated.

For now, I'm on several IV's, Heparin (an anti-coagulent) and Ferric gluconate for anemia.

The numbers that I mentioned before were 25% ejection fraction versus 60% optimal, which was where I was previously.

So, that's my story for now. I can tell you that your expressions of concern and friendship have really helped brighten my thoughts, which had become somewhat pessimistic.

Thanks again for your support. It would make very happy if I pull through and was able to put together another MRF Luncheon. The last one was so much fun.

I wish everyone and their loved ones good health and please enjoy it while you can.

GeneL

[N-OS X-tasy!]

Hang in there and be well, buddy.

[GeneL]

Thanks, Dan.

I often wonder how you are doing

[Buzz]

Just like youth is wasted on the young, good health is wasted on the healthy...
so by being old and sickly, you're actually being extremely prudent and not wasting anything!
Of course some silver linings are harder to find and/or appreciate than others, so it's really a matter of learning how to play the hands you are dealt, and showing those snot-nosed, pimple-faced, thumb-sucks of healthy youngin's that gimpy old geezers can also make a deep, and entertaining run in the Main Event. Show 'em that sucking out the occasional big pot on the river isn't a privilege afforded exclusively to the realm of the aggressive Millennial.
==

[Ken Sp.]

Thanks for keeping us updated, this is truly a community.

Sounds like you've received it quite well, and that's no surprise to any of us.

Thoughts are with you and your family, and wishing for good outcome.

[Drew]

Thanks for the update! It seems like better news than the other day.

[gabester]

Gene,

Sorry to hear about your health issues and concerns at the moment; but worse, that you're stuck in a hospital! Hopefully they come up with something that lets you check out of there sooner than later so you can get well in the comfort of your home.

If you ever need some bad advice, you know where to find our expertise...
[spoiler=typical mrf-style]
I'm just waiting for the obligatory hookers and booze answer that someone inevitably will post.
[/spoiler]

g=

[GeneL]

Drew wrote:
Thanks for the update! It seems like better news than the other day.

Thanks, Drew, but actually I'm in a holding pattern., waiting to talk to my cardiologist in order to explore my options.

I'm just now about to knock off at 5:20a. I've been watching a four hour 1941 Japanese movie call "46 Ronin." I wonder if anyone else has seen it?

I stayed up because around this time someone comes in to draw blood and another person comes in to check my vitals. I figured that I'd wait up and then be able to sleep uninterrupted until breakfast. If you've ever been in a hospital you know what I'm talking about. Lot's of interruptions day and night.

Thanks, Buzz, for your "poetic" post, although I"m not quite sure what you wanted to say???

Sad to say, there haven't been any hookers and booze, but considering the conition of my heart, it's probably just as well.

Thanks everyone for continuing to brighten my hospital stay with your kind thoughts.

I'll post an update when there's something to add.

Best wishes to all,

GeneL

BTW, I had previously written a post and when I hit "Preview" I turned my phone to portrait and suddenly my beautifully written post disappeared. Has anyone else had this happen?

[Pam]

For someone with professed negative thoughts you certainly are holding your wits about you and not giving up. You thought things through, did your research, and didn't jump at the first suggestion. Talk about being a ship in a storm! Mental attitude can play a huge role when it comes to health.

I still think you are going to be around for quite some time. Keep using that wonderful brain to lead you to treatment and recovery.

[OWC Jamie]

Man oh man I think I'd go for a third or even fourth angioplasty and the meds considering the alternatives.
Whatever, get it done, in the past and gtfout of Dodge. A hospital is no place to be, despite being the best pace to get things patched up.
Your car doesn't like being on a lift either. Lift places are full of tinkerers.


Get vertical man.