This was something we gals talked about at our lunch. Who has had what medical problems, assidents and surgeries. It sounds kind of morbid, but was actually kind of funny and encouraging to see how well we are all doing.
I had open heart surgery a few months ago. It was a three vessel bypass and an aoritic valve replacement. My daughter said, 'Mom, when they cut you open Hagendauz Ice Cream Bars, In and Out cheese burger, and Butterfinger candy bars are going to come pouring out.' I have proven you cannot abuse your body for almost 6 decades and think there will not be severe consequences. Luckily I did not have a heart attack and have been able to prevent any permanent damage to my heart. So, it is cardiac rehab and a very careful diet. I am very grateful to be alive and feeling so great. I am still a little sore from having my sternum sawed in half. It has been a lot of work and a tough way to get motivated to take good care of myself, but I am grateful to have the opportunity.
I know Bill Richardon has been through tremendous experiences due to his horrible accident. I heard wind that Mike Elkins had a stent put in his heart. Lets hear about all the others.
I had a mild heart attack back in 2005. No damage thankfully. I've got a stent in one of my arteries. My doctor is always after me to eat better and exersize, but I just can't seem to stick with it. I've been doing a little better lately but I need to make it a life long thing, which is tough for me. I'm hoping this reunion will be an insentive to lose a few lbs. before making the trip to Arizona.
I was born with a Binormal Heart. The EKG I was hooked up to showed me to have a strong heart. A normal Aorta Valve has 3 leaflets to put oxygen in the Blood. I was born with 2 leaflets. So my Blood Pressure is Normal and my heartbeat is slower than everyone else. In fact it sounds like I have a Murmur, but it is normal for a Binormal Heart to sound this way. My warning signs is if I get a chest pain that does not go away. I am to check myself into emergency. But over the last 15 years since the diagnosis. I have just had shortness of breath maybe a couple times a month. That goes away with a little break. The Doc also told me that I am not to worry myself with this as a lot of people with Binormal Hearts, never need a Valve Replacement.
Hi Gail and others -- I am grateful that all of you are doing ok now and taking it a little easier. Gail, you've really been through a lot. We're invincible when we're young, aren't we? In 1995, I was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus, an autoimmune disease for which there is no cure and very little in the way of medical advances. I was really running and gunning it working 12 hr. shifts as a nurse, few breaks and Diet Coke and M&Ms when I did. I was also experiencing some stressful situations and not sleeping much. I have really had some down times in the past 14 yrs., but the sun always rises and my faith helps me. As a result of the Lupus, it has affected my kidneys and now I have Fibromyalgia also. I am currently stable on medication. I think one of the hardest things for me in all this has been that I have to admit that I can't do everything or control everything. I have to give it up. I try to stay very active and exercise. Something that is hard for me is the tendency of people to not believe you have health problems if you look ok on the outside and are not in a hospital bed! Has anyone else experienced that?
Wow! Carol, you are still going through a lot. I did not realize you had become a nurse. Me,too. We nurses tend to take wonderful care of everyone but ourselves. I too did the 12 hour shifts, non-stop, with lots of coffe and soda and sweets for quick energy. That is one of the reasons I burned out, after 30 years. I should have quit at 15 years, but my idenity was all tied up into being a nurse. Oh well, at least I lived through it. Then I went back to school and became a paralegal. Yikes! Attorneys are stressful to work for.
I have several friends with fibromyalgia. I know they experience a tremendous amount of pain and fatigue. It is a tough life long diagnosis. Some with Lupus. Wow!
The good news about my injuries is that I met my wife at the hospital. The bad news is that I set off the metal detectors at government operated facilities and checkpoints. The hardest part of getting hurt was having to see my kids watch me come and go in and out of the hospital for five years and again last February. I remember sitting my two boys down back in the late 80's and telling them that I had to have another surgery. Bobby, who was eight, asked which hospital I was going to this time? I told him Mesa Lutheran. He then asked if I could go to St. Joseph's again because they had a better food in the cafeteria. At least the kids aren't afraid of hospitals, doctors and they do love nurses.
Gail, I'm wondering if being a nurse is 'hazardous to your health'! Like you said, nurses take care of others for so long and not themselves. I know so many nurses who wind up with health issues. Other nurses and I used to joke that they will have a special place for us in extended care where we can all be together and look out for each other -- wouldn't that be caretaking to the extreme! Good for you! All the years you put in as a nurse and now a paralegal.
Bill n Gail n Carol. I barely know you guys. But you inspire others with your strengths.
Carol my 'EX-Wife was thought to have Lupus and as we had all these tests done, she ended up having the other thing Gail talks about, and the same steroids ??? to take care of it. The Lupus scare all most made me stay with her.
My new wife who shared nights at the Pioneer Drive In years ago {-: over the last 6 years has been diagnosed with COPD. So we are in the process of getting from 7000 feet to 3300 feet. One positive thing is our horses get neglected for months up here during snow season.
We live in Flagstaff and am working on a house at Cornville. On Page Springs Rd about 3 miles south of the Wineries and about 4 miles south of Page Springs RV and Club they just reopened. The Flagstaff house is on the market, but we live here in Flagstaff now.
Louis, I remember your sense of humor very well. You were in many of my classes from grade school or Jr. High up.
Sorry to hear your wife has COPD that's difficult. Cornville is a nice, quiet place. I just moved from Chino Valley 13 mos. ago. I really liked it up there, but the wind went through like a hurricane sometimes. I decided I was going to use the wood stove, the guy brought me wet wood, a whole cord -- yep I was out there splitting that wood and trying everything to keep the fire going, wind blowing a gale. It was quite the experience and me quite the pioneer woman! Seems all I did was mess with that stove. I loved being able to have a garden and the fresh air -- no smog. I have a friend who lives in Paulden and she has several horses and a miniature cow. Maybe you'll run into her if you move to Cornville. Hope your house sells quickly. I have a feeling we're all going to know each other a lot better by the time the reunion gets here!
Little did we know we've been tromping the same grounds!! From 1995 to 2007, I lived in Prescott Valley. I was an itinerant teacher for the deaf and hard of hearing, travelling to schools in Prescott Valley and Chino Valley. Over the years, I had students at each of the schools in Chino Valley. In such a small community, you may even know the students and families I served!!
Did you work as a nurse while you were in Chino Valley?
I used to hike-climb the T-Butte with Kent all the time in I think 5th grade. Great Guy! I know we did other things to. But going in the Cave up there was big stuff.
We live in Flagstaff and am working on a house at Cornville. On Page Springs Rd about 3 miles south of the Wineries and about 4 miles south of Page Springs RV and Club they just reopened. The Flagstaff house is on the market, but we live here in Flagstaff now.
Louie
When I got hurt the first time there were no options. Maybe I reverted back to my military training or my strong desire to prove those in authority wrong? I've seen too many dead people and those that have to have someone else wipe their butt, when I was given the choice of winning or proving them wrong, my survival was the only choice. I give great pep talks. Call anytime.
In 1978 I was diagnosed with angio sarcoma, cancer of the blood vessels, Docs went in and removed a tumor behind my left knee, They took enough tissue that when I tried to strieghten my leg it made my left butt cheek shine like a bowling ball. God granted me a stay tho, because they got it all, and I required no chemo. lt was a very scary time. Dont worry, I wont compare scars (or cheeks)
Little did we know we've been tromping the same grounds!! From 1995 to 2007, I lived in Prescott Valley. I was an itinerant teacher for the deaf and hard of hearing, travelling to schools in Prescott Valley and Chino Valley. Over the years, I had students at each of the schools in Chino Valley. In such a small community, you may even know the students and families I served!!
Did you work as a nurse while you were in Chino Valley?
Hi Judy, it's great to hear from you. I can't believe we were in the same area. We may have run into each other and didn't even know it. Sounds like you had a rewarding job up there.
Yes, I worked about 5-6 shifts/mo. as a nurse on a locked Dementia/Alzheimer unit. I miss the nice weather, but it's nice to be close to family also.
Where are you working now and are you back in Phoenix?
It's a small world thats for sure.
This was something we gals talked about at our lunch. Who has had what medical problems, assidents and surgeries. It sounds kind of morbid, but was actually kind of funny and encouraging to see how well we are all doing.
I had open heart surgery a few months ago. It was a three vessel bypass and an aoritic valve replacement. My daughter said, 'Mom, when they cut you open Hagendauz Ice Cream Bars, In and Out cheese burger, and Butterfinger candy bars are going to come pouring out.' I have proven you cannot abuse your body for almost 6 decades and think there will not be severe consequences. Luckily I did not have a heart attack and have been able to prevent any permanent damage to my heart. So, it is cardiac rehab and a very careful diet. I am very grateful to be alive and feeling so great. I am still a little sore from having my sternum sawed in half. It has been a lot of work and a tough way to get motivated to take good care of myself, but I am grateful to have the opportunity.
I know Bill Richardon has been through tremendous experiences due to his horrible accident. I heard wind that Mike Elkins had a stent put in his heart. Lets hear about all the others.
Hi Gail -- Just wondering how you're coming along. Hope well.
Didn't you say you were in mental health or something along those lines? Can't remember for sure? Where did you work and what kinds of patients did you deal with? I think it would be interesting to sit down with other nurses and talk about our experiences and where we worked, etc. Do you know anyone else beside Diane and Peggy Schneider who are/were nurses?
Take care -- Carol
In 1978 I was diagnosed with angio sarcoma, cancer of the blood vessels, Docs went in and removed a tumor behind my left knee, They took enough tissue that when I tried to strieghten my leg it made my left butt cheek shine like a bowling ball. God granted me a stay tho, because they got it all, and I required no chemo. lt was a very scary time. Dont worry, I wont compare scars (or cheeks)
Hi Jerry! I didn't know you had gone through that ordeal with the cancer. I am glad that you didn't require the chemo and that you are the fun-loving, happy guy you are today! (well, always have been)
Carol
Not me, but my second grandson, when age 3, had to have a heart valve operated on, at Children's Hospital in Denver (he's now 11). In just a couple of weeks Tyler was sprinting laps around the yard, the surgery having given him an amazing burst of strength. Those folks at Children's are amazing!
Hi Gail, Carol, Bill and all,
You have all been through so much and remain so positive and upbeat. I salute you all and wish you all the best. Ted and I have been blessed with good health so far, but the end of April this year our oldest son was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. He has had surgery and has started his chemotherapy. The tests show that it has not spread and we are very hopeful for his complete recovery. While it is extremely rare for someone his age to get colon cancer it is not for people our age. The doctors think that the colonoscopy saved his life. The doctors also insisted that all immediate family members be screened because of a possible genetic connection. It was something that I had put off, as my mother died from a perforation during a colonsocopy. I did have a colonoscopy and I urge you all to have one. The fear of it was worse than the actual test and colon cancer is very treatable if caught in time.
The last month and a half have been tough. This website has been a comfort. I have enjoyed reading all the comments and looking at all the pictures. Bringing back memories of happy times and good friends.
Hi Nancy,
Thank you for sharing your experience about your son and that the colonoscopy prob. saved his life. My thoughts and prayers for his continual healing are with you and him. I know it's a concern to all. Here I am a nurse and refused to have it done until last year. I had seen a guy screaming through it while I was a student nurse and it scared me half to death. They do it so well now, that you hardly know they're doing it.
The pics. of you and Ted are good. I enjoyed them.
I remember a lot of the times we had slumber parties, etc. with the youth group. I have talked to Shirley a little, but Peggy Schneider has not responded. It would be nice to talk to everyone.
Take care ~
Carol
Nancy:
Thanks for sharing about your son. He and your family are in my prayers also.
My Dad was diagnosed with that same concer at age 60. It took radical surgery (1977) but it worked and he lived another very good 21 years . I have this procedure every 2 years now. Next Tuesday, in fact. The prep is WAY worse than the actual procedure!! I am not looking forward to Monday. lol!
I agree, it's not a bad procedure at all, though my wife thought I was pretty funny coming off the drug they gave me . . . and I thought I was always funny.
I have trouble remembering the word 'colonoscopy' for some reason so call it the 'up periscope' procedure. People seem to know what I'm talking about.
Being raised in Arizona, I wonder how many of us have had skin cancers removed.
Three years of my nursing career was as a GI (gastro-intestinal) nurse. I performed the sedation and assisted the MDs with the scopes. Yes, I agree the prep is way worse than the procedure. My mom died of colon CA at age 56, I was 20 years old. That was back when the routine colon screenings were not performed. I had my first colonoscopy at age 40 and had three polyps removed. If my mother had had one at age forty she would probably never have develope colon cancer. So, no matter how much 'fun' the prep is, keep getting the scopings.
I'll echo the sentiments about the prep being way worse than the actual procedure. I had one a few years ago. They took out one small polyp. Said I was good for another 10 years.
Except for the first few seconds, I was totally unconscious during the procedure. When I woke up I felt wonderful. It was like I woke up from a solid 10 hours of sleep. When they sent me home I was told not to have any alcohol. Of course I was starving, so we (me and my friend who was driving me) stopped for Mexican food and margaritas. Wow, what a buzz I got!!
I agree, it's not a bad procedure at all, though my wife thought I was pretty funny coming off the drug they gave me . . . and I thought I was always funny.
I have trouble remembering the word 'colonoscopy' for some reason so call it the 'up periscope' procedure. People seem to know what I'm talking about.
Being raised in Arizona, I wonder how many of us have had skin cancers removed.
Just had a chunk of crude cut out of my neck. The Arizona sun didn't do us any favors. I go to the dermatologist every 3 months and get a colonoscopy every 3 years. I lose 6 pounds and get a great nap. I'd go back every week if the guts and butt doctor said to.
It's one of the reasons I live in Seattle -- not a lot of scorching sun. I went in for my fourth 'removal' last year. She started in on this little spot on my head, and by the time she was done, she was yelling for the nurse to grab some Vicegrips and 50-lb monofilament to help 'er close the thing up. On the bright side, I got a facelift out of the deal . . . though my friends think I look a little Asian.
