Prayers and Er .. Please.

[Chris]

Sending prayers ??

[quietdynamics]

Yeah.. got the all clear call just after 2PM  and we arrived home around 6:00

DH is showered and relaxing.  Whew.

Mentioned a Cardiac Rehab program to DH and he has already mentioned it to Cardiologist.
Learn some new skills.

Especially as in winter months we tank here in the north.

Dr. tweaked some of his meds on a trial basis. BP and diabetes.

We have labs from hospital.

His mother just turned 80 and lives almost 400 miles away.. so we did not tell her.
His brother is far and is a paraplegic .. so why stress more people.
Daughter is on the other coast.

Son helped us, he is local and relieved. Even then we referred to it as a 'cardio-event'
Neighbor has helped with granddaughter. So I only told people who could actually help.

And fellow Sjogrens, as we are used to medical 'adventures' and you have been wonderful.

I sat in my garden space to try to breath this morning and just get 'centered' so I could be there.
Last afternoon my ankles where swollen, even where my purse had been bouncing from walking felt bruised, some aches, way more driving than normal,  well you know... a major push out of the zone.  Think I will try to push myself a bit more, in an even manner on a daily basis?

We will learn the full extent of the 'event' at the follow-up appts.. plural.
Cardio, internist, Endo. (which is why I said DO NOT leave with out labs).
I did not play warrior .. just pulled up out front and let transport bring DH to the car.

Time to rest and pamper..

Thank you again, everyone.
Wishing you and yours the Best. 

[Carebear]

Good news indeed, QD.  Good news indeed.  Here's to happy, healthy days ahead for all of us.

[irish]

Miracles are always possible. Irish

[Joe S.]

I am glad you have a positive outcome. You may want to consider going to cardiac rehab with him. My wife joined with me. It will be nice to go together again once my system gets back to what was my new normal.

[Carolina]

Dearest QD,

A 'cardio-event' is a major life event, no doubt about it.

rest and pamper.......

Hugs, Elaine

[Bucky]

Quiet - just now reading this thread - sorry to hear your husband had a heart attack, but glad the surgery went well and he is home now.

You seem to have handled everything well at a time when your world gets turned upside down so unexpectedly.  At times like those, you do what you have to do.

It always seems that the "waiting" is the hardest part.

Of course you know, now that the surgery is over, that is only the first step - then comes many months of "getting back to normal" with therapy, doctor appointments for follow-up, etc.  You've been down this road before.  I hope this time things continue to go smoothly for both hubby and you.  With time, you have learned what your limitations are as you deal not only with your Sjogren's, but also life events that happen with family, etc.

Just a suggestion - get a folder or big manila envelope and keep all the information pertaining to your hubby and this journey he is on all together and take it with you to all appointments.  Of course, get any written papers you can to add to this folder.  In this age of computers, tablets, etc., I still prefer to have an actual piece of paper in my hands to show the doctors - they might skip over something on the computer screen.  Seeing it in black and white seems to help (at least it does for me). 

Be kind to yourself and take some time for yourself too - it's not being selfish, you have to take care of yourself first before you can begin to help others.  Even 10 minutes of sitting and doing nothing, or going for a quick walk or sitting out in the garden - just to refuel. 

Best wishes to you both.

Hugs,
Bucky

[quietdynamics]

Thank you again for all the support.

DH is happy to be home. Soccer on TV. We took two short walks. Second one I had to coax him.
Then he thanked me.  Just him being in bed for 4 days is zapping.

We will have a clear, better understanding at Cardiologist follow-up.
A number of medical terms were bantered about unexpectedly.
(I was thrown by visits from nephrologist (although due to one med DH takes a certain dye could not be used for a test and he has Diabetes. Kidneys were being flushed)  Muscle compromise?  Some arteries closed (beyond repair)?

Not like appts when we walk in prepared. Feel a semblance of control.

Cardiologist is very positive and says DH should be back on golf course soon.
We eat a healthy diet, DH is active, we have a good, sound mental attitude..

The rehab program is this one:
http://www.princetonhcs.org/phcs-home/what-we-do/university-medical-center-of-princeton-at-plainsboro/what-we-do/clinical-centers-for-care/center-for-cardiac--pulmonary-care/cardiac-rehabilitation.aspx

Except:
More than 450,000 Americans will suffer fatal heart attacks this year .. emergency angioplasty – a critical lifesaving procedure

Emergency angioplasty is a procedure to open clogged arteries in response to a heart attack. interventional cardiologists, emergency angioplasty quickly increases the flow of blood and oxygen through blocked arteries without the need for invasive heart surgery. By quickly locating and treating the site of the blockage, emergency angioplasty reduces the damage to heart muscle and helps the heart function better in the future.

Of course DH had been having symptoms for 5 days.
Started while away for his mother's 80th birthday.
He rode his motorcycle about 800 miles solo.

Then the question is: 3 procedures (1st opened sternum..) how many repairs are realistic.
Loathe to ask that one.

We have been blessed during this in so many ways.
DH with a group who knew he was in trouble.
I am on new treatment protocol and better able to be there.
New cardiologist.
And I have support of people who understand medical issues.

We are working on what to tell his mother .. probably more like his procedure in 2011, since she is familiar with that one.
And I will call daughter later today.
Granddaughter we told, he got dizzy on golf course. And being home "No wrestling" 

[susanep]

I know you have a lot ahead of you quietdynamics. When one is sick with a couple it's both working for recovery. You and your husband will remain in my prayers. I am glad he is getting the care he needs and you both are positive. Keep in touch when possible with your centering place.

susanep

[Jasper]

I am glad that things are going better for both of you. I am hoping all of the upcoming appointments and procedures go well. Wishing you the very best.

[quietdynamics]

Dh is doing exceptional.
He has already gone out with son to play golf w/ a cart.
He just left for driving range.

We had follow-up appt with Cardiologist; very informative.
I did not learn DH blood sugar was @ 450 at time of cardio event until night before.
I am sure emergency Drs. were juggling .. that is what I said to Cardiologist and his eyes lite up in agreement. Whew.

New med is BRILINTA: "used to lower your chance of having another heart attack or dying from a heart attack or stroke"
Right side of heart( muscle) is "compromised". 
There is damage.

Go play golf and stay off motorcycle. DH is dashed about bike. So maybe around fall he can take some day trips with group he belongs.

Dr. was happy with DH overall physical condition,  diet, exercise, stress coping mechanism/attitude 
Wrote script of  Rehabilitation Program.

DH sugar levels are still higher than prior. But, things take time. Body really got whacked.

Picked-up car from golf course. Have to talk to DH about sending something over for staff?

Sjogrens/Fibro homefront.
After Cardiologist visit, my body went into crash mode, to be expected. Just a 'limp rag".
And estate stuff still going on.

Time and moments to re-evaluate.
So happy with progress with physical and mental abilities with Methodrexate during  our normal routine. But, the "normal" routine has been a long adaptation based on my limitations.
Realized while DH was in hospital how much we operate as a team. More on him, as he always picks up the pieces when I falter.
I would like to be in a team place of better equilibrium.

I waited a few days.
And in a low tone asked; "Do you want to talk about what happened".
At first he said he was fine.. then slowly opened up.

Our current running joke.. is do not leave the home without kissing me goodbye!!
(.. remember what happened when you did.  ~.~  )

He spoke to his mother, just that he had a procedure and new Cardiologist .. so we are moving forward.

Thank you everyone.
And wishing all .. "the best"

[Carolina]

Whew, QD.......'moving right along'.

I'm sure one reason you are coping so well is that you have assembled a good medical team of your own and know that they are they, to get your back when needed.  Yes, you crashed, but I doubt if you had the fear and frustration you were feeling two or three years ago.

For me that makes all the different in the world.

Yesterday I saw my Duke cardiologist.  She didn't treat me for the 3 angioplasties and 2 stents I had 15.5 years ago, but I know she is there for me, that the entire Duke system is there for me, on call.  I'm doing very  very well, but honestly, I know it's just a matter of time.  Of all the conditions I have the 'least disabling or even bothersome' is my heart condition....but it is the most dangerous and surely my 'exit visa'. 

Unless I'm hit by a car (or some other unexpected accident) my coronary artery disease is the most serious condition I have, and I don't even notice it.  I do take three meds and huge Omega 3 capsules twice a day, of course.

The luckiest thing for me is that I'm NOT diabetic.  How I missed diabetes is beyond me, QD.  just the 'luck of the draw' I imagine.

Anyway, your husband is fortunate to be part of your team, and to have a guy to do stuff with.....your son.  Which is so ego boosting and restoring his sense of 'being a regular guy".

But he may have some 'rebound depression' QD.  Heart 'events' really can shake you to the core, and usually do.  The sense of order and control, so important, to men, is shattered.

Men do NOT do well lying on their backs with tubes, I've found.

Is he going to cardiac rehab?  He may get some group support there, indirectly of course. 

We all need rehab for life I think, and group support, direct and indirect.

I'm glad things are going well....

Hugs,  Elaine

[Carolina]

Hi again QD:

Very relevant article in Today's NYT:

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/21/health/saving-heart-attack-victims-stat.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=second-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news

Hugs, Elaine