Sunday 18 January 2009

half hearted

last week i went to Norfolk and Norwich hospital to see the cardiac specialist nurse,for my check up.luckily pam had to go the same day,same clinic as she had high blood pressure and the specialist wanted an echocardiogram done.her appointment was 40 minutes after my 2.10 one.we got there and parked,inside the clinic by 1.55.and pam went in at 2.05.lol i was called soon after for an ECG trace,then went in and saw the nurse.really nice chap,good humoured and friendly.we had a long talk about how i was feeling,what i thought of how things were going,etc.he was concerned that after doing anything the least bit strenuous,say hoovering,walking too fast,i get pains in my left arm and some in my chest.so he decided i went and had an echo myself.poor pam had to wait another 2 hours before we finally got away.after the echo was done,i had to go back and see the nurse.he tells me there is damage to the heart,not massive,but he was concerned enough to want to show the consultant the echo.by this time it was getting close to 4.my relief carer comes on a thursday and was with mum,and promised she would keep with her,but even so,i wanted to get away.so he said go home and if the consultant wanted to see me before the appointment i have with him in june,they would write. so,back home via McDonalds for a well needed milkshake.ok bad for me.but it was lovely lol.i left pams,got home at 5.40 and carol,bless her.was still there chatting with mum.she is a lovely lady.a true carer. well today i had a letter.i have to go on the 28th for an exercise test.treadmill.wired up,walk for a certain time,machine gets progressively faster until you reach your predetermined limit. or drop dead? lol.there is a chance,so the nurse told me,there is another artery blocked that the first angiogram missed.the surgeon was looking for the main site of the attack,and repaired that with the stent,but i may have another slightly furred.if the exercise test shows any change in reading,i will then have to go in and have another angio.at least it is only for one night.so,not particularly good news.

Also after the attack i was taken off the pain relief i was taking for my arthritis,which was having great effect on my ankle,as semi steroid pain relievers can cause heart trouble.so,my ankle is blown up,really painful again.oh,and lets not forget our old friend the MS.thats been playing up too.my hands have lost nearly all feeling in them,my eyes have been giving me pain,basically not a happy bunny.lol.but i am alive,i can walk,i can still care.true i take my time,yes i rest a lot more,and my diet has changed.i now eat more oily fish,packed up butter for low fat spread,sobs softly,and am more aware of my body.if i feel tired i rest,the nitro i spray under my tongue works well,and i am grateful to be here.

I should be getting the new car soon,this next week.so that is one good piece of news. mum has had so much worry over me,over being left alone,seeing me have the attack,that it has made her more vague,more out of it than she was.not her fault bless her.so,there we go.up to date on my health,or lack of lol.many,many thanks for all your kind comments and happy birthday wishes to mum,as always you are very caring friends.i can hear lucy worrying as i type this lol,please dont be concerned.i am in good hands.we swear about our health service,the lack of nurses,funding,cleanliness.etc.but i have no complaints.they have treated me so well.take care all,keep warm and well. mort.

HELLEBORUS NIGER. the christmas rose. maybe spring will make us all feel better.ya think??

23 comments:

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

I'm hoping that you are right and Spring will make us all feel better. This winter has been a hard one for sure. Take care and listen to those good medical folk you have there. You sound as though you are in good spirits and that is half the battle I think
'On Ya'-ma

Beth said...

Mort, sound like some rough moments of late, but your good humor always shines through. Sending you hugs, and I know you'll keep us posted.

Love, Beth

Ken Riches said...

No worries my friend, your spirit and attitude will carry you through :o)

jack69 said...

Loved this entry Mort. WE are all glad yu are still here also. Sorry I missed Mum's birthday. Happy Belated Birthday. Lot of us good folk born in January!
TAke care Mort. Good to know you are still around, I know Mum is!
Jack

Yasmin said...

Sounds a bit rough Mort, but making the changes in your diet should help a little, sorry your ankle and the Ms flaring up and causing you so much pain. good news about the car, that will at least give you a measure of independence, and how lucky you were to get your carer she sounds like a treasure.

Regards as always to Mum

Take care
Yasmin
xx

Lisa said...

Morton, I did'nt know you had a blogger journal, XO Lisa

Jan said...

Oh poor brave Mort ,I hope the appointment goes well and they can find a treatment to make you feel better soon ,I am sure your Mum is worried its what Mums do ! it makes me here with the flue pale into insignificience when I think how you cope, bless you ..love Jan xx

Ally Lifewithally said...

Dear Mort ~ You have been going through the ropes lately ~ I just hope you begin to feel better ~ and get onto some medication for your arthritis ~ and the swelling subsides in your ankle ~ It must have been a worry for your Mum whilst you were so ill ~ I hope she can now settle back and rest knowing you are there for her ~ Carol your carer sounds like a treasure you are so lucky to have her ~ Ally x

Sybil said...

Thats funny Mort, I was going to e mail a letter to you tonight just to check on how you were as I hadn't heard from you ..(other than the great send on's) and I hoped that you were ok. I am glad that the hospital are keeping you a good eye on you..please take care friend, Spring/summer will be with us before we know it you will need to build yourself up for the potting up of your window boxes !!
Much Love Sybil xx

ADB said...

Well, let's hope the treadmill machine leads to no more procedures for you after all, Mort. Take it easy, if poss.

Jenny said...

You do realise if we were horses they'd shoot us :-)
Jenny <><

Jmoqueen said...

It's so nice to hear that someone is happy with the services they receive. But I have to say I worry about you too Morty x But as long as you promise me you will take each day as it comes at a slow pace, for now I shall just send you big hugs xx

Lucy said...

Mort I am glad you posted. Have just not visited journals or emailed any one. Flowers!!! God love you for showing flowers. Mort I just wish I could make all bad go away for you. The damned MS and the heart and the arthritis, but I am not liking the symptoms you are saying about the ms. Will e mail later. Lucy

pam said...

Oh My fav other man. I am so sorry to hear about you being so poorly and here is me cracking on with my book unawares. I hope you get some relief from all of this. Keeping you tightly in my thoughts and prayers. Love pam xx

Joyce said...

You've really had a time of it Mort. Let us know what comes next with your health care.
Hugs, Joyce

Jean said...

Hi Mort, So sorry to hear you have been through so much, but you are brave and you will make it through this. My hubby has heart problems they have tried to get him to take the stress test but he want do it. lol. I don't much blame him for that. You take care and hope all goes well. Jean

Sage Ravenwood said...

My dearest Mort, I continue to keep you in my prayers on the smoke. I'm just relieved the drs. are paying close attention to try to get things sorted out for you. It sounds like the woman taking care of your mum while you have these dr. appts. is wonderful to her. Your in my thoughts dear one. (Hugs)Indigo

Jane Thompson said...

Yes Mort - you ARE in good hands but its important that you listen to the advice given and TAKE IT EASY !!
I know its easier said than done but now is the time to be kind to yourself, you are still in recovery remember?
Your brave strong spirit will carry you through my friend,

Love and hugs
Jane
xxxx

Lucy said...

Mort, I forgot to thank you for the greAT FLOWERS. tAKE CARE AND BE CAREFUL. lUCY

Herrad said...

Hello Mort,
Thanks for the comment you left on my blog.

It is good to hear from you and I have been on your blog too very interesting.

Good to get and give support through communicating via blogs.
Brilliant love it.

Hope you are feeling better now please say a belated Happy Birthday to your mum.
Love,
Herrad
here is my partner's blog, he is also my carer
http://screamingrichie.blogspot.com/


Hope

Lisa Emrich said...

Hi Mort,

I also have MS and arthritis (RA) which can be less than fun sometimes. Lately the MS is behaving itself (I never really have feeling in my fingertips) and the RA is getting cranky and causing some sore joints. Hopefully it's just the weather.

Nice to "meet" you.
Lisa

Richie said...

Nice getting to know you a bit. Stay strong and thanks for the support for Herrad and me.
Richie

Herrad said...

Hi Mort,

Hope you are ok look forward to your next post.
Been brilliant getting your comments o my blog thanks for the support.
Love
Herrad