It was a mixed bag. John saw the cardiologist on Friday. They said the expected, that his heart valve is damaged. But they couldn't say whether or not this was exacerbated by the recent infection or that extent of damage had been there all along, since he's been living with mitral valve prolapse for years. They want to see him again in three months for a follow-up and to discuss surgery.
Many decisions to make, eventually. For example -- does he go with the pig valve or the artificial valve? The former lasts about 15 years and the latter can last forever; however, with the artificial, he'll have to take blood-thinning medication for the rest of his life, and that stuff comes with its own hazards.
Ugh.
I can't think about it now. I just can't.
This weekend, John was very much like his old self. Unfortunately, he is dealing with a side effect of the antibiotics -- he itches. All over, mercilessly, and it's the worst at night. Parts of his legs broke out in a rash. So he was a bit irritable and restless, snapped at me a few times. We bought him some Eucerin and he said it helped somewhat. But other than that, he was doing quite well. His color was good, he wasn't overly fatigued and was able to get a lot of odds and ends done. He finally opened his birthday presents; he hadn't felt like it before, so they'd been sitting on his coffee table since the beginning of October.
We went to dinner at one of our favorite places. I watched, beaming, as he cleaned his plate, cleaned mine, ate three rolls and then washed it all down with a glass of Cabernet. Seeing him enjoy food again is such a pleasure.
And for the first time in what, six weeks? seven? he kissed me. :-) We've hugged, snuggled, held hands. But he hadn't given me a real kiss since he got sick.
It's the little things.
I don't get to see New Guy tomorrow. He has family visiting from out of town. (sigh) Amazing how spoiled I've become in such a short time. I didn't play for months, didn't even feel like playing. Now the thought of skipping a week makes me cranky.
Oh well. At least I have some work to do.
You know, I've been so distracted, I've completely forgotten to bitch about how it's another freaking holiday season again. I need to get on that.
Hope everyone had a nice weekend.
hi,
ReplyDeleteyou might try an otc [not otk] prednisone creme for the itching. that must be hell. just remember to wean off the prednisone not stop abruptly.
while he's on antibiotics try and get him to eat some acidophilous enhanced yogurt to boost his intestinal flora.
a glass or two of red wine every day is a great idea. if they have a jug wine called fortissimo out there it is very good and not too pricey.
no comment on the choice between an animal valve or rat poison the rest of ones life.
remember to take some time for laughter. we're all rooting for the two of you and wish you the best.
go girl, go,
ddon
If he gets the pig valve, and doesn't have to deal with risky side effects, that could be the best option even needing replacement 15 years later. Either way he seems like he's recovering very fast and will get health restored in no time.
ReplyDeleteConfession: For unimportant reasons here I HATE these 2 upcoming holidays. Thanksgiving is phony in MY family and at the mall on Veteran's Day at Penney's I wanted to scream when I heard XMAS songs!
Next week we'll both have VERY sore bottoms on the same days! :)
My advice is have him consider strongly the pig valve. My Fathers lasted 18 years until his death and my Aunts is almost 20 years old and doing fine. The side effects from the mechanical valve have more negative quality of life issue. Dealing with my own heart isues right now so i understand how hard the choices are.
ReplyDeleteThat being said if only I was closer I'd happily fill in for the nes guy! ;)
ddon -- yes. Laughter is life's saving grace, I believe that. So did my dad.
ReplyDeleteKelly -- I have been lucky enough to NOT hear Xmas songs yet, except on TV ads. But I know that will change at any time. Blech.
Poppa -- I agree. I'm going to strongly advocate the animal valve, and I think John will go for it. He hates the idea of taking blood thinners.
OMG my Erica i feel TERRIBLE for both you and John, I feel like crying :-( that is frickin scary YIKES,you and John are ALWAYS in my thoughts, John is a fighter i know he will get through this you are both very strong and brave,but when anyone mentions heart surgery it scares the bloody hell out of me cause my grandfather passed away from congestive heart failure, i know that is different from having heart surgery but it still makes me nervous :-( i am not making any sense on here i am sorry my Erica, i can relate to John when it comes to itching i had that problem before it drove me insane UGH,best luck and wishes to you both always,please keep all of us posted about John,you know i am always here for you if you ever need anything don't be afraid to ask, i am always happy to help :-) LOVE AND HUGS to you and John, from your naughty girl Jade XOXO
ReplyDeleteJade -- it's OK. It's a scary thing. I promise I will keep you posted as things progress.
ReplyDeleteIf he does get the pig valve, will Danny still encourage him to eat more bacon??? That advice (for any situation) always makes me smile.
ReplyDeleteSeriously, I am sending you and John my best wishes.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Oh, Pam, thank you for that laugh! :-D
ReplyDeleteDanny and his freaking bacon!
These surgeries are now very routine--a regular thing--with no stress or strain to speak of on someone healthy. J will be fine, I know.
ReplyDeleteCraig -- I know that logically, I do. Then I do research on the Net and freak out. I need to stop doing that.
ReplyDelete