Heartmates

Lagena ByersM.prodigy.com Jan 07, 1999 2:16 am

I have been living with a heart valve problem since I was 5 years old. I had my mitral valve replaced when I was 5. I have heard all kinds of things that heart patients can take asprin instead of a high potiency coumadin. Is this true?

Mary Corbitt mcorbitt@rcipa.com Jan 07, 1999 11:55 am
Home Page: http://www.rcipa.com

I agree with another writer...as I view these letters, I am amazed at the number of people under the age of 50 struggling with heart disease. I suppose we are a product of the times. Since I last wrote, my husband Dan, 46, had yet a 3rd hospitalization. Sat. before Christmas. More unexplained chest pain that would not go away until he took 3 nitros. Now he wears a nitro patch everyday. Terrible headaches. His diabetes continues to run amuck -- highs then lows. This time the explanation is that the smaller vessels, that cannot be angioplastied, can simply collapse at times, for no reason. If Dan were to ignore it, then it could result in heart damage. This was a big blow because after the stents were put in initially, we both thought we were on the road to recovery. Two hospitalizations later we now feel as though our life is on the edge. He was sitting down to watch the Bills game and clicking over to the impeachment hearings when this pain occured, more intense than what he has ever expereinced before. I can't think of the term for this small vessel condition??? I find that in order to survive all this, I must stay focused on my three young children, support of Dan (pushing him to talk), my fulltime job and the rest of life. It is a daily coping process.

Andrea Evans fpmclure@axionet.com Jan 09, 1999 7:14 am

Hello out there? Is anyone walking in shoes similiar to mine? My husband is almost 70. He has always been active long walks every day, healthy eating, no smoking , no drinking, and no history of heart disease in his family. Yet on Dec. 4,1998, he had a massive coronary and tripple by-pass surgery and crashed in the ambulance. He was revived and within 2 hours was on the operating table. He has made remarkable physical recovery. Two weeks after being released from hospital, he had a mini stroke. I have been the disabled one suffering from acute, chronic pain and because of degenerative spine and arthritis. In one minute I went from the being cared for and having a more simplified life to accommodate my disabilities, to the care giver and totally frustrated and feeling guilty for feeling that way. He now has started driving the car again and I am sick every time he goes out afraid he will have another stroke or attack and kill himself or someone else. He is a doer and has always been on the go...night and day. It is just 5 weeks since surgery and about 3 since the stroke and aside from being tired, he just goes and goes. I am exhausted/ It is 4 am and I have slept very little tonight. I have sent for the heartmates book and trust that it will as for many of you, give me some idea what to do with these feelings. I am even ashamed to write these things down but I need to communicate with someone who has gone through this and find a way to stop waiting "for the other shoe to drop". When he is out by himself, particularly after dark, my heart is in my throat. He is a good man who is doing things for other people who need help but he is not taking what I consider to be care of himself and giving himself time to heal before he goes back at his many activities. Our children are grown and they and their mates are frustrated as I that he just won't slow down for a couple of months. Please email if you have any suggestions. I am empty. Thank you for listening/well, reading. I really am not naturally a whiner but this has thrown me for a loop.

Steve AMAmail@aol.com Jan 12, 1999 5:29 pm
Home Page: http://members.aol.com/AMAmail/default.htm

I just wrote this while responing to someone who read my earlier post on Heartmates. Made me sit back in amazement when I read what I had written. We take so much of the recovery for granted. I am living proof that they can do amazing things. When I was on life support they suggested my wife pull the plug. Last week I spent four days walking all over Disney in Orlando and wore my kids out. Anything is possible Steve

Terry gallemore@erols.com Jan 12, 1999 11:40 pm

Last year my sister had a heart attack at age 50. One third of her heart is dead. She is wondering if there are any other women out there who have had heart attacks at a young age as well. She needs to share. Terry

Sally Jan 13, 1999 12:23 am

I am a 34 year old female. My paternal grandfather died at the age of 39 from heart disease. My father had a six way bypass at the age of 45. His younger sister died of a heart attack at 50 years of age. My triglycerides were near 1400 nine mos ago and my treadmills are "slightly" abnormal. With medication, I am controlling my blood pressure,my cholesterol (now 175) and my triglycerides are down to 400. My question is - at what point is it dtermined that I have heart disease? I have not had chest pains or any syptoms of a heart attack - only lipid problems which can preceed blockage of the arteries. I have had doctors tell me that I should not worry because I am a young female. I am seeing a new cardiologist in a week - what should I make sure to ask to make sure he takes me seriously? I think I am justly concerned. Any suggestions?

Brian kelly@modex.com Jan 18, 1999 6:55 pm

Sally could you please leave your e-mail address? My posting is a few above, Im 34 and would like to talk to you,I might have some advice for you.Please e-mail me.

Janie bmjflint@clandjop.com Jan 21, 1999 12:21 am

Several of you have e-mailed me about the supplements Barry has been taking. Thought you would like to know that he had blood tests this week. His HDL cholesterol has risen from being 19-21 up to 31 on this test. All his other risk factors had been normal except for this HDL. He takes 4 oz. red wine each day, a handful of peanuts, and several supplements including folic acid and Co-Q10. There have been no life style changes necessary, no cardiac rehab (he was in excellent physical shape, walking 1 mile per day the week after his MI), and the only medication he has is one low-dose aspirin a day. So I have to believe that the supplements, wine, and peanuts are doing what they're supposed to do. He has had no symptoms of any kind since his heart attack(August '97), except for tiring a little more easily than he did before. The doctor said he'd had mild to moderate damage. So things continue to look good for him. We, too, had been amazed to find that so many heart patients are in their 40's. We had certainly not been expecting this.

Chris Chris@homepageuk.freeserve.co.uk Jan 22, 1999 2:50 pm
Home Page: http://www.homepageuk.freeserve.co.uk

Hello, I have just been told I have unstable angina, I am interested to hear how anyone else with this complaint has coped and regained their fitness etc. I am 45 year old Park ranger in the UK Thank you

Justin McMillin jcm1110@aol.com Jan 23, 1999 9:48 pm

My name is Justin McMillin and I'm a 27-year-old from Springfield, Missouri. I found out in October that I have dilated cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure. My EF is 15%. It has kind of crippled my life, not physically as much a mentally. I have an unbelievable amount of questions, doubts and concerns running through my head. What I am looking for is as many people as I can find in my age range (25-35) with this same sort of thing. Just to talk, try to relate with, try find new avenues of research....I would also interested in hearing from anyone else out there that can point me in the direction of more related web sites, support groups. Thanks, and God bless us all.

Andrea Evans fpmclure@axionet.com Jan 23, 1999 10:41 pm

Here I am again. Still waiting for my copy of the Heartmates book and still trying to deal emotionally with my husband's bi-pass (tripple) and what I consider his "I'm just fine" attitude. I see him just a month and a half after emergency surgery-after "coding" in the ambulance already back at his on the run pace of living. He told me that he will enjoy living, he doesn't need so many pills and he will keep going or die trying. I undertand that these decisions are his to make and he is adjusting, just as I and the rest of the family are but knowing and coping are not always compatable. I wrote on Jan 9th and received a wonderfully encourageing letter. Thank you. I read and re-read the Helpful Hints for Heartmates at the top of the page and tonight. I focused on #'s 6-7- & 9 . I pray, I read my Bible, I try to maintain some sort of coping strategies. Tonight is just a downer and I felt if I could put my thoughts out there, maybe someone would relate. I think if I were to read and not be the author of this, I might think the author very selfish. However, from this spot, I think the author is having a poor coping day and the sun will shine tomorrow. We still have about 2 more months of doctors and learning the results of the tests he has and must take. I read the letters above mine and know that many of you are in much worse positions than mine. Then the guilt hits. I have been disabled with constant pain and arthritis for about 10 years. That has its ups and downs as well. When I have a bad day physically and my husband's recent illness coincide, It is tough. Sorry to be such a negative writer, but somehow it just feels better telling someone. I will pray for you. May I ask that you do the same for me? THank you for reading this.

liz m10032@hotmail.com Jan 27, 1999 12:40 pm

My husband, who turned 49 in 98, on Nov. 20 started throwing up, had a slight fever and had the chills. Flu, right? Wrong we found out on Dec 1 that he had had a massive heart attack. I might add that on the 23rd I forced him to go to the doctor who informed us that he thought it was just a hang over from the flu. During that time, he helped me jump my car twice, changed light bulbs etc with no evident effect. Needless to say, we have both been in shock. He has spent from the 1st until the 5th in ICU, had only 10-15% of his heart working, they had discussed by-pass and transplant. Unfortunately, the transplant people came in when I was not there and of course, my husband does not remember much of what happend in the hospital, let alone what the doctors said to him. On our last visit to the doctor we were informed that we were not looking at either by-pass or transplant at this time and that he was doing well. The strange thing is that he had evidentually had two if not three massive heart attacks, one at least 6 mos. old as that the artries are starting to grow back. (Did that make sense). He is still not back to work though we keep hoping that he will be soon. We have been blessed in that his heart attacks were not fatel, but I wish more people knew that men can also have "silent" heart attacks. The 17th is when we ask the hard questions, are we not looking at by-pass because it would be futile? (sp). I am also wondering how Patricia8 is doing, I have not seen anything from her since July? Does anyone know? I wish to thank Steve for his support, just reading about others who have make good, if not full, recovery helps. We can and will all get through this, maybe not as we wanted or wished, but we will make it. "Man proposes, God Disposes".

Marseda katie@cvzoom.net Jan 29, 1999 2:44 pm

My husband had bypass surgery on 01-12-99. He is 44 years old. He has done remarkably well from the surgery. I am very proud of how he has been handling the whole thing. I have noticed over the course of the past few days, however, that he seems to be getting depressed. He gets alot of rest during the day, but at night he can't sleep. He said he "feels like he's going to jump out of his own skin." Is there anybody out there who had difficulty sleeping at night and was it determined to be associated to the depression? Help!

Patsy p.jhulan@home.com Jan 31, 1999 8:42 pm

I was reading some of the messages and just had to write. My mother, who is 53, has been experiencing problems since June 98. She has had 6 angiograms, 3 angioplasties with results of 5 coronary stents. She is still experiencing alot of pain as well as weakness and shortness of breath. She just recently had another angiogram and was told she wasn't blocked enough for bypass surgery! Any suggestions or ideas as to what else we could do, she has went from an active vibrant woman to a cardiac cripple! This is getting very hard for her, she is depressed, however typically denies it. She was started on antidepressants but when she found out what they were... you know the story I'm sure. Any suggestions would be appreciated, thanks for listening!

Carolyn Willbrandt carolyn@digitaldictation.com Feb 01, 1999 1:33 pm

My sister is 35 years old and has cardiomyopathy. Her condition worsened just after Christmas, and they implanted the HeartMate VE LVAS device (which is a heart assist device) to keep her going until she is strong enough to go through the transplant itself. Through my many hospital visits, I have met other patients and families going through this very experience. I would love to hear from others who have been through (or are now going through) similar experiences.

Sue fpmclure@axionet.com Feb 03, 1999 5:03 pm

Can anyone tell me if during a major heart attack (requiring emergency bi-pass) is there likely to be some brain damage from crashing in the ambulance on the way to the hospital?. Is sleeping a lot a sign of depression after such a near death experience? I feel if I can just get some knowledge , I am better equipped to deal with the day to day. thanks

Ralph Bouldin justawhey@earthlink.net Feb 10, 1999 6:18 pm

I have been fighting this heart thing by my self since April 1996 My wife woke up one morning with severe pain in her back radiaaating out to her arms....We were told she had an aortic anrurism I hope that's spelled right. for which she under went surgery. She still was not without pain. A year and a half later after another CT scan were told that she has been living with another aortic anourism which we knew nothing about this one is behind the heart and is goes upto the area of the aortic arch and the subclavian artery the aneurism is now to large for her to be a canidate for a stent. I feel let down by the medical community. If we had been told about this secord aneurism earlier mybe something could have been done. My wife is 63 Were finicially burdened I make only enough to make it from payday to payday without these additional medical proplems. Before all this happened my wife was a picture of health looking forward to spending the rest of my life with my mate of 20 years. Now if I wake up in the morning I feel really blessed if she wakes up to. Does anyone know where I might go for help?

Hyla Wallace hyla@netcom.ca Feb 11, 1999 6:21 am

There is nothing more that can be done for my husband and so he feels he is coming home "to die". He may be right - I don't know. I want him home, but I don't. I'm just really scared. I have no more ideas about our tomorrows. I don't know if we can do this. Likely we'll make it, but both of us are in the "twilight zone".

Andrea Evans fpmclure@axiont.com Feb 14, 1999 6:07 pm

I keep reading these entries every little while and wonder where people are a month or two down the line. If some of you have time for an update, it would be so helpful for some of us who are relatively new in this club of ours. Since my last entry, my husband is learning to pace himself a little better and with the help of the "Heartmates" book I am learning to back off a bit and leave him more responsible for his own circumstances. I still help when he needs it and keep his pills available in little boxes but I don't follow him around to make sure he takes them. I believe that this approach has taken a great weight off my shoulders and given him back some of the independence I was stealing from him. OOps! he just announced that he is off to the store and I had to ask if he remembered to take the cell phone....well, we are both in the healing process. I can't thank those of you enough, who have written and the encouragement from the book. My kids call it my heart Bible. Perhaps that is just what it is. There is so much help out there, thank you to all who are responsible. Andrea

Marcella malt@bc.sympatico.ca Feb 16, 1999 7:38 pm

Hello I am a nursing student in my last year of a BSN program.I am in the process of learning program planning,my objective is to start a support group for spouses/partners of cardiac patients. I am looking to for journal articles or evidence based research on this topic. Any correspondence would be greatly appreciated. Thank You Marcella

Ralph Bouldin justawhey@earthlink.net Feb 18, 1999 3:47 am

I'm in need of a caradic surgeon in the Houston, TX USA area. One that dosent mind doing bloodless sugery on Jehovah's Witnesses. My wife is in need of A thoratic anurism repair. If any one can help please e-mail me!

Jeanen jhubbard@transcrypt.com Feb 18, 1999 9:28 am

My boyfriend of 3 years had a mild heart attack 3 weeks ago. He had triple by-pass 9 years ago. It seems like I am in fear all the time of when it will happen again. I think he is still smoking and I don't think he is eating as good as he should be.

Ralph Bouldin justawhey@earthlink.net Feb 19, 1999 7:06 pm

My wife had a aortic aneurism repair in April 96. Has been in constant pain ever since. Through all this I have learned several things. 1.) That a good diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates is essential. 2.) A vitamin regement including Omega 3, COQ10, Vitamin E is extreamly benefical. 3.) The need to quit smoking is imparative. I hope this information helps.

Lynne cgleason@midusa.net Feb 24, 1999 1:33 pm

Our lives turned upside down in August of 1997. My seemingly healthy 50 year old husband suffered an anterior MI and had angioplasty and 2 stints. Our lives seemed to be on the way back to normal when during a stress thialium test he suffered another anterior MI in the area where one of the stints had been put in three months to the day of the last attack. We waited until Dec. 21st and had another heart cath done and it showed the area that had been opened up just a little over a month before was already 50% blocked again with the same scar tissue that shut it down before. The next morning they did 5 bypasses on him and then our seemingly normal lives began to deteroriate. He returned to work in March of 98 and our lives have notbeen thesame. He says he feels fine and just maybe doesn't have the stamina that he had before but by his actions you would think he is at least 20 years older. He has absolutely no interest in me anymore. We live like brother and sister. He takes Lopresser and Accupril for his blood pressure we have elimated the medications and put them back on because of the rollercoaster blood pressure. But through it all our lives don't change. He continues to mope around and act like an old man. I am not yet 50 and hope that our lives don't stay this way. Does anyone have any suggestions and how to get at least part of our lives back. Sometimes I just feel like we saved the heart and killed the man. This is not the man I married!!!

David Scott davidlscott@nortexinfo.net Feb 26, 1999 6:18 pm
Home Page: http://www.nortexinfo.net

Today is day 37 following heart bypass which resulted in 5 bypasses. Actually I feel worse now than I did shortly after the surgery. I am age 51. The leg from which the vein was harvested has begun to drain near the ankle and my foot is swollen. Walking is near impossible. I will see my doctor in 5 days, meanwhile I am told to treat the wound with Mercurochrome and elevate my leg. When will my leg heal? Have any of you experienced similar difficulties?

Diane Rubin Dmtar@aol.com Feb 28, 1999 7:12 am
Home Page: Howell, New Jersey

My husband has experienced serious heart problems for 12 years and had a IDC with pacemaker installed in November, 1998. This week the unit fired 5 times and my husband is again in the hospital - doing well but very scared. I am looking for a support group to help both of us cope.

Rhoda Levin heartmates@outtech.com Mar 20, 1999 04:04 pm

Hello everyone—We have had a terrible glitch in cyberspace, and for many of you there has been interrupted service, not being able to get to our site or this page off and on since mid- February. It was not recognized until March 17 -- IT IS ALL FIXED AS OF NOW, APRIL 26.

If you tried to submit a message during March, it is possible that we will never be able to retrieve it—PLEASE COME ON AGAIN, AND WRITE YOUR MESSAGE. This is the first time since we began this page in 1997 (read our archives—go to the top of this page) that we have had a problem and we hope that we will never again be a disappointment to the support you’ve had reading about and writing to and from other heartmates. My best to each of you for a full recovery for you, your loved patient, and all of your family. We plan to continue to serve your needs for support, connection and being heard deep into the new millennium. Sincerely, Rhoda Levin P.S. I have a new name:

Rachael A. Freed

P.P.S. I have two new grandchildren: on January 23 Samuel Joseph was born to my daughter and son-in-law, and on March 5 Lily Josephine was born to my son and daughter-in-law .. I am celebrating the blessings of my life.

Nan Ganz nan02nd@hotmail.com or nganz@clark.net Mar 22, 1999 12:19 pm

I was glad to see Rhoda’s entry explaining what’s been going on, as I am one who had trouble accessing this web page and one whose entry must have gone astray. I was getting very frustrated trying to find some support, and beig unable to do so. My husband, Steve, is 54, and about two weeks before labor day of this year experienced a series of "atypical" cardiac experiences. He is a Type II diabetic, and his experience started with an attack of hypoglycemia. He had a doctor appointment on a monday afternoon about two weeks before labor day, and had had breakfast, lunch, and an apple before he went. He got a good report from the doctor, left the office, got in his car-----and left the planet. About 6:30 that evening, I got a call from an emergency medical facility in Bowie, Maryland (we live in Arnold—not far from Annapolis), saying that my husband was there, that he’d been brought in from I-197, where he’d gone up on the median but had not hit a pole, and that he was very disoriented. His blood sugar when they brought him in was around 43. I answered what questions I could over the phone, and then got a friend to drive my son and me to the medical facility. Steve had no idea why he’d headed in that direction, nor how he’d even gotten there—he still can’t answer those things. They told me that he’d have to be hospitalized for 48 hours to monitor his blood sugar to make sure there was no recurrence of the hypoglycemia. After a number of phone calls to our doctor, a geriatrician with privileges at a hospital in Glen Burnie, he was transferred to that hospital. When I went to visit him the next afternoon, he was tired, and I told him to go ahead and nap, and I’d come back later. When I came back around dinner time, he told me he was being discharged. He’d been there less than 24 hours, but said that the doctor who examined him said he was the healthiest patiend he (not our doctor) had seen all day. We signed the discharge papers, and I took him home. That night, every time he tried to lay down and go to sleep, he’d start coughing and had to sit up again to catch his breath. He wouldn’t let me call anyone at that point, but when, the next morning, he calmly explained that the reason he’d had trouble sleeping was that there were these birds in his chest and he was afraid he’d crush them if he laid down, I got on the phone to the doctor, as I’d intended to anyway. I was told she wouldn’t be in her office until 1:00 that afternoon, but that they would have her call us in the meantime. I checked back with the office hourly, but we heard nothing from the doctor (her office person didn’t put a 911 on the page, so they didn’t think there was an emergency), so at 1:00 we showed up at the doctor’s office. I wanted to know why my husband had been discharged early (his doctor wasn’t even aware he’d been discharged—she was planning to visit him that day), and what all the respiratory distress was about. Our doctor examined him, and explained that one of his medications, Glucophage, doesn’t always dissolve in the system at the same rate, and that it must have backed up in his system, causing his sugar to drop; also that all the fluids he was given to brig his sugar back up probably caused the respiratory problems. Then she said that, as long as we were there, she wanted to do an EKG since he hadn’t had one for awhile, and send him for a chest x-ray to see what was happening. After the EKG, she said we were going to alternate plan B—the paramedics had been called to transport him to the closest hospital (in Annapolis, this time) as his EKG showed "changes consistent with a small heart attack". I cancelled my therapy session for that afternoon, and headed for the hospital to meet him in the ER, where we also met his cardiologist. It was decided that cardiac catheterization would be done the next day (Thursday) to determine the extent of the damage, and the next step in treating him. It was then that it was explained to us that diabetes can mask the symptoms of a heart attack. The procedure was done Thursday morning, and it was found that he had one artery which was 70% occluded. The cardiologist recommended moving him to Johns Hopkins for a balloon angioplasty to be done the next day. He was moved that afternoon, while a friend helped me arranged to have Steve’s car towed in for repairs. Another friend drove my son and me to Johns Hopkins on Friday morning (the fourth medical facility in three counties in five days), and we arrived just before the balloon angioplasty was completed. The doctor reported that everything was fine, the artery was cleared out, a stent was in place, and Steve could go home the next afternoon. Still another friend took me down to bring him home on Saturday, and he seemed just fine. He rested at home, and visited a little with some friends who stopped by. When we went to bed that night, he started again with the coughing and shortness of breath! This time, his chest heaved like he’d run a 10K race. Less than 12 hours after his return home, I was on the phone to 911, and he was returned to the hospital in Annapolis, where he was diagnosed with pneumonia. This time, he stayed for about 5 days, until they were fairly sure his chest was clear and the infection was gone. He was home for about three weeks after that, and as he was still coughing and having trouble drawing a deep breath, he decided to check back with his cardiologist on Rosh Hashana. At 4:00 that afternoon, I got a call at work.."You can come home now. I have to go back to the hospital." The diagnosis that time was congestive heart failure, and he was started on enough Lasix for several race horses -- 80mg b.i.d.. After the first injection in the ER, he filled an entire urinal, and he lost a total of 11 lbs. while in the hospital for that stay, which was the longest, and thankfully, the last of the series. It really was quite a fun fall! He’s been improving physically slowly, but is still very tired and dad has become an acronym for denial, avoidance, depression. We did go on a cruise in February, which he seemed to enjoy, but even he admitted to being depressed before we went away. He wouldn’t accept any medication for it though. He keeps trying to convince himself that his problem has been fixed and is all behind him now, and he doesn’t really want to talk about it at all. It’s been difficult for me to deal with being kind of left out on my own to deal with all of this, and the net result is that my colitis seems to have come back after 17 years of being in remission. I have been reading the HeartMates book, and decided to try this route to find someone to correspond with for some support. I’m very glad that the glitch has been sorted out, and perhaps now I will hear something from someone. For awhile, it seemed like anything I was trying to do to help myself was resulting in a dead end, and that was incredibly frustrating and depressing. Things are beginning to turn around a little bit now. I still haven’t really found a support group in our area (our insurance didn’t cover the cardiac rehab program at our local hospital—neither of our employers thought to negotiate for that coverage), so any leads would be greatly appreciated. I’ll keep checking the entries in this space, too, to see what others have to say. Thanks for listening, and I hope that this time, my entry gets through.

Nan Ganz nganz@clark.net Mar 27, 1999 06:56 pm

I have recently come across an interesting book from the library, and thought others might find it helpful too. It is called "Heart Illness and Intimacy How Caring Relationships Aid Recovery" by Wayne M. Sotile, Ph.D. I couldn’t locate an e-mail address or website for him, but I would be curious to know if anyone else had read this book and what they think/thought about it.

graham grahamp@trump.net.au Apr 05, 1999 04:06am

Hi.I am 39 I have had cardiomyopathy since i was 22 with a 25% impulse fraction.I have been basically well but in recent times have been getting chest infections,high temp,fatigue etc.Iwould welcome any comments. Thank you.

Penny stash@islandnet.com Apr 07, 1999 12:05 am
Home Page: http://www.islandnet.com/`{stash}

I have a 6 year old son with complex congenital heart defects. He has had a fontan procedure to repair what they could. He gets very bad headaches with exercise. The pediatric cardiologist has recently given the ok for oxygen to be administered when he gets a headache which is usually everyday. If any one has every heard of a similar situation I would like to hear from you.

Name: Bonnie

E-Mail: BAldr10707@AOL.com

Date: 04/10/99 12:00

Comments: Hi, I was a cardiac RN who so much loved working on the telemetry unit. In Aug. 1996 I was diagnosed with progressive coronary artery disease all of a sudden. In 96-97 I had 5 angioplasties, double bypass and a MI. This last year has been good (at least I was out of the hospital) but I do not have much activity level. Today, I am facing blocked arteries again, but my what seems to bother me the most is facing death and how it will come. Because of the severe angina I have received nerve blocks every 4 months, so I will feel no pain; it will just happen. I had a patient tell me that everyone can be ready to die, just nobody wants to die today. Since his death I can know so much what he was talking about. I am interested in the new procedure of lasering holes in the heart muscle through a sheath through the femoral.

Name: Bonnie

E-Mail: BAldr10707@AOL.com

Date: 04/10/99 12:00

Comments: Hello, I was a cardiac RN who so much loved working on the telemetry unit at the local hospital. In Aug. 1996 I was diagnosed with progressive coronary artery disease, having 5 angioplasties, double bypass and a MI in one year. This past year has been better, staying out of the hospital. I have a limited activity tolerance and receive nerve blocks every 4 months for angina. Of the 3 main arteries, most are not functioning. In fact, peripheral arteries are supplying my heart. I am now interested in the laser procedure of applying holes in the heart muscle through the sheath inserted in the femoral. Also I had a patient tell me that everyone is ready to die, it's just nobody wants to die today. I understand what he meant. This has been my biggest anxiety. I just lost two good friends to sudden cardiac death and one was only 48. I have a fear that my death will come unexpected and this is scary to me and my two children.

Name: Nan Ganz

E-Mail: nganz@clark.net or nan02nd@hotmail.com

Date: 04/12/99 12:00

Comments: This is the first time I haven't seen my previous entries on this page. I do have one more author to share with the readers. name is Deborah Tannen, and she was brought to my attention my my son, who read some of her work in one of his college classes. She writes about the differences in communication and thinking processes between men and women, and she makes alot of sense. I have also been finding many interesting and helpful things in Dr. Wayne Sotile's book "Heart Illness and Intimacy: How Caring Relationships Aid Recovery." I'd be curious to know if anyone else has found these helpful. Also, what experiences others have had with being on and taken off of Digoxin, as is currently happening to my husband. I'll check back again soon.

Name: Regina Sun

E-Mail: sungirl@nwu.edu

Date: 04/25/99 12:00

Comments: Hi, I'm a medical student at Northwestern University and our class is doing a project on Congestive Heart Failure. I am particularly interested in the affects of CHF on family members of the patient. If anyone would like to share their experiences with me. I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you.

Name: Lynne

E-Mail: cgleason@midusa.net

Date: 04/30/99 12:00

Comments: I to am glad to see the page up and running again. I missed it while it was having its problems. I am happy to report that our lives seem to be turning the corner. Thanks to some medication changes my husband seems to be getting back to his old self again. He now has more energy back and is beginning to seem more and more each day like the man I married. Although he has continued to have a different outlook on life. He lives more for each day and does not look down the road anymore. He now wants to plan things that we can do together. It is so nice to spend time with him now. Hopefully this is only the beginning of us finally starting to put our lives back together. I am not foolish enough to believe that our lives will ever by "normal" again, I know we will always live in the "cardiac zone" but it is pleasant to see that he is slowly coming back to life. I guess he needed as much time as I have to realize that there is life after cardiac episodes. I would enjoy hearing from some of you to see if we have similarities in our lives. As far as I am concerned this website has been a goldmine for my sanity.

Name: Cheryl Rogers

E-Mail: rcserv@mindspring.com

Date: 04/30/99 12:00

Comments: My mom is recovering from a triple by-pass. It has been 8 weeks and she is doing well physically but she is having problems with her memory. She is forgetting simple things and getting facts turned around. Someone told me that after surgery, short term (and some long term) memory is affected. Has anyone out there seen this after open heart surgery?

Name: ANDREA EVANS

E-Mail: fpmclure@axionet.com

Date: 05/10/99 12:00

Comments: So glad you're back. Good to hear that Lynn and her mate are moving ahead. Our crisis was 5 months ago. emergency tripple by-pass and small stroke following. conplete arrest in the ambulance for over 5 minutes. It has made several permanent changes for us. Like the short-term memory problem and the awful coughing. some days he is so angry and just bites my head off for no reason more than his own frustration. Not like before but we have more good than bad days. He goes and goes like there is no tomorrow and indeed there may not be.. But every day is a gift and we are grateful for each one. He threatens to quit all of his meds and that scares me. So I call our three grown kids and we confront him and he is back on track for awhile. Had a horrible fright that turned out to be nothing but it reminded me that my mental acceptance of this heart disease lifestyle has been a greater strain emotionally and mentally than I realized. We have 2 appts. with the cardio. for stress and ultra tests in early June. He had gone fishing today and I answered the phone and the voice on the other end said, Mrs. Evans ? "speaking" , "This is the caridiac unit of the-----hospital, I screeched into the phone what is wromg.???????? It was simply a query about the upcoming appointments but with a leaking metrol valve ( no operation possible because of the recent by-passes) and on a scale of 1>10 he is rated a 3, I guess I still wait for the other shoe to drop and I thought I was coping well. And most of the time I am but .........every now and then the old cold fear just grips inside. I rely heavily on prayer and rejoice that our children are always a phone call away. I don't call them about every little thing but it is such a comfort to have them ready to move if I need them. I read this little saying and it helps me. YESTERDAY IS HISTORY, TOMORROW IS MYSTERY, TODAY IS A GIFT.....THAT IS WHY IT IS CALLED THE PRESENT. GOD BLESS YOU ALL. STAY STRONG.

Name: Heartmates Inc

E-Mail: heartmates@outtech.com

Date: 05/28/99 12:00

Comments: This being Memorial Day Weekend, I just wanted to send a message from Heartmates Inc saying to everyone, that we have much to be thankful for, and that our memories of people or lifestyles lost or changed can be remembered with a kind of sweetness that allows us to appreciate what we have had, and at the same tim4e allows us to live now, in the present, and to be grateful for each precious day of life we have with those we love. So Happy Memorial Day, and our hope from Heartmates is that for each of you the day and the weekend will be full of the present as well as memories of the past.

Name: Diana

E-Mail: stlpure@aol.com

Date: 06/07/99 12:00

Comments: Tomorrow, my 52 year-old husband of two weeks will undergo quintuple bypass surgery. Despite losing 50 pounds, quitting smoking, excercising for 1.5 hours per day for 2 years, and becoming a vegetarian, his cardiac condition was found to be deteriorating. He's fit and optimistic, and such a hot dog that he's certain he'll be "up and running" in no time. I desperately need someone to confirm that these interventions are a good idea and that there is indeed hope for improvement (he looks so good, you wouldn't believe he needed any form of cardiac treatment)! PLEASE KEEP THE SAD & TRAGIC STORIES TO YOURSELF ("Yep, my husband's chest ripped open -- right back up" & "The worst part is the leg wound!" make me insane!!) Thanks, folks!

Name: Gayle

E-Mail: JJWEALG@AOL

Date: 06/08/99 12:00

Comments: My husband,age 53,had a quad bypass five years ago this August,99. He has physically recovered with only one baby aspirin a day for medication. Emotionally,he is angry most of the time. If he gets upset over anything he dwells on it for days,isolating himself in the bedroom with the door shut and refuses to talk with me in any manner. Eventually, in several days time-he comes out of this "shell" and begins to act like himself. We own a business and work together daily-although not in close proximity. During these anger times,he goes to his room when we get home from work. I have been with this man for 19 years and love him dearly but he has definitely had personality changes that seem to be progressing and lasting longer each time he gets upset. Has any other mate experienced this??I am at my wits end with his behavior. I am an R.N.although I no longer nurse,I maintain my license .Does anyone else have a short-circuited mate? Thanks for your book-you saved my sanity. Gayle

Name: James Bates

E-Mail: balder@flash.net

Date: 06/08/99 12:00

Comments: I have been a heart patient since age 42 when I underwent triple bypass surgery. Since that time I have gone through a second triple bypass, aortic arch replacement and ascending aortic aneurysm repair. I have had 17 angiograms/angioplasy procedures, and just about every other test known to man. I have undergone heart transplant evaluation, was evaluated for the TMR laser study, and recently was accepted to enter the PTMR laser study. This study involved an EKG, a treadmill test,and an echocardiogram. The results of these qualified for me to enter the random test. I underwent a diagnostic angiogram which identified areas that needed help. As part of the protocol an angioplasty had to be attempted, which was unsuccessful. At that point a call was placed by the doctor to the sponsoring company in California. I understand that a computer on that end "flipped a coin" to see if I would receive the laser treatment or would go through a "mock" laser treatment. In the information I received prior to being admitted into the trials it was indicated that I would not know for at least a year which end of the study I entered. It has been two weeks since the procedure and I have not received any relief. Does anyone know how long it takes, if I did receive the real thing, to begin feeling relief? I would be interested in hearing from any of you who might have gone through this or just advice in general.

Name: Mary

E-Mail: mfoley@ameritech.net

Date: 06/14/99 12:00

Comments: Anybody out there with similar experience?... My husband had a triple coronary by-pass 1/99 with no complications. Cardiac rehab stopped early on when he began feeling sharp, shooting pains and sensitivity in the upper chest next to the sternum. The area is so sensitive he needs to keep his shirt open. The cardiologists assure him his heart is great and this is what happens to some in the healing process. If there is anyone out there experiencing the same or who has successfully recovered, we would really appreciate hearing from you. Thanks.

Name: Nan Ganz

E-Mail: nganz@clark.net or nan02nd@hotmail.com

Date: 06/23/99 12:00

Comments: I've just been reading through the entries again and would like to hear more from Lynne and Gayle. We seem to have had similar experiences with our husbands. I tried to reach Lynne once to find our what medication changes helped her husband, but have not yet heard back. I hope things are still going well for you. For Gayle, all I can say is hang in there. We went through a long stretch during which DAD was an acronym for denial, avoidance, depression, but things seem to be getting a little better. If you get in touch with me, perhaps we can help each other hang on. If there's anyone else out there having a similar experience, I'd like to hear from you too. Maybe between us all, we can figure this thing out.

Name: Beth York

E-Mail: eaysrm@aol.com

Date: 07/01/99 12:00

Comments: Hi! I am a sudden cardiac death survivor with an automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator. The sudden death episode happened April 23, 1998 at the age of 39. I found the HeartMates revised edition at my cardiac rehab. It helped me as much as my family. I am looking forward to the meditation book and the video. For those persons with AICD's and their families, try www.duff.net/zapper It is a great site and hosts a chat support group on Thursdays at 8PM EST. Having experienced the sudden death has changed my life as well as the lives of those in my family. My best to all of you. Beth

Name: Rita

E-Mail: sixcrows@noln.com

Date: 07/06/99 12:00

Comments: My best friend, 66 years old, female, had a triple bypass in January of this year. This week, she was told she has congestive heart failure with pulmonary edema. She is also a non-insulin dependent diabetic of 17 years with diabetic retinopathy currently arrested with laser treatments. I would love to hear encouraging news from anyone in a similar situation that I can pass along to her. Her doctors have stopped her glucophage and she currently takes only prandin. Thank you to anyone who responds!

Name: Ebony

E-Mail: ebony_dawn@hotmail.com

Date: 07/15/99 12:00

Comments: This is my first time on this site but I was sure glad to find it. I am 29 years old and 2 years ago, my husband, now 31 found out that he was going to need a heart transplant. We were very shocked, we didn't even know that he had a heart problem. He has had some problems, but we just got over the biggest one yet. He was having a 3B rejection which is the worst that you can have and the doctors told me that he probably wouldn't live through the day but to everyones surprise, he did. He is at home now and doing extremely well. Thank God! I would love to hear from anyone who is the spouse of a transplant recipient. Ebony

Name: Patricia

E-Mail: Patrici8@aol.com

Date: 07/27/99 12:00

Comments: Thanks Liz for asking about us. I hope that things went well for you and your husband on the 17th. We were turned down for the Atlanta transplant in 1998 and also for one in Charleston in May 1999. We are hanging on with our good and bad days. The personality changes are becoming somewhat out of control and we are trying new medicines to help this. As you all know the memory thing is always going to be there that I can handle (I just talk to myself when it gets real bad). The violent behavior they can't say if it is possibly Alheimers(sp) or a result of the heartattacks, bypass, angio, diabetis(sp)or what. The only thing I could wish is that people would try to understand and be more patient with others. It's hard when you are in public and people get upset because someones asks questions 2 or 3 times or repeats themselves or gets very aggitated for no reason. We should always be patient and consider there is possibly another reason. We have some "friends" who don't want to be around because he can embrass you in public. Boy, I guess they don't think that the kids and I know this. We hang in because every now and then the man I married peeks out and it is all worthwhile. Aren't we lucky that the Dr's aren't always right with there time limits. My kids (12 & 10)and I try to live everyday to its fullest because we have learned a valuable lesson that we may not get tomorrow. This is the upside of all the downsides. There are alot of us out here and I enjoy having coffee with ya'll sometimes just to know I am not alone. Hang in there, we are.

Name: Nan Ganz

E-Mail: nganz@clark.net or nan02nd@hotmail.com

Date: 08/02/99 12:00

Comments: I would be interested in and appreciative of any information anyone can share with me about TIAs. My husband, Steve, had one last Wednesday after almost 11 months of recovering nicely from his heart attack. He's had a couple of small episodes since then where he's missed turns when he was driving, and it's making me very nervous to say the least. I'm glad I have this website to turn to when the going gets rough.

Name: Theresa Cross

E-Mail: TheCrossaa@aol.com

Date: 08/04/99 12:00

Comments: My brother Jerry (age 27) had a heart transplant last November. He had congetsive heart failure that runs in my family. He has visited with others that were in the hospital while he was there and talking to them does help him, but I think he doesn't have contact with people like him enough. He had a Heartmate (a artificial pump) put in while he was waiting for a heart and due to this, he needs another surgary for a hernia that happened in his abdomen where the Heartmate was. He was told that this next surgary will be more painful then the previous ones. I am writing because he has been looking on AOL for people to talk to that have had transplants. I think he needs some acquaintances (friends) that can fully understand what he feels and is going through. Is there any way I can help him? Please feel free to Email me at TheCrossaa@aol.com. I would love to hear from anyone that can give me some direction on this. thank you.

Name: Lynda

E-Mail: L_Wyant@Hotmail.com

Date: 08/07/99 12:00

Comments: I am a social worker recently assigned to a new CV surgery unit and cardiac rehab in our hospital. I am also the Mom of a 22 yr. old son who has mitral valve insufficiency with arrhythmia?s. I am most interested in the experiences with anger, anxiety, and depression which many of you describe. I would like to hear from others about preparation you may have received for this experience by education/counseling during your hospital stay. If not, do you feel this would have been helpful at that stage. In general, how do you think cardiac staff could have been more effective in meeting your needs? Any input from professionals would also be appreciated.

Name: Sue Williams

E-Mail: good4sue@aol.com

Date: 08/10/99 12:00

Comments: Need to find out what is "Normal" if there is such a thing. Husband, 60 years old, had a heart attack July 15. 40% of heart damaged, required angiogram, atherectomy, and angioplasty. Dr. was very encouraged that a great portion of the 40% would repair. Four weeks later he still feels very tired, he says his heart "aches" some days. We have changed our diet, are exercising regularly and he takes all of his meds regularly. Everyone is different and circumstances are different. How do you know when you need to contact a doctor or just wait it out? Not scheduled for thallium stress test or dr. visit for two more weeks.

Name: LOUIS

E-Mail: LMartin605

Date: 08/15/99 12:00

Comments: In answer to the question from a Social Worker about what was helpful when leaving the hospital. I was in Rehab for Cardiac. The most helpful thing I found was that the nurses and therapists were not only caring but also cheerful, friendly and courteous and had a positive attitude while helping me regain my strength.

Name: Nan Ganz

E-Mail: nganz@clark.net or nan02nd@hotmail.com

Date: 08/25/99 12:00

Comments: Since my last entry, my husband had a stroke. Losses have been more cognitive than physical. It was on his non-dominant parietal lobe. I find myself wondering if the fact that we couldn't pursue cardiac rehabilitation because our insurance didn't cover it contributed to this turn of events. I would be interested in hearing from anyone else who is dealing with a similar situation. Today is the one-year anniversary of my husband's heart attack. The stroke was a couple of weeks ago.

Name: Patricia

E-Mail: Patrici8@aol.com

Date: 08/31/99 12:00

Comments: Husband has had drastic behavioral changes in the past 6 months. He can become violent at times, he is very aggressive. This is more than the usual changes that I have been lead to believe come from the heart attacks and the by-pass etc... Can anyone offer any advise or suggestions as where to go next. Psych. is currently medicating him (heavily) and we have one doctor who thinks it might be Alheizmers and one that thinks it might be TIA's (mini strokes). Any opinions as where to go would be greatly appreciated.

Name: June

E-Mail: cjpcool1@aol.com

Home Page: heartmates

Date: 09/14/99 15:44

Comments: Have been though alot lately, My hubby had a heart attack one and a half years ago and his identical twin had a major heart attact one year after him almost to the day, they had the same things blocked only on opposite sides same stints 3. Bad news my brother in law will have to have a triple bi pass in a few weeks they found the stents closed up. I thought my hubby would be ok, but now all my fears are back and the stress is so very hard. Twin studies dont look good. Need info. and support Thanks CJ

Name: sandy martin

E-Mail: dasm@epix.net

Date: 09/26/99 12:35

Comments: hi all! interested in young heart patients. I am 45 have had triple bypass, 6 cardiac caths arteries collapsed,4 stents, restenosed, now radiation experimental. I am a nurse with out all the answers. Looking to make friends with folks who are at wits end. I still have chest pains and i am no better. dasm@epix.net

Name: Laura Lee

E-Mail: lauralee@albany.net

Home Page: www.albany.net/~lauralee

Date: 09/30/99 21:07

Comments: My father recently had a heart attack. He has always been a very fussy eater, liking only breakfast food, sausages, hamburger and sweets. He doesn't like chicken or fish or vegetables. He's depressed about the new diet that seems to disallow anything he would normally eat. I would like to send him a food basket with heart healthy foods that he might actually like and I was wondering if there are any Internet resources where they sell things like that- foods that taste like stuff he likes, but are good for him? Please reply by e-mail to lauralee@albany.net

Name: Janet Helfand

E-Mail: jlhelfand2

Date: 10/02/99 15:10

Comments: On August 30, 1999 I suffered a heart attack. I have been diagnoised with Prinz Metal's Angina. I am 49 years old, my cholestoral is 170 and I do not have heart disease. Prior to my heart attack I lead a very active healthy life style with no indication of any illness let alone the possibility of a heart spasm that would lead to a heart attack. I have been told that of the people who have angina only 2% have Prinz Metal's Angina and only 2% of the 2% will suffer a heart attack from Prinz Metal's. With odds like that you would think I could win the lottery. I would love to hear from anyone who has the same or has suffered a heart attack with a healty heart. I am seeking sources for information on this condition and would like to know I am not alone. I would also like to hear from younger people who would like to be part of a support group for young heart surivors. I look forward to hearing from you!! May your days be filled with the warmth of the sun and dreams of tomorrow.

Name: Bev

E-Mail: bess@mitmania.net.au

Home Page: http:www.mitmania.net.au/~mcc/holt/index1.html

Date: 10/06/99 07:05

Comments: Hi, I am 39 and have a rare congenital heart disorder called Holt Oram Syndrome (HOS). It affects the heart and upper limbs of the body. I am mildly affected, with an ASD slight mitral valve leak ( both repaired) and a triphalangeal thumb on my left hand. I didn.t know I had HOS until 1990 when my youngest son was born with it. Daniel had complex heart abnormalities and after three heart surgeries died of CHF when he was 2 ½. I had not had any problems with my heart until about 3yrs ago. I just got sick, in fact I was always sick with something, bronchitis, pneumonia, pleuritis, asthma or chest infections. I was in and out of hospital suffering from one thing or another for months until I was diagnosed as having congestive heart failure. My doctors had no idea why, they didn.t feel the asd was big enough to be causing a problem and after all it had been there all my life. I was taking medications to control the heart failure but they were not helping at all. I was on a rapid downhill slide. I had test after test and still the doctors had no idea why I was so sick. By early 1997 I was in the final stage of heart failure. My aortic valve had also started leaking. I was dying, fast. I had surgery to repair the asd and replace both aortic and mitral valves on the 28th February 1997.The operation went well and I was taken to the cardiothoracic recovery ward after being in surgery for 5 hours. I was still intubated and unconscious. It was late that night when they started to awaken me and by about 4.30am I was extubated. I started having breathing problems soon after, by mid morning I was re incubated and unconscious again. I was in bi-ventricular failure. A catheter was inserted in my groin which had a balloon on the end of it, this was near my heart and with every heart beat it pulsed, taking the load off my struggling heart. During the next week I had a temperature of between 39 and 40 degrees Celsius and was supported with many types of drugs. By the end of the week the drug support and respirator were reduced. I was extubated, but was unable to breathe on my own. I was again suffering bi-ventricular failure and was intubated, the balloon catheter reinserted and the drugs which had been reduced were increased. At this time the doctors told my family I had a 25% chance of surviving. I was then moved to the intensive care unit .For the next week the drugs and respirator kept me alive. I was lasix dependent and my liver started to fail. My family was told I was unlikely to survive and was called to the hospital to be with me . This was my most critical time, but I made it. A couple of days after the support from the drugs, respirator and catheter were reduced I was able to support my breathing. Within a couple of days I was out of bed, standing and taking a few steps, with support. I spent a further week in ICU, then another week in the cardiac ward before coming home. My heart returned to it.s normal size in 2 months and gradually my strength recovered .I was again able to do things I had not been able to do for almost a year. Things we take for granted most of the time like, showering myself, eating without throwing up, walking more than two steps at a time without having to sit down and talking and not having to catch my breath after every word. I lead a very normal life now, my heart is normal, I don.t think I have ever been as healthy in my entire life. I know I am very lucky to be alive. I never take anything for granted anymore, take each day as it comes and just enjoy being alive. I have dedicated a website to Daniel, which has information on Holt Oram Syndrome, and links to other cardiac related sites. I would like to hear from any one with HOS or other rare heart disorders. Please visit my website and sign my guestbook or send me an email. Bev

Name: Bev

Home Page: www.mitmania.net.au/~mcc/holt/index1.html

Date: 10/06/99 07:15

Comments: My website address is as above.

Name: Nan Ganz

E-Mail: nganz@clark.net or nan02nd@hotmail.com

Date: 10/09/99 08:36

Comments: Gilda Radner was right--it's always something! My husband, who is recovering from a stroke, got short of breath walking with his rehab group last week. Yesterday he had a stress test, which he flunked. On Tuesday, we will be going to Johns Hopkins Hospital for cardiac catheterization. Every time it seems like we're beginning to get somewhere in his recovery, something else happens. He's really bummed out about this turn of events, and I've got the worry concession. Does anyone have anything helpful to offer?

Name: Mel

E-Mail: artngels@kenton.com

Date: 10/11/99 18:38

Comments: does anyone have information on behavior changes after heart surgery??My husband is haing major trouble and the doctors can not find anything!!! Please e-mail me with any info you may have..Thank you in advance

Name: Nan Ganz

E-Mail: nganz@clark.net or nan02nd@hotmail.com

Date: 10/13/99 07:57

Comments: My husband had his cardiac catheterization yesterday, and they found that the vessel that had been oclcuded 70% last year was occluded 100% this time. They did an angioplasty and were able to open it 50% and they replaced the old stent. The doctor thinks his vascular problems are due to his diabetes and said that there was enough damage in that area that they could not do a bypass. He was in good spirits and resting comfortably when my son and I left the hospital last evening, and he was even able to solve a puzzle on Wheel of Fortune, something he'd been unable to do since his stroke! To angelart: some behavior changes can be due to mini infarcts(strokes) in the brain--a cat scan or an MRI might be helpful. I'll get back in touch with you soon to see how things are going. Keep in touch.

Name: robin guastella

E-Mail: originalrahrah@juno.com

Date: 10/16/99 20:33

Comments: why did it take me a year to find you? a year ago today my husband had aortic valve replacement surgery at age 42. chf, chronic afib, etc. i am still researching all the meds, adjusting to new lifestyle, fighting with social security admin. you know exactly how i feel at the end of the day.

Name: Kalyn Cook

E-Mail: cookbb429@sol.com

Date: 10/17/99 12:16

Comments: On March 6, 1999 our lives were changed forever. My 42 year old husband suffered a heart attack and later that same day he had double bypass surgery. Ten days previous to this he was diagnosed with high blood pressure and was put on Monopril. One of the side effects of this medications was chest pains. So when he began to have chest pains he could do relaxation techniques to bring them under control. We even called the family Dr. and were instructed to take over the counter medication for heart burn. On the morning of the 6th we both knew that something was terribly wrong so I drove him to the hospital. Within minutes we knew that he was having a heart attack. The rest of the day is rather a blur for me. We have two children ages 13 and 10. They have and are having a hard time adjusting to the changes our lives have taken. Particularly the 10 year old has had many anxiety attacks. My husband is doing very well now. He exercises regularly and we have changed eating habits. We have also had the childrens cholestoral checked and know that the 10 year olds is high. Does any one know of any books and or programs that can help us to help our children cope with all of this. Thanks.

Name: Nancy Baldwin

E-Mail: bamadadog@aol.com

Date: 10/20/99 19:02

Comments: My 78 year old father has just returned home from a stay in the hospital with a diagnosis of conjestive heart failure. My mother insists he accompany her on a cruise the 31st of this month Oct. 99. She claims the doctor said it is fine. Father will have to fly for 8 hours and change planes 3 times. This sounds like too much for him and also it seems she is putting the airlines and ship in a touchy spot, knowing his time is limited. Please reply, anyone. Also dad has diabetes, has been a chronic alcoholic, liver and kidney problems, and numerous other ailments through out the years. Thank you.

Name: D Robinson