Heartmates Interactive Connections

Name:	Angie
E-mail:	angela.pigeon@sympatico.ca
Date:	2003-02-02 06:20:00
Comments:	Where is Interactive connections 2003, I miss reading the comments. Health to all. A

Name:	Theresa
E-mail:	ciaogal@aol.com
Date:	2003-02-05 05:35:00
Comments:	My husband had a heart attack on 12/7/02. He had a stent inserted. He's doing well and following all suggestions to the letter. I, on the other hand, feel alone and scared. We have a great marriage, but I see a change in him that I don't understand. I feel as though I've disappeared. I'm crazy about this man and will do everything I can to support him. But does this alone and frightening feeling that I'm experiencing go away eventually? I feel like I'm walking on eggs all the time so that I don't do anything to cause him stress or upset him. I have high blood pressure and I'm on 3 meds. I need help from others out there who might have similar experiences. Please email suggestions. Thanks!

Name:	frank vega
E-mail:	bigsugar38@msn.com
Date:	2003-02-06 05:18:00
Home Page:	msn
Comments:	my father in-law will go for tripple bi-pass surgery friday morning doctors say he has paleates problems might need a hemotoligist to give him some or a blood transfusion when will this become problems later in life with paleates will he need to get more during his life time?

Name:	Andrea Evans
E-mail:	andsuelanda@shaw.ce
Date:	2003-02-10 11:42:00
Comments:	My husband lost 2/3 of his heart function to a massive heart attack in 1998. He had tripple emergency by-pass surgery. He had about 3 1/2 years of pretty active living but with many mood changes and lifestyle changes. He has gradually gone downhill not being able to walk as far or as fast without getting breathless. His appentite is very small. He has very little energy and sleeps a lot during the day. He has frequest heavy nosebleeds but is only on one baby aspirin a day. We tried Ensure and he likes it . But I was told that it has too much salt in it. But at least he will drink that and get some nourishment. We saw his cardio. ( yearly appt.) last week and he seemed pleased but didn't do a treadmill and won't until mid March. Anyone know some ways of helping him? I am disabled and don't go out much and the weight of trying to help him is quite difficult. Would love some suggestions for what works for someone else who has a mate who doesn't want to eat. Not hungry. Thanks, Andrea

Name:	Mary B
E-mail:	mbshea52@yahoo.com
Date:	2003-02-12 05:08:00
Comments:	My husband had quintuple bypass surgery one month ago. He was a seemingly healthy man until he suffered a heart attack. As his primary caretaker I am just wondering, from those that have been down this road, when will I be able to exhale again?

Name:	Dixie
E-mail:	dixeavb@yahoo.com
Date:	2003-02-14 05:13:00
Comments:	On 17.071978 I had surgery to replace the aortic heart valve. I was given a Starr-Edward artificial prosthesis. I have been searching for other recipients of Starr-Edwards valve prostheses and so far I haven't had the delight of meeting any old-timers such as myself or longer. If anyone knows of a patient that still has the original valve, that is, not having had to have a replacemet of their first artificial valve I would be delighted to hear from you. I have had a lot of contact with people with St.Jude protheses, some Shiley-Bjork, several are of a longterm of 10/ 11/ 12/ years duration with their original valve; only one other person with a valve implanted 46 days before I had mine done. Hoping to hear from someone out there. Regards to all who read this. Dixie

Name:	Dan B.
E-mail:	maxi100@adelphia.net
Date:	2003-02-16 02:47:00
Comments:	Would like to speak to anyone who had Mitral Valve Repair Surgery. I am scheduled for surgery in early March at the Cleveland Clinic.

Name:	Eric Weiner
E-mail:	ericw@core.com
Date:	2003-02-18 01:49:00
Comments:	I am currently exploring possibilities with a new heart hospital to provide psychosocial care for their patients. As a marriage and family therapist I am very interested in setting up a program that highlights the spouse and other family members as well as the patient. I have to sell my ideas to administrators. Of course that means money is the bottom line. I have several ideas I would like to discuss with someone. Is that possible? I really like the website. What a great resource! Many thanks, Eric Weiner

Name:	sylvia hurt
E-mail:	sylv552000@yahoo.co.uk
Date:	2003-02-18 09:21:00
Comments:	hi im 55 years old and spent more time in a and e due to heart beating so fast i feel i may die i have been told mt heart is not functing very well and i need zestril to open things up i also am on carderaxl for high blood pressure i cant do much at all so i write nobody seems to want to tell me anything one docter said my heart was damaged that means nothing to me another nurse told me the medication i am on is for hearts decise i just wish poeple would be honest then i could come to terms with whatever is the matter can anyone relate to the frustration i feel let down sylvia hurt

Name:	Doanda
E-mail:	doanda.harper-derosa@aventis.com
Date:	2003-02-24 11:35:00
Comments:	I just read your email and I am going through the same thing. I feel he has changed and I can not exactly pin down what the change is just that he does not seem to be with me and the family anymore. Few the last few weeks he would come home later and later, and then I finally siad to him if you don't want to be here, just go. You are hurting me and the children by ignoring us. Well he has left and he said befor he left he blamed me for his heart attack. He had had a massive MI and cong. heart failure. He lost the left side of his heart and they put in a difibulator. WE ar both young I am 42 and he is 50. I also do not know what to do.

Name:	Gail White
E-mail:	drwhite2000@msn.com
Date:	2003-02-25 04:53:00
Comments:	I have had 2 open-heart surgeries. One to correct my aortic valve and the second to replace it with a St. Jude's mechanical valve. One year after my second surgery, I have been told I have heart disease. Is this just a name placed on heart patients, or is it a real disease. I am told to take care of myself. How does a person do that?

Name:	Holly
E-mail:	te5la@juno.com
Date:	2003-02-25 10:35:00
Home Page:	helpsarah.homestead.com
Comments:	I am the mother of an 8 year old girl who was diagnosed with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. She has been evaluated for a heart transplant because she has an ejection fraction of only 8%, the doctors did not put her on the transplant list because she is not quite sick enough yet they say. This is somewhat bothersome watching my daughter not hardly eat and have chest pains everyday due to the disease and that is not all. I am hoping that someone out there can relate or give me some advice. I am very scared for my daughter since this disease is deadly and it seems like they dont want to do anything for her. I am very angry and frustrated so if anyone has any advice I sure would love to hear it.

Name:	Helen Caswell
E-mail:	hcaswell4jc@hotmail.com
Date:	2003-02-27 03:09:00
Comments:	My husband had triple by-pass approximately 3 yrs ago. He went to the hospital yesterday to have a heart cath done because he is sleeping all the time, and having lots of trouble breathing. I am beginning to have all types of guilt feelings due to not planning meals, pushing him to exercise over the past three years. He is retired and I work full time. I need to get some strategy on how to work on helping him. I would also like to see a picture of a heart so I can tell where his problem is coming from. Thanks in advance for any help.

Name:	gayle
E-mail:	ghart205@aol.com
Date:	2003-02-28 05:54:00
Comments:	HI MY HUSBAND HAD A MASSIVE HEART ATTACK IN 1994 AND WAS ON LIFE SUPPORT FOR 30 DAYS BEFORE A QUADRUPLE BYPASS COULD BE DONE 50% OF HIS HEART WAS DAMAGED. THINGS WERE FINE UNTIL JAN 2003 HE HAS DEVOLPED CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE AND THE DOCTORS SAY ONLY 10 TO 15% OF HIS HEART IS WORKING. THEY DID A BYPASS AND A STENT. THREE DAYS AFTER COMING HOME HE WENT BACK TO WORK STARTED SMOKING AGAIN AND NOT EATING RIGHT.AFTER HIS FIRST HEART ATTACK HE WAS IRRATABLE ALL THE TIME NOW HE SEEM ALMOST HAPPY. ITS CONFUSING .NOW THAT THEY HAVE GIVEN HIM ALMOST NO CHANCE HE SEEMS CONTENT. BUT IM WAITING FOR THE OTHER SHOE TO DROP. WE CANT TALK ABOUT IT BECAUSE ACCORDING TO HIM HE IS FINE. HE REFUSED THE DEFIBALATOR FOR THE ATRIAL FIB ALSO REFUSED TO BE PUT ON A TRANSPLANT LIST. I HAVE A 13 YEAR OLD SON IM TRYING TO EXPLAIN THIS TO BUT CANT UNDERSTAND IT MYSELF . MY SON IS GOING THROUGH THIS VERY HARD, HIS GRADES HAVE DROPPED AND HE IS VERY OUT SPOKEN. BEING 13 IS HARD ENOUGH ON HIM AND IM TRYING TO BE UNDERSTANDING . BUT I ALSO NEED SOME ONE TO UNDERSTAND ME. I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM ANYONE THAT CAN RELATE TO OUR SITUATION . THANKS GAYLE

Name:	laurie
E-mail:	americanredrose@hotmail.com
Date:	2003-03-04 05:22:00
Comments:	Hello to all: I'm new to this site but I definately need help in understanding what is and is going to happen to my dad. He went in for angiolpasty today. He has 3 blocked arteries. He will be going in for a triple bypass next week. He has COPD and is a diabetic. I am very scared. I know somethings about the heart and understood the angioplasty, but I don't know anything about a bypass. I have searched the web and there doesn't seem to be nuch information to help me understand he chances and exactly what will be done. I do know they will break his ribcage. He is 65 and is good health other than the COPD and diabeties, which he has under control. He has had a 4 small heart attacks that he was unaware of. I have read that most diabetics don't survive as long afterwards as though who do not have diabeties. If anyone has been through this or knows any information to help me understand so that I won't be so upset, please, please, email me and tell me everything you can. May you always remember peace, always feel happiness and always know love. Thank you.

Name:	Kelly
E-mail:	kellyalexander@alltel.net
Date:	2003-03-04 09:25:00
Comments:	I was just told that my one year old neice, who has cardiomyopathy, has to be put on a heart machine until she receives her heart transplant. I'm assuming they mean a heartmate. If some one know about these for babies, I would like to know all there is. She has been very sick since December and just keeps getting worse. Thanks & God Bless You

Name:	Laury
E-mail:	laurisk@latnet.lv
Date:	2003-03-06 12:09:00
Comments:	I am a 66-year old male. My congestive heart failure was diagnosed 5 years ago. Would like to compare notes with someone in a similar condition.

Name:	PeggyL
E-mail:	JKPK23@MSN.com
Date:	2003-03-09 05:19:00
Comments:	My mother is 83 and has congestive heart failure. She lives alone, and I am her primary caregiver. I would like to talk to other caregivers about similar symptoms that she is having. I find that her Cardiologist only gives me limited information and we are not getting the support and help that we need.

Name:	Carol
E-mail:	berrangovich@hotmail.com
Date:	2003-03-17 03:00:00
Comments:	I am new to this...my husband (age 37) had his first heart attack on 1/30/03. I read the Heartmates book, which was helpful, but would be interrested in communicating with other wives of younger heart patients. I feel that we are lucky in that his age seems to be helping in the healing process and he is taking all the advice seriously. We have two young boys (ages 8 and 10), so the diet changes were made for all of us. We took the kids to cardiac rehab, and they have been a part of the entire process. Looking forward to hearing from anyone else of similar experiences.

Name:	Jim
E-mail:	pittman@tcworks.net
Date:	2003-03-28 01:33:00
Comments:	I had CABG X 5 when I was 27 years old. Since then I have had several catheterization procedures including stents and laser treatments for blockage. During this time I maintained a strict exercise program, strict diet and cholesterol levels less than 150. Despite these efforts I had to have a triple bypass using arterial conduits at age 37. Even though I am able to carry on with a somewhat active lifestyle I find myself overcome with depression with some degree of anger. I have a wife and 3 children that I feel I have to protect so I tend to turn these feelings inward. I am now 39. Anyone with a similar story that I could learn from?

Name:	MARY
E-mail:	HEARTX3@AOL.COM
Date:	2003-03-28 06:54:00
Comments:	I had a triple by pass last April.Needless to say it turned my world a 360 being 45 years old. I am learnig to execpt early retirement and regrouping my life. Like my 24 yeard old Daughter said Mom life goes on.Thank God for that. Mary in Mobile

Name:	maurice ross
E-mail:	maurice631@earthlink.net
Date:	2003-03-30 06:44:00
Comments:	Is It harmful to leave stents in a patient after a heart operation ?

Name:	kandice
E-mail:	sugarbear_kg@hotmail.com
Date:	2003-04-04 07:59:00
Home Page:	msn
Comments:	My fiancee was just diagnosed with conjestive heart failure at age 31. I am having a hard time dealing with all of this. I would just like to talk to someone that can help me know what to say to him.

Name:	Ilona
E-mail:	Ilonstan@enoreo.on.ca
Date:	2003-04-12 12:42:00
Comments:	Can anyone provide information about a thoracic aneurism? I just learned that my father, who is in his 80's has one. My Dad does not wish to undergo surgery. I, too, feel that at his age, the stress may be too much. However, which is worse - the stress or the aneurism? Can anyone provide any information about non surgical treatment/theraphy? Is there anything like that? Does anyone know of any other internet sites where I could obtain more information. Thank you in advance?

Name:	Pamela Davis
E-mail:	motherofheart1979@yahoo.com
Date:	2003-04-15 07:42:00
Comments:	My son was born with severe complex congenital heart surgery. He just recently (March 2003)underwent his third open-heart surgery. He now has an implant where the donor human pulmonary valve was. He has a pig valve. He also had to have extensive work done to his donor Left Pulmonary artery to enlarge it, the artery was cut open and patches were made and sewed on to make the artery larger. My son has been through a lot. He had a massive anuerysym to develop when he was 14 yr old and his left Pulmonary Artery had disapeared, and he lost function of his left lung. He had surgery for that in June 1993. He had his first surgery when he was 13 months old. His original diagnosis was tetrology of Fallot, Atrial Septal Defect, Patent Ductus Arteriosus, and two fistulas on his Left Pulmonary Artery. He also has a history of PVC's. I am still a bundle of nerves and espescially since he just had this last one. It has also affected his bothers and sisters.

Name:	Judith L. Cox
E-mail:	jcox@st-agnes.org
Date:	2003-04-16 08:30:00
Comments:	Hello everyone! I am having lots of troube with Warfarin. Yesterday my LP count was 8. It is usually right at 2.5-3.0. I can not understand this increase in two weeks. I noticed this morning while brushing my teeth that my gums had started to bleed. This has never happened before. My doctor says to not take the Warfarin until after he sees me on Friday to do another check. Will it be out of my system by then? Why does it flucuate so much? I am so tired of this? I have Atrial Fibulation which is why I am on it. Nothing else has changed. Three weeks ago the count was 1.8, too thick. I take 3mg. Warfarin each morning. I am single, living on my own, and these weekly visits for a Warfarin check cost me $20.00 Is this variance the same with everyone taking Coumidin or Warfarin. I feel very weak but am ok otherwise. Please help

Name:	Gayle
E-mail:	gsmarra@gurrentz.com
Date:	2003-04-17 09:50:00
Comments:	My husband had a massive heart attack Dec 22. He also had a massive internal GI bleed while in the hospital. He had bypass surgery on Feb 5. He has now developed CHF. He cannot sleep at night because he has panic attacks and cannot breathe. I can only guess what he is going through. I know that he has changed and I am having trouble coping with his mood swings and mean attitude at some points. Can anyone give me help on how to handle this situation as I feel guilty that I cannot help him.

Name:	bella
Date:	2003-04-20 02:40:00
Comments:	I am a 71 year old female with diabetes, high blood pressure & high cholesterol. I have had a double bi-pass in 2001 and 8 angioplasties with stents - the last two using the medicated stents. Since my operation I have had a feeling that there is a heavy stone in my chest. Since the last angioplasty, there is a feeling of soreness on the site. I am on alot of medication and feel tired most of the time. Has anyone out there encountered similar symptoms with any ideas for help with these symptoms. Please reply to "Bella"

Name:	Colleen
E-mail:	caseyc@austarnet.net.au
Date:	2003-04-20 07:36:00
Home Page:	None
Comments:	I had open heart surgury for a whole in the heart 41 years ago in Australia, I was only 10 years of age. My memory is limited of it, I have been very healthy, except for asmatha at the age of 21. My surgury paved the way for a lot of heart sugury and they are doing wonderful things now with the heart. Believe it or not it makes you so much stronger in mind and body. The worse thing anyone can do to hurt their heart is to stress, be good to your heart and don't worry, it is not good for the main organ in your body. I believe my operation took 6 hours, and 1 month to recover. My parents were told that without the operation I would only live until I was 16 yrs. After the operation I did not turn blue any more, and I could walk to the front gate with out sitting down. Don't despair they are really wonderfull Dr's now and they really know what they are doing.

Name:	Nicole Marcus
E-mail:	nemarcus@yahoo.com
Date:	2003-04-21 06:25:00
Comments:	Hi everyone, My father age 71 had a "moderate" heart attack about 7 weeks ago, and needed emergency quadruple bypass surgery. He has a history of juvenile diabetes and peripheral vascular disease, but has always been very active (swimming and biking). There were complications with his surgery- he was on the ventilator for 8 days, totally sedated and unconscious, and then developed ventilator pneumonia. After being extubated (thank God) he developed ICU/ pneumonia-related delirium for several weeks. He has recovered pretty well since then, but continues to be exhausted and easily fatigued. My family never imagined all of this could be so horrible. Now the main goal is getting some good no-salt food products since he is on a very strict diet due to the water retention (he gained 30 pounds of water weight). Does anyone know of any no-salt frozen food prepared dinners that are good? Thanks, Nicole

Name:	Kate
E-mail:	kate@heart.policy.net
Date:	2003-04-23 01:45:00
Comments:	Hello Everyone! I thought maybe some of you who post/ and or read the Heartmates site would be interested in helping persude Congress to give more money to heart disease research. Check this out and pass it on, if possible: SUPPORT HEART AND STROKE RESEARCH FUNDING ============================================== What if you had the ability to fight for heart and stroke research funding? And what if it only took 2 minutes and cost you nothing? The only catch – your help is needed right now - before Tuesday, April 29th. Go to http://www.researchsaveslives.org/grassroots now. To send a letter: http://www.researchsaveslives.org/grassroots April 28 and 29 is the American Heart Association’s 2003 Lobby Day. Hundreds are coming to Congress to make their views known to their elected officials. And the American Heart Association is making is possible for you participate by sending a letter to your officials in Washington, asking them to look for additional money to fund research for heart and stroke research. We at the American Heart Association are deeply concerned that funding for the National Institutes of Health could slow significantly next year. We are particularly troubled about lost opportunities in the areas of heart and stroke research. Heart disease is the No. 1 killer in America and stroke is the third leading cause of death. Yet the National Institutes of Health still invests only a small portion of its budget to study these diseases, even in the wake of historic funding increases. With the real possibility that funding for the National Institutes of Health could slow significantly next year, this year's Congressional Lobby Day takes on special significance. Please help keep our families, friends and neighbors healthy by sending a letter today. It takes only minutes, is free of charge, and really makes a difference. Support the funding for heart and stroke research! To tell a friend: http://www.researchsaveslives.org/grassrootsf2f Send questions and comment to: mailto:questions@heart.policy.net To read survivor stories and share your own: http://www.researchsaveslives.org/grassrootssurvivors Post a button or link on your website: http://www.researchsaveslives.org/linktous To send a letter: http://www.researchsaveslives.org/grassroots ==============================================

Name:	Iva
E-mail:	IvaHart@aol.com
Date:	2003-04-23 04:49:00
Comments:	I'm wondering how many people out there have had problems with their heart medications? My husband is 47 and had a heart attack last June '02. He was told there was no permanent damage, but they inserted one stent to open an artery and used a balloon for another blockage. He was put on 4 different medications for cholesterol control, etc. He has had every adverse reaction listed with these meds and it's been terrible. He can't get straight answers from any doctor we've questioned..and that's been several. He's finally stopped taking the meds on his own and is trying a different approach by taking vitamins and herbs that are supposed to help cholesterol, etc. naturally. He's been very frustrated through all of this. If he's got no permanent damage to his heart...why need medicine daily?? He watches his diet and gets as much exercise as he can. He works 40 hrs. weekly. I'm wondering if anyone out there has had similar circumstances and can offer any advice? Sound familiar to anyone??? Please email if it does. Thanks.

Name:	christine
E-mail:	chrisemayhew@hotmail.com
Date:	2003-04-24 12:32:00
Comments:	Hi.. I have had heart problems my whole 24 years of life, and am looking for someone to relate to. My first heart surgery was at 6 weeks old to repair three huge holes i was born with. My second heart surgery was at 8 yrs. old to repair a membrane that grew in front of my aortic valve. Then at 20 I had my third, to replace my aortic valve, and remove that same scar tissue membrane that grew back again. About year later, 21 yrs. old, i went in for a fourth heart surgery to replace the aortic valve again, and had some complications. It ended up being a 17 hour surgery, and they couldn't get my heart to work again after they finished. Finally after 7 hours of being "gone" I came back and ended up with compartment syndrome in both legs. As a result, I have permanent nerve damage and drop foot in my right leg. I can't move my foot much and have poor feeling in it. My left leg ended up being cut off above the knee as a result of this too. Now I find myself with even worse problems than I've ever had. I have a huge anyerism inside my heart, my tricuspid, aortic, and pulmonary valve are shot and severely leaking.. my pulmonary tract is severely stenosised, and I have an anyerism on the bottom of my left ventricle as a result of a heart attack. This happened because of this anyerism I have inside my heart near the aortic valve, that wasn't caught by anyone until now. So... I was sent to the Mayo Clinic in MN. and told that I need a fifth surgery if I want to live... if not, I could have as short as a few months to live. I'm scared, and really looking for someone who could give me some support, advice and relate to me. I have tried to find online, people who have had 5 heart surgeries and can't find but one person. Just one!! That scares me :( Anyone out there that could help in some way would be a blessing to me. I go for this surgery in like a week! anyone please feel free to email me @: chrisemayhew@hotmail.com Thanks for listening & god bless you all. Anyone to go through any heart surgeries is a trooper in my eyes! ~Christine~

Name:	Charlotte Chickering
E-mail:	charlot@peoplepc.com
Date:	2003-04-26 02:29:00
Comments:	My 92 yr old mother was diagnosed with "chf" 6 moonths ago. No one will tell me her "life expectancy" which I need to plan getting on Title 19, selling her house, if necessary etc. She was living alone, with a support group who brought in groceries, paid her bills and brought her Communion (she was a daily Communicant) until she was hospitalized in March '03 and diagnosed...she had been SOB and falling daily for 2 months prior to dx. She also has Alzheimer's, atrial fib, pleural effusion and is not in a nursing home.I am the Conservator of Person. What % of women over age 92 with advanced CHF live more than 6 months? She is not eating more than 500 calories a day (no one feeds her and she "picks" at her meals when I visited for 2 days this month);gets her meds and nebulizer (SOB) 4xday...sits up in a wheelchair up to 2 hrs a day in hallway/socializing.

Name:	Kitty Ellis
E-mail:	ellismeke1@aol.com
Date:	2003-04-29 03:00:00
Comments:	My husband has had 2 caths in the past 2 weeks. He has a diseased and blocked left decending artery which they cannot stint because they can't get a wire thru the last blockage and they say he is not a good candidate for by pass as there is no place to attach the by pass veins. He has been sent home with medicine, I guess to die. What can we do. I have him on the Dean Ornish reversing heart disease diet and am trying to get him into that program but due to the massive amounts of BP meds he is on he can't do the stress test required for the program at this point in time. We live on SS and he has VA medical benefits and medicare. I have looked and looked but have not found any medical solution. If you all know of anything please let us know. We are desparate. We have had good luck getting his blood sugar down with the Ornish diet.

Name:	Kenia Nichole C.
E-mail:	kcar2118@hotmail.com
Date:	2003-05-06 10:29:00
Comments:	I came across this site by wanting to find out about what exactly is the difference between a difibulator and a pacemaker well I got the answer, my father had a quad. bypass emergency surgery a year or two ago but ever since he had the heart attack he has not been able to work so it's between me and my mother to I guess you could say " bring home the bacon" well my dad feels upset that he has lost his "man card" like he thinks he is less of a man b/c he can no longer work, I've tried to not let him think that way but I don't know what else to say, so if any has any advice as to what I could say to make him feel better that would be a great thanks, And also my father is a diabetic he needs to get a difibulator and it worries my mother and I b/c he says he doesn't want us to worry so he told us he won't tells us when he goes for the surgery but I don't if I should tell my mother what my father has trusted in me, HELP!!!

Name:	Holly
E-mail:	te5la@juno.com
Date:	2003-05-20 10:13:00
Home Page:	helpsarah.homestead.com
Comments:	I made an entry back at the end of February 2003 asking for advice about my daughter. She went back to the doctors in March and they did end up putting her on the heart transplant waiting list. She is doing okay right now but we found out today that her heart has gotten more enlarged since March and that they may have to change her status on the list. Please keep my daughter and family in your prayers. Some advice for everyone out there, if you do not get the answers you need and the doctors dont want to say much, do your own research and fight for what you feel needs to be done. I'm very glad that I looked elsewhere and found out that I was right in thinking things were not right with my daughter and had something done about it. The more that you are educated on whats going on, the better off you and your loved one will be. You have to be their voice and fight for them. Ask alot of questions and get a second and sometimes even a third opinion. It definately pays off in the end. Good Luck to everyone out there and I hope things go well.

Name:	GALE
E-mail:	ghart205@aol.com
Date:	2003-05-24 07:16:00
Comments:	I just want to thank everyone on this site . I have found someone here that I have been emailing and it really helps to have a friend that truly knows how you feel Thank you and good luck to everyone here and theier families.

Name:	Ethel Cauthron
E-mail:	ethel_211@hotmail.com
Date:	2003-05-26 07:03:00
Comments:	MY HUSBAND HAD A KIDNEY TRANYSPLANT IN MAY OF 2003-SINCE HE AS HAD THE TRANSPLANT - HE HAS BEEN HAVING TO TAKE INSULIN WHICH BEFORE WAS CONTROLLING IT WITH A DIET - HE ALSO SEEMS TO BE DEPRESSED - I WOULD THINK THAT HE WOULD BE HAPPY - THE DR'S SAID THAT THE KIDNEY WAS A PERFECT MATCH (6 POINTS) - HE SAYS THAT HE IS ALWAYS FEELING TIRED LIKE BEFORE - HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR SOMEONE TO FEEL STRONGER THAN HE DID BEFORE THE TRANSPLANT - SINCE IT WAS PERFECT - I THOUGHT THAT IT WOULD NOT AS LONG AS IT HAS - ALSO HE DOESN'T SEEM TO DO ANYTHING - OUR GRANDCHILDREN SAYS THAT HE HAS CHANGED - MY HUSBAND DOESN'T WANT ME TO TELL THE DR'S ABOUT HIS DEPRESSION - HE SAY THAT HE ISN'T AND TELLS THE DR'S THAT HE IS DOING FINE - HAVE ANY OF YOU HAD THIS PROBLEM? THANKS

Name:	ethel cauthron
E-mail:	ethel_211@hotmail
Date:	2003-05-26 07:09:00
Comments:	COULD YOU SEND THE COMMENTS TO MY E-MAIL- I WOULD APPRECIATED VERY VERY MUCH IF MY COMMENTS AND YOU COMMENTS WERE NOT ON THE WEBSITE FOR EVERYONE TO SEE - IF THIS IS NOT POSSIBLE PLEASE IGNORE THE FIRST MESSAGE - THANK YOU

Name:	Margaret
E-mail:	riuli@hotmail.com
Date:	2003-06-01 07:00:00
Comments:	My mother has been a cardiac person for 15 years now.Her situation went worse since I came in Canada with my family 4 years ago.I would like to know if somebody can help me with some websites or phone # of humanitary foundations, so I can bring my mother here for investigations.

Name:	lisa
E-mail:	lisalee41@msn.com
Date:	2003-06-09 07:17:00
Home Page:	why and when
Comments:	WE HAD JUST HAD A BABY GIRL SHE WAS 8 WEEKS OLD AND WELL MY HUSBAND WOUND UP IN ER WITH NUMMONIA AND EXHASUTION AND THE IT WAS DIAGNOSED IN CARDIOMYOPATHY AND THE HE WAS MOVED TO PHILIDELPHIA . THEY WERE GREAT AT FIRST HELPED AND LOCATED THE PROBLEM I WAS EXPECTING HIM TO DIE , BUT IWENT TO SEE HIM AND HE WAS UP WALKING WITH NO TUBES I THOUGHT THIS WAS GREAT @!!!!@ AND WELL LIFE WENT ON WE WENT FOR A FOLLOW UP VIST IN DECEMBER AND HIS ECO LOOKED GOOD HE HAD ALMOST REGAINED 1/3 OF COMPLETE HEART AND WAS EXPECTED TO KEEP GOIONG .. IF FEB OF 2003 TILL NOW HE'S BEEN IN AND OUT OF THE HOSPITAL AND WELL THE BABY IS ONE , OUR OTHER DAUGHTER IS 7 AND HIS FAMILY IS CRAZY . IT'S A LOT FOR ONE PERSON TO KEEP UP WITH TRANSPANT TEAMS AND CARDIOLOGIST AND WELL I SEEM TO BE THE ONLY ONE BRING ANY INCOME IN . IT'S ALL SO FAST AND WELL I'M ANGRY ALOT AND AS HE CALLS IT CRANKY BUT I TRY TO MAKE HIM UNDERSTAND AND TELL HIM I'M SORRY . HE'S NOW DEVELPOED A CONDITION THAT IS CALLED HYPOXYA AND WELL HE;S CONFUSED AND GOING THROUGHT TESTING FOR SHORT TERM MEMORY AND COGNITVE LIMMITS . BUT AGAIN THIS IS MORE APOOINTS .. THIS TOOK A LOT OF RESEARCH FOR ME TO FIND THIS OUTLET I DO GO SEE SOMEONE BUT IT'S NOT REALLUY WORKING I HAVE MY OWN MEDS FOR DEPRESSION . THIS SEEMS A LITTLE EASIER AND WELL MAYBE I'LL COME TO REALIZE A NEW WINDOW, OR SOMETHING TO THIS AFFECT . HE FORGET ALL THE TIME AND WELL I CAN 'T HOVER ALL THE TIME HE'S MORE LIKE A CHILD THAN A HUSBAND ANYMORE AND SOMETIMES I THINK IT COULD BE SO EASY IF I JUST .... FILL IN THE BLANK I HAVE WITH NUMEROUS IDEAS ... THE CATCH TO ALL THIS IS HE'S 30 AND ISN'T OVER WIEGHT AND DOESN'T DO DRUGS OR DRINK AND THEY HAVEN'T LISTED HIM YET IT 'S LIKE WELL IF HE'S TO STUPID BECAUSE POST TRANSPLANT IS SO COMPLICATED . HE HAS A DEFRIBULATER AND A PICLINE THAT HAS 24 HOUR MEDS HOME NURSE WEEKLY AND WELL I'M YOUNG AND HIS FAMILY SUCKS AND ALL MINE ARE DEAD .... SO I HAVE TTRIED TO KEEP THE BEST I CAN BUT I WANNA KNOW ARE THEY GONNA GIVE HIM A NEW HEART OR ARE THEY GONNA KEEP PULLING THE STRINGS LIKE A PUPPETEER .... IF YOU GOT ANY SOLUTIONS ANYTHING SHORT OF ME GOING TO MEDICAL SCHOOL AND DOING THE SURGERY MYSELF AND A GOD SOLUTION EMAIL A WAY CUASE I AM OUT OF JUICE .... I DO LOVE HIM ...

Name:	gshiflett@provide.net
Date:	2003-06-16 08:21:00
Comments:	i have a defibulator,and lately it is firing any suggestions

Name:	Holly
E-mail:	hrakocy@hclib.org
Date:	2003-06-24 04:56:00
Comments:	My 54-year-old husband reminds me that he didn't have a heart attack 10 days ago, that the doctors "just" discovered blockages and immediately admitted him to the hospital for a triple bypass. He came home 2 days earlier than the doctors predicted, yet I was still in shock and overwhelmed with information. Not until I found the Heartmates book at the cardiac rehab did I feel that anyone understood. How can I set up a spouse's group at the local hospital? The cardiac patient doesn't recover on his/her own.

Name:	Jeff Johnson
E-mail:	Tampahusky@aol.com
Date:	2003-06-25 05:48:00
Comments:	Hello, my name is Jeff. I am 22 and will be 23 in 7 days. I am in the hospital right this minute with an ejection fraction of 15% and a large blood clot in my left ventrical. I have been in St. josephs hospital in tampa, fl for 1 week now. I am now within my last few hours before i get a surgical imlant of a ICD. I am no looking forward to this at all. I have never had any surgerys nor any heart ploblems in my life. neither has my family. The doctors feel as if i might be able to improve my ejection fraction on my own by dieting and eleviating the blood clot if not i will be off to a heart transplant. The reason i am getting the ICD implanted is because i have been having fibrillations one which was 25 beats long and the nurses state they cant beleive i pulled out on my own. she thought she was going to have to use the paddles. anyway I just wanted to come on here and ask for any advise and also maybe gather some info about my situation and maybe hear from someone that can relate and i can get a positive outcome from. If not please give your prayers to me and if not to my newly wed wife and 7 month old son. Wish me luck! I am on a laptop and i use the hospital phone line so i can check anytime.

Name:	dale
E-mail:	dcoitrone6951@yahoo.com
Date:	2003-06-27 09:45:00
Comments:	on 06-09-03 i had two valves replaced .the old valves had to much wrong to save. i went through the surg. ok it is now three weeks after, i am trying to make it through the hardest part of this ,that being recovery! MY FREIND are cool about it they are just glad i am ok . my faimly is having a hard time adjusting they are all wanting me to stand up and say i am all better now. this will take some time .three weeks is not enough time for my body to heal. i hope the next three months go by ra.eal fast . heart brokenat 43.

Name:	Andrea Evans
E-mail:	andsuelanda@shaw.ca
Date:	2003-06-28 09:54:00
Comments:	As I looked back I came to a post on here last February and thought that it sounded like my husband. So I looked at the name and it is my husband. They symptoms of less breath, less appetite, and more pills continue. In fact they have increased. I did't get any responses and when someone gets down enough to write and ask for help it is sad that no one writes. I know we all have our own problems or we wouldn't be on here but we need each other. I wrote to two people before writing this. NO, I don't think I am a big deal but I am just suggesting that we try as we can to help each other. Just a friendly word helps. My husband't triple by-pass was in 1998 in December. He has a real problem with short term memory. He is more childlike sometimes that husband. He just doesn't feel like eating. His breathing his becoming more laboured and the cardio. told us that this would be a sign to watch for as this could be very serious. Probably fatal before he can reach the hospital. I am disabled myself and rarely leave the apartment. He can no longer push my wheelchair. Do I think I am the only one with problems? Absolutely not. But I know ours. If you have read this will you take just a moment and ask God to give us strength to face each day. May we always be greatful for the days we have had and the new day we have been given regardless of what it holds. God bless all of you. Andrea

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