Monday, June 30, 2014

The Zipper Club

Is one club I never wanted to join.  But it looks like I will be.  Looks like at least a double bypass surgery will be required.  

I am still reeling from the day. Emotional roller coaster about sums it up.  Wait time - because I'm not critical nor have I had a heart attack - will be significant.  This is not going to happen any time soon.  

This diagnosis has ramificacations well into the future.  Plans are going to have to be scrutinized and in many instances scheduled dates outright cancelled.  Trips out of the country especially are going to have to be suspended until after the recovery which is also significant.  

The doctor wants me on beta blockers which means weaving will be difficult, which means overall physical fitness will deteriorate during the wait.  I will probably have to cancel shows, which means no income.  

I am trying very hard right now to find the silver lining.  


20 comments:

Diane said...

You have a doctor and you have health insurance! and you have Doug. I know the other things are worrisome, but you do have some good things in your life, all the same, Laura. Just hard to put it all in context in one day, isn't it?

Rhonda from Baddeck said...

Very sorry to hear this news - too bad they can't do it with stents. The hardest part will be the uncertainty of waiting, because it will turn your life upside down. Not that you want to have the problems that would put you on the "ASAP" list - but, still. I'm glad they found out BEFORE you had an 'episode.' Sending thoughts for quick and successful surgery and an uneventful and full recovery.

Unknown said...

Scary news, but found out before you had something bad happen. Take care of yourself. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

mmhaber said...

You are in my prayers for a speedy and complete recovery!

Barbara said...

I'm so sorry to hear this. I joined this club unexpectedly last August.

The recovery takes a while, but I was able to weave (throwing the shuttle) sooner than I thought, but warping my loom took far longer to get back to.

I know that you put on some long warps - take the time before your surgery to get warps on all your looms - that way you will have something to sit down to 5-10 minutes at a time after the surgery.

The most useful thing I had in my house was my treadmill - I was able to walk 10 minutes at a time, very early in my recovery and that helped a lot. Especially being able to walk without getting dressed - then flake out for a half hour afterwards.

When people offer to help - ask them to bring over a meal. Not having to cook or worry about what to eat for the first two weeks was a huge help for both my partner and I.

Sandra Rude said...

Laura, the silver lining is that you'll get through this. It has been 14 years since my double bypass, and guess what, the recovery wasn't nearly as bad as I expected. Hang in there! I'm praying you will get on the surgical schedule quickly. Be well.

Melissa said...

There is good in there, but it takes some ferreting out! Health setbacks require a lot of patience, but I think they are also times to step back from the business of your life and reflect, review, consider new directions or angles. Take good care of yourself and the healing will come.

Evelyn McQ said...

Thinking of you, Laura...you will get through this! Waiting is not fun but hopefully you won't have to wait too long. Wish I was close by to pop in for a visit. You have MANY friends out there-let them be a part of the silver lining...

Anonymous said...

Laura, you have had the wind knocked out of your sails. Stand up, brush yourself off and carry on. Take each day as it is and enjoy it. Sending you lots of prayers and warm thoughts for a speedy recovery.

Sylvia said...

I am praying for you.

Louisa said...

Everyone is giving you great advice, Laura darlin'. Sh*t happens, eh? I'd say you've had more than your share! Sometimes life is just not fair.

Wishing you a swift operation and recuperation. Big hugs!!!

Tien Chiu said...

*hug* I don't have much to add to the excellent advice you've already gotten, but I just thought I'd say that I'm thinking of you and sending well-wishes your way!

Sue said...

Silver lining #1 - you found out before you had a heart attack. You have time to get used to the idea and make plans
Silver lining #2 - you don't need triple or quadruple bypass
Silver lining #3 - you have a support system. Accept help when it is offered, and don't be afraid to vent or voice fears here.

Sending calming thoughts and fast healing wishes in your direction.

Betty said...

Hang in there, you two. Just stay focused on getting well and enjoying each day as they come. I'm thinking of you every day. Cheers, Betty and Lee

Cally said...

Oh my, that is a big piece of news for you and Doug to digest. So glad that you have the advance warning, though, so you can prepare for what's ahead. ((Hugs))

terri said...

Sorry to hear this news. Give yourself permission to grieve for what changes this is going to bring to your life. Sending good thoughts and prayers your way.

Anonymous said...

Laura, I'm saddened to hear this, but as many have demonstrated here, you are loved and cared about. And you still have your health and time to plan. You're a very strong woman Laura. Although this is a big setback for you, long term it will likely prove to be a blessing in disguise. Several relatives and friends have had this procedure one even quad, and they've all recovered very well. None have any regrets.

We're all sending our best in love and good hopes to you.
Tom Z.
IL

Unknown said...

Laura, sometimes it's so hard to accept what we can't change. It sounds like you are in good care. All the best with this journey to you and Doug.

the Mighty M said...

Laura, you've been through so much. You have lots of friends thinking about you, praying for you. Somehow, somehow ... it'll all be good.

Kathy Put said...

I had a heart attack 5 years ago. My blockage could be fixed by stents, and I'm healthier now than I was for years before. But even with a really good outcome, heart problems are scary, overwhelming and life changing. The medications take a long time to get used to. And fatigue was a constant for much longer than I expected. You will be well again, but give yourself time.
And thanks again for the wet finishing tutorial in the washroom at Olds. You're an awesome teacher and I hope you can be there teaching level 2 next year.