While I've been actively NOT blogging, I've been doing loads of other stuff. But first, the updates.
Nearly a month ago, Mom was admitted to the ER with some (seemingly) minor heart problems. She's been a cardiac patient since she was a teenager, so, while this isn't fun, it has been par for the course. (Also, I'd like to point out that there was a L-O-N-G stretch of time that there were no cardiac issues.)
She was in the hospital for three days, and then was home for three days before being readmitted for a week. During this time, I flexed my developed Advocacy muscle (which is above the traps and below the jaw, by the way), and the doctors determined that Mom needs surgery.
While that is all scary and stressful, I used all those shiny coping skills that Dr. B equipped me with, dealt with doctors, nurses, and family in a constructive and (mostly) positive way, and I'm okay and more importantly, Mom is okay, too. (By the way? So many cute doctors.)
One of the pluses of being Mom's advocate was that when they asked how physically active she had been recently, I was practically bursting with pride when I explained that she had walked and hauled equipment all over Portland a month before, because this is known as a Good Sign.
The down side is that Mom won't be attending Rhinebeck this year, but we're finding some "low-impact" fun alternatives for her. In Mom's stead, Jackie will be joining Meghan and me on our Rhinebeck adventure. I've had fun telling Mom that since she won't be with us to object, I'm going to get a tattoo of an anatomical heart, with her repairs, and "Mom" in script somewhere around it. (She doesn't think this is as hilarious as I do.)
Her surgery is scheduled for 10/20, at which point, I'm going to start calling her the Bionic Mom, because they're giving her a mechanical valve which will last FOREVER. (According to the cardiologist.)
I wonder. Does that make her steampunk?
Perhaps something like this for your tattoo? ;)
ReplyDeletehttp://www.brigidashwood.com/blog/2009/9/14/i-heart-steampunk-shirts-pre-orders.html
Which valve are they doing? And are they doing it open heart, or a more non-invasive way? My dad has a St. Jude's for his mitral valve and has been on Coumadin (blood thinner) for 19 years now. I think your mom is having surgery right around the same time my dad did, his might have been on the 21st of October, 1990. I will be keeping your mom and you and family in my thoughts and prayers. Oh, you will be able to hear your mom's "clicking" heart across the room. :)
ReplyDeleteI've been wondering what had happened to you. Give your Mom our best wishes. I'm so glad she's doing well... Surgery isn't fun, but valves that last forever are excellent.
ReplyDeleteSurgery is scary, but thankfully all the cards seem to be on the table! When my Dad was in the hospital earlier this year, they couldn't figure out what was wrong for a long time, and that took its toll on us more than anything else.
ReplyDeleteDitto...all of you will be in my prayers!! Oh, and I LOVE the tattoo idea!
ReplyDeleteAll the best to your mom!! It sounds like she is in good hands...and you are such a wonderful daughter and advocate for her.
ReplyDeleteI hope to catch a glimpse of you at Rhinebeck. I'll be in the Sliver Moon booth.
I had wondered why they hadn't done surgery yet; I'm glad she's having it done, and then she'll be done with it. What a load taken off that will be.
ReplyDeleteThank you for encouraging me when I had to have my own surgery two months ago--your comment at Purlescence of "Then I'm all for it" changed everything. Thank you so much for that.
Best wishes to your mom - keep us posted!
ReplyDeleteJust read this today, so here's hoping the surgery is successful and over! Best wishes to you both, and hope to see you back soon at Starbuck's.
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