Moving along

[angall]

Just a little update on my heart transplant situation.

I had to visit my cardiologist at the Mayo Clinic last Thursday. My B/P dropped really low and she was concerned. After taking various tests, my cardiologist recommended that I cut back on diuretics because my kidneys were not functioning properly. She then made an appointment for me to talk with one of the heart transplant team members for Friday.
He is scheduling me to have a work-up on all my organs to determine what condition they are in, talk to other members of the team, etc. I will be in the hospital for approximately 1 week.
As far as smoking. I have decided to try and quit cold turkey. It has only been 24 hrs. since I had a cigarette, but I keep thinking of the trouble I have breathing and the surgery. I still have the patch and will fall back on that if necessary.

Am I scared?? You're darn right I am. But I'm tired of feeling the way I do and being so limited.

Thank you all for your support. This site is truly one of a kind.

[Reenie]

Please keep us posted. Congrats on the quitting!

Reenie

[Linda]

Esther - You've started! We're all behind you - take it one day at a time, or count the hours if that helps. Best wishes! Linda

[shirleymahoney]

Esther

I'm glad you are getting started with the transplant and a big hug to you on your decision to quit smoking and remember if you need to talk please call me anytime, I'm always home being I really can't do alot anymore, Take care of yourself

Shirley

[angall]

I just received a call from the Mayo Clinic. I will be hospitalized Monday, Jan. 16th - Jan. 20th. This will be for my work-up for a heart transplant.
Here's hoping everything is ok.

[Joyful]

I will be praying for you on all accounts. I was a smoker - it's been seven + years ago. I also did it cold turkey. I won't beat around the bush - it was difficult, but so worth it!!! I made sure whenever I had the urge to light up I would go for a walk and breath as deeply as I could. I also cleaned my car, shampooed the upholstery and carpet. Quit my morning coffee and after dinner drink (for awhile). Brushed my teeth after every bite of food. Reminded myself every minute how I wasn't going to let those darn "sticks" rule my life!! Find a support group - hey, you have one here!! Be sure to let everyone you know that you are kicking the habit - it will help you be accountable, plus everyone will be so proud of you and you can use all the "pats on the backs" that are out there!! Hang in there - you will do it, because you are STRONG!!

[Midge Rollins]

Esther, you are in good hands. Will you be admitted to St. Mary's or doing the testing as an out patient. You will love all the staff at the transplant center. Congrats on the quit smoking. It has been 10 + years for me and it was not easy but cold turkey is the way to go. Keep us posted.

[NoCrash]

Remember how hard it was to go through yesterday without a cigarette? Remember that when you're tempted to light a cigarette and tell yourself you do not want to live through that day again--which is something you'll have to do if you light that next cigarette!

Congratulations and keep remembering you do not want to repeat the misery ...

That was the advice that I received that finally got me to quit (thank-you Russ Meyer, where ever you are!)

Rob

[angall]

To make a very long story short......I was admitted to St. Mary's Hospital Monday afternoon because I was vomiting, nauseated and very low blood pressure. After tests, the drs. found that my digoxin level was high which was causing me to vomit and I was on too high dose of diuretics which was making my B/P low. Also, my liver is swollen and there seems to be fluid in my abdomen.

The doctors are slowly trying to rid me of excess fluid. Hopefully next week I will start the work-up to determine if I am eligale for a heart transplant.

I am feeling better as far a vomiting and finally ate a little more today. One of my doctors mentioned today that they might do a cardiac catherization tomorrow, but I won't know until later tonight.

It seems as though I am going downhill faster than what I expected.

Take care

[Reenie]

Thinking of you....

Reenie

[shirleymahoney]

Esther

I will definetly keep you in my prayers and big Hugs to you

Shirley

[Linda]

Esther, Wishing you the best. I know it's easy to feel discouraged when you feel so awful. I'm hoping you find that a lot of your current symptoms are related to the high digoxin level and may resolve some as the level comes down. Please keep us posted. Linda

[Lisa Salberg]

Esther,
I was out of town for your original post on this thread - Congratulations on the attempt to stop smoking - I for one am very proud of you for taking this very big step!!!

As for your other medical issues - the Mayo team is wonderful and I know you are in great hands. I hope that you will find answers and a path to follow that will lead you back to good health. We are here for you!

Lots of love and a big HUG!
Lisa

[Pam Alexson]

Esther,

Keeping you in thought and prayer, hoping you will soon feel better and be on your way to getting a better life. Keep your chin up, we are all here for you.

Pam

[Eileen2345]

Esther,

I am so proud of you for quitting smoking. Good job darlin'.

I'm sorry to hear about your vomiting, I hope you feel better very soon.

You are in great hands at Mayo. I am praying for you and holding positive thoughts. Please keep us updated.

Many hugs to you,
Eve

[Midge Rollins]

Esther, I am sorry you are so sick. You are in good hands and they will get a handle on it. Which floor are you on? I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. PM if you have any questions.

[angall]

I have stopped vomiting. Dr. Olson was in this morning and the plan is to give me Lasix via iv throughout the weekend in hopes to get rid of the excess fluid. My liver, abdomen and legs are still swollen.
Like I said before, they must try and remove the excess fluid slowly because of dropping my B/P again.

They will do a cardiac cath on the right side of my heart on Monday. Tuesday is full of various tests..etc...

I am taking one day at a time and pray that I can lose this excessive fluid.

Midge....
I am at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, MN, on Mary Brigh, 5th floor.

Thank you all for your prays.

[Abbygirl2]

Esther,

Hope you are doing well, and good luck with all your upcoming tests.
Give us an update when you are able.
Hugs
Pam

[Pam Alexson]

Esther, Hoping you are feeling better and that the tests go smoothly.

Pam

[angall]

I was discharged from St. Mary's hospital on Monday. Ever since then I have been going through tests. I never imagined that so much testing is needed in order for dr's to determine if you qualify for a heart transplant.

My tests will end on Friday then the determination will be made. Everything seems to be ok so far.

Thank you all for your support. Sometimes all I need to do is log on here and read your comments and I feel the warmth people are sending.

Take care and God bless

[Laoshur]

Hi, Esther!

Glad to hear all went well so far. You did not mention the problems you have been having, but it sounds like you must be doing a little better since they let you go. How are you feeling?

Rhoda

[Midge Rollins]

Esther, I remember that Dr. Brooks told me when they were done with my testing they would know more about me than I knew was possible to know. It is a very long and exhausting week so rest when you can. I am thinking of you every day.

[angall]

Hi

Midge, you're right! My husband and I are exhausted every night when we come home from Rochester. I never knew where my spleen was until today during an ultrasound.....lol.

Tomorrow I have a meeting with various doctors. Hopefully I will know if I will be approved for a heart transplant.

Thanks for caring

[shirleymahoney]

Esther

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you that they put you on the list, I'm now on pain killers for my back my osteoporosis is getting worse in my back and I can barely stand for someone to touch my back in that area, my arthritis I'm afraid will not qualify me for the transplant list I don't know for a fact but I think I read something about it does anyone else know?


Esther i will keep you in my Prayers and hope you make the list


Shirley

[angall]

Here's an update....

I met with various doctors today (cardiologist, surgern, kidney specialist). From the standpoint of me being approved for a heart transplant it looks as though it is a go. The transplant team will meet on Monday to discuss my case.

Well, I'm not out of the woods yet. I will be admitted to St. Mary's hospital on Monday morning because I have gained 6lbs since this past Monday. They are going to give me Lasix via IV and a new medication that will make my heart stronger in order to pump blood to other areas of my body. They may also do a kidney biopsy. It seems as though the kidney specialist has determined through various tests that I may need a kidney transplant, too. If the new medication works that my kidney is working well, there will be no need for a kidney transplant, if not, they will probably do the heart and kidney transplant at the same time.

One of the doctors on the heart transplant team said that I am in bad shape and he doesn't know how I've lived this long. I just really noticed me going downhill about 2-3 yrs ago.

I am exhausted and have so much to think about. The past two weeks have be unreal!

Thanks again :)

[angall]

Midge

I have sent you 2 pm's about a month ago. In one I said that Dr. Edwards suggested that I get your phone number and talk to you. Did you not get them?

Take care

[shirleymahoney]

Esther

That is great news about your heart but I hope that is the only transplant you wil need maybe the meds they give you will help your Kidney I will keep you in my prayers

Shirley

[Eileen2345]

Esther, just letting you know that I am thinking of you and that you are in my prayers.

I hope the very best for you sweetie.

I am so sorry you are in such need right now, but I truly hope that you will receive the best of care very soon.

Holding positive thoughts and strong prayers,

Eve

[Linda]

Esther, Wishing you the best. It's a long journey, but well worth it. Please keep us posted. Linda