Waiting

[angall]

What a month February has been for me. I have been in St. Mary's hospital more than I have been home.

Last Sunday I got a phone call from the transplant center that they had a heart for me. Unfortunately I had bronchitis and was in congestive heart failure again. So, I pray that the heart was offered to someone else that really needed it.

I was admitted to St. Mary's hospital this past Monday because of being so ill. It seems that the oral Lasix is not helping me to get rid of the fluid. The doctors here think it is best to keep me in the hospital on a IV drip Lasix. I will be here until transplant. I gained 10 lbs. in 9 days.

I just started physical therapy to help me keep and/or build up strength before surgery.

So for now I am waiting for a heart and missing my husband and tigger (our dog) so very much.

I will try and post any news that may come up throughout my stay.

God Bless

[Midge Rollins]

Esther, I am so sorry that you were too sick to receive the heart. Now that you will be in the hospital until transplant they can keep a better eye on you. I will be there on Mar. 12. for most of that week. I will search you out. Have the nurses take you to transplant support group on Mondays. It is really a great group. If you see Chaplain Audrey tell her hi for me. Keep me posted on how you are doing. Are there any more people waiting on Dom 4 for a transplant? I will be glad to come and get the reports on people who were waiting when I was there last. You will find that you who are waiting and those of us that have received our hearts our quite a tight little group and feel very close to each other. I will keep you in my prayers and will see you soon.

[shirleymahoney]

Esther I will keep you in my prayers, Be good don't give them too much trouble ok and glad things are moving along for you

Shirley

[Reenie]

Wow, you've had a lot going on. You're in my thoughts and prayers.

Reenie

[Pam Alexson]

Esther ,

Hang in there kiddo. We are all pulling for you. Thoughts and prayers to you while you wait and get ready for that new heart.

Pam

[angall]

I had a little set back. The insertion of my PICC line looks to be infected. I had to have it removed and have 2 IV sites put in my left arm. I am praying that there was no infection...I have to wait from 2 - 5 days for the results.
Hopefully Monday they will be able to put in another PICC line.

Today I will be given a tour of the transplant floors. I'n sure it will be almost like seeing people that has had a myectomy, but time will tell.

Thank you all for your prayers.

God Bless

[Lisa Salberg]

Esther,
My thoughts are with you. I hope a heart will be availalbe very soon and that it is a perfect match.
We are here for you!!
Lisa

[dreamcatchinglady]

I hope you get your heart soon. It is a true gift and you will be able to achieve so much. I am thankful for my new heart and if you ever need to talk we are all here for you.I know what you mean about missing your dog. I have two dogs and while I was in the hospital I had my parents bring in pics of my dogs and They hung the pics up on my bulletin board in my hospital room. Just a thought. We are cheering you on Take care my friend. My prayers and thoughts are with you.

[angall]

It's funny that you should mention having a picture of your dog when you were hospitalized. Last night when my husband called me I asked him to bring a picture that we have in a frame at home to me in the hospital. That was one of the first things I looked for when he came today. If he would have forgotten it, I think I would have thrown him in a big snow pile.......haha.

The rest of today was good. I walked, did exercises and visited with my husband. Who knows what tomorrow will bring.

Thank you for all your prayers.

God Bless

[Scott Stanley]

Esther, I am also sorry that you didn't get your heart. Your are in great hands up their on Dom 4, those nurses are the best and they will take great care of you until the time comes. I will be up on March 13 for my check up, Mother Midge doesn't know that yet but I guess she does now. I will try and stop in and see you. One of the things to do is go to support group on Mondays and meet the family. You will be able to listen to peoples stories and ask questions about transplant and get great answers you will also be able to meet alot of new friends. Good luck and hope to meet you in March maybe on six floor.


Scott Stanley

[angall]

Midge....there is one person other than myself that is waiting for a heart transplant. Her name is Kathy. She has been hospitalized 2 months already. Please include her in your prayers for a new heart to come soon.

I can't wait until March. Meeting both Midge and Scott is going to be awesome!!!

Last night when I was brushing my teeth, a filling came out of a tooth. I'm hoping to have that replaced.

It seems like a new adventure daily.

Take care everyone.

God Bless

[angall]

Things are moving right along. I am scheduled to have a PICC line reinserted today and FINALLY I will have my tooth filled tomorrow and then the wait goes on.

[shirleymahoney]

I'm still keeping you in my thoughts and prayers so hang in there ok


Shirley

[Burton Borrok]

Reading this board an old poem – Invictus – that I learned in elementary school, keeps coming to mind. I offer it to you in the hopes it gives you the same support it gave me over the years.
Burt




William Ernest Henley. 1849–1903



. Invictus




OUT of the night that covers me,



Black as the Pit from pole to pole,



I thank whatever gods may be



For my unconquerable soul.





In the fell clutch of circumstance


5
I have not winced nor cried aloud.



Under the bludgeonings of chance



My head is bloody, but unbowed.





Beyond this place of wrath and tears



Looms but the Horror of the shade,


10
And yet the menace of the years



Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.





It matters not how strait the gate,



How charged with punishments the scroll,



I am the master of my fate:


15
I am the captain of my soul.

[karen cicconetti]

Dear Angall

The waiting is the hardest part. I was very lucky I waited in the hospital only a week before a heart was available. But many of my friends waited a lot longer. I know it's hard to keep busy. If I can help let me know.
Stay positive and soon you will have that wonderful gift of life.

Karen

[angall]

Yesterday, Feb. 23rd. I had a new PICC line put in, so no more sticks when they need blood.

Today I had my tooth fixed. What a relief. I was afraid of losing it. The dentist was very good. I also took a tour of the "Gift of Life Transplant House". It was much bigger than I thought it would be and there are so many activities to occupy my husband (darts, pool, computers and library).

My husband and I went to WalMart to get ribbon caps and booties I made for a good friend of mine that had twins on February 1st. So, walking around WalMart made me very tired and when I returned to St. Mary's hospital, I took a 2 1/2 nap. I really needed it!

I know waiting for a heart is the hardest part. I've come to terms with it and I know that sometime in the near future I will be given the gift of life.

Thank you all for your replies. Reading the posts here and replying to them makes my day!

God Bless

[Midge Rollins]

Esther, yes the GOL house is an awesome place. We go visit almost everytime we go. We met life long friends there who have become our extended family. I look forward to meeting you in 2 weeks.

[tommysgirl]

MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH ALL OF YOU. WE WERE GIVEN GOOD NEWS AS FAR AS THEY CAN DO ANOTHER MYECTOMY. WE ORIGANALLY THOUGHT THAT HE'D BE ON THE TRANSPLANT LIST ALSO.

PLEASE INCLUDE THE DONOR FAMILIES IN YOUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS DAILY. yOU SEE I'M LIVING THAT SIDE OF LIFE ALSO. BEFORE I MET TOMMY, I ALSO LOST MY FIRST BELOVED HUSBAND IN A VERY TRAGIC ACCIDENT THAT WE WERE ALL IN. I WAS THE DRIVER.

HE WAS PRONOUNCED BRAIN DEAD AFTER 36 HOURS AND I DECIDED TO DONATE HIS ORGANS. I'M VERY GLAD THAT WE DID. I'T HELPED MANY PEOPLE. I WAS NOTIFIED THE REGIONS THAT THEY WENT TO, YET I'VE NEVER HAD THE PLEASURE TO MEET ANY OF THE RECIPIENTS. THAT WAS 12 YRS AGO.

NOW I LIVE THE OTHER SIDE OF THIS BY HAVING MY BELOVED NOW HAVE THIS DISEASE AND HAVE SO MANY COMPLICATIONS, THAT HIS QUALITY OF LIFE DEMINISHED SO FAST COMPARED TO WHAT IT WAS 5 YRS AGO. HE IS COPING MUCH BETTER NOW. VERY NERVOUS ABOUT OUR UP COMING SURGERY AT CCF ON THE 14TH. THIS IS RISKY FOR US DUE TO THE SHAPE THE SETUM WAS LEFT IN FROM THE FIRST SURGEON.

WE DO HAVE ALL OUR FAITH IN GOD TO GUIDE US THROUGH THIS ONE AND FINALLY PUT AN END TO THE HORROR STORY THAT HE'S HAD WITH HIS PREVIOUS CARDIOLOGIST. I'M SO THANKFUL THAT DR. LEVER WAS ABLE TO SEE US WHEN HE DID.

LOVE AND PRAYERS TO ALL.
SHERRY

[Midge Rollins]

Sherry, we will certainly keep Tommy and you in our prayers. I am sorry for your previous loss. What an awesome gift you were able to give the gift of life to so many. My donor and other donors are constantly in my thoughts. We recipients are so grateful it is hard to put into words. I have had privilege of meeting my donors family. We even plan to walk together in the Transplant games in June. God has a special spot for those who have been able to donate the organs of their loved ones. What a tremendous gift at such a difficult time.

[angall]

Hi Sherry

I'm so sorry to read about your loss. Some people (me included) never realize how many organs are needed. Just on this floor there are two of us. There was another lady here a few weeks ago, but she was discharged after a "tune up". She is still on the heart transplant list.

I certainly admire anyone that donates organ(s) and I know I will try and find out as much as I can about my doner and hopefully can get to meet his/her family.

I will keep you and your loved one in my prayers.

God Bless

[dreamcatchinglady]

Dear Esther,Sherry and Tommy,
I will keep all of you in my prayers. Keep your chins up and Stay positive. Esther I know how hard it is to wait for a heart. I waited for a year was put on the transplant list on October 8th,2004 and received my new heart October 1,2005. It's such a gift. Take care and keep all of us informed. God bless you.

[tommysgirl]

For all of you who have received transplants, it really helps me feel better to hear how well you are doing. I didn't hesitate when they told me that my husband ( 1st one "Buzzy") was brain dead. I asked to say good bye and for the papers to sign. I knew that I could no longer help him and wanted to get back to my children. They needed me more than ever at that point.

I did struggle at times after that. guess it was just part of the grief process.
All of you lighten my heart and make me smile to know that I didi do the right thing. Many people are benefiting from him and he will live on in them as well as our hearts and minds. Thank you for your kindness! God bless to all.
Love and prayers.
Sherry