When it rains...

[KI4PEQ]

It pours.

I've been complaining about what I thought was a pulled muscle for nearly a year. I went to the doctor, she didn't like my lab work at all and had me scheduled for a heart echo test.

So I show up, having been though this before, thinking this was going to be a ten minute test and I'd be out the door.

Wrong.

The test went on for nearly a half hour, and the technician seemed more concerned by the minute. She then said, STAY RIGHT THERE!, she then left the room, only to return with half the cardio staff at Eglin Hospital. I was told that an ambulance had been called to transport me to Pensacola Sacred Heart Hospital. It did not look good.

The next day, I was scheduled for open heart surgery, and draining nearly twenty pounds of built up fluid around my heart. I had been feeling worse and worse over the last few months, my heart was only working at 50 percent and straining to do the job. It got damaged in the process, how much remains to be seen.

So I can't travel for long distances, I have to see the heart surgeon three times a week, and I am now TRULY retired, as the doctors tell me I cannot work at anything. If I hadn't gone to Sacred Heart for the procedure, I would not have lasted through March.

I may not be around as much, and the Beast is definitely staying parked at $4.10 a gallon. I may not be able to keep the house, much less the truck.

Retirement isn't all it's cracked up to be. Fixed incomes suck. And to be honest, I'm of a mixed mind as to whether recovering from this episode was such a good idea. If I did buy the farm, the wife would have a paid for house.

Sorry for the gloom and doom, just don't know how much more bovine scat this zoomie can stand.:(

[ad4mg]

Well, damn Richard. I truly wish you a speedy recovery. I hate that this came upon you so suddenly. We all must face this sort of thing at some point in our lives, but it's nice to see it coming in time to make adjustments.

We never agreed on much here, but I'm not one to hold a grudge at all. I am truly saddened to hear this, and sincerely wish you all the best. Even though I'm not a deeply religious man, I do believe everything happens for a reason, and you're still with us for just such a reason, if only to annoy the libs around here.

Good luck, my friend.

Best 73,
Luke

[w2amr]

All the best OM, hope things start looking up for you soon.

[w4rot]

Wishing you the best Richard.
Take Care and Better Days man.
rot

[MM3XXW]

Take care of yourself Richard and I hope you'll feel a whole lot better soon.

Maybe a timely reminder to those of us who ignore those little niggles to get them checked up;)

Happy Easter sir, I hope you'll see many more:):):)

[MM3XXW]

oops, just mean to add that if you were paying our petrol prices your truck would definitley stay parked ..... we're over $10 a gallon:mad:

[kc9jwa]

I am sorry to hear that richard, i hope you recover very good, the longer you think things are ok it's worse for some, i know afew who wated almost to long one had a few months to live he's very close to me thank god i made him go in. I went to the hospital not to long ago i didnt have anything big at all, but they mixed up my chart with someone else and said my heart mighta had some issues, the sad thing i was relieved cause what i dealt with that wouldn't be as bad so i thought, I keep one thing in mind my best little freind many years ago had heart problems and i thought he pull through but he died at the age of 7, so if u have the smallest thing in mind also think bigger not to scare you no intention. I hope god has real good plans for you, i'll pray for you and your situation, i aint real relgious but i plan someday to be.

[n2nh]

Sorry to hear about your affliction Richard.

It's always hard adjusting to big changes that seem to come out of the blue. It's always hard to get over the hump at first. There is always the chance that things will change for the better. Only God really knows. That they caught this and it gave you another chance means that it isn't your time.

IMHO, you need to give yourself a break and try something different. A different kind of book, a new TV Show, spin the wheel and see what you think you'd like to try. It might give you a chance to see things in a different light.

You will be in my prayers. :)

[N4AUD]

That really sucks, but things will get better. I've had friends that had similar problems and at first it was bad, but they followed doctor's orders and were soon back if not better than before. The ones that didn't, and didn't make some lifestyle changes didn't do so well. Just some things I've observed with my own circle of friends.

Good luck, and keep your chin up!

[N2RJ]

Richard,

Allow me to say that I truly hope you get well soon and suffer the least amount of pain possible. I would never wish serious illness on anyone.

As for your money worries, I hear ya. These days it's rough. And my salary only goes so far, so don't think it's just retirees.

[G0GQK]

Poor Richard, a catch 22 situation, the only thing you can do is to try and not worry yourself too much. Make every effort to be cheerful and optimistic and try and get a little exercise which will help to lighten your spirit. Get well soon.

G0GQK