So my husband limped (see previous post) into the hospital to have his heart cath done. It turns out he DID have a blockage and they had to put in a stent. Not only that, his heart function isn’t very good (it doesn’t pump well enough), and it looks like it might be due to a couple of heart attacks he’s had in the last 5-6 years…that we didn’t know about until recently. So they sent him home with a “Life Vest” which is basically an external defibrillator. The vest itself is bad enough, but it’s attached to a monitor which is kind of heavy, and he has to wear that part clipped to his belt or on a belt wrapped around his waist. Needless to say, hubby is NOT a happy camper. They will determine in a few months whether or not he will have to have a defibrillator implanted. The doc said his heart function could improve with all the medications he will be taking.
I’m not too happy right now, either, because I don’t function well without sleep. Sunday night I didn’t sleep much or well because I had to get up at 4:00 am to get us to the hospital on time. And I didn’t sleep well last night because there’s nothing comfortable about a chair that converts to a bed. There are SEAMS in it and they aren’t comfy. I kept waking up. So between the two nights, I might have gotten 5-6 hours of sleep. Maybe.
I know there are people who are worse off than we are. I KNOW this, but sometimes knowing doesn’t help ME feel better. But I’m trying to be thankful for all the good things in my life. And you all are part of that! 🙂
lauralynnelliott.com 
So sorry to hear all of this Lauralynn. I don’t blame you a bit for being unhappy and even though we all know there are people much worse off than we are, sometimes you can’t help but wonder why you are the ones that this is all happening to. Try to stay strong and know that you are loved by many and we’re all here for you whenever you need to let off some steam.
Thank you, Renee. I’m an optimistic person by nature, so I’m hoping I won’t get depressed. That’s not a natural state for me. I appreciate you so much. You are one of those people I just clicked with when I met you. 🙂
Man, that totally sucks. I’m so sorry. 😦 You and your husband have been having it rough. Maybe there are people who have it worse, but you are going through a really horrible thing. Prayers and hugs being sent your way.
It does, doesn’t it? Thanks, Ruth, I can use those prayers and hugs!
Hang in there… and know that you have a ton of us in your corner sending love and warm wishes to you both!
Thanks, Tiff! I just love all of you!
Quite the year for your husband and medical woes. Those vests are cumbersome but better than the recovery time for a pacemaker/defibrilator. It can be hard to feel gloomy at times, but those are the moments that make the bright spots all that much brighter. Happy Holidays to you and your family, my prayers are with you two as you go through this. Cheers
They are cumbersome. The lady that fitted him said that women deal with them better than men because they are used to carrying stuff around, like purses. After he’s worn this for awhile, and the medicine all kicks in, he might not have to have the implanted one.
Thank you for all your prayers, and I’m still determined to have a happy holiday season.
Wow that sucks. You are just getting hammered this year. I hope you’ll be able to get some rest now and take care of yourself. You’re always there for everyone and deserve to take some care of you, too.
Yeah, there are people worse off, but that doesn’t change what it is for you. Especially since you’re certainly not the kind of person who would feel better finding out about someone else’s trouble–you’d just feel worse. We know you’re grateful for what you have. Don’t ever feel like you have to apologize for for getting tired and getting a little down about what you don’t. It’s serious stuff. I watched this recently, about being mindful how we respond to people who need our empathy. http://brenebrown.com/2013/12/10/rsabear/ I think it’s okay to apply that empathy to yourself, too.
Thanks, Susan. You’re such a kind soul. 🙂 You’re right…I WOULD just feel worse finding out about other people’s trouble. Sometimes I just feel bad when I go on about MY troubles, knowing it’s not as bad as it could be. We have someone at church who is younger than me who had a stroke while hubby was in the hospital. So much suffering right now. But I do have so many things to be thankful for, and friends like you are part of that thankfulness.
I do realize the need to take care of myself. I slept well last night (went to bed about 8:30), so that helped. I’ll check out that link.
Thanks for reminding me that I’m kind. Something got on my nerves this morning and I was starting to forget to act like it. 🙂
You are one of the kindest people I know. But we all have our limits. LOL
Susan Bischoff likes this.
Hi Lauralynn. My prayers are with you and your husband. I hope this is a road bump on a path to better health for him and that 2014 will be a good year for both of you. A big hug from across the country…
Thank you, Michelle. I want to believe things will be better. I have to believe that. *hugs you back*
It’s okay to feel sad. We always say there are people worse off than us, but when something difficult is happening to us- well – it’s happening to us, so how can we not be a little down about it.
Hope you get some sleep tonight and that your husband’s condition will improve.
Feeling sad is such an “alien” feeling for me because I rarely let myself feel that way. I’m the on who’s always upbeat and happy. But I know it’s normal to feel sad about all this…it’s a LOT. I finally slept in my own bed last night, so it was better. I hope he can get rid of that vest he’s having to wear. He says it’s very uncomfortable to sleep with. 😦
Hang in there. It will all turn out right I’m sure. Stay positive even when it doesn’t look like you can. You’re a tough lady. We are all here for you and you know where to find me. 😉
THERE you are. 🙂 You know, my mom said the same thing…that I was strong. I don’t really feel that way, but maybe I am and just don’t know it. LOL I know exactly where to find you. 🙂