The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Prayer Requests => Topic started by: crusader rabbit on May 31, 2013, 01:53:19 PM
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In January, I had an episode that looked and felt like a heart attack. Made a trip to the ER and was sent to the cardiac ward for an overnight.
Turned out the ticker was working fine. The problem was with an extremely large hiatal hernia that had developed to the point where my stomach and esophagus were pressing against my heart and left lung.
After a load of tests and exploring options, I am headed for the surgical suite on Tuesday morning at 0600.
Doc says he will attempt to do this procedure laparoscopically (sp? spell check doesn't recognize it) with only two or three small incisions. But, he has already cautioned me that he doesn't think that will be possible because of the proximity to my heart and the size of the balloon of stomach nestled above my diaphragm. He told me he will not endanger my outcome for purposes of esthetics and expects to have to do conventional surgery to repair my plumbing.
If he can do it the easy way, I will be in the hospital only overnight, and can resume regular life within the week.
If he has to gut me like a fish, I am in the hospital for a week, then on light duty for 6 weeks, then a gradual return to a normal lifestyle.
Naturally, my preference is the first option, but I don't really get a say. I won't know which way it went until I get out of recovery and up to my room.
So, here's the prayer request(s): 1) Pray for the easy way, if at all possible; 2) If easy is out, pray for an easy recovery.
I don't like pain--never have. I tolerate it as well as most, but this has me a little scared.
I'll be on here until bedtime on Monday, and then it depends on how it goes in the OR. I'll be back as soon as I am able.
Thanks, guys (and gals)
Crusader Rabbit
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I hope it goes the easy way!! Praying that it does!
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We are with you CR .
Don't sweat it to much , these days if it's a matter of broken parts it's really no more complicated than taking your car to the mechanic .
Illnesses still present a challenge to medical science, but damaged parts are simply "repair or replace" just like a head gasket .
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Pulling for a good procedure...and for the easy one to be in the cards.
This pain in temporary and isn't doing damage, just part of the healing.
You get meds to help with it.
Hang in there, CR.
Take care
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Will have you in our thoughts and prayers that everything goes as well and easy as possible, CR.
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Just like workin' on an "ol" Buick,..... ;) Crusader, I pray for the easier less intrusive procedure, and will pray for a speedy recovery regardless.
Don't trust the ugly Nurses... ::)
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Prayers forthwith...
Get in, get out...wash your hands and FORCE everyone else to wash theirs or stay the f*#k outa your room...
Be well, speedy recovery, friend!
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Just like workin' on an "ol" Buick,..... ;) Crusader, I pray for the easier less intrusive procedure, and will pray for a speedy recovery regardless.
Don't trust the ugly Nurses... ::)
BUICK? Buick!?
If anything, I'm a Ford. We don't take government handouts.
Well...
Shoot...
It is the VA doing all this, so I guess maybe I do.
Crap. I didn't ever want to be a freakin' Buick.
Thanks for the prayers, guys.
Gratefully,
Crusader
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CR, here's praying for a successful surgery and quick like a bunny (pun intended!) recovery! May God guide your surgeon and staff.
God Bless,
Richard and Norma
PS: And may all your nurses be beautiful.....not that you'll notice or anything! LOL
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Just think CR, one time you will have cute young ladies (multiple ) handling your junk and it's going to have a hose coming out of it and look like it got run over by a truck . ;D
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All the best mate. I will think of you while having a beer for you
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All the best mate. I will think of you while having a beer for you
It would have been 2 but Phil is cutting back, so he isn't going to have one he'll just drink yours . ;D
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CR, praying for the easy route and a speedy recovery. My doctor says that yours is an easy operation and not to sweat it because all should come out fine...oops, didn't mean to say that!
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Praying for you in advance, and will remember as the procedure takes place.
Please give us an update on Monday confirming all is still on track or for any changes. Maybe you could even recruit that old cat or his spawn to give us a quick post surgery update until you are up to it.
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Coming in here late, but I hope all goes and gets well Crusader.
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Still with you, CR.
Things might be wrapped up by now.
Still hoping for the easy way with this.
Take care.
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Prayers continue. Hope to hear the good word soon!
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Any word from Mr. Cottontail anybody?
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I can not express my depth of gratitude for the prayerful support.
They tried to do it with the laparoscope but my BP fell to dangerously low levels and they had to go conventional. I am now well and truly gut cut. Starts about six inches below and to the outside of left nipple and extends all across to similar place on the right.
Turned out nearly my entire stomach had migrated north of my diaphragm to surround my heart and press against my left lung. Always knew those illegal immigrants would cause trouble. This one like to killed me. Watch that southern border,guys.
Anyway, when I came-to I was told I'd be on the ICU ward for a day then on the ASU ward for a week to 10 days. They gave me a copy of the waypoints they were looking for--like able to get out of bed unassisted, making water, making bowel sounds, breaking wind, making a BM, swallowing water,swallowing flavorful liquids (liars,not much flavor), swallowing thick liquids (like Ensure or Boost) and a few other things I don't recall.
I set each one up as a target and knocked it down as quickly as I could. Knocked the final one down this morning at 8 and got out today at 2.
I'll fill in some more blanks when a better bond forms between mind and fingers.
But, your prayerful support and God's grace got me through (and a thoughtful pharmacist got me some excellent drugs).
Thanks, fellows,
CR
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Great News, CR :D :D :D
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Thanks for the update, my friend!! Please keep us posted, and heel up quick!!
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Never any doubt! Don't try to heal too quick!!!!! Had my GB out laparoscopically(sp?) and was warned I could herniate as long as 6. months after. Can't imagine what it would have been had it been "the old fashioned way".
God Bless,
Richard
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Great news! Not great that they field dressed you, but great that they did the job in the best way possible.
Many prayers answered it appears as you move forward quickly. Now, take advantage of your position in life, and let Bunny take care of you as you mend. We'll continue the prayers for complete success.
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Good to hear you are on the mend, CR.
Prayers to continue.
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Okay, guys, here's the latest from the Cut Gut Chronicles...
I am off the narcotic painkillers as of today--don't need 'em any more.
I can now actually cough a little to clear the airways without fearing my innards will spill onto the floor--and that's another good thing.
My diet is still restricted to "liquids, puddings, cream soups and shakes" and that's not so good. Still, that steak at the end of the tunnel is a motivator to heal.
I go back to the doc to get about a gazillion staples removed on the 24th. I may actually be allowed to drive after that. As of now, driving is prohibited. And that actually hasn't been all that bad since Bunny's car has taken some sort of dump and doesn't want to run, so she's been using the JEEP. I think we have arranged to get it to the mechanic for repair next Monday. I'm hoping it's something simple and cheap.
Yesterday, I managed a rather lethargic walkabout. Put in about .25 miles (about .4km for our Oz contingent) which ain't too bad. I managed to sleep for 30 minutes upon my return, but I got the walk in. I just don't have much in the "reserve" tank.
There may be a reason for the lack of energy... According the the hospital's "bed scale," shortly after the surgery and after they had pumped me full of fluids, my registered weight was 237 lb. (that's 107.5 kg or I think 18.96 stone--just trying to be helpful, here). This morning on an accurate scale here at home, I came in at 206 lb. (93.4 kg or 16.48 stone). It appears I will break the 200 pound barrier in the right direction for the first time in 20 years. And,that may allow me to ditch the blood pressure meds
I have had no inflammation along the stitch line, and everything is looking good so far.
So, all is progressing anon. I can already feel the benefit of having my stomach back where it belongs and not pressing against heart and lung--and that, too, is a good thing.
Thanks again for all your kind thoughts and prayers.
A grateful,
Crusader Rabbit
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Sounds good, CR...you'll be surprised how quickly you feel better.
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Great, CR.
Sounds like everything is going fine...all the pain and weakness can now be looked at as "character building" ;D
I had a similar surgery some years ago, except my incision ran length wise from my breastbone to my crotch.
After it was all healed and getting back to normal, I had a bit of a panic when I first did something that stretched my abdominal muscles. Along the incision I felt a moderate burning pain. Frantic call to the Dr. and was informed this was normal. The different layers of muscle that were cut in the operation tend to "grow" together when they heal and the strenuous activity caused the layers to separate again. Normal and to be expected.
Your lateral incision might not have the same effect.
Take care.
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Good to here mate that you are on the mend.
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Hey, gang,
Just got back from the doc's office. All the staples are now out and his official pronouncement was that I can drive again, eat again, and even go to the gym again. Of course, I can't lift any real weight, but I can hit the treadmill and do "preacher" curls on the machine (if I don't hold my breath and try to lift too much). I don't even have to see him again.
Tonight, although I would really enjoy a steak, I am going to settle for some baked chicken thighs. The thought is they should go down a bit more easily than steak and the old pipes haven't passed any real food in the past three weeks.
So, my life is gradually returning to normal and I am really excited to actually eat some food.
Thanks for all the good thoughts, prayers, and moral support. It really helped.
Crusader Rabbit
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CR, good news on two fronts....you and Mike!
Continued prayer for both!
God Bless,
Richard and Norma
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and the most important thing
how long b4 you have a beer again
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and the most important thing
how long b4 you have a beer again
It will still be awhile, but it motivates me to look forward.
CR
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Alright Rabbit, how's the last month gone for you?
Chasing your wife around yet? ;D
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Some sort of sad news of the wife-chasing front, Magoo.
Bunny has been taking Krav Maga (a structured form of Israeli street fighting) and it's getting dangerous to make any sudden moves around her.
I'm not sure how much good it's doing, though. Yesterday she asked me to choke her while she practiced a "release"move and she nearly dislocated an elbow.
Unfortunately, it was my elbow.
But, to more specifically answer your question... I will have full release to do as I please as of 4 August. That includes weight training, eating anything, and what passes for connubial relations when you're 65 (you probably wouldn't recognize is as "sex," but it's a little better than cuddling).
Crusader Rabbit
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LOL! Sounds good friend, sudden moves are rarely successful in my experience-its the slow and smooth moves I need to
perfect learn. ;D
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Are you saying you're at the age where it takes you all night to do what you used to do all night ? ;D
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Are you saying you're at the age where it takes you all night to do what you used to do all night ? ;D
More along the lines of: I may not be as good as I once was; but I'm not as good once, either. ;D ;)
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how have you been traveling mate ??
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Just got off a two week road trip across country from Florida to Arizona and back.
Since mom passed, dad is alone except for my sister and her husband.
They went to Norway for a two week vaycay and asked if I could come out and spend some time with pappy.
I did--had to go out and collect a trailer full of my furniture, so the trip served dual purposes.
Had a great time with the old man. We get along well since he's stone deaf and I like to yell.
Health-wise, everything seems to be working better than before. I lost 30 pounds, stopped one of my blood pressure meds and feel better than I have in years.
Trailer had a gun safe on it, so I am now back to being better armed, too. Plus a nice load of scarce ammo came back with me.
Thanks for asking,Phil. And congrats on your new PM.
Crusader Rabbit