Abe

Abe is having health concerns.  You can find out all about it on the end of Betty's thread, MY DAVID.

Report on our trip to Karlsruhe today.
 
My daughter drove us and since we went early, we first went to the Neurological Clinic for Gisela to check it out.  They handle Myasthenia patients. Gisela got a good feeling about them, everyone was pleasant and helpful.  So, I think she will ask our family Doctor for a pass to that clinic for treatment.  Her illness has reached a critical stage and she needs help that only qualified physicians can provide.
The heart clinic was just 200 Meters away, so we left the car parked in the Garage at the Neurological clinic and we walked to the Heart Clinic.
The meeting with the surgeon was informative.  He had the CD of the CT performed in Landau and reviewed it with us.  The measurements of the Gefass is at a danger size.  He compared it to a balloon that could pop at any time.  On the other hand, he said that I could live to be 90 or more.  There is no way to say if or when it would happen, and if it did, calling for an ambulance would be too late.  He said, once that bursts, it’s all over.  I wouldn’t feel any pain.  There are no signs, like pain in the chest that would alert me.   
The operation, if I choose to have it would be less intensive than my heart-valve replacement, however  it would require opening the chest to do it, but since the chest has already been opened from the previous operation, the procedure would take less time.  Recovery would be about the same as with my heart surgery and afterward, Rehab.  He is sending a report to my family doctor and will recommend surgery, however there is no urgency.  If I decide to have the operation, he suggests waiting until the weather is a bit cooler, i.e., in September or October. 
Recommendation concerning daily activity.  To continue with my normal routine, but no heavy lifting and to keep my BP below 160.  We asked about risks for the operation and he said it was around one or two percent – very low.   He felt that it would be successful.
 
I need time to think about it before making a decision.  If the operation allows me to live normally without concern about daily activity, I’m leaning toward having the operation.  I must confess, regardless of what the doctor said that I am scared.  I recognize that things can go wrong and that there is never a guarantee that what they do will work or that they won’t make some stupid mistake.  At the same time, I try to tell myself that when my time is up, it won’t matter where I am or what I am doing. 
I truly appreciate the concern you all have expressed.  It is comforting to know that positive energy is coming my way.  Whatever time we have left, it is good to know that we have friends.

I hope you opt to have the surgery and that all goes well.  I repeat. You are in my kindest thoughts and prayers--your  wife as well.

It all sounds scary to me.  I will keep positive thoughts and know you will be surrounded by same. The body simply wears out it seems no matter how we try to keep it together.  I am grateful you have excellent medical care for your and your spouse.

Thank you both.  We are thankful each day for the care we have.  Without it I doubt that I would be writing this post. 
I keep making posts on FB when the issue of healthcare arises since I know how important it is.

Doctors have to cover themselves to avoid a law suit for not warning patients, but a low risk operation is generally thought to have a high chance of a successful outcome. Follow the doctor's advice and take things easy after the operation. You will be in all our thoughts. Take care.

Thanks Shelagh.  It is difficult to get it out of my mind just wondering what might happen if I don't have the operation.  At the moment I am inclined to proceed with the operation especially with the "low risk" factor and that once it is done I can function without the worry/concern that something could burst.  I want to discuss it with my "Hausarzt" (family doctor) and get his input after he receives and reviews the report.  Getting second opinions is something I believe in.

Dear Abe, Take care and consideration.  I would be inclined to have the surgery.  I remember the depression you went through with the first surgery.  I think you know more what to expect this time and will do a lot better with more cheer.  Life is the prize. Be it extra years or even extra days or months.  That is the way I feel. Love, Betty

With all this support and encouragement, it makes me feel that I have already won the battle.
You guys are the greatest.

You are the best.  Have the surgery and look back on it. It sounds pretty low risk and you  will have more time to do what you enjoy.

I'm convinced.  After spending the past few days with anxiety wondering if something could suddenly burst, I want to get on with it.  After contacting the Clinic, we learned that the report had not yet been sent to my family doctor in that the doctor was out.  We were told that the report would be sent early next week.  We asked them to fax it.  Will be checking with my doctor daily next week to make sure he gets the report.

I am glad for your decision, Abe.  It will be several weeks of discomfort, but then many years of life to live.  I believe it in my heart!  Love, Betty

Thanks Betty.  If you believe it, it must be so.

Abe,

I believe!  Now PLEASE GET ON WITH IT.  It is far better to look back on a surgery than look forward to it.

Received confirmation that our doctor received the report from the Heart Clinic in Karlsruhe so we went immediately to see him.
He made arrangements for me to go to the Clinic in Landau tomorrow for pre-op procedures that include catherization. I expect to be there for two days.  They will make the appointment for the operation in Karlsruhe.  I don’t if I will be coming home before I go or sent directly.
 
That’s it for now.  If I come home, I'll let you know when my appointment for the operation takes place.  Gisela determined that I needed a new pair of summer jamies so we went into town this afternoon for that purpose.  It was a nice sunny day with a breeze.  After the purchase, we sat at a sidewalk cafe and had a calorie-rich ice cream becher.  It was a lovely day.

I'm sure you are both concerned about the operation.  However, it sounds like your medical care is excellent so that's all good.  Now, about that cafe.  I envy you the stop.  I used to love getting a piece of black forest cake and a cup of coffee.  It seems so long ago...it was!

Abe, we don't live forever. I will tell you a secret Abe...None of us lives forever. Here is what the scriptures say, "From the secret when we die, to when Jesus brings us back to life, it will be in the blink of an eye." It does not matter how long we are in the grave, it will seem like a second. 
Don't worry abe, Sometime in the future, we will talk about it. Just don't worry.

Domenic

The AA people have it right - one day at a time.  The more I live in the present and worry less about the past or the future, the better the present feels.  I also find I am more cheerful and "awake" to all the wonders around me - such as new jammies or a delicious piece of cake, or the warmth of a loved one.  We need to plan then let the plans do their thing and just live well each day as life takes its course.

Of course, I need to remind myself because it's human nature to step out of the present.  So, I wish for you daily presents and all the best.

Just got home from the hospital and checking emails.  The Catherter procedure went okay.  Blockage in one vein was insignificant (according to the doctor).  The appointment for the operation was made by the Doctor in Landau. I am scheduled to enter the heart clinic in Karlsruhe on Friday, 8 August for the operation.  Doesn't give me much time at home, but the sooner it is over the better.
That's it for now.  Thanks to all of you for your support and good wishes.

8/10

         Abe..

                   You are in my prayers...And I know prayers work because I just went through a horrific time with my shitty landlord ( I'll tell it another time, I want your opinion or anyone else's then ) your
wife will be in my prayers friend so be well and get well fast, love you both..

                                                          Cheers.....Joe..

Hope all went well and your aorta is well shored up.  My boss had a surgery like that which went very well. I am hoping that for you

Looking to here from Abe....

My last peek into the Author's forum.  Tomorrow morning I'll be on my way to the Heart Clinic.  I'll ask my daughter to make a post on FB if there is something significant to report.  She plans to be there when I go into surgery and be there when I come out. 
Don't expect to hear from me for a while, but know that I'll be thinking about you all. 
I love you guys.

We love you back, Abe. Hope all is going well.
I poked in here to see if your daughter had left a message.
Take care. I see she was going to leave a message on Facebook, so will check there.

My best thoughts for excellent physicians and a speedy recovery.  Thanks for keeping us updated.  You are dear to me also.