"Well, this is the pits! I went into the Heart
Hospital today for two tests - I was put under, swallowed an ultrasound
camera to take a closer look at the leaking valve in my heart and a had dual
wrist and groin arterial heart catheterizations with cannulae run through
my arteries to see if I had any blockages. I went in at 8:00
a.m. and was finally able to leave at 4:30. I was told that since I have
two arteries that are basically "open" I am not to lift, bend, stoop
or walk for any length of time. They don't have to worry - I am so tired and
out of breath, I can't do any of those things anyway.
The results were surprising - first, I have no blocked arteries - hooray! Second, I not only have an arterial valve leakage, but also a mitral valve leakage. I have been so short of breath and have had such severe dizzy spells for a couple of months that I knew something was wrong; just needed to pin it down.
Well, the cardiologist who did the testing today told Guenter and me that I have 30% heart function due to the severity of both leaking valves. He also told us that if I don't have new valves put in ASAP, that I will not be here in 4 to 6 months. He also said "no trips anywhere" until I have new valves. He painted such a scary scenario of being in the middle of the ocean, having a massive heart attack and no time nor place to airlift me for emergency surgery that I had to listen to him. We were to have been at sea for the first 5 days, in the islands for 5 days, and then back at sea for another 5 days.
We were scheduled to leave a week from today. I had already begun packing, and had so many plans and expectations for this 15 day cruise during both Christmas and New Year's Eve. I did purchase trip insurance, but who knows how much or little they will reimburse us. Of course, they never reimburse taxes, port charges, prepaid gratuities, excursions, transfers or airfare. Needless to say, the reimbursement is going to be very nominal. Both cardiac surgeons, as well as my cardiologist have all said they will write letters to the airline and cruise line for us explaining our situation and try to help any way they can. I am going to plead with Princess Cruises to just "shelve" the cruise in its entirety for a later date - I doubt it will go that way, but all I can do is ask.
I am to see the cardiac surgeon on either Wednesday or Friday of next week to schedule my surgery. I am not a candidate for mechanical valve replacement, so that means I have to have the open-heart procedure. I really am not looking forward to having my sternum cut open like a chicken. I will be in the hospital for a minimum of 5 days, depending on how I do. Recovery is approximately 8 to 10 weeks, barring any complications. Just what I wanted for Christmas - another gigantic scar.
Guenter is scheduled for hernia surgery on January 15th - we really make a fine pair, don't we? I am hoping we can have Home Health come into the house on a daily basis until one of us is able to help the other.
Merry Christmas! I don't feel very jolly today.".....Peg
The results were surprising - first, I have no blocked arteries - hooray! Second, I not only have an arterial valve leakage, but also a mitral valve leakage. I have been so short of breath and have had such severe dizzy spells for a couple of months that I knew something was wrong; just needed to pin it down.
Well, the cardiologist who did the testing today told Guenter and me that I have 30% heart function due to the severity of both leaking valves. He also told us that if I don't have new valves put in ASAP, that I will not be here in 4 to 6 months. He also said "no trips anywhere" until I have new valves. He painted such a scary scenario of being in the middle of the ocean, having a massive heart attack and no time nor place to airlift me for emergency surgery that I had to listen to him. We were to have been at sea for the first 5 days, in the islands for 5 days, and then back at sea for another 5 days.
We were scheduled to leave a week from today. I had already begun packing, and had so many plans and expectations for this 15 day cruise during both Christmas and New Year's Eve. I did purchase trip insurance, but who knows how much or little they will reimburse us. Of course, they never reimburse taxes, port charges, prepaid gratuities, excursions, transfers or airfare. Needless to say, the reimbursement is going to be very nominal. Both cardiac surgeons, as well as my cardiologist have all said they will write letters to the airline and cruise line for us explaining our situation and try to help any way they can. I am going to plead with Princess Cruises to just "shelve" the cruise in its entirety for a later date - I doubt it will go that way, but all I can do is ask.
I am to see the cardiac surgeon on either Wednesday or Friday of next week to schedule my surgery. I am not a candidate for mechanical valve replacement, so that means I have to have the open-heart procedure. I really am not looking forward to having my sternum cut open like a chicken. I will be in the hospital for a minimum of 5 days, depending on how I do. Recovery is approximately 8 to 10 weeks, barring any complications. Just what I wanted for Christmas - another gigantic scar.
Guenter is scheduled for hernia surgery on January 15th - we really make a fine pair, don't we? I am hoping we can have Home Health come into the house on a daily basis until one of us is able to help the other.
Merry Christmas! I don't feel very jolly today.".....Peg
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I know all of you will join me in sending love and prayers for perfect surgeries and recoveries for both PEGGY BRANHAM KRUMLINDE, and her husband Guenter. At one of the holiest times of the Christian year, our prayers will be even more powerful. As we pray for them, may we all remember how blessed we are, and give thanks as well.
Peace and Love,
Marilyn
