Happy Pills Aren't Working Anymore!

[retiredhappy]

Mitch, you're smart enough to realize that pizza and wine and maybe chocolate solve almost everything. I've been a diabetic since 1999 - the year I retired. Take care of yourself first, so you can, if you need to, take care of others. As a diabetic the only thing I really can't have anymore is orange juice. Coming from southern California I used to drink gallons of fresh squeezed. I can still have my chocolate, just in moderation - a Hershey kiss instead of the whole candy bar. Just know that we're all here for you, anytime you need someone to bitch to.

[Pooker]

You have had your share of "stuff" with those you love, that's for sure. But now the "stuff" is hitting you personally - big time. These forum friends are for listening to the moaning and groaning, offering the prayers and support you need, and encouraging you when it's time to get on with it. Pizza, wine and chocolate are important meds right now. THEN you can attack - cope - do what you have to do.

You have dozens of supporters here pulling for you. Do what you do best - attack!!!

Pooker

[Redetotry]

Sending a big hug to you Mitch. I hope you can get out and be with friends and family as often as you possibly can.

[Echo]

Mitch and Zeee? You have both been added to my candle and hug list!!!

Take it easy and breath deeply! Much LOVE to the both of you!!!!

[PeggyinCT]

Damn Mitch, we are all reaching that age where we need to take ourselves by the hand and say, okay time for me. I've had two cardiac catherinzations within the last two years, but the blockage is not in a major artery, so the docs aren't doing anything. It's up to me. Lose 20 pounds, minimum, and walk. Am I doing it? Not seriously. Why? I don't know. What does it take to make women do for themselves? Please have the catherization, the sooner the better. Mine was through the wrist and it doesn't hurt. Out patient. Then do what the docs say. Then we can start a better health thread on the forum and hold ourselves accountable for taking care of ourselves. You are not alone. Hugs from CT until we meet at the PA GTG.

[Cedar518]

Well said, Peggy! Well said!

[Excel]

Somewhere back in time I read/heard the following...goes something like this....If you're on a plane with a child & the oxygen masks drop...put yours on first, then the childs...Reason ? If something happens to you, the child has no chance....so you have to take care of yourself first. You have so much to deal with & can only do so by taking care of yourself first...I'm not walking in your shoes, but I sure as heck agree with some of the gals who have said...why is it we don't take better care of ourselves, yet we do so much for others....I don't know the answer, I just know it's true...So I guess all I'm saying is...have at it with the wine & pizza & as others have said....then get out there & do for yourself.... cause no one else can...
As a side note...I don't post often, but I do check this website pretty regularly...Your posts are absolutely delightful...gives me a boost & I envy your sense of humor....so keep sharing that part of you....and if you're having one of 'those' days....share that too...These gals are a great support group....though I think you'll have to hide the wine....
Prayers are with you....hang in there !!!

[Echo]

No comments necessary. I just wanted to bitch.
..

I really and truly hope you didn't honestly expect to get away with that did you????

"No comments necessary!" In this group??? Oh Mitch!!!!!

[mtngal]

Hey Mitch! I'm just catching up here, and hoping the pity party served it's purpose and is over now! Even tho I haven't had the pleasure to meet you F2F, I think I know you from the forum and am betting you are burning up the keyboard
doing your research to decide the best way to go from here. ((((HUGS))))

[mitch5252]

..

WOW - thank you, everyone! You have successfully warmed the cockles of my heart, what's left of it!
Your support is overwhelming and I am so glad I found this forum (well, except for Vickie...).

I plan on taking very good care of my personal health issues because my Sweetie needs me. And besides, if I had to "log off", who would keep Ms. Vickie in line? ? ? You know how pushy she can be...so, I'm on a mission to lose weight, exercise daily, and eat right. What the heck is left? Oh, yeah - WINE and SEX. One outta two ain't bad!

Anyone ever take nitroglycerin? I am now the proud owner of a small bottle of the little things and don't have a real sense of when to use it? I guess they're to help keep me alive until the cath in 2 weeks.

And here my Georgie thought he'd have a nice young wifey caregiver in his old age! Fooled him, didn't I??

Thanks again, you guys! You're the best, even you-know-who.

..

[mitch5252]

..

Pity Party Aftermath

UGH...dry mouth, headache, bloated stomach, heartburn.
So much for feeling sorry for myself!
There's a lesson in there somewhere...

[Yakn1]

Mitch - I've been on nitro for almost 2 years. I had a triple bypass almost 13 yrs. ago, it was an emergancy operation, didn't even get a vote! I had been seeing drs. for 6 mos., one said I had lung problems-went to a specialist, he said no. Then they sent me for reflux testing -not!!! Went to the first cardio - he got mad and YELLED at me because I couldn't get thru 4 min. on the treadmill- see ya!! Next cardio said I don't think that the problem but we won't stop til we find out- thank you! The rest of the story - triple bypass at 44 yrs. - doc said it was genes (think I'll kill my family when I get out!). Fast forward 11 yrs. , start have chest pains, my GP keeps saying I don't need to be seeing a cardio I went to the hospital after 3 days of extreme pain. The cardio they sent me is soooo cool, was really pissed my dr. never agreed for me to see one at least on an annual basis. Found out I will need another bypass at some point, just not sure when. I take a nitrate every moring - gaive me terrible headaches for about a month, also carry nitro pills every where. My cardio says if I am feeling chest pains-take one, give it ten minutes, if I still hurt take one more. If that doesn't work- GO TO THE HOSPITAL! If the pain you are feeling (and somtimes you can't really tell) is not your heart - the nitro won't hurt anything. Nitro will give you one hell of a headache for a few minutes, and ALWAYS sit down, they also make you dizzy.
I wish you all of the luck - I know it is scarey but it is manageable - so take care of yourself!! I live to be outdoors, kayak, fish and often can out work men half my age - I REFUSE to let this rule me. Mitch, please do the same.
The OTHER Vicki

[BarbaraRose]

Soos, the saying you were trying to quote is the Serenity Prayer: "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference". Growing up with two alcoholic parents, I learned that one at an early age!

Mitch, my mom had diabetes, and heart problems. She had several stents put in over the years and did fine. She also did fine with her diabetes (except for the cookies and ice cream addiction!), managing that for many, many years with no problems. The best way to control diabetes is diet and excersize and staying at a decent weight.
She also had a bottle of nitroglycerin tablets. She only took those (one at a time as needed for pain) when she experienced any tightness or pain in her chest, neck or left arm. That slows things down until you can get checked out. I think for you, it is just a precaution at this point and you probably won't need them before you have the proceedure done. I would ask your doctor for sure, tho, in case he has other reasons for you to have them.

A guy I work with had an angioplasty with stents put in a couple weeks ago on a Friday and was back at work on Monday, so nowdays, those proceedures are no big deal.

Good luck and like I said before, take one day at a time (sometimes it gets down to one hour or even one minute at a time on the really rough days!).

Barbie

[mitch5252]

Vicki (the GOOD and NICE Vicki), that makes me feel better that you have been, and are still able, to enjoy being outdoors and doing more physical stuff. Here I was thinking boo-hoo, no more camping...that'll be too much work and lifting - crap like that goes through your head. Really good to hear differently!

It's just too bad that for any future GTGs in which I participate, I'll be the one supplying the "I Wanna Eat and Be Healthy" Choices! Oh, wait - that would only leave fish and water. Aw, heck, I'll figure something out. Breakfast is the hardest. Yesterday for breakfast, I had two bowls of salad. Yummo, huh? Rest of the breakfast menu is fake eggs and turkey bacon. Let's double that YUMMO...

Oh, well...it is what it is.

Stay NICE, Vicki!

[Barbzeee]

Mitch... I have nitro..use it as needed..have been doing that for over 15 years..and yes, you go on with life..cause sitting back worrying is Not a good thang !... I traveled all over Europe and Across this great divide.. and that's all since I've had my heart attacks.. I've not changed anything other than when I get the urge, where the devil made me do it.. I make sure I fess up..just in case.. it might be my last...hahaha..

Anyway.. I've also had to wear nitro patches..and yes, it does a number on the brain ..headache..wow...but over time it becomes like your best friend..
True.. one pill and if pain don't go away.. take another if that don't work 911... .. For me I've never had the symptoms of "the Pain" mine were always in my back...infact waxed a whole floor and didn't even know I was having a heart attack thought I pulled a muscle..mmmm good thing I had taken aspirin..

You're a smart (wise) woman..and you'll do the right thing.. some things we can change others well..it's the way the cookie crumbles..

Positive thinking always.. and you've got a good sense of humor...That's one of the big keys..

On the weight loss I've been doing weight watchers and it's been working well for me.. as you know I head back home and have both knees replaced...aren't I lucky... just can't wait..OH YEAH...

Lori, I'll attempt to make that GTG...but I might have a little interuption...just incase I'm not there...Remember me ...Please !


Good Luck Mitch... You'll be ok..

God Bless

Zeee