So- I am back! Most of you probably know I had major heart surgery and have not been around at all. I'm going to talk a little bit about what happened so feel free to skip this section. :) Heart disease runs in my family and both my grandfather and uncle have had it- so I knew I'd be dealing with it at some point. Plus I was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation at 25. I'm young to have bypass though- I never thought it would come so fast.
I had shortness of breath and a little burning - classic symptoms- but my primary doc had found a problem with my diaphragm on a CT scan and thought I needed a pulmonologist. So as summer went into fall I thought the problem was my diaphragm- not my heart. And this goes back to spring- when I first started noticing I had dramatically less energy and breathing ability. Looks like I was actually having heart attack symptoms for 2 months! My breathing kept getting worse all through the fall.
It tuns out I had significant blockages. Stenting wasn't an option because of the degree of disease, so it had to be open heart. I grappled with getting a second opinion at Cleveland Clinic- but eventually decided to have it done here in town. And it was a good call- they did a great job.
Bottom line- I'm good. I'm on a heart healthy diet now, which I will fight tooth and nail (not really), the days of having pizza and then Chinese and oh, Italian sounds good tonight- no. I hurt all over, have bruises everywhere, and it's hard to get around- but every day will get better. I went in to the hospital on Saturday Oct. 21st and came out yesterday- two weeks. That first breath of fresh air after two weeks was amazing. So that's what's been happening! A huge thank you to everyone who sent prayers and well wishes and commented on scheduled posts even though I wasn't around. I couldn't blog from the hospital, and I only managed to update Twitter once...
So I've been thinking- maybe I'll do a post on my experiences as a heart patient.
So I read Ringer in the hospital and am in the middle of Top Ten. I've missed Riverdale and Stranger Things 2, so I have catching up to do. Oh and my Song of the week I think especially rocks this time. :)
I had shortness of breath and a little burning - classic symptoms- but my primary doc had found a problem with my diaphragm on a CT scan and thought I needed a pulmonologist. So as summer went into fall I thought the problem was my diaphragm- not my heart. And this goes back to spring- when I first started noticing I had dramatically less energy and breathing ability. Looks like I was actually having heart attack symptoms for 2 months! My breathing kept getting worse all through the fall.
It tuns out I had significant blockages. Stenting wasn't an option because of the degree of disease, so it had to be open heart. I grappled with getting a second opinion at Cleveland Clinic- but eventually decided to have it done here in town. And it was a good call- they did a great job.
Bottom line- I'm good. I'm on a heart healthy diet now, which I will fight tooth and nail (not really), the days of having pizza and then Chinese and oh, Italian sounds good tonight- no. I hurt all over, have bruises everywhere, and it's hard to get around- but every day will get better. I went in to the hospital on Saturday Oct. 21st and came out yesterday- two weeks. That first breath of fresh air after two weeks was amazing. So that's what's been happening! A huge thank you to everyone who sent prayers and well wishes and commented on scheduled posts even though I wasn't around. I couldn't blog from the hospital, and I only managed to update Twitter once...
So I've been thinking- maybe I'll do a post on my experiences as a heart patient.
So I read Ringer in the hospital and am in the middle of Top Ten. I've missed Riverdale and Stranger Things 2, so I have catching up to do. Oh and my Song of the week I think especially rocks this time. :)
Song of the week
PULP COVER OF THE WEEK:
NEW ARRIVAL/ UPCOMING REVIEWS:
BOOKISH LINKS
Greg! I was getting worried after there were no more news from you on twitter - I'm so glad you've made it out of the hospital okay and that the surgery went well! I'm sorry you're having to deal with this in the first place though, obviously. I hope you'll recover quickly. I'm not watching Stranger Things, but I'm all up to date on Riverdale - I haven't recapped the last episode yet, but it had a bit of a twist, so I hope you'll enjoy it! I'm liking the beach theme in your art this week, though sadly can't listen to the song because my wifi has been down for a week, and I'm piggybacking on my phone's data, but it's running out quickly. Get well soon!
ReplyDeleteThanks Vlora! I was rubbish at keeping people updated, but it was hard to eve get online there. And I just couldn't blog from a hospital bed... I'm looking forward to Stranger Things and Riverdale even more, can't wait to see what twist they have for us. :)
DeleteI'm sorry you had to go through all that but I'm glad you're back Greg! You were missed.
ReplyDeleteMy husband hasn't been through anything as drastic but he has a few heart issues that have to be monitored and had to hop on the healthy eating wagon a while ago :-)
I hope you do share your experiences.
For What It's Worth
Thank you Karen! And it definitely helps to get on the program sooner- my diet wasn't THAT bad but I quickly learned how much better I could do.
DeleteThanks and happy weekend!
Oh, my goodness, Greg! I had no idea! I'm so glad you're doing better and best wishes for continued recovery.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're finally out of hospital. I saw on Twitter you were in hospital but I didn't realise the extent of your surgery! So glad you made it out okay, even if recovery is a bit of a bitch. It's terrifying to think you were experiencing symptoms for so long but lucky you managed to get in hospital and they knew the best course of action for you. Good luck with your healthy eating. It'll be hard but once you get into healthy eating habits and find yourself some good recipes you'll be fine. It's starting which is the hardest.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with catching up on everything. Stranger Things 2 was fantastic, I couldn't stop watching, I did it all in one day and it was so so good! I am excited for you getting to watch it
Thanks Becky. I tried to update on Twitter but it was so hard to get on there and my energy levels were seriously down, but I was very gratified by all the well wishes! It was terrifying too to look back and realize how long I'd been dancing with danger! Healthy eating will be hard for me but I do have ideas and I think I'll be fine. :)
DeleteI am way excited for Stranger Things 2.
I totally missed about the heart surgery! I am so glad to hear it went well and you feel better. I can imagine it is tough recovery. Hope you have a great week ahead with your recovery.
ReplyDeleteThanks Grace. Hope you're having a good weekend. :)
DeleteSo glad to hear you're out of hospital and feeling better! Shame, that is really rough. Hope you get time now to rest and relax a bit :) And read, of course ;)
ReplyDeleteAmy @ A Magical World Of Words
Ha ha reading is good! Thanks Amy.
DeletePhew! So glad to hear you're doing better!! Wishing you a speedy recovery!
ReplyDeleteThanks Erica. Good to be moving on. :)
DeleteWow, I didn't realize you were having *heart* surgery and didn't want to ask and sound nosy. But I'm very glad to hear that you're ok and recovering and breathing better! Like some other people, I was getting worried when we didn't hear from you for a while. I'm sure recovery sucks, but I hope you feel better soon!
ReplyDeleteThanks! Good to be back. :) And I was awful at updating Twitter. I didn't want to make a huge deal out of it but I wish I would have updated more... now I need to get on Twitter and sort through all the amazing messages there.
DeleteI am glad you are getting better. Must be so tough. Do take care now
ReplyDeleteThanks!!!
DeleteSo glad to hear from you Greg. Sorry it wasn't caught any earlier. I'm glad your surgery went well and that you were able to go home.I'd imagine that recovery is going to be a bitch. Take it easy and take your time. Blogging wise too. We will all still be here. <3
ReplyDeleteYeah blogging is slow as I'm totally a wreck energy- wise, but it will be nice to reconnect. :):)
DeleteOh wow, that's so scary - and that you were having heart attack symptoms for months now. I'm so glad the surgery went well, and that you're now out of the hospital. That has to feel really good! definitely get lots of rest!!
ReplyDelete-Lauren
www.shootingstarsmag.net
I know! I was shocked and went in expecting a few tests, maybe a few days stay- and then 2 weeks later is's all different! Kinda crazy... :)
DeleteMy goodness, I fell totally crazy that I didn't know about your heart problems and the pain you must have been going through. I would have been praying, but as always, God comes through. I'm thrilled that you had such a wonderful medical team to take care of. Like you, I had a friend who had a heart valve infection for months, and his doctor kept brushing him off. Thank goodness, he went to a different hospital and another doctor caught, thus saving his life. So I understand the importance of a medical team that really cares. Sucks about the diet changes, but a small price to pay, right? I like the Mike Shayne cover a lot. Sending HUGE Hugs of healing your way and Happy November! RO
ReplyDeleteThanks Ro. I feel truly blesses, and the medical team was amazing. It's a high quality health system but there's always the top centers like Cleveland Clinic or Mayo, and I thought seriously about having it done somewhere else, but I glad they caught your friend's situation! Second opinions can life savers.
DeleteOf course, I am so very glad you are back and that you are okay!! I know I have already said that but I might say it 20 more times, who knows? Heart stuff is so scary, I cannot believe you were having symptoms for so long! Really glad that they figured it out, and it sounds like you had an amazing team of doctors and nurses and such, which is so important. The heart healthy diet thing doesn't sound fun, but you know, I am fully certain that you'd be allowed to eat sushi on such a diet ;)
ReplyDeleteLove the song choice, very appropriate :D OH! And while you are watching Stranger Things... you DO know that that one dude is Zoran, right? (Sorry now you won't be able to unsee it but that's okay.) Your picture choices are also great- very peaceful and happy, which is also quite fitting. Especially the people swimming with the fish, that looks so happy. So yeah, now you should probably be doing a LOT of resting, and recovering, and all that good stuff. ♥♥♥
Thanks thanks thanks!! It was all amazing and surreal, and I'm way too young and fanily history is killer, and yeah all that. :) I always figured someday, but now??? But I also feel really lucky because I was literally getting more and more out of breath throughout the summer, and it was so weird.
DeleteI needed a song like that after my experience, a little rock. :) And who is Zoran??? Which dude? Now I must investigate...
Really glad you're doing okay Greg! I hope you have a somewhat relaxing recovery at home (if they let you go home!)
ReplyDeleteThanks Val!!! Recovering at home is definitely preferable!!
DeleteGreg, so happy to hear you are ok and on the road to recovery! I haven't logged on to Twitter in so long that I had no idea what was happening!
ReplyDeleteThanks Michelle! It's good to be back...
DeleteGlad to hear you're okay! From older posts I guess I got the sense something was up but I had no idea that something as serious as a major heart surgery was happening. Wishing you a speedy and relaxing recovery!
ReplyDeleteI also really dig the style of the art pieces this week!
~Mogsy @ BiblioSanctum
I liked the art for a little something different this week too. And thanks!!
DeleteJeez - I spent the past week basically completely offline while I travelled and look at what happened! I didn't even know! Add to that the fact that I'm still struggling to catch up on my blog for the past couple of weeks and somehow the fact that you weren't well completely slipped my attention. I feel like an awful blogger friend!
ReplyDeleteWow I'm so glad that you are okay and that your surgery when well. I'm sorry about the heart healthy diet... But some things we just have to do for our own well being. TWO WEEKS!
Bypass recovery is NOT easy - I've seen it happen in my family with my own eyes. I'm thinking of you and wishing you all the good things and the very best of a healthy road to a full recovery.
Oh don't worry one thing about blogging is it's impossible to keep uo on everything. I've learned that... at the same time thanks!! for the well wishes. I've since learned that my diet wasn't that horrible- it's just a matter of making smaller choices and you know not having pizza quite so much!
DeleteI'm sorry, I had no idea about your heart surgery or even that you were ill until I saw your message on Twitter yesterday about being back. I've only been doing limited blog stuff (playing catch up) and I'm on Twitter on Saturday to follow the football but not there much else! I don't really see many tweets from those I follow as time doesn't allow me much social media stuff! Take care of yourself and do what the doctors say!
ReplyDeleteGreg it's great to see you back, I'm glad that everything went okay for you, it sounds like some scary stuff. My sister has had a heart murmur since she was born and although when she was little it was hard, and with her routine appointments, she luckily didn't need surgery, as her hole closed up on it's own. But make sure you take the next couple of weeks easy, just make the most of catching up with Stranger Things and Riverdale!
ReplyDeleteHello Greg, I only “know” you through Katherine’s book blog (Wish I lived in the library) and noticed you hadn’t commented. So sorry to hear about your surgery and I can say, recovery seems to be worst than the actual surgery, so I echo that sentiment!
ReplyDeleteI wish you a speedy recovery and hope you are doing better day by day.
Thank you Tina! It's nice how we often notice when a regular commenter or follower goes missing for a while- I love that about the book blogging community. Thank you for the well wishes and thanks you for stopping by!!! :)
DeleteI have tears in my eyes reading this post, and not because I am sad you will have to curb the pizza. I am very happy your surgery went well, and I admire your commitment to getting on a heart healthy program. Best of luck with your recovery. Sending you well wishes and thoughts of support.
ReplyDeleteHa ha cutting back the pizza may be my biggest struggle! :) But thank you- that means a lot.
DeleteI missed you were having Heart Surgery but I knew something was going on. I am so very glad you are on the road to recovery! Bummed about you not being able to enjoy pizza and Chinese but I would assume eventually you can has a slice or a bite. ;) You are going to have to find a healthier way to make them. They have a lot of awesome options! Looks like you might need to hit up pinterest for some recipes! :D Sending you lots of Hugs and Well Wishes!
ReplyDeletePS I haven't seen Strange Things yet either!
Enjoy the week, Greg! Welcome Back and Happy Reading! ((HUGS))
Greg, I'm so sorry to hear about your heart surgery -- or rather, sorry you had to go through that, but thank goodness they caught it and you were able to have the surgery. I wish you a full and speedy recovery, and the best of luck as you adjust to your new heart-healthy diet. I know it's challenging, but there are so many good recipes and resources out there. Hopefully you'll find plenty of meals you like as much as the things you have to cut back on.
ReplyDeleteNice choices on the art this week! Bright colors and upbeat themes that brought a smile to my face.
Have a good week, and keep on taking care of yourself.
Oh my goodness. I'm so happy to hear that you're okay and back home. Major surgery like that is no joke, but you sound chipper and ready to conquer things as soon as your bruises heal. Sending you lots of positive healing energy!
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you are back and on the road to recovery!
ReplyDeleteIt's Super Sunday and I'm stopping by to give a wave and a hug. RO
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to see you back Greg and I'm definitely glad to see you recovering! I really hope the rest of your recovery goes well (though I know it won't be easy) and that you have luck with your new diet.
ReplyDeleteIt's wonderful to hear your recovering, Greg, and so good to have you back. It sounds like you made the right choice for where you had your surgery too.
ReplyDeleteGreat pics too. You've shared so many that I would love to have hanging on my walls.
Be good to yourself:)
My Sunday Post
Oh I'm glad you're better! happy reading and have a lovely week!
ReplyDeleteAnd I feel dreadful that somehow this major health issue slid past me. Huge congratulations on your recovery - I do recall my father-in-law struggling with the aftermath - and I hope you continue to improve:). I'm guessing that November can only be better!
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy to hear you're out of the hospital, Greg! Heart disease is a big part of my job, I'm a cardiac sonographer in a hospital out here in California. That's unfortunate to hear your primary doctor didn't investigate your symptoms further especially in light of your family history. I'm glad to hear you're recovering, and I hope you feel 100% again real soon! :)
ReplyDeleteI haven't started the second season of Stranger Things yet, I'm currently binging on The 100 whenever I watch TV. I want to try Rivendale as Jasprit seems to love it, too! :)
Thanks Rachel! Are you really? That's fascinating. I had an echo or two and it's amazing what they can see and find now. I was amazed by the heart cath team too and how funny they were- I wasn't looking forward to that procedure but it was a breeze and they made it fun, believe it or not!
DeleteI am currently binging Stranger things 2 but I envy you The 100, especially season two which is quite the trip. And Riverdale is getting deliciously dark this season!
I'm so glad to hear you're home and recovering. I didn't know you had heart surgery but I did see your tweet. Our family has a history of heart disease and my Mom's had bypass surgery. I'm trying to eat healthy and exercise more. Take care and I hope you feel 100% again soon. Have a great week and slip in some TV time. I haven't finished Stranger Things 2 yet lol.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness! I'm so sorry to hear about your surgery! I'm so glad that you are doing well! I haven't been keeping up with Stranger Things or Riverdale, so I need to catch up with those shows as soon as possible!
ReplyDeleteHere’s my Sunday Post!
Ronyell @ Rabbit Ears Book Blog and join in this week’s Book Photo Sundays!
Keeping you in my prayers as you continue to recover. My dad had the same surgery in June. The recover/physical therapy tends to be the hardest part. That and not being able to do all the stuff you want to do. He was so happy when he could start mowing the lawn and driving again!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you have some good books to read. I have From a Certain Point of View on my TBR list. Don't know if I'll get to it this week. I really liked Claudia Gray's Princess Leia novel which I just finished yesterday.
Take care!
I’m glad you’re okay! I hope you heal quickly and feel better soon.
ReplyDeleteAj @ Read All The Things!
OMg, Greg. I’m so sorry. I just saw this. I just knew you were having a surgery. I haven’t been that active on twitter so I had no idea. Here sending your my prayers and positive thoughts for speed full recovery. Don’t come to visit if you don’t feel well. I believe we all understand. #hugs ❤️❤️❤️😘
ReplyDeleteWow, Greg. I must have been among the few who didn't know you had heart issues or were undergoing surgery. So scary. I'm glad the surgery was such a success but it's sound like the recovery has been less than stellar. Ugh. And the heart healthy diet sounds like zero fun - but I guess we do what we have to do. I hope you continue to do well. Take it easy and above all - take care of yourself!
ReplyDeleteHope you're enjoying Top Ten. I really liked that one but was surprised to see it listed above. I feel like I don't often see you reading YA contemporaries.
So glad you pulled through! Wishing you a full and speedy recovery. remember to take it easy and most definitely stay away from stressful situations. Coming through something like that will make you appreciate life so much more! Have a great week and happy reading!
ReplyDeleteHi there - good to see you back. As for keeping people updated, I think you had more important things to think about :-) I had a girlfriend who had the same surgery in her mid-30s and know that recovery is a b***h so wish you well as you go through it.
ReplyDeleteGreg, I'm so glad your surgery went well and that things are looking up. I remember when my dad had a quadruple bipass and the recovery was the hardest part. Well, that and for us, waiting because it was such a long procedure. He bounced back great though so I'm sure you will too. Enjoy some good time catching up on Stranger Things 2 and Riverdale.
ReplyDeleteSo happy to hear you are feeling better. I love all your beachy pics. Take care and have a great week.
ReplyDeletesherry @ fundinmental Sunday Memes
I'm glad you are doing better. Best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
ReplyDeleteSo glad the surgery went well. I hope your recovery is smooth and quick. I had the same surgery several years ago.
ReplyDeleteLove those illustrations, especially the last one.
ReplyDeleteI definitely noticed you were "missing in action" on the blogs, and didn't think you were caught in a hurricane, since you don't live in one of those zones.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you are back and recovering. A friend of mine had bypass a few months ago. It took ages, but she is pretty much back to normal...except for the lifestyle changes. Good luck with those!
Uplifting music!
Have a good week catching up. Here are MY WEEKLY UPDATES
Oh my goodness! I noticed you'd slowed down online, but had no idea what you are going through! I'm so glad to hear that you are on the mend, my goodness, what an experience! My father-in-law had to have a valve replaced, it's amazing and wonderful what science has made possible, we're so lucky! Take good care of yourself, and I'll be sure to enjoy every bite of my pizza and Chinese takeaway even more in your honour. :)
ReplyDeleteWow! You have had a rough few weeks, but I am glad to hear that things are on the up and up, health wise. At least now you have a fantastic excuse to binge watch Riverdale and Stranger Things! :) I think it would be great for you to blog your experience, you never know, it could help someone. :)
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your shows and reading! Take care of yourself!
Greg!! I'm so happy to see you around the blogosphere again! I think we were all monitoring Twitter feeds and everything else we have access too. I'm sorry to hear that you ended up having a bypass but glad it was caught and you're on the road to recovery. Diet changes are hard but living a long time in good shape is worth it. Or at least that's what I keep telling myself. My genetics aren't particularly optimistic regarding high blood pressure and cholesterol so I'm trying to stop eating like a college student. Enjoy your reading and catching up on Stranger Things. We're starting season 1 this week and I'm super excited.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness I had no idea! I'm so glad the surgery went well and you are on the mend!! Heal quickly and take care!!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you've come out on the better side! That's concerning that you were having heart attack symptoms for two months under doctor's monitoring! My dad had The Widowmaker the last Sunday of July. The cardiologist told us he had no idea how my dad was alive. I attribute it to the continuous nitro all the way to the hospital. Heart health is something I and my brothers also need to become better educated on, as it now is a medical concern on both sides of the family. I do admit I eat awfully - perhaps worse than a college student, as Katherine mentioned above. I am glad your surgery and recovery went well. Will you be doing cardiac therapy?
ReplyDeleteOh wow, Greg! I'm glad you made it through surgery. Recovery may be a bitch but it's better than the alternative. Come see what I'm reading.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you're getting better!
ReplyDeleteYou've got a lot of good tv coming your way!
I'm so happy you're back !
ReplyDeleteThanks Lys!!!
DeleteWell goodness! So glad things went well! And that you're on the way to feeling better. Will keep you and your recovery in my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteGreg, I knew where you were but I didn't know it was THAT serious! :-O I'm really sorry you had to go through this, but I'm relieved surgery went well. My mum has a heat disease as well, so I get what a hell it is :( I'm sending you lots of hugs and good thoughts your way!!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear what a horrible time of it you've had lately (that doesn't even sum it up really) but glad to hear you are on the road to recovery - positive thoughts & wellness being sent your way.
ReplyDeleteOMG, I had no idea about your surgery. I'm so glad to hear that the surgery went well and that you are on the road to recovery. Take care and do try to follow that heart healthy diet as much as possible.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you're on the mend! My BIL had to overhaul his entire way of eating when he was diagnosed with diabetes a few months ago and now he is the healthiest he's been in a decade. I wish you much luck with all of it.
ReplyDeleteWelcome back Greg!!! I am glad you're okay. And I hope you will get better and better. I'm sorry I'm only visiting now, I can't believe I'm doing last weeks Sunday posts on a Saturday :D but it was just such a busy week.
ReplyDeleteKeep fighting! :) you know recovery is always the biggest part of the job, after all. And it's really cool that the blogging community was so great about it.
Glad you're back, and P.S. that last pic you posted is amaaaazing! I think I will need to get Pinterest myself soon :) guess I'll be following you!
I am so glad to hear your surgery went well! Good luck with the recovery and I hope everything goes well! I can imagine it must be nice to be out of the hospital after all that time spent there. It is nice you had some amazing people there in the hospital.
ReplyDeleteI know I'm WAY late, but I realized I'd somehow missed the update post on what had happened with you (and I assumed there had to be one). I'm so glad that you caught everything in time and that you're recovering well. I'm sure that had to have been a very scary experience!
ReplyDeleteNicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction
Sorry I'm so late getting here. Yeah, you definitely scared the shiga out of us! I am telling everyone if they ever have to go in for surgery asign a trusted person with your Twitter login to do updates. I am so happy you are okay now and healing. STAY ON YOUR DIET! I think doing a blog post about your experience is a great idea. :)
ReplyDelete