Heart Bypass Surgery

In a message dated 12/18/01 8:02:52 AM Eastern Standard Time, warfordfam@... writes: << I did have the Homocystien test done and it was positive. Brian, I take the above to mean that in fact you do have elevated homocysteine. (medical meaning of a 'positive" finding, not a normative meaning that 'everything is fine'). Harold

Hi Lyn, It is so good to hear from you. Would you believe that I haven't touched this puter since Thursday. I had an appt. with my psychologist Friday and Saturday I was busy having seizures. Sunday was Father's Day, so the whole klan gathered at my Mom's. I slept through most of it ( I was wore out from the day before), but I think that my Dad had a really good time and we had a feast. The bad part is that I had a 12+ yesterday because of all of the commotion. Luckily I already had an appointment with my M.D. to tell her about everything new going on and she gave me a referral to a rheumatologist to get checked for fibromyalgia. There was a new nurse that I didn't know. She asked me if I was the one with migraines. I have become quite famous at my doctor's office because of my migraines and that time that I had those four granmal seizures. People speak to me that I don't even know, but they know me! I am so glad that you wrote. I had planned on writing to someone on the list this morning just let everyone know what was going on and to say "Hi", so it was quite a coincidence that you wrote this morning, although I don't really believe in coincidences. If you don't mind, send this on to the group. HI EVERYBODY! I miss all of you terribly. I hope everyone is doing fine or at least making progress and hanging in there. Has Deb got back from the clinic? How is Justin? How are all of you? Karen, Karen, Susan, Suzanne, Tina, Lena, oh I can't name all of you, but I miss ya'll. Lyn, it sounds like you had an exciting weekend. I love to ride bikes. I started dirt bikes at age 7 and got my first Harley at 16. I don't ride anymore and I am not sure that I could at this point. I have a hard time just riding in a car that is going to fast, like 60 mph. :-) Since my visit to that crazy doctor at the pain clinic I have seen my psychologist twice. The last time was this past Friday. My husband was telling him about these new seizures that I am having. I've been doing it for a while and I just haven't thought much about it. I have them during the day and when I am asleep. I have told the doctors that I have seizures in my sleep. It is not anything new. They feel like everything is shaking. The chair that I am sitting in, the house, ect. My cousin that I told ya'll about does the same thing. Neither of us have considered them to be seizures. My psychologist definitely thought differently. Kyle descibed them to Dr. Battle. They start in my extremities and ripple up. My stomach spasms like ocean waves and I tremble all over, not jerking like my other seizures which is what I consider a seizure, but rather more like a vibration. Kyle said the first time it happened and woke him up, he swore that he could hear it like a spring or tuning fork that had been twanged. Strange, huh? Well, not to my psych. doc, Dr. Battle. Kyle said that the next few times that it happened he definitely felt the whole bed tremble and one other time when he had his head next to mine he heard the vibration again. Dr. Battle said that this was definitely a seizure and he had this funny look on his face. I missed the name that he called it. We went on back to his office for my session, but he called my neuro and he came over right then. They both talked to me and the neuro said that the pain doc I had seen was ludicrous and completely out of line. He was extremely upset by this new (to them) developement. He said that he wanted to talk to some of his colleagues and see what they said. He wants to see me this Wednesday to go over what they decide about these seizures, my migraines and a new pain clinic. He said that he knew of a better one. The neuro took me straight to his office and we talked for a few minutes. He didn't change any of my meds. He wants to wait until he can talk to some other doctors. This is all very strange to me but I guess that I will just keep waiting as I usually do. I do need to call my cousin and tell her because she thinks that she doesn't have seizures, but if these tremblings are seisures, she does have them. We thought that because she didn't have the tonic-clonic or granmal seizures that she wasn't having this one symtom that is the only difference between us. Everything else we both experience. Vertigo, migraines, weakness in legs, extreme tiredness, ect. I guess that I will wait until my visit with the neuro tomorrow before I call her though. No sense in upsetting her until I know more. I feel much better this morning. No migraine yet. They don't usually hit until I have been up a few hours. I only awaken with them when I have had a busy day the day before, like Father's Day. I really miss you guys. I have been thinking about logging back on, but I do have to admit that staying off of the puter does help with my migraines. All my love to ya'll. Write anytime and I will do the same. It has just been busy around here. It's really isn't, it is just hard enough on me to get through a day that it seems busy. Thanks for writing Lyn. Love, Sandra

Hi everyone! Thought I'd pass on my good experience with my doctor today. I do'nt remember if I posted about it here, but last weekend (the 12th and 13th) I was in withdrawal. My doctor was on vacation, due back on the 14th, and my Oxycontin ran out on the 11th. His partner absolutely refused to give me even 4 pills to make it through until my doctor got back. Wouldn't even give me OxyIr, or Percocet. Told me that if I went into withdrawal to go to the ER. Needless to say, I ended up going to the ER three times that weekend. Obviously, I was livid. My doc came back on the 14th, filled my scrips, and all's been normal since. Mind you, I've been taking Oxycontin every month for 18 months now. I wasn't asking for a new medication, or an increase in dosage, and it was the right time for the office to give me my new scrips. He just refused, period and wouldn't give any reason. Also, I made a very specific appointment last year to discuss only meds, what policy the office should follow if my doctor was not available and how everything should be handled. The partner doctor swore there was nothing in my chart, even though my doctor and I wrote it in there last year. Got to my appointment this morning, and told my doc what happened. He called in his partner, showed him my chart, pointed out the directions he had written down LAST year and said "I'm writing it again, right here, and I'm highlighting it in green. Do you think you'll be able to find it the next time?" He then proceeded to chew the guy a new a**hole, while I sat there. Talk about having your faith in your doctor reaffirmed! I am not, by nature, a vindictive person, but honestly, I felt GREAT sitting there while this doctor got chewed up! He ended up by telling the partner that if he EVER heard of one of his patients being treated like this again, he might as well find somewhere else to practice. (The guy's only been there for about 4 months) My migraines have been pretty much out of control for the last two months or so. Part of it is, I'm sure, the weather. Normally, I can keep the pain down to a reasonable level, but for the last couple of months, no way. Anyway, my doc doubled all of my meds (so it's 40mg Oxycontin 4 times a day now, with OxyIR 20mg as needed), ordered a new MRI/MRA series of the brain, head and neck. He told me to take whatever meds I need and see what it takes to get the pain back under control, and not to worry about running out my meds early, he'd take care of it. I'm to try this dose, or whatever dose it takes for a month, and we'll increase again next month, if necessary. He also okayed my going to the ER, as needed for more serious pain medications, and even wrote a prescription for me to carry that states what I take on a daily basis, and that the ER should give me either morphine or demerol if I find it necessary to go there. So, no more 8 hour ER visits, waiting for the compazine to work (!), it should just be a matter of giving them the scrip so they can copy it, and they should give me the meds that work, without me having to try everything else under the sun first. No more being accused of being a drug addict, or faking or dealing with doctors who "don't believe in pain medications". I'm hoping that the increase in the pain is weather, or just migraine pattern change, as I really don't want to find that the brain lesion has expanded, or is interfering more. I know this is long, but I thought you guys might enjoy hearing about a good doctor, since they seem to be so few and far between. Karen in Florida There are many intelligent species in the world - They are all owned by cats.

Brian, there is one condition I know of which results in plaque buildup and is sometimes treated with folic acid (aka vitamin B-3). : homocysteinuria (too much homocysteine - a protein - in the blood). While I do not have the condition, I do have a cholesterol problem, and so besides taking a drug in the statin family(zocor), I take B-3 , Niacin(slo-niacin) , and B complex supplements as well.. Do you know the name of your condition? Harold

Was never able to sleep with a migraine -- lowering my head in any fashion just made the pounding worse. I'd either sit up in my easy chair or, all too often, end up standing leaning against a door post... Ron

Well hubby had his Thalium/Cardiote (sp) test yesterday. He didn't use the treadmill they just gave him a drug. About 9 minutes into it he started to have chest pains real bad and they concluded the test. He was totally wiped out! I asked when will we know the results and they said in about a week. Now I dont know what is normal but it seems that he didn't last long, if you understand what I mean!! Any ideas?? Alice

Hi all, I am new here and really looking for some support. I am a 37 yr old male who had 4X CABG on November 27, 2001. My recovery is going very well with a couple of exceptions: 1.) The skin on my chest is ULTRA sensitive to ANYTHING touching it. Mostly it is numb still, but if my shirt rubs against it, it drives me insane. 2.) I am still not able to sleep through the night. I am taking 600mg Ibuprofen to help with muscle aches and it does make me sleepy, but only for a couple of hours, then I wake up usually in a pool of sweat. (I soak the bed every night) When I first lay down, can fel everything settling and shifting and it's VERY uncomfortable for about 15 minutes, then the muscles relax and I can rest. My question is, when will this go away? I know everyone is different, but an idea of how long it took for some of you would be great. I HATE going to bed at night because I know I will not sleep well and I have no alternative but to lay there and be miserable. I am not the type of person who easily accepts being "down" physically and it's really starting to bug me. Any advicce would be appreciated. Thanks, Brian

Fellow Migraineurs, I hope everything is somewhat under control or improving. There has been a lot of conversation recently about the effect of stress on our migraines. At one time I thought stress was a factor. In fact, I retired early (61) in the hope that getting out of the work rat race would help with my daily migraines. You can guess the result. Right! Nothing. Nada. No effect. Still have daily migraines which, of course, I am working on like everyone else. Therefore, for me, stress appears to be a non-issue. Take care all. Dick in AZ

HELLO ALL, I WENT TO THE SURGEON YESTERDAY .. AND HE RELEASED ME BACK TO MY HEART DOCTOR...SAID I WAS DOING REAAL GOOD ...AND THAT I COULD DO ANYTHING I WANTED .. I COULD EVEN DRIVE ..HOO RAY ...I AM HAPPY ABOUT THAT ....I AM STILL SORE ..AND HAVE SOME PAIN .. BUT I AM DOING REAL WELL ....I HAD MY SURGEY ON NOV. 12 2001....5 BY PASSES ...AND I AM DOING REAL GOOD A MONTH LATER ..TAKE CARE ALL ...FEEL FREE TO ADD ME TO YOUR MESSENGERS .. ONEOFAKINDTO1_FLA@.... TAKE CARE JON

I worked in radio for 13 or 14 years in jobs ranging from control room operator to Programme Director and Operations Manager and most things other than sales in between. (I hate wearing a suit and there's no way I could dress like Herb Tarlek from WKRP. <g Anyway, back then, I was getting two to four migraines a week, although they were still diagnosed as cluster headaches at that time. Most radio stations are understaffed and it was only on very rare occasions that I could call in sick and actually be told I could stay home. I worked a variety of formats including "oldies", top 40, adult contemporary, and "Music of Your Life". It was really tough sounding human every three to five minutes, especially with the top 40 format and I can't say I always succeeded. At the "MOYL" station, where I was promoted from all-night DJ to Ops Manager (and had three former PDs working for me), the owner of the station had cluster headaches but except when he was in the middle of a cluster, wasn't sympathetic about my headaches. When he was suffering through a cluster, he would occasionally admit that he didn't know how I could be on-air with one, but that would evaporate when he got over the headache. (He was a Grade A jerk in many ways, so this flip-flop wasn't unusual. He once criticised me in front of three female employees for putting a "gal" on-air for some weekend shifts. She was better than a couple of my full-time DJs and went on to establish an excellent career. Just to prove my point, I hired another female DJ a month later.) I then moved to the British Virgin Islands to be PD/Ops Mgr of a radio station there. The headaches continued to increase in frequency and intensity. I returned to Canada a year later and was hired immediately to do weekend shifts at a new station. The other part-timers all had "real jobs" and only did a weekend shift, mostly for the fun of it. I could and did work at any time during the week often working twice as many hours on-air as the full-timers, but I still had to do so while suffering with headaches. Another part-timer had terrible cluster headaches and even underwent surgery to try to alleviate them. He did mid-days on Saturday and I followed him on-air. There were many days when we could tell from the first look at each other that we both had a bad one. The adult contemporary format was such that we could get away with a lower key on-air style, but even that could be a major struggle. I left there in May 1991, although not for health reasons. The stations (AM and FM) had been purchased by a big conglomerate and we'd unionized for our own protection. I went from senior management at my previous two stations to shop steward. It was that bad. They got rid of all of the experienced weekend part-timers and replaced us with two kids straight out of a broadcast course at a community college. We'd had better ratings on the weekend than the full-time DJs had all week (and that's unheard of in radio), but they saved some money and the full-timers' egos by replacing us. I'd already been doing freelance photography and writing for a few years and tried to do it full-time. The headaches (still thought to be clusters) got worse and worse and I haven't worked full-time or part-time for anyone else since May 1991. I've been offered jobs but I was always honest with them and told them about the headaches. I can't in good conscience accept a job and then either perform poorly or miss many days of work because of my migraines. I love doing the writing and photography (for aviation books and magazines) when I'm able to, but the migraines restrict that. Right now, nothing would make me happier than to be able to get and hold a full-time job, whether it's working for myself as I am now or for someone else. The migraines do interfere with my present work, but I do have the (relative) luxury of being able to work around them somewhat. That's more applicable to the writing than the photography, which usually must be done to a schedule other than my own. The biggest problem is trying to afford all of the medication. Even if I started a full-time job tomorrow, the group health insurance would probably exclude my migraine drugs as a pre-existing condition. Now, if only I could win the lottery....... <g I have nothing but admiration for those of you who still manage to function at work during a migraine. I only had to sound friendly and entertaining on the air, but those of you with more demanding jobs really have a big hurdle to clear. Jeff

Hello all, well it has been 5 months since hubbys bypass and things are just getting worse. It started about a week after he got home, with tightness in his chest a couple times a week. But this was resolved with the nitro pills. Well now he is getting tighness with pain and sometimes radiating down his arms. This happens nearly every night. The doctors have him scheduled for a Stress Thallium/Cardiolite study on Friday. Don't know what this is or what it will show. What do you all think? Alice

Hi Guys: My wife finally forwarded e-mail sent to my other address (that she's now using) and the following info from that ISP was among the messages. It's a week old, but contains good info. As always, never double-click on or otherwise open any attachment to an e-mail if you have even the slightest doubt about its origin and genuineness. Note that the latest viruses are mining data from address books and make it look like you're getting an e-mail and attachment from someone you know. Always, always double-check if you have any doubts at all about a file you receive, especially any with .exe extensions. If you delete the message with a suspect attachment, and then empty your e-mail software's trash folder, you are safe. Jeff ========== This has been brought to our attention and we felt that it was worth sending out to all of you to keep you aware of a potential virus threat. We cannot stress strongly enough that you should be running a reliable virus scanner to prevent infection from files off the Internet. A new, very nasty melissa-type virus just hit us. If you get a message that looks like this: "Hi! I received your email and I shall send you a reply ASAP. Till then, please take a look at the attached zipped docs. bye. <<zipped_files.exe Under no circumstances click on the attachment. It will nuke all Excel and Word files it can find, and redo it every 30 minutes. This is a very nasty one. It nestles itself in the \WINNT\System32\ directory and the culprit is called Explore.exe Also, you need to get rid of a key in the registry: [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\WindowsNT\CurrentVersion\Windows and delete run= C:\WINNT\System32\explore.exe. I'm sure there will be much more said about this, but for the moment, warn all your users, and do not open that attachment!!! Deleting the email without opening that attachment will cause no further harm. This is hammered out in a hurry, and is just a heads up. Sorry if we are not complete as yet. Time is of the utmost essence! Check the websites of your anti-virus software vendors for more detail. More details on the Symantec web site: www.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/worm.explore.zip.html

Yvonne wrote: My boss is telling me to just get my mind off the headache and go away, but it's not quite that easy. The best cure seems for me to go home and get to sleep. I'm interested in hearing how others handle migraines at work and if their boss gets angry when you have to leave. Sometimes I can deal with it at work, but other times I just have to leave. Anyone else? xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Hi Yvonne, I am mostly a lurker, too. ( Several of us seem to be coming out of lurkdom lately). But this comment of yours hit a nerve. I have had migraines for 25 years and almost always I wake up with them in full bloom. For years I took Cafergot, (and Tigan for nausea) and hated it. But it usually made the migraine ease and between the two of them I was able to make it to work, although I of course, felt like someone had beaten me. I ached all over and I swear I could FEEL blood vessels breaking. And of course, over the years it became less and less effective and rebounds began to happen. Then Imitrex became available and I hounded the doctor until I got it. It was a real relief for me. But since I woke up with them I had to take it and lay down for a half hour or so to let it do it's thing. I explained this to my boss ( whose wife was a nurse so he thought he was a medical expert ). And, we had flex-time so I thought everything was going to be fine. However, at EVERY yearly evaluation he brought up how he had NO PROBLEM with my being late on the days that I had a migraine. But his attitude was that I should be grateful that he was so understanding. Mind you, they never paid me for a minute of time off due to a migraine. I either made up the time or if I had to miss a half day or a full day I used vacation time. The only sick time I ever turned it was for the strep or influenza I had. I even had awards for perfect attendence. He assured me that I did not need to worry about him holding this against me, but I did not want this on my written record. At the end of March our department was ordered ( as part of a company-wide downsizing of 2500 ) to cut two people. I was one of them. After 21 years at the same place I was out. In the last year the pressure at work was soooo great that no matter what I took as a preventative nothing really worked and I was having two to three migraines a week. Since I left that hellhole I have had only two migraines in TEN WEEKS! and that during a time when I had NO JOB....a litlle bit of stress in itself, I believe. I consider this the best thing that has happened to me in years. No matter what a boss will tell you, they do NOT understand!! Thanks for letting me vent, guys! Ellen Akron, OHIO

Thanks so much to all of you who agreed to participate. It's clear from the response I got that this is a do-able assignment. I will give the information to my students when they start in January. I anticipate that some of them will begin to request interviews in late January or early February. I will try to send them to a variety of groups so that no indiviual support group will be overwhelmed with students' requests. Just a little info about the school/students: We are from a nursing school in Ontario, Canada. The students will be in the second half of their third year (its a four year university program). They will be doing this assignment as part of an advanced nursing course (that is, they will be learning about how to care for people with illness that often involve complex technology - such as that experienced by patients who are in intensive care units.

I am new here, my hubby had a triple bypass in April and is doing fantastic. I am catching up on old posts. Question: What is a zipper? Thanks Karen

HELLO TO ALL Hope today is as pain free as possible for all of us migrainers out here.....I have some personal opinions to share about some meds I have taken and would love to hear from others about some of these side effects.....some doc's here have not heard of some of the effects I've experienced, and probably would not have believed me if they didn't see for themselves what I looked like. DHE...have only had the injections, which did help, but for 2 days after my leg muscles were seized up---no pain just no voluntary muscle control. cafergot---I get a taste of blood from those pills...very thick film in my mouth, much worse then the normal dryness, anti-depressants will leave. now for the anti-depressants they will put us on or meds normally given to people with high blood pressure...hmmm...either you lose too much weight or gain loads...get hot flashes or dizziness.... before getting Stadol for home use I had to fight like hell at emergency for demerol...they use the gravol to help alleviate the naseau with strength of demerol...but after many needles and experimenting with dosages...for me--we found increasing gravol to 75 mg, instead of 50mg...and decreasing demerol from 100-150 mg to 75 mg also, was the best...wasn't too high a dose so that next day I wouldn't feel like a truck hit me.....narcotic hang-overs...wowza, even worse then alcohol hang-overs I think. My doc is strictly against fiorinal for migraine, due to its content of barbituate ( and kidney damage it will cause, I can't afford), and I am able to get Stadol...I have a friend who has suffered much longer then me and gets fiorinal very easy from her doc and he refuses to give Stadol, but he will also give her demerol injections when fiorinal isn't working.....go figure?? I agree that we all should at least try some of these meds until we find something that will help....one day a cure with luck!! I tell my doc all the time, "If eating s**t on a stick would cure me I'd do that too".....lol...what we would do for a cure huh? pain-free days.....hmmmm....that has a nice ring to it doesn't it? huggles to all roxie

to this group, had triple bypass with mitral valve replacment, and a pericardial window on aug 29,2001. would love to write to someone who knows what this is like. thanksdebbie

I had a double bypass about two years ago. I've also had a heart attack, and congestive heart failure. I'd be willing to be interviewed. Pam S.-----

I would be more than happy to be interviewed....my case was unusual with total organ failure two days after surgery plus massive infection in the sternum area. Spent a week on the ventilator and suffered permanent damage to kidneys and lungs........I often hesitate to talk about my cabgx4 because it can scare people off that are afraid of having the surgery but I think my case was unusual and could be helpful to nursing students. When I look back on it all I can see that my life was saved by a nursing student who happened to notice certain developments over 24 hours and notified the RN's...... Have often thought that the more the nurses know about how the patients are feeling and realize the emotional trauma everyone goes through having surgery just adds to their understanding for their patient. Plus just living with heart problems is stressful........ I think your idea is great!! Carol (clowing990@...)

In a message dated 12/7/2001 3:03:17 PM Eastern Standard Time, suzziqca@... writes: That is, I need to know if it is likley that they would be able to find people on the internet who would be willing to share their experiences with a nursing student. If you think you might be willing to take part in such an interview, I would appreciate if you could let me know I would be willing to participate. Harry K Have had CABG twice, angioplasaty twice + heart attack. Note: Still ticking

I do occasionally use acetominophen, aspirin & caffeine if I feel a HA coming on. (not a Migraine) I will not buy Excedrin Migraine, what a scam. Also many seem to get rebounds using it. from it. Feverfew? I have taken Feverfew off & on for a few years. I've been interested in Herbs before they became popular. For various reasons I have gone off it for awhile throughout the years & honestly haven't been able to notice a difference. and get to sleep. I have never been able to sleep with a Migraine! I always thought it was strange that some one would say they could fall asleep. Now with Zomig I usually get relief within 2 hours & can sleep but for the 25 years before that I would lay in bed in the dark for 15-20 hours in pain. The pain behind my eye was so severe there was no way I could fall asleep. (cluster too) I work in people's homes. (home care) So it is very difficult. I used to have 5-6 clients a day, drive to each, have to talk to them, run errands, vac, cook, go to laundry, store etc. But my Supervisor has Migraines also & that has helped, she does understand. I think if I worked in an office or was in a building with a rest room, a lunch hour or a place to go to it might be easier. I was out on a Leave this Fall, then quit. Missed the people (elderly & disabled)so I went back in March on limited part time. They know that 4 hours is about my limit & it has worked out great so far. The agency has been very accomodating. ~Lyn~

I am getting a triple next monday, the 10th. I am looking for some info. E.g., how long should I expect to be in the hosp? How long should I expect to be out of work. (Easy desk work and some driving). I am 60, 175 lbs, 1 previous heart attack in 1990 and lost about 30% heart function. Cholesterol 125 after meds, BP 138/75. Ideas? Thanks, Dean -- Let's Roll

Hello everyone! Remeber me??!! I have not been keeping up with my 'puter stuff lately, so that's why you haven't heard from me. I did catch up on reading my mail however & would like to welcome all the new people to the list. As you have probably already figured out, you get alot out of it! Anyway, it's my turn to whine! As some of you may recall, I have said that I don't get very severe migraines, but I get them alot!!! Well for the past several months (3 or so) they had been down to about 5-6/month. But all of a sudden,I have been hit with the constant thing again! It all started about 2-3 weeks ago. On the 2nd day, I figured out that the stuff I had (Zomig & Maxalt) were not working. So I did as you all suggested & my hubby brought me to the ER. Now I have done quite a bit of research on meds, but naturally don't know as much as the docs do, right???!!! Anyway, they give me a shot of Toradol!! I asked what it was & was pesimistic (spelling?) so even asked "what if it doesn't work"? She says, then you'll just have to let it run its course! By that time my kids had been with my mother in law for 3 hours & we were starving & I was realizing that I wasn't getting anywhere, so we left, with no relief from the shot! So, bedtime came & fell back on the Zomig, despite how they have come to make me feel! I was able to get to sleep, but within an hour of waking up it was back. Then, I call my GP & they suggested taking 3 Advil or go back to ER!! Yeah right!!! By this time I am sooooo fried & sick of people treating me like a junkie. Re-decided (like that one:o)) that the docs here in Duluth, MN don't know anything about migraines!! Decided to call the Headache specialist in Minneapolis whom I had been seeing, but put off because of the expense involved. The doc on call gave orders to my ER to give me DHE. I hadn't heard of it, but he explained it well. I had that done & it did work - only had one treatment though & it came back the next day. I was told I could come back, but it took so much time, that it wasn't worth it. So I got into my HA doc in Mpls. the following week & once again she was great!!! She really understands this stuff & is very sympathetic! Told me I didn't have to worry about coming all the way down there all the time & that we could just do things over the phone. Please bear with me, I'm almost done! She added Elavil (still taking the Wellbutrin, which works very well on my depression & anxiety) & gave me samples of the DHE nasal spray, refilled my Fiorinal, added Cafergot & Compazene. So I started the Elavil 1 week ago & am gradually increasing it. I have used the Cafergot in conjunction with the Fiorinal & though it takes a few doses, it seems to be helping. I'm still getting them almost daily at this point, but hopefully that will change. What is everyone else's experience with DHE? Or any of the others for that matter? My doc is willing to try anything, so if you have any suggestions, I'd appreciate them. I have learned from my mistake & will never rely on the docs here, & that I've got an ally in my specialist. I aplogize for this being so long, but just had to fill you all in & get feedback. Thanks for listening! God Bless, Sue W

hello all, i had my by pass in 6/92 (1992). things are going ok i guess. i,m slowly developing chf though i don't have yet but it's knocking at my door. im 5' 9" and tip the scale at 158lbs oh i'm 50.i try to eat healthy and exercise 5 to 6 days a week.I need to find out what else can be done to prevent chf.

Dear Jon, Hang in there and a prayer always helps. I know its tough, my husband also was 42 at his bypass. It took a long time to heal and get back to the old self. He is now 44 and pretty much back to the old self. It seemed like a long road at the time though. God Bless you and be with you! Lynn

I've been subscribed to this list for a while, but have only been lurking. I decided to come out of lurkmode :) I've suffered from migraine since I was about 9. I've tried most meds, but nothing has been successful. Today, I had a pretty bad one and had to go to the doctor for a new perscription of Midrin. I'm still feeling incredibly nauseous, though. The doctor wants me to go back to the neurologist since my headaches have increased in the past two weeks. I had 3 last week and 3 this week. I think it's more likely due to the stress at work I've been under these past couple of weeks. Has anyone used Excedrin for Migraines? It worked for me a couple of times, but recently I've just been feeling worse from it. Has anyone tried Magnablocs or Feverfew? I saw that someone mentioned laughing during a headache and the doctor figured that meant the person wasn't in pain. I identify with that. I try laughing or joking at work and I think everyone thinks that means I'm not in pain. My boss is telling me to just get my mind off the headache and go away, but it's not quite that easy. The best cure seems for me to go home and get to sleep. I'm interested in hearing how others handle migraines at work and if their boss gets angry when you have to leave. Sometimes I can deal with it at work, but other times I just have to leave. Anyone else? Yvonne

THANK YOU FOR SAYING HELLO ...I LIVE IN NORTH FLORIDA...HAD MY SURGERY AT MEMORIAL HOSPITAL IN JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA .. I ALSO HAVE MSN MSN MESSENGER IF ANY ONE WOULD LIKE TO TALK ..IT IS ONEOFAKINDTO1 I ALSO HAVE AN EMAIL THERE ONEOFAKINDTO1@HOTMAIL .COM ...AND YES .. I HAVE BEEN DOING ALOT OF CRING ..AND THINKING .. THE PAIN IS NOT TO BAD .. JUST NOT HAVEING ANYONE .. SPEICAL IN MY LIFE ...TO HELP ME THROUGH IT ..BUT I AM DOING BETTER ....WELL THANKS AGAIN ..HOPE TO TALK SOON . JON P.S THANKS DOTTIE FOR THE EMAIL .. JON

Here's that list again for you, MyAchyHead. Please let us know how you've been. ...Tina "Never place a period where God has placed a comma."

This past week I turned 38 by the grace of god... :) I had a follow up echo and a heart cath done.... Report good and bad... The Good is all my bypass grafts are clear and my valve has no leaks.. Now for the Bad :( My ejection fraction had dropped to 35% My cardiologist would like it up near 55%... Was in the hospital during my stay my blood pressure had bottomed out so they withheld some of my meds wonderful... I need a definition of what ejection fraction is.... Have a great Thanksgiving everyone..... You are all on my prayer list.... Fred

I am back! Coping with Heart Surgery and Bypassing Depression book was terrific! Thank you. Will be starting a Support Group at our Hospital in the next two months as there is a definite need for one. Regarding me: I cannot believe how tired I am; how fast I fall asleep; how long I sleep. I used to sleep 6 hours with a 30 minute nap. Now, I sleep 10-13 hours with an hour nap. My Prozac has kicked in after 6 weeks so that has taken the "edge off," but is the tiredness or sleeping usual with the depression? Thank you for your feedback. Jim

Does anyone out there have a stent card? Someone from the HeartLove group says her husband didn't get one and she wants to know what it is and what it is for. Thanks. Dottie Evidently his doctor is not too cooperative.

Something to remind you when you struggle with all life serves up. Loving energy and prayers to you all, Rick How many holes does it take to sink a ship? One. The Titanic had several holes, but their combined size was only 15 cubic feet, the size of a refrigerator. How many strikeouts does it take to ruin a perfect batting record? One. How many speeding tickets to ruin a perfect driving record? One. How many problems does it take to remove your peace? None. No matter how many difficulties you encounter, nobody can rob you of peace without your permission. -Rev. Mary Manin Morrissey

Vital information, Susan! Many thanks! sue h As a Zen Master once said to the hot dog vendor, "Make me One with Everything." (Anon.)

Hi. Seems like you've at least got docs who are not of the sort that found their degrees in a box of Cracker Jacks... Good to see yours are open to all the possible causes & treatments (especially fibromyalgia, which tends to get ignored a lot). Good luck. Ron

HAVE ANY OF YOU STOPPED SMOKING COLD TURKEY AT THE SAME TIME OF YOUR BYPASS SURGERY? I WAS WONDERING WHAT TYPE OF SENSATION YOU GOT DAILY AS A RESULT. IN MY CASE, I CAN USUALLY TELL IN THE FIRST HOUR UPON WAKENING WHETHER I AM REALLY GOING TO BE SHARP OR JUST AVERAGE FOR THE DAY. SECONDLY, I HAVE NOTICED THAT I TIRE MORE EASILY WHEN I AM DOING PHYSICAL LABOR LIKE CHAIN SAWING WHICH I GATHER IS PAR FOR THE COURSE. THIRDLY, I WOULD GUESS BESIDES ENDING SMOKING (40 CIGS PER DAY FOR 34 YEARS) THE FACT THAT i AM ALSO RETIRED HAS CONTRIBUTED TO MY FEELING OF BEING DEPRESSED! BUT SIX WEEKS AGO IT WAS SCARRY AS SUICIDE TYPES OF NOTIONS FLASHED THROUGH MY MIND. THANK YOU FOR YOUR INPUT AND SUGGESTIONS YESTERDAY. I ORDERED THE BOOK FROM BARNES AND NOBLE.

In a message dated 6/17/99 3:03:35 PM Eastern Daylight Time, Bleepb5894 writes: << Hi All, On the subject of seizures and their relationship to migraines. I started getting migraines when I was 13. When I was 17 I had Open Heart Surgery (for a congenital Defect). During the surgery I had a *few* seizures, the MRI did not show why and they had no lasting affect, I was put on tegrotel and that seemed to help the migraines. I was told by by Nuero at the time that the reason seizure meds sometimes help migraines is because they are related. Also that people who get migraines, especially the type with numbness,paralyis(which I sometimes do get),slurred speech, are more likely to have a seizure. I get all those symptoms, plus the more common ones. Not always all of them with each migraine. I sometimes also get JUST the numbness OR blind spots w/o the actual headache. Anyone else? Laura---Central Florida

Hello, welcome, sorry you need to be here. Regarding your doctors' frustration, when I finally (40 years worth) found a really good doc who listened and investigated, he said right at the start that doctors hate migraines because they don't know what causes them and don't know how to cure them. The important thing is to be open to as much info as possible, and see what fits *you* -- we're all different and the only thing that counts is what works. An important tell-talle on docs is whether they want you to know only what they tell you or (like my new doc) appreciate that you can research stuff on the web. Good luck. Ron

Hi and welcome to the group, I'm glad you've found us here. I am the resident nurse, and started this group for people just as you to reach out to others in their recovery. Depression is common post bypass surgery, so please know that you are not alone. I am sure that several of the bypassers will share their experience with depression with you, and that might help. Prozac takes at least 6 weeks for you to notice any change, so try to be patient. Anti-depressants work very well, but they do take time. You are doing other things that are quite beneficial in fighting depression - eating well, exercising, being part of a group - so I anticipate that you will beat this well before 14-16 months as you were told. Keep in touch with us, ask as many questions as you'd like, you'll find this to be a wonderful support group. Take care, Ann Ann McCrea, RN

DEAR FRIENDS I'd like to say thank you for the wonderful welcome first of all....then to answer a few questions posed to me.....I did not quit smoking when I took zyban--my doc said I was her first failure though...hehehe...of course it had to be me....I had alot of extra stress on me at the time, so plan on trying to quit with the wellbutrin.....The wellbutrin is the generic of zyban, and the reason I am asking for that one is it is listed as an anti-depressant only, and not a smoking cessation drug/anti-depressant....they both have exact same effects according to the doctors....but I am not covered for zyban, and will be covered for wellbutrin after they approve my file---go figure? I too experience paralysis---all since Chiropractic treatments....but mainly right side only....I do experience numbness in hands and right leg frequently--and yes sometimes even when a migraine is low level pain or has broken.....does anyone here get cramping in their hands? I mean a sensation that you have to crack the knuckles but the whole hand feels that way? I have also had 2 TIA's (migraine stroke) I too experience many "other" side effects that some local friends don't.....but I also have only 31% function remaining in right kidney and 69% in left kidney, so I am assuming this is the reason, as Serotonin levels change with kidney ailments as well......my STADOL usuage---my doc was not real comfortable putting me on it until the neuro said to her and me---until we can cure her, she shall get what helps..if an addiction problem arises we will deal with that problem then....but I hate meds as I am sure the rest of you do....stadol does not make me feel "happy" like a street drug would (did them as a teen---not now), so why the heck would I take it unless I was in pain? BTW--it was mentioned stadol is too strong---my pharmascist puts saline in my stadol to help with that problem---it did work better for me, less neausea as well. My next fight will be the "system"....I have to get special approval for my stadol and as said wellbutrin as my coverage does not pay.....I am in Ontario Canada...so anyone needing the address and phone to get approvals please let me know! Thanks for listening Huggles from roxie

& welcome to the group! That is a favorite name of mine. We actually had a duck name Roxie after "Roxanne", the Police song. LOL Anyway, I'm Lyn, in New Hampshire. Be talking to ya soon. ~Lyn~

Hello I have not posted before as I am new to this group. Great to find a group like this. Mother's Day, May 10, 1998 I woke with indigestion, etc. Got worse as the day wore on. Finally ended up at the emergency room where I was told that it was a heart attack. Thought it was like a colon attack or gall bladder attack. Had my gall bladder removed when I was 21. Was 50 then. Saved my life with a shot that desolved the clot. Then transferred me to another hospital where they did a 6 way CABG. A year later had left arm pain which sent me to the emergency room. That resulted in a stint in the sub claven artery that supplies blood to the left arm. Sub claven artery is near the collar bone. Now am doing well with exercise and diet. Still have to watch the CHF which flares up if I have added salt. Am greatful for the resourses and technology that brought me this far. Hope all who have heart problems do as well as me. I am able to go about my life doing most things I like to do. Have a great day. Susan/Zephyrhills, FL

Dear Rich, Don't ever feel bad or guilty about your pain getting better!! Feel GREAT! Celebrate the day, go out and do something fun, just enjoy it! Actually, I think that most any migraine sufferer is truly happy to hear that a fellow sufferer is feeling better! Take care, Christy

Hello, I am brand new to this group and to this medical miracle of bypass. In a miraculous irony of events, my lifemate and partner, had suddenly began (what we now know as) having angina attacks, shortly after the WTC attacks, her cousin, we found out was tragically in tower 2 above where the second plane hit. In the stress of that event and the grief of not ever recovering him, the angina attacks persisted and began to last longer. We were sent last week (thursday) for her to take a stress test, of which she did not fair well on. We came home, two hours later, a phone call from the hospital, we should get back there immediately, it can't wait. And so I got her in the car and we raced over to emergency, amidst the news trucks and reporters (JFK Medical Center, the anthrax case). The bottom line, after they did angiogram, was that she needed emergency quintuple bypass like right then and there. This was now friday, and the balloon was still inside from the angiogram. The bypass surgery was successful and completed this past saturday (a week from today) and I am in a bitter sweet moment, along with my partner, for today at noon was the memorial service for her cousin Charles, in NY, of which we were heading up to be there with the family before we knew how dangerously close to a heart attack she had come. But luckily she did not sustain a heart attack and her heart was not damaged at all. However, they did use arteries on her from her arm, as well as the mammary artery, and needed only one vein from her left thigh. We were told that this was done, because of her age and to give her a long life, with the changes of lifestyle, diet, smoking. Although, the biggest part of her blockage was genetics. However, not only did she immediately quit smoking, but I as of this past Monday, threw my cigarettes to the wind as well, not only to help her, but to help myself and keep us both as healthy as we can be. Now as to her recovery, my father had quadruple bypass 5 years ago at the age of 76, at the same hospital, but I realize every case is different. She has the algraes dressing that will be coming off on monday. And we will be seeing her cardiologist on tuesday for her follow up, as well as the cardiac surgeon on friday. My main concern is her weight loss. She is eating but in small quantities. I bought her ensure, and she is drinking one of those during the day, between eating as well. However, she was very thin and small boned woman to begin with, but now, as to be expected she is losing more weight. She is up and walking, and has been able to shower two days after I brought her home from the hospital. I am just wondering if I am just over protective and paranoid, that she should be eating more, or is she right on track in general. I believe I could be paranoid, but this is a first for me as well, and I am reading and doing everything the cardiac coordinator, nurses, and doctors have told me to do upon her discharge from the hospital the middle of this past week. I appreciate any advice, and I thank you for having a group such as this for me to turn to in these trying days. Sincerely, MaryAnn Palm Beach County

DEAR MIGRAINE FRIENDS: As you see here by my email address and name...I am new to this group...I kind of found you by accident....fate huh?? lol....sorry to hear there are so many out here like me, but to be honest, I am somewhat relieved too....it is nice to exchange views and medication history with the hopes we can tell our doctors something to try that just may work finally. I am a 36 year old woman, divorced raising 3 young children.....about a year and a half after my separation is when I took sick (was back in University, taking my 4th degree in Cell Biology and Genetic Research---ironic huh?) I was on top of the world!! When my migraine began, they thought it was connected to a new TMJ problem...that was quickly removed as cause.....I have a damaged nerve from a fall off a horse many years ago---this was what the 1st Neurologist figured caused the migraine---he said the nerve had lied dormant for many years, until stress or a fall "activated" it.....then about 2 years ago while my family doctor was on Maternity leave, a young, just out of med school doctor, did some further tests on me and found me to have Fibromyalgia---she said my migraine was how the disease was manifesting itself in me.....she sent me to another neurologist from Scarborough---involved in Migraine Foundation of Toronto and also a leading expert now in Fibromyalgia. After many many different drugs and side effects---some very damaging....I am now on "Stadol" for pain...and Zoloft to balance emotional levels. I am waiting to go on Wellbutrin as I had been on Zyban awhile back to quit smoking...that was the very first anti-depressant that really seemed to help me---gave me back my natural energy levels and thought process was much clearer. Ok, friends, seems like I have written a novel here, so I shall say good bye for now...I look forward to hearing and sharing more with each of you. Thank God you are here!! My Warmest Regards Roxie email---roxie@... ICQ# 3546246 POWWOW--I often am in a disability room called "Nutz Among The Berries"...people with many forms of disability/disease/conditions.

Dear Joe, I had a double bypass on July 13th. It looks as if we are both on the same schedule. I am sorry about your pain. I have had a lot of pain also, but it is mainly in my right side. It is in my ribs and under my right breast. Some days are better than other, but today is bad. I went to my cardiologist last week and he said what my problem is is costochrondritis. It is inflamation of the cartillage in my rib cage, and he said that it can be very painful. Lots of people end up in the emergency room because of costochondritis. It so often minics the pain of a heart attack. Ask your doctor if that could be your problem. Anti inflamatories and pain killers help, but it is difficult to get rid of. Nancy in Los Angeles

Hi all~ how's every one doing? I have a dear friend who has always told me if I saw a Chiropracter on a regular basis my Migraines would be gone. Ok, Chiros have helped some of us, temporarily. And I nicely try to tell her my Chiro visits did help the neck pain that was adding insult to injury but would never "cure" the migraines. What I'm getting to is that some how she injured her neck & shoulder. She has a house cleaning business & each day found herself in more pain. She doesn't have insurance but saw a Chiro, then finally a Dr who told her the Chiro was making it worse. He suggested PT & an MRI to check for fractured discs. The MRI cost her bucks but showed nothing. She is still having daily pain after a few weeks. I believe she now has a better understanding of my Migraines. She is tired of the pain, found the meds just made her drowsy with no relief. I don't wish chronic pain on any one & I pray something helps her. But I can't help but feel this is what it takes to finally get a friend or loved one to recognise what we deal with. And she has told me this a lot lately. Do you guys understand what I'm saying? ~Lyn~

In mid-July, I had 7 vessel bypass. My recovery has been excellent and I have had no post-op problems of any sort. I have been jogging and exercising and feeling great. Until last Thursday. At that time, I felt a pain in my chest, near where the ribs end on the left side. I assumed I overdid something and passed it off as a temporary thing. That night, I also felt a bit of pain radiating to my left arm and that, to me, is always a a danger signal. I called the cardiologist on-call and he had me go to emergentcy for safety sake. At emergency, most of the tests for heart muscle damage proved negative but they decided to keep me overnight for observation. On a scale of 1 to 10, the pain was never greater than a 3 or 4 and they were able to overcome the pain with morphine injections while they continued to work up what the problem might be. Nitro had no effect on the pain, Vicodin immediately relieved it. This certainly pointed to a non-cardiac event. However, my enzymes were raised slightly so they thought that perhaps a very minor cardiac event occurred. I was given a nuclear treadmill test and blood flow to the heart was normal, again indicating no heart muscle damage. The pain was 100% controllable by pain killers not normally related to heart pain. After four days, I was released from the hospital with the following prognosis: Either some minor cardiac event occurred which caused the related surrounding pain or the pain is a result of the actual bypass that occurred 3 months ago. It may be a virus or some other cause but chances were very slim that it was cardiac induced. Today was my first day home. The pain was exactly the same as it was 5 days ago. A vicodin completely relieved the pain. My concern is what could be causing it. The doctors at the hospital did not seem overly concerned about a grafted vessel failure or an old vessel failure. So, what is it?? My question to the group is: Has anyone experienced this type of situation? I feel so very fortunate to have had few things to complain about since the bypass but this one has me both a bit worried and stumped?

Thanks to everyone for their responses in giving great advice, information, websites and most of all the encouragement. I have now have my homework cut out for me. I greatly appreciate it ALL. Take care of yourselves! Judy - Bonnie's Daughter

Sue H -- Whether it's the placebo or not, make sure you get a script for it. If it works, who cares if it's sugar pills or not. As one of my doctors & I agreed, if dancing around waving a chicken bone helps, we'll try it. Ron

Hi Rich, I wanted to say "welcome" to the group. You are the first migraine sufferer I have met who had paralysis along with their pain, that must have been a terrible thing to go through, especially at such a young age. What is your pain like now, and do you still get the paralysis, as well? I'm really sorry to hear that your parents told you that your headaches were "an excuse"! I was told that mine were caused by sin in my life or else that God was punishing me or teaching me a lesson. And as an adult, I've been told that migraines are my way of "getting attention or sympathy". And that if I would "think positively" and "get my mind off of myself", they would disappear. An oriental doctor told me once that I just needed to go stay in a third world country for a while so I would appreciate how "easy" my life was in this country. And I've been told more than once to "learn to live with it". It is difficult to always think positively while in pain and we all need support from friends and loved ones. You'll find a lot of understanding and support from this group. I can relate to your depression and anxiety...I've had both for many years, along with the migraines and daily headaches. Do you go to a therapist/ counselor at this time? My migraines and headaches began around age 16 and I'm now 43. My childhood included a great deal of emotional abuse, and I know that this had an effect on my depression and anxiety, but I also know that over 25 years of constant pain and loss of jobs and income, due to migraines, can attribute to depression. I've gone through a few years of psychotherapy, but it didn't affect my physical pain at all. I went to my neurologist about four years ago and said "Put me in the hospital TODAY or I am going to kill myself...I can't live another day with this pain"...and they put me on "suicide watch" for a few days, while they pumped me full of DHE and Reglan and some steroid, but it didn't affect the migraines or headaches. I think that I have just now, after seeing this neurologist for eight years, gotten him to truly believe that my migraines have an effect on my psychological health.... get me out of pain and I function just great! He just put me on daily low-dose Methadone.....as of last Friday. I had asked him about putting me on daily Oxycontin or MS Contin, and he wanted to try the Methadone. So far, I am doing ok, some dizziness, but that seems to be lessening now. I've woken up the last couple mornings without a train roaring through my head, and it's been really great. I'm glad that the Ultram is working for you. I've been on it without success, also the Depakote, Trazodone, and Effexor. A couple of the other posts discussed hair loss as a side effect of drugs.... when I took Lithium several years ago as a migraine preventive, I lost half of my hair..it was frightening! But it did all grow back. And some of the recent posts discussed hallucinations. I experienced what I thought were hallucinations while taking Sansert a few years ago....saw a lot of lights and flashing colors, but different from the migraine auras I had experienced. Also, when I tried Lamictal and Neurontin as preventives, I would see these white ribbons of vertical light and I also would think that I would see a lot of movement out of my side vision. And on Lamictal and Neurontin I experienced a lot of dizziness, didn't fall down, but felt like I was going to all the time. Take care! Christy

Hi Group! My mom was diagnosed with a heart attack on Monday. Today is Friday, and we got to come home for a few days before surgery for 5 bypass scheduled for Monday. She wants me to teach her how to use my computer and communicate with others that are in her situation. Where is the best chat room? Where do you find recipes for low fat etc? (Note: She is also has uncontrollable diabetes mellitus.) I am sure Mom has other questions? Please let us know. Thanks, Bonnie's daughter Judy

Mary, CONGRATULATIONS! I love hearing stories like yours! Thank you so much for sharing, I am so proud of you for making those life lengthening changes. I also appreciate you sharing it here to inspire others. God Bless, Ann

Congrats to all who have survived your recent bypass surgery. [INLINE] I would love to announce that I will be getting married on May 4th 2002 at the jenny Wiley state resort park here in Prestonsburg, KY Sincerely yours, Frederick P. Plappert We cannot change our past. We cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you. We are in charge of our attitudes.

Hi Marian-My name is Pam. I'm 53 years old, and had bypass surgery about 18 months age. When did your husband have surgery? It was almost a year before I stopped feeling tired. There are still times when I feel tired, but now it's because I've worked hard. Is your husband in a cardiac rehabilitation program? I found that my cardiac program really hel[ped me increase my energy. I've talked with quite a few cardiac patients, and found that many of them also tired easily for several months. I also got very emotional when I talked about my surgery-it's hard to acknowledge that I have a disease that could end my life. I deal with the emotions by talking freely with my family and friends, and I also am a member of a cardiac support group. It's nice to know that I can talk to any member of the group at any time, and know that person understandshow I feel. Recovery from this type of surgery takes time, and each of us recovers at his own rate. I hope your husband will be feeling a little bit more like himself each day.

Hi Everyone, I joined this group to find out more about the bypass surgery, as my dad may undergo the surgery by the end of October. He is 61 years old, and is diabetic. I would like to know as much as I can about the precedure, recovery process and everything there is to know about this subjecte matter :-). Currently, he experiences chest pains every now and then. His doctor could not perform the 'balloon' procedure because his veins were too thin, and may rupture. So, they had to defer to surgery, most probably. Hope to hear from all of you soon. Best regards, *magixcarpet*

Hi Everyone.. I found out a few minutes ago from Jeff, told me that his Girlfriend (both which are my best friends for the last 6 years) Had flown in 3hours before the attack into NY and saw the planes fly into the buildings.. Kat had appointments in the World Trade Towers the day of the attacks.. The Good news is that Kat luckly wasnt at the buildings yet.. I thank the Lord that she wasnt.. She is ok.. Tonight was the first time i have even talked to Jeff in a long time.. I am just glad that Kat is ok.. When Jeff first told me i was in tears.. I know that he was beside himself of the devastation that she was in that horor.. But man.. I can really imagine how he would feel.. Thet have 2 kids together which happen to be twins.. and Jeff has a 6 year old from a previous relationship.. So If you could keep them in your prays i would aprreciate it.. They mean soo much to me.. Thanx.. Nicole

Hi everyone, My husband is coming home today after emergency open heart surgery on August 31. We are still reeling from this because it was so sudden. Any information you can help me with will be appreciated. He's happy to be coming home but is concerned about leaving the safety of the coronary care unit. Has very little appetite and is grumpy to put it mildly. . This is a complete personality change for him as he's always been the "gee whiz every day is a great day," kind of a guy. I'm sure he must be scared & want to help him. I've just found this group and have been reading some of the posts when I can. This group feels like a safety net for me and I thank you for being there. Tarhillblue

Hi Karen and Ron- Thanks for the further info on "breakthrough" stuff - it makes much more sense now. You will see that I posted a little while ago to Jeff in some detail about Topomax, I am in the migraine drug study for it currently. It is commonly used for epilepsy now, but my neuro has had really good responses in migraineurs with it so they are doing the real clinical studies for it now so it can get FDA approval for migraines. It is being used more often for epilepsy nowadays because it has fewer side effects than many other antiepilepsy meds. I jumped on the chance because since I am not thin I didn't want to use a preventative that would cause weight gain, and this one doesn't. So far, so good. I am only supposed to take the fiorcet etc if I really need to, and that has been much less often lately. Just in the last week I have had this little nagging thing lurking that I would hardly want to medicate, it is just annoying. I wish it would either become a real headache or go away. Know what I mean? No havoc here (yet) sue At 11:03 AM 6/16/1999 EDT Karen Kane Rudd, you sent me this swell little note...

Hello everybody. I just found this group and wanted to introduce myself. I had bypass surgery on August 23, 2000 followed by carotid artery surgeries in October and December. I'm new to this, so forgive me while I learn "the ropes". Sandra

My mom is 76 years old, smoked for 50 years, and has recently undergone a triple bypass. It's been about 5 weeks now - the doctor says she's doing good - her lungs are clear which was his main concern. But she is still so tired and weak - anybody out there with a similar case? I'd like to see how other elderly women are doing. Thanks.

Yeah -- As I got older my headaches became more frequent, and I spent more time feeling like I was gonna get one. I ended up taking way too much of what I had (which no longer worked like it did 25 years ago). When I finally connected with a real doctor, he weaned me off all that stuff and put me on regular doses of something that directly addresses the old-injury cause of the migraines. Now I feel much better, and even when I get a headache, it is easier to stop it (especially since there is now a difference between having one and not). "Breakthrough" -- When someone is on a regimen of routine painkillers for a chronic problem (like me), additional meds are provided for when the pain breaks thru the routine stuff. Also called "rescue meds". Ron

In a message dated 6/9/99 12:19:30 AM Central Daylight Time, Scrapcrazy@... writes: << But, I'm not addicted!!! The longest I've been online is 24 hours and part of that time was spent face down on the keyboard, trying to keep a closer eye on what my fingers were doing. That's not an easy job with your eyes closed! Some things coming up on the screen were really strange! But, I'm not addicted... I enjoy searching the web. I have stayed up all night more than once following link, after link, after link... I just want to know how far one will go before it breaks and there's no where to go but home - It's not an addiction -- it's a quest for knowledge! So what if the house work isn't done -- it's not condemnable -- Yet. A clean house is not a priority -- at least not until there's a camera hook up so other cyber folks can see this pig sty. Exercise? Who needs it? My arm and wrist are almost non existent now from exercising my mouse. Family doesn't understand that this is my life support system -- Not an addiction! I have a shelf at my desk with snacks so I don't have to cook; I've installed outlets next to the PC for my coffee pot, and my Pepsi's remain at my side in a cooler box.-- need that caffeine I replaced my desk chair with a recliner. I NEED one with a concealed potty chair. It would help if it also had a spot to keep all my PC Novice magazines. The families reaction to having my head shaved to allow more time for the net was totally unacceptable. No matter what they say, I am NOT borderline nutsville! And now they claim to be concerned about my eyesight! Hey, wouldn't you rather look at a monitor than a filthy house?!?!

Ok hubby had his bypass about one month ago. He has been doing great. But about a week ago he started to have problems when he would go to bed at night. He would feel "heaviness" in his chest and pain in his right arm. He would take a nitro pill and it would all go away. This has been going on every night now for the past 3 nights. Today he was doing his treadmill and he started to get chest pain, he went to sit down and he started to get nausiated. Like he did before he had the seizures. All day today he has been feeling "not right." I have been suggesting we go back to hospital he says no. Is all this normal?? And am I being paraniod? Alice

I want to apologize if this bothers anyone, but I really wanted to send this to as many people I could. This girl is from a town real close to me & it is just horrible. Please keep her & her family in your prayers. Thanks & God Bles, Sue <<

The accepted wisdom is to take the migraine med(s) at the earliest sign of the migraine. It is more likely to work and work better with a lower dose the earlier you take it. Ron

Rec'd this from a not-easy-to-spook friend...

Thanks, Diann- Sounds silly at this point, but I really thought I was the only one who couldn't tell when one was coming on. You made me feel less like a boob. Thanks! BTW, I did take my meds, but maybe not quite in time - I still have a nagging HA and stomach upset, not to mention how many times I've had to retype this post... sue h At 10:03 PM 6/14/1999 -0400 Diann Dashkewitz, you sent me this swell little note...

Hi all: Lately, several people have been posting messages using HTML which results in very large posts. It might look nice to have a coloured and/or patterned background to your message, but the extra time to download the messages really adds up, so can I *very* respectfully ask that you consider posting only in plain text? Thanks. :-) Jeff

Hello All: I just joined the group. I'm a 45 year old man and I had a triple bypass 3 months ago. I was in good health, ate reasonably well, and was in reasonably good shape, so it was quite a suprise. Luckily my problem was caught and fixed before I'd had a heart attack. The doctors have made it very clear that I haven't been "cured", I've just been temporarily fixed. I understand that the statistics say I'll probably have to have my bypasses replaced in another 10 to 15 years, and I want to do anything humanly possible to avoid that. I'm going to cardiac rehab and will keep excercising afterwards, I'm watching what I eat, and I'm trying to make some intelligent choices about vitamins and other supplements. Just out of curiosity, what's the longest anyone here has had their original bypasses? I'd also be very interested in hearing from others in my situation- relatively young and wanting to avoid a repeat of heart problems. Best Regards, Hugh Odom

Hi everyone, I'm trying to get the word out to as many people as possible that there is a support group for all people who have any form of heart disease, their families and anyone who is interested in living a healthier life. It is Mended Hearts, Inc., has chapters in almost every state and at least one in Canada. Their web site is www.mendedhearts.org and you can find a chapter nearby or contact them to speak to someone if need be. Local chapters support, educate and have a visiting program for anyone who needs a friendly shoulder to lean on, or a voice of someone who's "been there, had that done" - either in the hospital or as follow-up. My husband had a quadruple bypass done in '97 and his surgeon, who was then just a few weeks into his contract with our hospital, asked the cardiac rehab team to get a chapter started. My husband, who had just started rehab then, was asked to come to a meeting. He was one of the founding members of our chapter, and I came on board also. I am now the newsletter editor of our chapter. Most chapters have regular meetings, some have web sites, most have newsletters, and all try to have speakers on subjects of interest to the members. Check out the web site. Good luck to you all. Dorothy Rose

Hi Susan, I wish I had a good answer to this! My experience with the "fog" is that in my teens, twenties, and most of my thirties, this didn't interfere much with my thinking. In the last five-six years, it has been progressing and all I can do is try to get quiet and calm. I can no longer read and comprehend what I am reading (on the computer, or a book or newspaper) while the television is on or while music is playing. My brain will not let me tune out the noise to let me comprehend what I am reading. I don't know if this is related to my age, to the time span that I have had migraines, or possibly due to medications...the cumulation over many years or the side effects of what I am now taking. Would you let us know what your neurologist has to say about this on Wednesday? I hope that the fog has lifted for you, to be able to work on your project with a clear head...take care! Christy

Hi Laura, I would like to read it, would you forward it to my email address? Thanks so much, Christy

Fellow Migraineurs, I hope everyone is feeling somewhat good today. I saw my neuro last and week. I mentioned this ng. She asked me to mention her practice on the ng. So here goes: Dr. Russell W. Walker (don't be fooled by the first name; Dr. Walker is a lady) Scottsdale Headache & Pain Center 10900 N. Scottsdale Road Suite 606 Scottsdale, AZ 85254 (602) 905-8737 Try an area code of 480 if 602 doesn't work. We are acquiring two (2) new area codes in the Phoenix area. Why did Dr. Walker ask me to mention her practice to the ng? I can't say for sure. I do know she is a migraineur and emphasizes with fellow migraineurs. I mentioned the horror stories I have read on the ng. She indicated that she has also heard them. Perhaps she is trying to spread the Dr. Walker treatment of migraineurs. I do know she: 1) Treats people outside the Phoenix area. A friend of mine who winters here from Cape Cod is being treated by Dr. Walker.- even when she is back in Cape Cod like now. 2) She gives lectures on migraine and pain treatment to General Practitioners and Neurologist. Perhaps she could clue in some of the ER doctors many people have written about. I can't say she has solved my daily migraines but she is trying and I'm not afraid to discuss anything with her. One of her favorite sayings is "We can make you feel worse" (when trying new meds and I have had that experience). Good luck everyone. Dick in AZ

THE BATTLE FOR MAN¹S SOUL And God populated the earth with broccoli and cauliflower and spinach, green and yellow vegetable of all kinds, so Man and Woman would live long and healthy lives. And Satan created McDonald¹s. And McDonald¹s brought forth the 99-cent double-cheeseburger. And Satan said to Man, You want fries with that?" And Man said, "Supersize them." And Man gained pounds. And God created the healthful yogurt, that Woman might keep her figure that Man found so fair. And Satan brought forth chocolate. And Woman gained pounds. And God said, "Try my crispy fresh salad." And Satan brought forth ice cream. And Woman gained pounds. And God said, "I have sent your heart healthy vegetables and olive oil with which to cook them." And Satan brought forth chicken-fried steak so big it needed its own platter. And Man gained pounds and his bad cholesterol went through the roof. And God brought forth running shoes and Man resolved to lose those extra pounds. And Satan brought forth cable TV with remote control so Man would not have to toil to change channels between ESPN and ESPN2. And Man gained pounds. And God said, "You¹re running up the score, Devil." And God brought forth the potato, a vegetable naturally low in fat and brimming with nutrition. And Satan peeled off the healthful skin and sliced the starchy center into chips and deep-fat fried them. And he created sour cream dip also. And Man clutched his remote control and ate the potato chips swaddled in cholesterol. And Satan saw and said, "It is good." And Man went into cardiac arrest. And God sighed and created quadruple bypass surgery and gastric bypass surgery. And Satan created HMOs.

I got the book, "Coping With Heart Surgery and Bypassing Depression". It came yesterday from Barnes and Noble. It is a GREAT book, thank you all for recommending it to me. Today I went to cardiac rehab for the first time. I walked on the treadmill for 20 then I did some stretching. I go again on Thursday and hopefully I will be able to last a little longer on the treadmill. Tonight there is a lecture at the hospital on "Getting to the Heart of the Matter: A Lecture to understand the emotional and behavioral responses to Heart Disease." It is being run by an MFCC who specializes in heart disease. It should be interesting. My husband and daughter are going with me. Yesterday I went back to the cardiologist and he cut my prednisone from 50 mgs to 40 for the next 5 days, then 30 for 5 days and so on. He says that we must be very careful not to cut too quickly because this post cardiotomy syndrome comes back easily unless carefull monitored. I am feeling much better and last night was able to sleep on a pillow instead of sitting up in bed. Much better! Nancy in Los Angeles

Hi All, As I posted earlier I e-mailed a letter to excedrin, I got a response today. It is a form letter. If anyone wants to see it I will forward it to you. Let me know. Laura--Central Florida

Hi folks! I think I've got one coming on... Even though I'm not the SLIGHTEST bit hungry, maybe if I eat something I won't get my enemy the migraine. I HATE the way I can't really tell before they hit. I did get a tingling, almost painful sensation in the skin of my forearm about an hour ago, and I have had a funny giddyiness today. The biggest question is always - Do I medicate now, and risk taking something needlessly (whatever that really means) or wait and risk having the full-blown HA...? sorry about this. It's just so frustrating... thanks for listening! sue As a Zen Master once said to the hot dog vendor, "Make me One with Everything." (Anon.)

Hi Nicole, I would like to ask you to keep your emails on this group on the topic of Heart Surgery Recovery. We all receive a lot of email, and it is imperative that the volume of mail is manageable for everyone. Thank you for your consideration of this matter, Ann :::::::taking off administrative hat:::::::

Hi Everyone, Yesterday when I realized that I would have to wait4/6 weeks to get the book from Amazon, I checked out Barnes and Nobel, and they could send it to me overnight! So, hopefully, I will be getting it on Monday. I am feeling a little better today because on Thursday the cardiologist cut out one medication and reduced by one dose another. I think that all of those meds were making me feel really weak, dizzy and nauseous. I see him on Monday. Now what I need is for him to reduce my prednisone. I am still on 50 mgs a day and that isn't making me feel so great either. 6 years ago I was on Prednisone for my lupus and I gained 60 lbs! So far I haven't had much appetite and haven't gained anything, so I am keeping my fingers crossed. Thanks everyone for their help. Nancy in Los Angeles

Hello Everyone. My name is Nancy and I had a double bypass on July 13th. I am 53 years old, and I have lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, which has caused a lot of problems for me; especially the lupus. Last January I experienced chest pains and went to the emergency room and they did an angioplasty and found that I had a blocked artery. They opened it up with a stent and then in June they found that it had closed up again. On July 13th I went in for a roto blader procedure but they found that the artery next to the blocked one was blocked also and if they tried anything the plaque would have been pushed up and I would have had a heart attack on the table. In five minutes I was wisked away to surgery. I got out of the hospital 6 days later, but unfortunately I have been having some bad post surgical complications. It is called "postcaritodotomy (sp) syndrome" and it happens sometimes with people who have lupus. Just my luck. I have pericarditis, fluid in my lungs and last week I was having almost constant palpitations which lasted almost 45 minutes at a time. I was going to be hospitalized again, but my cardiologist felt that hopefully this could be controlled through medication. I am now on 60 mgs of prednisone, plus several other medications to control my heartbeat. I can't sleep lying down because I have problems breathing, and I cough because of all of the fluid and feel nauseated from all of the medications. I am very discouraged about this, needless to say. Has anyone else heard of this syndrome? I am happy to have found this group, it will be nice to read about what others have gone through. It is hard to find anyone who really understands how I am feeling. I am depressed now also, but everyone says that is normal. I am so happy to have found this group! Nancy in Los Angeles

Way to go, Michelle. What counts with migraines is results. Ron

Have you tried calling a couple of local hospitals to see if they have affliliated pain clinics? Sometimes they have one but you need a referal from your primary or neuro etc. You may want to try looking i the physican section of the yellow pages under headache, pain, or neurology ~~~I've been sane and I've been crazy. I can tell you crazy is alot more fun!~~~

. I did want to speak with you about the achiness & possible Fibro. I went through this for over 3 years, the pain in my joints/muscles would ache so. Primarily my wrists & hands, arms & ankles. At times I could not literally pick up a cup of coffee or push open a door. In Oct I switched from Imetrix (5 yrs) to Zomig. I had a lot of side effects with Imetrix even though it did relieve the Migraine pain. Within weeks I noticed the joint pain gone, I didn't feel like I had the flu or was 100 yrs old! I had heard of rare muscular/skeletal pains & problems as an Imetrix side effect & this really seemed to prove to me this was the cause of my pain. A few weeks later I had to take an Imetrix tab, out of Zomig, it did not help & the next day I had the joint pain! I have found out that any of the 'Triptans may have this effect on a few people. So...this might be the reason for your achiness? What do you think? Take care, ~Lyn~ Hi Lyn, I don't know if the triptans are affecting my achiness, I had never heard that and I'm glad to know about it. I've tried all the triptans, Zomig works better than the others for some reason for me. I've had the achiness for years...it's not in my joints or bones, it's in the soft tissues. I went to massage therapy school about ten years ago and learned some deep tissue massage techniques and working on trigger points in the muscles...this type of body work seems to make my pain worse.....triggers a migraine (massage around the upper back, shoulders, neck, TMJ, head) ....but even just work on my hips or legs hurts like crazy. In my own experience, just from doing massage on other people...I found that women in general have a lot of tenderness in the hip and thigh areas...I think it has something to do with a woman's physiology (more fat cells??)....men can tolerate a lot more pressure (hips, thighs, even calves) during a typical massage. I don't know if I have fibromyalgia....I have seen two rheumatologists, both for just one visit...but one ruled out arthritis and lupus (she did a lot of blood work)...and she said that I "probably" have fibromyalgia, but I didn't pursue my treatment with her....my migraines and headaches were such a major problem that the overall achiness was more like a nuisance.......does that sound crazy? LOL I never have had any pain relief, though, from taking anti-inflammatory type drugs. I know that I need to exercise and eat a healthier diet and I think that would make me feel better overall, as far as "achiness". But the Zomig may be a factor...I take about four of them in a week, approximately. Thanks for telling me about it! Do you think that you have fibromyalgia? Does the Zomig work most of the time for your migraines? And what helps you the most with your daily headaches? Have you tried having massages? Some people get a lot of headache and migraine relief with them. Take care! Christy

Dearest Sandra, I have been at my neurologist all afternoon and just read your posts from today. I am so upset right now, my boyfriend read your posts, too (he has MS) and we both sat here and cried. I am going to write you a longer letter tonight, right now I just wanted to send you my love and support. Christy

migraine s always on the right, never, ever on the left. Your friend may indeed be sffeing from migraines, but no onw except her doctor can say that for sure. Unfortunately, she may decide to wait until she either can't stand the pain anymore, or it's completely disrupting her life. You can urge her to go to the doctor, but ultimately, she has to make that decision. In the meantime, just continue to be her friend, and, since you know what the pain feels like, sympathize when she has a bad day. Eventually, she won't have a choice anymore and she'll go. I totally agree. I was asking her a lot of questions the other day when she was having the headache, but she wasn't too happy to answer. I backed off, because I didn't want to offend her. She doesn't like the doctor at all, and I've sent her info about migraines before, because I do think she has them. I'm actually taking a copy of what you said, Karen, and letting her read it. Migraines are a serious thing, and I think people need to know if they do suffer from the disease or if he or she has "plain" headaches. She is feeling better today, as am I. I was able to take my final exam for the year and didn't have much pain. I am going back to the chiropractor soon. I'll keep you all posted of what new medications or anything that I am placed on. Hopefully I'll be migraine free tomorrow!! Sincerely, Sarah

In a message dated 8/6/01 8:52:32 AM Canada Central Standard Time, kimjrnlst@... writes: << Hi everyone, My dad is going to have quadruple bypass surgery in the next week or so and I am hoping you can tell us (me and my dad) about your experience with the surgery and the recovery. We realize that everyone's experience is unique but it is still comforting to hear that we are not alone. How was the recovery? I've heard that they have to break your chest bone during the surgery .. it is really painful afterward? How long did it take to heal? What are the drugs that you have to now to help your heart? Do these drugs have any side effects? Did any of you have to return to have more surgery? Do you ever feel like your "old self" again? My dad probably would have more questions but he lives in Illinois and I live in California. I signed him up to this bulletin board so he will receive your responses... Thank you for any and all of your replys to my questions. If there is anything else my dad should know, please feel free to let him know. Thank you, Kim Kim, You've asked the right questions! Please see my previous post of Reference Books for Heart Disease. I highly recommend Coping With Heart Surgery and Bypassing Depression by J. Jude, et.al. It is the most comprehensive single reference I've read. There is an excellent chapter describing what to expect week by week during the first six weeks of recovery which is how long it takes for the sternum to become stable. You may also want to visit www.ValveReplacement.com and click on FORUM. There are literally HUNDREDS of Q and A records caterigorized under Heart Talk, Pre-surgery, Post Surgery, and several others specific to valve replacement. Each forum is further subdivided by Thread. The basic surgery and recovery are nearly identical with bypass surgery. Nearly EVERYONE experiences some 'anxiety and / or fear' prior to surgery. Knowing that thousands of people have been through this and recovered is reassuring. Success rates are quite high, especially for people without other complications, and especially if the surgeon and support staff perform these operations regularly ( Fortunately, PAIN is not usually an issue. It's mostly a matter of degrees of 'discomfort' that is controlled quite well with pain medications. Most people have more discomfort from their legs (donor veins) than from their chest. Be sure to COUGH after surgery to bring up fluids from the lungs and prevent pneumonia! A firm pillow held tightly against the chest is helpful. Also, be religious about using the breathing exercisor. Sleep comes in short spurts (3 hours) at first. A recliner is often more comfortable than trying to sleep on ones back in bed. Sleeping on your side IS uncomfortable for a few weeks. The BEST way to recover is to EXERCISE (WALK) daily. Every day you will be able to do more than the day before. Your body will tell you when you need to rest. Don't overdo it. Yes, there may be some setbacks in your progress, but keep on walking. You will be limited to lifting 5 lbs for the first month, 20 lbs for the second month. The doctors may ask you not to drive for up to 8 weeks but may relent after 6 if really necessary. I was disappointed that I didn't feel like I had fully recovered at 6 months. Improvement may continue for a full year. You will find these comments echoed over and over in even greater detail in the archives on ValveReplacement.com A POSITIVE ATTITUDE goes a long way toward facilitating a rapid and successful recovery. Best wishes, 'AL'

--- In BypassSurgeryRecoverySupport@y..., fred_plappert@y... wrote: You are all invited to attend the wedding of Jennifer Lynn Walters and Frederick Phillip Plappert Fred & Jeni's Wedding Day, 5/4/2002 All Day Fred and Jeni, thanks for the Invitation to your Wedding. Just wish it ewas possible to be there and it was not so many many miles and another country away! All the best for the future Jenny in Falmouth (England)

Your description of your migraines (complete with the neck stuff) sounds awfully like mine. Have you ever had any injury to your head &/or neck? There is an entire class of headaches called "cervicogenic" -- with all the nerves that exit the spinal cord between the cervical vertebrae, and some of them loop up & around the head, affecting them can induce migraines. Check with your doc about getting a cervical MRI and maybe an EMG. At least in my case, treating the pain at its source has significantly reduced the frquency & severity of the migraines. Ron

Dear Sandra~ Having just read your post, I'm still reeling, don't really know what to say... We want you to be well. If we don't hear from you for awhile you know that you are in our thoughts & prayers. You have been a very good friend here! You have helped many of us with your kind words. Please if you do go off the Net is there a way you or some one can keep us posted? All the best, ~Lyn~

Hi Christy~ Your discription of your headaches, Migraines, pain, location, symptoms etc sounds so much like me! I also have the left sided Migraines & have the other daily headaches as you do. I did want to speak with you about the achiness & possible Fibro. I went through this for over 3 years, the pain in my joints/muscles would ache so. Primarily my wrists & hands, arms & ankles. At times I could not literally pick up a cup of coffee or push open a door. The Dr did some blood test to check for arthritis, after awhile he thought it was residual pain or flare up from a virus. I researched Fibro, went to a Seminar, had so many symptoms. In Oct I switched from Imetrix (5 yrs) to Zomig. I had a lot of side effects with Imetrix even though it did relieve the Migraine pain. Within weeks I noticed the joint pain gone, I didn't feel like I had the flu or was 100 yrs old! I had heard of rare muscular/skeletal pains & problems as an Imetrix side effect & this really seemed to prove to me this was the cause of my pain. A few weeks later I had to take an Imetrix tab, out of Zomig, it did not help & the next day I had the joint pain! I have found out that any of the 'Triptans may have this effect on a few people. So...this might be the reason for your achiness? What do you think? Take care, ~Lyn~

Hi All, I have to say that althou