Angiogram

During the night I got a new nurse. I'm sorry that I can't remember her name because I liked her a lot. After the usual morning routine, she came back to tell me that the doctors would probably get to me that morning. She knew that I wanted a shower so she came to help me. Shortly after, Dr McKinney came in and talked to me about the procedure and told me that I was last in line but he was going to try to squeeze me in before the second. (Never figured out why.) So Russ and I sat together and waited. Not long after, a very nice man came to take me to the OR. He could see that I was very anxious. He was very kind to me and reassured me that they would take good care of me. He talked to me all the way down.

When we got to that area, he parked me for a few minutes while some guys were cleaning up after the previous customer and getting ready for me. I didn't have to wait long though.

Another man named JD took me in and moved me onto the operating table. It was kind of narrow with two computer monitors along side my left leg with two seats by my right leg. JD intoduced me to the other 2 men in the room. He apologized that there were no ladies to take care of me but Steve (one of the other guys) would do in a pinch. He promised that they would take good care of me and that I had nothing to worry about. He was my nurse. I remember Steve painting me with the orange stuff and laying out the coverings on me. He told me that I was not under any circumstances to move my hands because of the risk of infection. I definately didn't want to deal with an infection in my heart so I didn't move.

Dr McKinney came in and JD started the drugs. I know one was delaudid (sp?) and the other was some sort of an amnesiac drug. It really took away a lot of my anxiety. I was given shots in my groin. They hurt but after that all I felt there was tugging. I sort of zoned out after a few minutes. I could hear some talking and I was aware of JD to the left of my head reassuring me every now and then. The guys joked a lot which had put me more at ease than a lot of sympathy would have done.

Sometime later, I came fully aware when I felt the same pain I'd been having only a good bit worse. I think I gasped or something. Anyway, JD told me that I was okay. The doctor was inflating the balloon and that was what hurt. He assured me that I wouldn't remember it anyway. The doctor later said that my reaction convinced the doctor that this was what I'd been suffering from for all this time.

I guess I zoned out again. The next thing I remember was being wheeled into my room. There were Russ, all of my girls and my dear aunt and uncle. I think I cried. I was so happy to see them all. Thank you for being there for me through this.

I had to lie still for a while and they would keep me overnight but all in all I was doing alright. My new nurse, Shannon was very nice. One thing she stressed to me was that I should not let Dr Rau's instructions about my diet intimidate me. She encouraged me to make changes gradually and to indulge myself once in a while but to be sensible about it. Thank you Shannon. Going at it that way has made it so much easier to make changes.

Dr Rau came by and explained about the stint. They gave me paperwork about it (including the bar code which I wish Shane would forget) and explained about the medicine I would now have to take. It would keep my blood from clotting which could form a clot around the stint, defeating the purpose of the stint. The asperin I take, keeps it thin and moving easily. (I am very careful with sharp objects!) It was stressed very strongly that I should NEVER stop taking the medicine without the cardiologists permission and NEVER miss a dose. To do so, even once could cause a blood clot at the site and a heart attack.

So, I am now a very motivated person. I am motivated to take my medicine and to never allow my artery to clog up again. I am very lucky and have been blessed and I don't want to do anything to mess this up.

I am also motivated to see those I love take care of themselves. I've had enough of losing people I love. My family history is not so good and it's not just medical. We have a history of bad habits, including our way of eating.

It's time to get our priorities in order. Beginning with me. Thank you for another chance, God. I pray that I never forget.