As some of you are aware I recently I suffered yet another health scare.
Unfortunately I went to our local hospital in January. I returned for similar problems a few months later. I became increasingly convinced that these Doctors had no idea what was happening. They were close to replacing my liver. I am of the opinion they didn’t have a clue what was wrong and jumped to completely inaccurate conclusions.
I am fortunate to have a GP Doctor I trust very much. He looked at me with concern and something I have never heard a Doctor say before. He said “I wish I was smart enough to figure out what is wrong, but I am not.”
He did have a suggestion, go to the Mayo Clinic.
I had been to Mayo many years ago for a knee surgery. It was for its time a revolutionary operation, and it turned out it didn’t work and I ended up having several knee replacements.
As we pulled up to Mayo I was amazed by the size of the place and the hundreds of people who were there to help us. We got to our appointment and the GI Doctor after five (Yes Five!!) minutes he declared the problem was not my liver at all, it was my heart. He looked at the data that local hospital gathered and noticed a very high pressure in one of my heart tests.
So, that means that the crack team of specialist near my home missed an obvious problem. I cannot tell you how upsetting this has been. I have lost all faith in this local hospital and their staff.
We had a whole series of tests done at Mayo and headed back home. Several things puzzled me. I was not eating, I felt sick after every meal, so it was easier not to eat. The problem, I was gaining weight at an alarming rate. Also, I was having problems breathing, after taking only a few steps I had to stop and rest.
We had another follow up and more tests at Mayo. Slowly they began to close in on their diagnoses. We went home that final weekend and I could not do anything. I felt dizzy and knew this was getting serious. We contacted the Doctor and he agreed to get us in ASAP. He spoke to us for a few minutes and got on the phone and got us into the Cardiac Care Unit. They began with the obligatory blood tests, and seemed alarmed. The Cardiac Dr. came in the room and said something like “Why didn’t you tell me you were a mess?” Your liver and kidneys are shutting down. They decided that I my heart problem was causing my body to drown in its own fluid. They gave me tons of diuretics, but they did not help. They then gave me 4 or 5 units of blood. Eventually the flood waters began, and as of today they haven’t stopped. I lost over forty pounds in the first week at the hospital, and to date I am close to fifty five pounds lost. The other welcome by product was I can breathe again!
The plan was once they got my numbers in line they were going to put a sensor into my heart, and confirm their diagnoses. One of the team of Docs dropped by and said she was concerned about the test. They had to punch a hole into my heart to test the other side, and with my history and ongoing issues they didn’t think it was wise to do so. I was told that it would require an additional open heart surgery to fix my faulty valve. She did however have an option. There is a very new treatment they wanted to try. As it turns out there was a new way to repair the valve. I clip had been devised that could stop the problems the valve was causing. No open heart surgery, just an incision in my leg and the clip can be installed. If this fails the heart operation is the only solution, but I am hopeful this will work.
I have to thank so many of you for your prayers and good thoughts. Biz and I really appreciated them.
My friends Tom and Maripat came and cut this huge tree from our backyard, I have no way to express my gratitude, and hopefully someday I can reciprocate!
All of our friends and neighbors that have helped in so many ways.
My GP Dr. Joe, you are the best.
The Mayo Clinic! I cannot recommend this place enough; the entire place is a model of efficiency and kindness. I truly was impressed.
My Mom and Dad, they were having their own issues, and still managed to check on me all the time.
Biz’s Mom Jerry, she is always there when we need her and I feel very lucky to have her in my life.
My Little boy Joey and his amazing wife Lizz, always had my back.
Oh yeah and what’s-her-name, my wife. If she was sick I would be a basket case, she is one of the strongest people I know. I love you very much Biz!
While this saga continues, I have hope for a full recovery!
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Can you see why I love the man? I love you Tony!
I have a couple of PSA announcements – only 10 days left to vote for my Pan Seared Pork Chops!
If you haven’t checked it out yet, I had a giveaway for some great canning products on Sundays post – winner will be posted on Saturday!
Is it Congestive Heart Failure, Tony? We think my Dad has it but he won’t go to the doctor and I’m afraid he won’t be with us very long – he has major fluid build-up and it’s affecting his breathing badly. I even called an ambulance it was so bad and he refused to go with them. 🙁 I have to say GOD BLESS YOU for being willing to do what you had to do to get better and not being a stubborn jerk. Sorry – lol – I shouldn’t boil over my Dad troubles onto your post. I’m just really happy you’re on the mend and I hope you’ll be around for a long time. Hugs!
Sorry V, I was offline last night. Yes, he has congestive heart failure – when Tony built up so much fluid it made it very difficult for him to breathe – you Dad has to be put on medication to get rid of the fluid otherwise he’ll basically “drown” himself. Sending big hugs your way V!
I like stories that have happy endings. This looks like this is one of them! Sending you good vibes—–
Vat and Tony, I’m so sorry to be late to comment. Please know that you are both in my thoughts and I’m sending love across the miles to you both at this difficult time. May your recovery be quick and complete! And may life return to normal soon!
Giant hugs! Roz and Dennis
Dear “Tony,”
Though we haven’t seen you in a while, please know we consider you (and Biz) dear friends. You know Goiter Boy has a wood problem, so we were grateful to be able to do something for both of you that would be useful! You can repay us by hanging out with us soon and keeping us in stitches the whole time. 🙂 We are very glad you’re home and have a direction to go now. Hugs and kisses to you and Beth! mp & Tom
Continued prayers for a full recovery, Tony! God Bless!
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Wow! Best of luck to you, Tony, so happy they KNOW what’s wrong and can fix it!!! Many prayers to you and Biz 🙂
Tony,
I wish you must needed luck as you go through your proccedure. You and your wife are in my prayers. I feel like I know the both of you. You have alot of people that care about you.
Please you or Biz let us know how you make out.
Take Care
Larry
Fingers crossed the new treatment will work and you can avoid surgery.
Hang in just a little bit longer. I don’t pray for you because I don’t believe but you and Biz are in my thoughts.
Finally, he speaks! So happy to hear it! You and Biz really have each others backs and I am so happy that everyone else has yours! Keep up the good work. I am really pulling for you both!
LOVE you guys and I have been fervantly praying!!! I made your pork chop dish the other night… EVERYONE LOVED IT the PC were perfect…… ONE question… You never mentioned anything about chicken broth in the ing. Would you elaborate….. I kinda just played it by ear LOLOL ( which to me is very hard) LOLO, BUT turned out good … just wondering what your thoughts were…. LOVE your blog and praying
Hey Tracey!
Somehow they missed the chicken broth on the front of the recipe so I am sorry about that – it’s 1/3 of a cup – but I guess you could eyeball it for how thick or thin you want the sauce. Glad you loved it – and thanks for the prayers and happy thoughts! 😀
Oh my…how could a Bear Fan put a Packer Fan in Tears???? You sure did today Tony!!! I am so glad you pulled through. You and Biz are fighters to say the least and you have quite a support system of people that love you guys. AND it shows how much God loves you to see you through all this and put the right Doctors in the right place at the right time……quite the Miracle working God!!!!
Wishing you the best of everything!
Sending you love, Tony!
Isn’t it fabulous to be able to breathe again without all that fluid on your lungs? I lost 67 lbs in a little over two weeks – and kept losing it until I was down to my [before unknown] weight of 97 lbs. They had no idea – so I understand and empathize with your frustration and…dare i say it, fear? It’s damn scary not to be able to breathe, yet no one is doing anything [except apparently misdiagnosing you.]
You have the best wife in the world [we ALL want to be Biz when we grow up. 🙂 ] and such a wonderful family surrounding you. I am so happy that you are feeling better and are home for the foreseeable future. Take care. You remain in our thoughts and prayers. LOVE YA BIZ!
So glad to hear you are feeling better! Still sending prayers and hugs your way for a speedy & complete recovery!! 😀
We are all behind you both – so glad you are home!
Tony I’ve been praying for you and biz every day! Continue to heal
I would not feel good about the local hospital and specialists either – horrible!!! Glad that you are feeling so much better! I hope the new procedure for the clip works and you can put this behind you!!!
Onward! 🙂 HANG IN THERE, Tony and Biz! Prayers from north Mississippi for you sweet folks.
I second the Mayo clinic recommendation..my mom is a nurse at mayo in Scottsdale and it is a pretty amazing place. So glad you have a plan, that is more than half the battle. Hang in there and feel well –
God bless both of you. I sincerely hope you have the best, quickest, and most thorough of doctors, teams, procedures, and recoveries. My dad had this same exact problem in December. He was drowning in his own fluid and stopped breathing. He died and they brought him back.It was terrible, but he’s now healthier than he has been in the last 20 years and is back to work and on the right track. I have superb confidence that I will read about a similar experience of yours in just a few short weeks here. Best wishes, Biz and Tony.
One thing we all have to remember is that doctors are not by any means miracle workers. But thankfully they directed you to a place that could get to the bottom of it before it was too late. You and Biz are so smart, being proactive was the way to go. I hope and pray that you get back to feeling 100%, you have the best wife and a wonderful family. Way to go!!!!!!!
I don’t know you Tony but I’m so glad that you sought out a second opinion. So glad Mayo is getting to the bottom of all of this. Sounds like things were getting very serious and if you didn’t go in, there would have been major trouble!! Hope things sort out soon and you get well!
Hey Tony! Thank you so much for your update, it makes me happy to hear that you are doing better, for Biz’s sake and your own. It’s wonderful that you are able to easily go to Mayo Clinic and actually have them able to help, nice to have world-class doctors somewhat nearby. And I’m glad you two have each other. 🙂 Hopefully you will get some great sleep today, the weather here in the upper midwest is nice and cool, perfect for a light blanket.
And check out your cute wife, with that new haircut it’s almost like you’ve got a brand-new lady by your side!
Have a great day!
You really a walking miracle. I have gone through the same thing with these doctors here in our area of Buffalo. Sometimes I have wondered if they are really sane with some of the things they have tried to pull on me. I check and recheck every word they say on the Net before I take or do anything! It is be “proactive” or else! I do not want to think about the “or else!” smile
Blessings and hugs to you both!!
Glad to have you home again Tony. Someone has to be around to keep Biz out of trouble. You two are the best. I hope the “new treatment” is the key and you do well with it. Off to vote now. Biz must win!!!!!!
I thought you looked thinner in the photo Biz posted yesterday. Best wishes for a speedy and smooth recovery! I am glad you found the care you need.
So glad things are turning around! You two deserve more than a break. <3 <3
Prayers for your continued recovery Tony! Biz is a daily inspiration for me. I love her..and we’ve never even met! Will continue to pray for your both! xox
Sometimes you have to go with your gut instinct and not the “experts” – so glad you guys ended up at Mayo, and that you are feeling so much better, Tony! 🙂
Blessings and Peace to both of you as you continue your quest for health!
Believe. 🙂
Still lifting you up for continued healing. Happy you are much better and home! You and Biz make a beautiful team!