This week has been a bit of a roller coaster. We left Illinois knowing that Tony had some sort of liver disease. Our thought was that we could get some ideas on how to control/stop the continued liver disease, find out how he got it, etc. After a battery of initial tests, everything is pointing to his heart. His heart is actually causing liver disease.
It’s complicated, and I am sure I am saying it wrong, but basically if your liver can’t deliver blood through the heart if the heart isn’t working well, it puts back pressure on the liver and actually pushes the blood back into the liver and then the liver starts to disease because it doesn’t know what to do with the blood.
Tony had an artificial heart valve replacement in 2007. The pericardium is a tissue that wraps around the heart to protect it. Since Tony’s surgery in 2007, the pericardium has calcified and isn’t allowing the heart to expand the way it should. So the blood isn’t coming in or out of his heart correctly, so that explains his lethargy, not being comfortable while sleeping and just over all being tired all the time.
So this morning, bright and early we will be heading in to get an MRI of his heart. Tony asked if he could get a bigger MRI this time. The one he had the day before he barely fit and he had to have his hands raised above his head for 40 minutes! So when Tony asked if he could get a bigger one, I left to go to the bathroom. I came back and Tony said “this guy just called me a wide boar!” Um, turns out that’s what they call the bigger MRI machine! I don’t care what they call it, as long as it’s comfortable for him, that’s all that matters. Based on the results of that test will determine the next course of action. I don’t want to even think about that for now, until we have all the answers. But, I know we will get the answers we need!
I luckily made some oatmeal for breakfast with a chopped green apple in it, along with a cup of coffee. I ate that at 9:00 a.m. and because we had more tests scheduled after we got there, other than a granola bar, I didn’t eat anything until nearly 6 pm!
We took the shuttle to the hospital – Mari, you’ll be happy to know they have a giant Trader Joe’s here in Rochester!
And it was a beautiful day! The high was probably 73?!
The day we checked into the hotel, the receptionist told us, if you are hungry, check out Whistle Binkie’s – its just a couple blocks away. We could never remember the name, but we just called the place Whistling Dick’s. When Tony felt up to going out and suggested Whistling Dick’s, I jumped on the chance. It didn’t hurt that I looked the place up and they had 300 beers!
And anyone who knows me well, knows that anytime I can get a Reuben I’ll nearly 99% of the time get that.
It was delicious. I am a bit particular about my Reuben. The corned beef has to be tender, the bread has to be grilled and I actually prefer the 1000 Island dressing on the side. The only thing was that I asked for sweet potato fries, but they gave me regular fries, but it was okay because that way Tony could steal a few.
So your continued prayers and thoughts are appreciated!! We feel all the virtual hugs! 
Wow, what a hard blow to take!! If what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, you’re going to be one tough beyotch when this is all over. We already know Tony is tough! I’m so glad that he is doing what he has to to get diagnosed and treated for his health issues. I’m dealing with a Dad who refuses to get medical help and am watching him die. It’s really hard to understand or accept. God bless you guys – I’m saying a prayer right now.
OMG, So sorry! I’m just getting caught up on your blog and was sad to see this news. I’ll be praying, and of course hoping for some good news this week!
I’m catching up on reading for the week but I’ve been thinking about you all week. Sorry that it looks a bit more complicated – I hope that the issues with the heart are correctable!!!
And, Chris is like you, he loves Reubens!!!
Keeping Tony in my prayers! “hugs”
Gah. Praying for you! Hope everything goes well for you!
And that Reuben? The description alone made me drool!
Sending prayers and well wishes your way!
Hugs and thoughts to both of you. You are in a great place to get help, thankfully.
Maybe for the next MRI ask for an open one. They are much more comfortable.
Continued good wishes and energy from Dennis and I to you and Tony!!!!!!!! hang in there!
Good thoughts headed your way – you’re in the right place for all of this. Hang in there.
You are in good hands by God’s direction. At least the Mayo Doctor’s found the root cause and I am sure it is treatable. Hang in there.
And remember: Keep Calm ~ God’s Got It
Hey! Sorry I haven’t commented in awhile, but it doesn’t mean I haven’t been following along. Mayo’s is the best. Don’t let your mind race ahead which is easy to do in this situation. Enjoy the reuben and sit tight until all the results are in. Have faith and keep the chins up. We are all pulling for you!
Glad to hear you are starting to get answers with Tony’s health concerns. The teams of doctors will get the best plan of action for Tony. I doctor in cardiology at Mayo and trust them so much. Biz, hope you are taking care of yourself, too. Good wishes being sent your way.
<3 sending all my love to you guys from Dallas!
PS to Tony- we are all real friends and would help you move, duh.
Ugh that sucks! At least you’re finally get some concrete answers.
Hey You
Sending love and constant prayers for you! xoxoox
Sending hugs and prayers your way!
I will be praying for you!! I’m so glad you guys are finally getting some answers.
P.S. Don’t forget to take care of yourself!
The liver, the heart, the kidney aka in our house as the circular motion of life. Glad you are getting answers, and so quickly!
Couple things…first, I’m sorry to hear about Tony’s troubles but I’m glad you are getting some of the answers you need! Hope all goes well.
Second… you have to come to my parents restaurant (bridgeview – 87th & Harlem or the one on Archer and 36th in Chicago). They have THE BEST Reuben’s ever! I’ve never gotten one better since I’ve tried the one they make!
Saying lots of prayers for you & Tony down here in Austin! Isn’t the body crazy…you think it’s one thing but turns out to be something entirely different?!
Very pleased to hear that you are getting some solid answers Biz. Hang in there!!!!!!! Tony has the best support team!!!!
Glad to hear you are getting properly diagnosed. It always frustrates me that most doctors go for the obvious and don’t bother searching for the real problem. They always seem to just treat the symptoms. I am one of those patients they hate. I want to fix the problem not just get rid of the symptom. Sooooo glad you are at Mayo. Will they be extending your visit past three days? Your Rueben looks good but I would have went down one more sandwich to the blackened Mahi and yes, with onion 🙂
Still thinking about you both! Also, I think it’s amazing that you were able to prepare some meals at the hotel. You continue to inspire me. 🙂
Sending love and white light to you and Tony!
Sounds like you’re in the right place to get Tony the help he needs. To think all that time it was his heart & his doctor’s at home didn’t know. I hope the plan of action they put in place will give him some quick relief. It must feel good knowing you have the right answers now.
Umm…that Reuben has my name on it!
So much love. Hope things go well today. Goodness that TJs is HUGE! Awesome. Glad you find a good place to eat (although I’m still amazed by the meals you’re making on two burners!!)
Prayers and positive vibes going out for you and Tony. You’re in a good place – so glad they are getting answers for you. They’ll figure it out and get a plan of action to get Tony on the road to wellness! Peace and hugs 🙂
I’m glad you guys are somewhere you can get answers. Thinking of you!!
As scary as that sounds, at least knowing the root of the problem will get the Dr’s on the right path to fixing it! Lots of hugs and prayers for you both!
Scary news…I will continue to pray for you guys!
I can totally understand that it’s scary that it is pointing towards his heart. On the other hand I’m glad you went to Mayo because otherwise they would have kept treating his liver disease and not his heart condition. Now they can treat Tony for the right thing. I’m glad you had a beer and a Reuben to cheer you up a bit.
And yes, fingers will still be crossed for the both of you.
Obviously his Chicago doctors suspected something otherwise they’d never have sent you there. I’m glad you are where you are. It’s a wonderful thing that you have all this technology and information to get the answers you need!
Prayers for Tony and You. I am hoping that you will get some news and then they can fix him up. We will keep the faith.
Huggs to you
Larry
Sending you prayers and good thoughts! I’m glad they got him a fitting MRI machine… He doesn’t need worry and uncomfort
I hope you get the answers you want and need. You are both in my prayers. Take Care.
I’ve been checking in on y’all every day. Just want you to know that I’m sending hopeful and healing thoughts for Tony. Maybe after today, you’ll have a plan that works well without being too hard to think about.
Best,
Bonnie
Yikes! Prayers are with you guys!
Praying for Tony and you and sending you positive vibes and warm wishes. Hang in there. And Tony gets to come back home and tell everyone about his “wide boar” ride!