Thursday Tune Up

Naw. It wasn't for my car--

Eventho it could use an oil change for sure--plus a good wash I digress.

This tune up was for my heart. It was a six month check up with my cardiologist, Dr. Sara. I'll be honest, I was a little scared. Why?

Because Dr. Sara was going to review my ECHO (an ultrasound of my heart). When I took the ECHO, I was so under stress professionally, which slid off into my school work. I didn't have any solace. I just knew Dr. Sara would tell me my heart's lining had gotten thicker. This concerned her in my last appointment and was due to blood pressure. This go-round she was happy because it was back to normal. My EKG was 'clear' and no change to meds I take.

I had mitral valve replacement surgery caused by the disease endocarditis. A valve I never knew existed literally got feasted on by a disease I never heard of. What basically happened, bacteria from an infection landed in my valve and clustered. They decided my valve was tasty and dug in. A piece of the cluster broke off and journeyed to my brain. The neuro-doctor said I had a stroke that wasn't a stroke--basically my brain burped.

Well, it burped enough because my speech was effected for about a week. Slurred. Missed words, even tho I knew what I wanted to say but couldn't.

Now almost five years later, I got this exam thing down pat. EKG and ECHO are more than just alphabet letters. I check my own coumadin level. When the scar itches, I just scratch and pretty much forget who may be looking. I remember what it was like when it hurt to move an inch in bed, due to my breastbone healing and weeks it took to sleep on something else than just my back.

I don't see Dr. Sara again until July. She's a nice lady, looks like younger Susan Lucci. I don't want to see her any sooner than July, unless we're both eating pie at Celebrity Bakery. Dr. Sara's parting words to me were: "I don't know what you're doing, just keep doing it."

Yes, indeed--that's the kinda tune up I like!

I am blessed.

Thoughts for Tomorrow

11 am February 26 a couple things will happen at the same time.
Movie Man will exit the building for the final time.
Sussers, a cousin in Iowa, will have quadruple bypass surgery.
You talk about some emotional tugs here.

Movie Man--OK. I know I'll get weepy. However, I will see him after I get off work tomorrow for a cup o' joe. Plus we have a road trip Saturday. But ya know, Movie Man is still leaving the building we've shared the same floor since July 2003. Movie Man said some great stuff to me today. About my strength and how I helped all my 'kids' get stronger and encouraged them. The whole be patient thing kicks in--because my kids have all left, and as Movie Man says, I'm the last leaf on the tree. It's time for me to float off to my own adventures. Hmm. That guy is good. I wonder WHERE he learned to say stuff like that? More about him tomorrow.

Sussers. She's been like my big sister, even though I really didn't realize it. During when my mom died, when I was 13 and when my dad's health faded and eventual death in 2001. I was grateful she was there. Sussers is 13 years older than me. Her mom and my dad were siblings. Mom and Dad adored her (Hey, don't tell Sussers' siblings!) She's back in Iowa. Where all the memories are. I need to call her.

When I had my little heart adventure Sussers checked on me, and I know--worried--like I am now. Even as old as I am, Sussers and her three siblings' still say I'm their cute little cousin they usta lock in the closet. Oh wait--they tell me I just imagined that. Uh...sure. Nope, I'm their little cousin they took to the movies, scared me about the boogey man would come and get me, or take me to my dancing lessons. Sussers' mom made the BEST biscuits--while Sussers--well--can make pretty good nachos...:)

Anyway, my own cardiologist told me, recovery wouldn't have been as long or intense, if I'd had bypass surgery. Why? Because with bypass they work outside the heart--while with my little mitral valve replacement adventure, they have to go inside the heart. Nonetheless, I need to call her, before she reported on CNN by being the Iowa woman who makes a daring hospital escape. Trust me on this. We're family. It could happen. Besides, Sussers needs to get this little adventure outta the way. She's gotta be stong enough to make me more nachos! Cute cousins deserve such treatment! :)

Results: American Idol and Today

The Top 12's first three are set. And I'm quite OK with America's choice. Granted, I wanted Steve Fowler to make it. However, maybe with the Wildcard show. My clear first place fave is Danny Gokey. There's just something about him. I like his look. Yes, he has a story--the passing of his wife. Yet there's something. And I do like Alexis Grace. Her pipes bring it on home. Michael Sarver has to step it up. Maybe just nerves when he sang again tonight. Like him. Didn't like the performance. Should I mention Tatiana? She does have a good voice--yet was she the only one in tears? Flippin' her hair and trying to strike a pose? Hmm. Tatiana is probably a nice and sweet young lady. Her dream wasn't held in our hands--Tatiana ought to look up to the hills to see where her strength comes from.

Results from today. One more day closer to Movie Man leaving. The word is getting around. I do believe folks are surprised. I'm surprised too. I knew there would be day we'd part ways--work wise anyway--kinda like where did the almost six years go? Oh well. Maybe with us not seeing each other as much, we'll get racquetball back on the dance card....and oh wait.....ball room dancing....oh hold on....maybe the penny slots at the casino.....or better yet....cake and coffee at Celebrity Bakery.

Regardless, results are in: Pleased.