March 13, 2006 was Monday

Six years ago tonight I walked my chum Movie Man to the elevator. There I hugged Movie Man and told him I would see him later. As the elevator doors closed, the fear covered his face. I tried to smile. I told Movie Man I would be fine. The doors closed and he was gone. . Movie Man was the last chum I would see that night. Visiting hours were over. I turned and took slow steps back to my room. Maybe if I walked slow enough a tortoise would beat me, I would wake up and this would be a dream. Back in my room, I sat on my bed. I could not believe the time was almost here. In less than 12 hours I would be in surgery. Open heart surgery to be precise-to replace my mitral valve. I still had my tonsils. Yet, I was now on the verge my chest being cracked open.

On this night in 2012, the windows are open to catch an almost Spring breeze. I survey my oh so cluttered, feline filled house and center on this terra cotta pot. I remain amazed I decorated the pot. In 2006, terra cotta pots and a house were not on the docket. Cats were--but not even these cats did I have then. How life changes, even tho some things remain the same.

I look down at my scar. Oh course, my scar did not virtually disappear as I recuperated. Naw--that would be too easy. My scar is keloid--thick, and raised. Itchy at times, hurts at others or sensitive or just forgotten---until it itches, hurts or becomes sensitive against my clothing. No matter. It is my medal.

Six years. Seems so long ago--yet, I remember so clear. I hope I always do.

With these scars I am healed.

ECHO Me Life

Today I had my annual ultrasound of my heart, aka ECHO. I'm sure when my cardiologist reads the results, it will show I am not exercising as I once was. My heart doc once told me how the ECHO gives away your not being obedient ways.

I lie there today as a tech, born in 1986, and a male, gel'd me up. He asked me if I was OK with him doing the procedure. Yea. I got over any any pride years ago when I was in the hospital. After surgery, I was so weak. I needed a new bra for support due to my incision. I also wore a heart monitor and I didn't have the strength and know-how to mess with the heart monitor wires. The male nurse said, "I can get a female nurse, if you want." I told him, I needed help and I was no longer proud. I told that story to the kid who was born in 1986 and was my tech today. Anyway, I had on my paper smock, open in the front, no bra. The tech, who looked about 14, gave me a gigantic paper towel to cover myself even more. What I needed was a blanket...FREEZING. The tech, said I was the 'coolest' person he'd had all day.

Good.

I will have ECHO's until the end of my life. I have done them since 2006. I had a life before my open heart surgery to replace my mitral valve. I do remember it. Before the daily meds, which includes Coumadin, where I have to check if my blood is too thin or too thick. The check is called my INR. My blood range must be between 2.5 and 3.5. I have my own little machine I can check my blood all by my lonesome. Vitamin K affects Coumadin. Who knew? I sure did not prior to 2006. I had a life before all of this. Before I had symptoms of a stroke which affected my speech and I wondered if I would ever be 'normal' again. After all this time, I sometimes have really short term memory issues--yet, I can tell you what happen what I did 45 years ago--well, maybe. :)

I did have a have a life before ECHOs and all this other stuff. Before it all became a major role my continue to have a life. I do smile at the memory of my past life and grateful I am able to smile about the future life I intend to have.

ECHO heard is from me as I shout from the mountain top I know where my strength does come from.

Wednesday With Coumadin

Yep, I take the stuff. Have been since March 2006. Do I want to? If I had my choice-

Of course NOT!

Today I had a POKE--which is what I call my Protime/INR test. Basically a drop of blood is put on strip and run thru this little machine. Pretty like the one folks use to check their sugar. I get these POKE's at the most twice a month, usually just once. My blood range needs to be between 2.5 and 3.5--not too thin, not too thick--to prevent clots around my mechanical mitral valve.

So I sit, waiting for my name to be called. Once again, I realize I'm one of the three youngest people in the lobby. I sit by another POKE person. We both get involved with a cooking show on the Food Network--then I strike up a chat, because red peppers are being used.

OK, this other POKE person began to complain how Coumadin was rat poison (yes, it was used for rat poison once upon a time--I think in China or somewhere), how it's the bane of her existence, and how she takes more than me--then I tried to explain how Vitamin K affects Coumadin (I won't bore you with how--unless you ask) and she looked at me like was I was nuts. Then she made a comment about our President--and he was nowhere, nor was he on the cooking show we watched--then she went on to start cussing-and I tried to be calm and thought, "Well, there are a dozen doctors here if I punch her..." Then they called my name.

The young lady, Holly, who administered my POKE, says that lady is not very nice. And when Holly told me she saw my name, she came to get me, eventho the other POKE was before me. Holly says the lady has had to be restrained because she spewed racist comments about Hispanics and just got loud. None of the girls like her. Holly says she knows she made the other girls mad by taking me first--but oh well.

After all that, I was in my range. I don't get POKED again for another month. The only side effect I've really had because of the Coumadin, is fatigue--and if I'm real tired, I get a little loopy. Yet, that's usually at night--like now--and I just rest. I've learned to listen to my body.

Speaking of listening to my body: did I tell you if it's quiet and you're close enough to me--you can hear me tick? It's the opening and closing of my mechanical valve.

Coumadin may have been used to kills rats, yet its little orange pills (and this orange kitty) keep me tickin'..literally.

..and I like it like that.

Twist

Kinda wish I had a twist of lime for-well-of course, with me, I'd buy 3 limes, use half of one and the rest would just rot.

Bad Thomasina.

Haven't been here in awhile. Did done the school thing, which included a paper due last night. I got it in. So quite tired tonight. Got another due next Monday--and I cannot wait until the last minute to do it.

Fretted about money. Yea, OK...NEXT!

Had to get my Coumadin level checked on Monday-which I call my POKE, cuz my finger gets poked for a drop of my blood. Ya know, to check if its too thick/too thin, since I have my little mechanical mitral valve clicking away inside me. Can't have any clots forming around it. Was in my range, so I don't have to go back for a month. Been doing the Coumadin since March 2006. Hard to imagine my life without it or the scar on my chest. Medal of honor in a way. I survived.

Wait--remember last week I spoke of Bear's Facebook's status was changed to 'married' and I text'd him congrats? Well, never heard from the guy until Saturday. Said he the account was hacked into by somebody who was trying to cute and funny. My thought: it was probably the female who wanted TO change that status to married. What made me feel good was, I was really OK with him being married.

Come a long way, Thomasina.

So as Dallas bakes in over 100 degrees F oven, I'm off to munch salad, pet a cat and give me a one night school break with aLOT of TV.

Twist of lime in a strawberry limeade....

March 8, 2006 was Wednesday

On this day in 2006, a doctor, who would definitely not be confused with any Doctor McDreamy from Gray's Anatomy, bounced into hospital room and blurted, "I've got good news for you! You're surgery is Monday!"

I looked at him and asked, "What's the good news in that?"

He looked at me as if I'd lost my mind. The good doctor explained the surgery would get me fixed up and out of there. With that he exited, as I sat there to digest his words. Yet, he was back in less than 5 minutes.

Turns out there were too many surgeries on Monday, so I was pushed back until Tuesday. And with that, the doctor left again. I sat there. Wished he'd come back and tell me all this was just a big joke. How my eight days (and counting) in the hospital was just a way to keep me away from sampling all the Blue Bell Ice Cream in Dallas....

Alas not to be. So, now I had six days to ponder my date with a scalpel and whatever would be needed for my open heart surgery to repair or replace my mitral valve. A valve I didn't even know existed until a week before.

That's what I get for not paying enough attention in my 6th Grade Life Science class...:)

Fast forward to 2010. Gotta paper that must sparkle for my college instructor, then I'll pet a cat or two, munch a salad topped with Roasted Red Pepper Vinaigrette dressing (YUM!) and then off to my church, Inspiring Body of Christ Church, to help celebrate Pastor Rickie Rush's 50th birthday and count down to my own birthday in 31 days...

I am blessed.

Tuesday Twinkle

Had the day off. So nice. Jaunted to see my Heart Doc for my 6 month check up. Said all my numbers looked good. I looked good. My mechanical mitral valve sounded good. And silently I was glad the medical assistant didn't weigh me. Said their scale was outta whack. Being told tidbit that lowered my blood pressure about 10 points alone. The only thing my Heart Doc says is, "You need to be exercising more."

I laughed. I told her how I hadn't been doing it as much of recent times (months?) as I should.

Heart Doc laughed back and said they could tell. Turns out my recent ECHO (ultrasound of my heart) showed them my dirty little secret. My Heart Doc says we need to make sure my heart muscle remains strong so.....And I so agreed. After my appointment with her, I sauntered to my Coumadin check aka my POKE test (which lets me know if my blood to thick or too thin, where my valve is concerned), I headed to the park I walked so many laps around during my open-heart surgery recuperation. This was at the apartment complex I lived in prior to the purchase of the house. Had the park there, plus a work out room for the days I couldn't get outside. I still miss the convenience of the two.

Lastly, after my laps of the park. I sat on my Forrest Gump bench. How many times had I sat and contemplated how life would be as each day I grew stronger? All in all, a nice walk. Pet a couple of dogs out walking their humans. Nice to realize time has moved on. Nice to realize I've had no set backs.

Nice to know I am blessed.

Twinkle in my eye indeed.

Couple Things...

Got through the day. Oh, and I feel some old age creep up on me. Seems when I rise in the morns, , body is STIFF. As I warm up, just like a '58 Chevy, I'm roarin' down the road. However--being more consistent on exercise may help. I'm stuck on the Lose Weight Train. Found out, a man once close to me, has shed about 60lbs. See, guys can lose weight by missing out on a hamburger, while we girl look at a hamburger and gain five pounds. Anyway, I don't even want to discuss it, except I did drink the 74 ounces of water. The trek to the bathroom proved that!

I received kind words from a woman I've never met, except for exchanging a few words on a Social Network, about my one and only self published book. The book itself is 11 years old. I'm amazed it still touches folks--well, really, that anybody is touched at all. Just nice. Humbling.

Good thing is, I'm off tomorrow. Boss wanted us to start using up our vacation. So for my 15 minute POKE test--which is what I call my Coumadin Check- I took off the WHOLE day. I do have to get get a tire, continue hunt for cheaper house/car insurance, plus other stuff before I head to get POKED. I just know I need a day off, while other people work. The sleepin' in, with a herd of cats, as a blanket will be nice.

The next man I date oughta be a vet. .

So tonight, on Dancing With the Stars, Michael did a very good job, Donny brought the house down and poor Mark--he had multi-partners due to Lacey's health. And on the girls' side: Mya I have yet to warm up to and Kelli whined just too many times for me, and maybe America. So if Michael isn't one of two booted off: it will be Mark and Kelli.

Stay tuned!

Thrice Tuesday

Took the day off. Had a couple doctor appointments, including my coumadin check. I was three tenths above my range, yet not enough to change my dose. Although the pisser is, I gotta go back in two weeks for another check. That's what I get for not munching enough spinach. Oh well.

On to other things. Spoke with a college advisor today. Felt giddy afterward. I have college hours, which started out for teaching---I won't even tell you what year that was--or century--nonetheless, giddy was me. Stuff to look at and ponder. The advisor was filled with glee too, on how many hours I had. With his calculations, I'd need about 12 classes to complete this Associated of Applied Science Degree. So stay tuned.

Also I gave away three copies of the book I self published in 1998. While I was at the diagnostic place for my 6 month blood draw, I chatted with the girl doing the drawing about writing. Long story short, she said she'd like to read it. The two other ladies chirped they would too. So after all my errands, I stopped by the house for the books, then took them each a copy. The self published book--I could go on about that! For one, I didn't originally like the cover. I asked opinions between two covers. And I went with the one the they chose. After all this time, I'm still not liking the cover.

All in all, a good day. Have a glass of water to my left and this kitty snoozing on my desk.

Now, with Tom Delay to quit DWTS, does that mean Melissa Joan Hart or Debi Mazar won't go home tonight? I got the ice cream ready~

Stay tuned...

Task Tuesday

Took the day off. OK, so where is the task in that?

Well, it was six months check up with my cardiologist. After that I headed for my coumadin checked aka my POKE test. Honestly, I am always nervous when I go to the doctor. My blood pressure spike proves that. Even with that, I am doing wonderful on both the valve and coumadin. My doctor says my valve sounds good and is happy I'd increased my exercise level. Which tonight includes my first aerobic class at the rec center. Also, last night I chatted with my chum Maria about our resuming our weekly racquetball meet. Maria will go back to normal hours next month--and we both look forward to that! I've missed r-ball alot!

So the doctor was my main task today. Then tonight will be the aerobic class, however in the middle I treated myself to a movie. I thought of seeing "Star Trek" a second time. Then I thought, 'go see something new! So I ventured to a movie that two critics glowed about on TV: 500 Days of Summer. The kicker, it wasn't at any of my usual theater--which translates into the moving picture show less than 5 minutes, up the street from my house-nope. This was a theatre I'd been to, maybe twice with Movie Man--and he drove. I just consider it "out in the field'--because if you don't know it's there--you miss it. Like I did. I stopped and asked directions, because calling the 411 on my cell phone wouldn't let me talk to a real person.

For the movie? Very cute. Not so much a chick flick and I felt for the main guy. I liked it alot. And liked more the fact I did see something new--however I will get beamed up again by Star Trek in the near future...

As for another task-gotta enjoy the rest of having this day off. Being home during the day still conjures emotions I had during my 2006 recuperation--I like doing what I want and need to do on working days...yep--need that home business...

Stay tuned.

Today

I'm off today. It's really my 4th of July holiday. My part of the company didn't get a day off, but a floater to use within in 60 days of the holiday its for.

I lasted 3 days.

Gotta hike out to the doc's office to get my coumadin check. I've been in my 'range' for months now. Been fortunate I've had no major setbacks. A little fatigue every now and then. Hard to believe I've been taking this stuff since March 2006. When prior to that I barely popped aspirin for a headache.

Today. Speculation about Sarah Palin's abrupt exit. If she doesn't try to run for president, won't we all be surprised. I'm not a Republican, yet when she did that first speech--I thought "WOW!" But that first speech became the only speech, just switched around. And if I hadn't heard the bit about seeing the coast of Russia, myself--the chopped first speech was enough. But she did give some needed excitement to the GOP. Stay tuned.

Michael Jackson. I still can't believe he's gone. I've admitted after "Bad" Michael just lost me. The facial and skin color changes were apparent. Still admired Michael for what he continued to do musically, even if it didn't grab me. And I didn't want him to die. Where are these doctors who supplied him? Michael got people to get him what he wanted. Money can do that. Breaks my heart Michael made a choice to do this to himself. May Michael finally have peace. You now have your Corner of the Sky.

Today.

Monday Muse

Once again, I question on taking an undetermined hiatus from this blog.

And I enjoy doing the blog.

However, my hits aren't as they were. Not giving what readers, I do have, what they want to read.

As much as grew up, followed the Osmonds, yet still rocked in the 70's, partied like it was 1999 in the 80's, thought I was a true adult in the '90, however I realized I'd not completed as much as I thought I woulda done by now in the 2000's--so what to do?

Write about just my survival of open-heart surgery or being born with microtia (born without an ear--in my case, I do not have a left ear) or being half a century with no husband or kids (which I miss not having) or the desire to produce a play from my own words, dance, sing, and play piano or the loss of my mom when I was 13 and being an only child at that?

Hmm. I've done that-only not every day.

Maybe I should? But which one? I'm open for suggestions.

However, since I've biked and treadmilled, must take trash to the curb, contemplate washing the dishes, pet a cat, chow a salad so my coumadin stays in check, watch "The Closer" and get on my knees and thank God for this life.

Stay tuned.

I am blessed.

Day Off

...and the only thing I've done that I said I planned to do-was take a walk. Instead of a jaunt to the rec ctr, where I could bike and stroll in air conditioned comfort, I headed to the park up the street. Was concerned about the heat, yet not alot of humidity. Since the open heart surgery, I've done my best to stay within the guidelines set for outside activity. The nice breeze helped during the walk. Just peaceful.

Once again, it proved how I like being home. To do what I want to, while others are at work. Granted, I don't want to be sick again to have that feeling. Just nice.

Later on, I do need to go get POKED. Yea, that's what I call my blood check for my coumadin. I'm such a poster child for this stuff, which was peddled as rat poison. Fortunate no real issues. Except I know when I am tired--I am tired, so I stop until another time. Just live.

Now since I have some time until the POKE test, I'll wash my dishes. Oh heck, who am I kidding? Gotta watch today's episode of Young and the the Restless-getting GOOD! Adam needs to fall down his own flight of stairs!

Stay tuned.

Friday and Robin Williams

Robin Williams appeared on Letterman the other night. First public appearance since his open heart surgery. Robin had his aorta valve replaced and mitral valve repaired. So we have our mitral valves in common--sorta. Mine was replaced--still--simpatico. Robin spoke of the blood thinner he now takes to prevent clots around the mechanical valve especially. Robin pops the generic of the brand name I take. Wow--Mork from Ork and I more simpatico! Which is great, because I may have been the only one that liked Robin in Moscow on the Hudson! Anyway, Robin looked great--even showed his scar. Mine should look that good! :) So when I pop my Coumadin, I'll think how Robin has to pop his warafin and get his blood checked--just like me. Simpatico--that's what we are!

Outside of that it's Friday.

Nuf said.

Enjoy!

March 14, 2006 was Tuesday

I remember it well. Sorta.
The day of my open heart surgery to repair or replace my heart's mitral valve.
I was to be transported to the sister hospital where the heart surgeries were done.
The paramedics who were to do the transporting were an hour late.
The nurse to sign me in and get started in the prep was not happy.
Turns out the paramedics didn't start work until the hour they were suppose to pick me up.
I was just happy to get a dose of fresh air for the first time in almost two weeks.
Made it through the surgery unscathed.
In fact a nurse boasted how I tried to wake up faster than any one she'd ever seen.
Of course--I wanted OUT.
That night, my TV in ICU was on American Idol. I dozed off and on-mostly off.
Hooked up to every machine like from the Starship Enterprise.
The next morning around 7 am, a physical therapist told me I was going for a short walk.
Sure. Well, we did--with catheter and another jug hooked up to my belly to collect fluids.
My best friend announced my surgeon had said I'd probably have to stay 6-8 weeks.
Because of this 'stroke' which wasn't a stroke, per the neurologist, I had.
Don't think so. Surgery was Tuesday. By Saturday, I was asked how I felt about going home.
Don't to ask me again.
Fast forward to this day in 2009.
As Movie Man was there for me in 2006, he was there for me today.
Quite the adventure we had today--from morning til past sundown.
Rode the train to Ft Worth.

Laughed. Walked. Did a movie. Laughed more. Basked in the moments.
After dinner, back in Dallas, headed to his place to walk the dogs Movie Man's dog sitting for.
By this time it was dark. Couldn't see much.
To finish up the day Movie Man proved once again how he's a true friend.
He washed the dog poo off my shoe.
If not for my date with a surgeon 3 years ago, coupled with my trust in the One most High.
I would not have had today.
I am blessed.

February 28, 2006 was Tuesday

Remember it well. After spending all of the 27th day and night in the ER, and having a MRI or was it a CT scan?--it doesn't matter I had them both--first thing the morning of the 28th, I was taken to a 9th floor room in the hospital. "Neurology: was on a sign to welcome me. My speech was hit, miss and slurred. Once in my room, a nurse figured I'd had a stroke. She told me this as she put down my breakfast tray, gown and readied me for an IV.

Petrified.

At that point, nobody knew where I was. Looking back, I had an emergency contact. My best friend. She was not notified.

The stroke, was not really a stroke, yet a symptom of endocardities. A piece of that infection broke off and traveled to my brain. My brain burped as the Neuro Doc said, hence my speech became hit,miss and slurred.

The endocarditis damaged my mitral valve-until this adventure I had no idea we even had such a thing-so it needed to be replaced. My scar reminds me everyday.

I left the hospital on March 24, 2006

Fast forward to 2009. I'm headed to Winstar Casino in Oklahoma. To try my luck on the penny slots---yea, I live dangerously--

Some folks think I already have.

I am blessed.

A Day

one day closer to Movie Man leaving me. Not in a bad way. In a good way...for him. Movie Man had a good interview today. Proud of him. Know he sparkled. Happy for him, kinda yuck for me It's that whole patience thing I have to remember. It's all in His time. Not mine. That really is the kicker. I am better than I was in the past. Some folks, who read this blog may disagree. :)

Oh well.

On the bright side. I headed for my Poke today. That's what I call my Coumadin check-due to having the mechanical mitral valve in my heart. I tick. Did you know? When it's real quiet, you can hear me. Anyhoo, the Coumadin check is to see if my blood is too thick or too thin. Vitamin K affects Coumadin aka green stuff like broccoli or spinach. Today I was right in the middle of my range. 3.0. So I don't have to go back for another month. Glad. Through this whole ordeal, I've not had one major setback. Very Glad.

And since we're in February, it's when I start to reflect how my life changed in February 2006, February 27 to be exact. The day paramedics carted me to the ER. I spent all day and all night, and nobody knew where I was. Left the hospital on March 24, 2006--scar and all. Movie Man picked me up. Took me to Wal-mart so I could buy groceries. I drove that little cart and ran over everybody. I digress, plus I was scared to even THINK about spinach or broccoli, cause the nutritionist told me 'avoid it at all costs' because of the Coumadin. I didn't buy any that day.

Took me six months to finally get OVER that. Brings me today. I'm consistent in my Vitamin K eating. Don't think twice. Your body needs em. Just need to be consistent. Today, I'm in my range. Feel good. Cardiologist says, my valve works great, my heart itself works great, and she knows all is well with me. Even tho Movie Man might leave me, that's OK--it's time for him to move on. He'll just owe me a burger at the best burger place in Dallas: Burger Island! :)

On this day I'm very, very glad.

Monday Medicine

Got POKED today. That's what I call my Coumadin check aka INR. Because of the possibility of clots forming around my mechanical mitral heart valve, I pop Coumadin everyday. And let me just say this up front: I HATE to pop pills of ANY kind. Even while in the hospital, for my surgery--one of the nurses said, "Don't be so brave!" Which meant I wasn't asking for many painkillers. The pain I felt was more of an annoyance than anything else. Having the the breastbone heal can be an impatient kind of thing. The day I could finally sleep on my side, I almost ordered up a parade--and that was still some weeks after surgery.

So back to this pill thing. I HATE it. I don't want to take Coumadin or anything else I'm prescribed. My blood pressure pill, for instance, looks like something only my friend Flicka would get down easily. To pop a pill, to me, is to admit there's something wrong. Kind of a pisser really. Something I've had to work on mentally.

And had to learn how to feel good about eating Vitamin K, which effects Coumadin. We're talking green leafy vegggies here: spinach, broccoli. The more you eat of Vitamin K, the blood clots. Consistency is the name of the game. Guess you could call me a poster child. Unless,something else comes along, Coumadin and I are bonded together forever.

Oh well.

This little thing called "life" keeps me grounded. I realize I will do what I need to do to keep truckin. Sure, there's some side effects. Minor ones in my thoughts. I've had a few--fatigue for one, yet a small price to pay for a glassful of Life. And besides, there are cats to pet and Blue Ice Cream to savor. I can deal with what I gotta do, in spite of not feelin' a whole lotta love for the meds.

I am blessed.

Tuesday Twink

Just two days ago my windows were open to catch a delightful December breeze in the 79 degrees temperature. Today--not so much. Right now it's 32 degrees, the heat is on and a couch awaits my arrival. Today we had a spit of sleet in Dallas. Not enough to shut the whole city down--yet enough to cause some havoc. And of course this was the day of our department Christmas spread ---yea, yea...call it "Holiday" if you will--it's Christmas to me, always will be--back to the story--I chose to bring a crock pot full of taco soup.

Yea.

I usually don't bring stuff to these things. Just give $ to chip in what ever somebody else is doing. Today, I just had to step out of the box. Today was foggy and cold--no 79 degrees temp to bask in. I pondered would I fall on what ice there was on the ground-flat on my back? If so, then the crock pot would smack me in the head. Since I take coumadin, I'd need 911 ASAP to get me to the nearest hospital because of my thinner than other people's blood. However, as I'd wait for the ambulance, the still hot taco soup would scald me.

Yea. Hey, I'm a writer. Imagination--it's what I live for.

Long story short--I made it inside--in one piece. Plugged the crock pot in and soon the aroma was the rapture of the room:" What is that?" "It smells great!" "When can we have some?" The taco soup was #1 Billboard material as the crock pot emptied before any of the other Christmas spread's yummies. Several folks, including my boss, informed I need to rustle up another batch because they didn't get any.

And ya know what? I didn't either and that's OK. Since folks enjoyed it, made my fret all worthwhile.

The couch, a blanket, the remote and a cat await--today's Young and Restless episode needs to be watched.

Something In Common: Oprah and Me

Outside of the fact we’re both Bronze Goddesses and have money in the bank. OK, so she has a few million more than I do-—maybe gazillions more—we both still have money in the bank. Oprah reads books, so back in 1998; I sent her a copy of my self- published book. I hoped she would read it, find it a grand story and want to produce it into play or film. Still haven’t heard from Oprah. Hmm. I’m sure my book remains in the envelope,covered in the rose potpourri I packed it with. See, rose potpourri was a tie into the story---kinda.

So what do Oprah and I have in common? Weight gain. I’m an emotional eater. Oprah might be one too. I just finished a bowl of mixed vegetables with some fake butter and a spot of light salad dressing, for SOME taste. How emotional is that? All in all, I admire Oprah on the admittance of re-gain.

In my case, this time a year ago, I began my quest to own my first house. I was so sure it wouldn’t happen. I barely had 4 quarters to rub together and my credit score was nowhere near 750—75 maybe, but not 750. Then the adventure, of what is my professional life, hit warp speed. Tombstone Supreme pizzas soon became one my bestest friends. Miraculously, my blood checks, because of my taking coumadin, stayed regulated. Staying faithful to my vitamin K intake and daily walks (until I moved—then walks disappeared too) were important to me.

I’d lost 70 pounds. Kept it off for awhile—just like Oprah. Regained 38. Oprah said she was embarrassed. I can so relate. My last doctor’s visit was my a-ha moment. Finally stepped on their scale. Thank goodness, I was at my cardiologist’s office, because I was sure a heart attack was near.

Now what?

Oprah and I know what we have to do. While we talk the talk, gotta walk it too. A couple miles—per day, at least. It’ll get done. However, am I gonna hide away, as I lose the weight, I lost once before? Not buy anything, because I’m not the size I want to be? Not get a new hair-do or whatever, because my face isn’t thin enough? Give up ice cream altogether?

Heck, no. There’s too much life to live and waiting for “When I…” wastes it.

So Oprah, call me if, Gayle is not available some time and you just need to chat.

The adventure begins.

Tuesday Heart and Times...

Got POKED today.

Hold on.

That’s the name I gave to my blood being checked/monitored. To prevent the form of clots around my mechanical mitral valve, coumadin (also known as warafin) is part of my daily regimen. True, this stuff was originally peddled as rat poison, yet was approved for medical use in the early 1950’s. It appeared to be effective and relatively safe in prevention of thrombosis and embolisms, (abnormal formation and migration of blood clots). I must have my blood checked every so often to make sure it’s not too thin or too thick—‘in the range’ of 2.5 to 3.5. Today 2.8. Happy Day—because I don’t go back for another month.

The POKE is really called my INR (international normalized ratio). It ensures I’m taking the proper daily dosage. It’s conducted pretty much the same way as if you’re checking your sugar level. My finger gets POKED (aha!), a drop or two of blood is put on a strip, which is then inserted into a little tester machine. A couple minutes worth of wait and chat with the nurse—then your INR number pops on the little tester machine’s face. The higher the number the thinner the blood, the lower means thicker. Once my INR was 1.4 and panic ensued. I had to give myself 3 days of shots of another drug (the name fails me-sorry)to aid the coumadin. Because of my blood’s thickness, it was feared clots would form. Thankfully, they didn’t.

Coumadin’s effectiveness is mainly due to the amount of vitamin K (green leafy veggies, like spinach) eaten. While I x’d off days in the hospital and wondered when I could finally leave, I was told to avoid spinach and broccoli from here on in. I could dally in iceberg—to a degree. I informed the nutritionist it’d taken me 20 years to like spinach, and now I couldn’t have any? Avoid it, she said. Even on the papers for the rules and regulation for recovery, there was a picture of spinach with a line drawn through it. I panicked.

Scared to eat anything green. If I did—once a week—maybe. I thought my mechanical valve would squeak if I did. The sure squeak would go along with with its tick tick tick (I do tick, ask Movie Man). On that 1.4 INR day, the folks at my doctor’s office reassured me they could regulate me if I ate green—in fact my body NEEDED green. Until then, sometimes every three days, I would have to get my blood checked. I wasn’t even close to being ‘in the range.’ Nurses tried to tell me, “just be consistent.” Then as I waited for these shots at the pharmacy, I asked the pharmacist.

He repeated, “just be consistent.” I groaned. Told him I was tired of hearing that and just what exactly did it mean? Well, he said, if you eat three salads a week, you eat three salads every week. Not one here, or one there, but three. Otherwise my blood would spike, and that’s not good either. He assured I could be regulated. I don’t know why my 100 watt bulb finally, since these words had been repeated over and over--yet my own “AHA!’ moment.

That night I bought a bag of all ready made tossed salad made with iceberg lettuce. I was giddy enough you swore I carried a blue box from Tiffany’s. I wiped sweat from my brow as the loaded fork entered mouth. What would happen?

Nothing.

As days went by, I dared myself to add a few spinach leaves to my ready made tossed iceberg salad. I fretted the next time I went for the INR. When the little tester machine showed me smack dab where I needed to be, I smiled so bright I blinded myself and the nurse. Being ‘in the range’ began to happen more often. Also the longer I stayed ‘in the range’, the longer I could stay away before another POKE. The longest time allowed was six weeks—and I made it!

I’ve had a couple slips, just minor—yet I’ve become such a poster child on coumadin and Vitamin K. I know when to adjust and realized it’s just a part of my daily routine. For now, for always. These days, I have five salad days—really salad nights, plus my daily lunch mixed veggies. All about being consistent.

My Heart Doc says she likes how I just keep on truckin as if nothing happened. Until something comes along to remind me. Like my scar itches or then I need to get POKED. Tablespoons of inconvenience, those are.

OK, so I take something that can rid us of rodents—so what? This stuff helps to rid me of another hospital stay. I can handle a poison like that.

He didn’t bring me this far to leave me.