Tuesday, July 16, 2013

You NEVER Know... A (Hopefully) Short Blog Break

This identical post is appearing on both of my blogs, so for those of you who subscribe to both, I apologize for the duplication.


Hello all,

Just wanted to get a short note out, to explain what's been going on in my world and to let you know that I'll be here on a somewhat limited or spoadic basis, at least for a little while, anyway. It's hard to be specific about potential posting dates, but I hope it won't be too long before I'm able to get back to the blog on a more full time basis. So, what's the big hold-up?

Well, much to my surprise, (and shock) a little over a week ago, I had (and am now recuperating from) a pretty serious heart attack. Honestly, folks... I never saw it coming and I had no idea that I was even remotely "in the risk zone", until it happened.

I've since learned that both men and women, (but especially women) who have Lupus and are over the age of 40, have a 60% higher risk of heart attack and stroke. Scary stuff...

The Hubbers and I were out shopping at the local outlet stores, for some last minute attire and accessories for our daughter's upcoming (August) wedding in Virginia. It was unbearably hot (as it has been for most of the summer here in the Northeast) and I was feeling quite unwell, from what I assumed was a combination of how brutally high temperatures and humidity affect my Lupus and what I believed at the time, was a really bad case of heartburn, that I'd been battling on and off for the last couple of days. We decided to head home, but once we were in the car and on our way, that little intuitive voice in my head told me that something was horribly wrong and I told my Hubby that he needed to drive me straight to the Emergency Room instead.

After arriving at out local hospital's ER and once it was determined that I was indeed in the midst of a major cardiac episode, I was taken upstairs to the Cardiac Catheterization Lab where over the next 2 hours, three arterial wire mesh stents were placed, during a procedure called an angioplasty. After three days in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, I was discharged home and ordered by my doctors to rest extensively and lay pretty low, so that my body has an opportunity to heal from this unexpected and frankly, terrifying attack. I honestly feel like I've been hit head on by a Mack truck and I believe this will be a long recovery for me.

On a slightly more positive note, my doctors were somewhat astounded by how little permenant damage there seems to have been to my heart, given that I had what was apparently, a major heart attack.

I'll try to post updates as often as I'm feeling up to it throughout the coming weeks, as I slowly but surely heal and get myself back on track. I am one incredibly lucky woman and I can't even begin to say how grateful I am to the doctors, nurses, aids and other staff at our local hospital, for literally saving my life.

And as for my husband, my daughter and other family members and friends.... well, let's just say that without their love and constant attention, I would have never made it through all of this with the kind of strength that I needed to push through the pain and work toward getting home and on my way to recovery. They have been taking exceptional care of me here at home and I am truly blessed.

Take good care of yourselves and of each other, my friends. You never know what might be around the corner.....


28 comments:

  1. Mary, wishing you a speedy recovery. Take care

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    1. Thanks, Carole.... Hope it's the last that I ever see of this nonsense. 8/

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  2. I'm so glad you received timely and expert care during your crisis and have the support of loving family members while you heal. Take all the time in the world to recuperate. We'll all be thinking of you and sending you light and loves in our thoughts!

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    1. Me too, Maureen! There had to have been an angel (or maybe more than one?) sitting on my shoulder that day, telling me to go to the ER. Thanks so much for all of your good thoughts and positive vibes! It's more appreciated than I could ever say! XOXO

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  3. Mary, take as much time as you need, we'll be here when you post again. I'm so glad to hear your OK. My mom had a heart attack to and had stence put in about 10 years ago and she's doing well now. She had very little harm done to her heart and she waited 2 days before she went to the emergency room and they sent her home saying she had the flu but the next day she went back again and they put her in the hospital....she said she felt like she just had the flu and she was shocked it was a heart attack. Take care and rest a lot. Hugs, Jen

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    1. Aww, thanks, Jen. So glad your mom came out OK on the other side of her attack, as well. It's a really scary thing when one minute you're thinking you have a really bad case of acid reflux or the flu and then they're suddenly slapping electrodes all over you and telling you it's a massive heart attack! I'm definitely resting and taking care of myself... my family wouldn't have it any other way. Hugs back at ya! XOXO M.

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    2. Mary how frightening..Thank God you knew something was wrong and went to the ER..I have a friend that is a health nut and the same thing happen to her..she was going to work ( a realtor) and she said she knew something was wrong so she went right to the ER..she is doing well and back to work..You take all the time you need to get better..Having Lupus must be hard do deal with also..I am a Christian and believe God is in control....I an loving your blog..there is so much to see and the good recipes..oh my..I want to try all of them..Get well and take care of yourself...When I bought my grandfather clock the man gave me a card..I want to let you know what it said..I always keep it in my mind..

      The clock of Life is wound but once
      And no man hath the Power
      To tell just when the hands will stop
      At a late or early hour
      Now is the only time you own
      Live, Love, Toil at will
      Place no faith in tomorrow
      For the clock may then be still

      I just noticed your blog was from 7-13..Hope you are recovered..xoxo Loretta

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  4. You are indeed one very fortunate woman. May God continue to heal you during this down time and I pray you'll be able to have lots of fun at your daughters wedding.

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    1. Thanks so much, mzzbev! I'm still shaking my head over the chain of events that day. My guardian angels were watching out for me, for sure. There were moments throughout that day when I wasn't sure I'd be there to see my baby girl walk down the aisle and I truly feel blessed that I'll get that opportunity. :~)

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  5. Im so glad you received such wonderful care during this crisis!!
    Rest up, and we will be here when you get all better!!
    Sending hugs and best wishes!!

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    1. Thanks, Melissa! I hope it won't be long before I can get back more full time. I've had some plans for the blog for this summer that I really want to see through. Sending hugs right back your way! XOXO

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  6. Mary, so sorry to hear this! Prayers for a speedy and complete recovery. Blogging will wait, real life is first.
    Be a good patient so you can dance at your daughters wedding!
    All the best!
    Kathleen

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    1. LOL. Thanks, Kathleen! I don't know how much dancing would have happened before the heart attack, considering this messed up back of mine, but I'm sure glad that I'll be there to take advantage of the opportunity, should I decide to give it a try! Your thoughts and prayers are so very much appreciated, my friend. Hugs XOXO

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  7. As I said on your other site, we'll miss you while you're recuperating and are praying for a swift recovery!

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    1. Aww, thanks for the good thoughts and the prayers, Nan! Hopefully, it won't be too long. I'm being watched over closely, so I'm getting lots of rest. XOXO, M.

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  8. Sorry for your heart issues, but I am glad you are doing so well. We recently had a similar experience with my mother in law. She had successful triple bypass surgery on Monday and is recovering well, thankfully. Hope you feel better soon!

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    1. Oh my gosh! A triple bypass? That had to be SO frightening for all of you! I'm so, so glad to hear that she's doing well, though. Please let her know that she (and your whole family) will be in our thoughts and prayers as well.

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  9. I'm going to inbox you because I can't say what I want to say here. Yes...you're in trouble, missy! (I'm not shouting that. I'm speaking in a very calm voice so as not to stress you out. But still...you're in trouble!)

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    1. Uh-Oh! I hope I'm not in too much trouble! I promise I didn't do it on purpose. LOL Besides, you need to stay calm, cool and collected for your upcoming surgery, so take a deep breath 1, 2, 3, and let it out slowly 1, 2, 3, There... Now, isn't that better? ;~)

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  10. Oh my gosh, Mary, I am so sorry to hear that this happened to you. I am also so glad to hear that you made it through and that you are on the road to recovery. I hope we hear from you again really soon!
    --Elena

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    1. Thanks, Elena! With all of the good thoughts and kind wishes (including yours!) that everyone has been sending my way, I don't see how I could possibly fail. I already have a few ideas rattling around in my brain, so it shouldn't be long before I'm posting again. :~)

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    2. Hi Mary,
      You popped into my head today so I thought I'd check on you and see how you're doing...
      I hope you are well!
      --Elena

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  11. My fellow Mary!!! Oh, I don't even know what to say - I just want to run over, give you a big hug, bring you a nice meal, and keep you company while you rest! Truly, you were being watched over ....

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    1. Well... I could definiely use one of those big hugs right about now, my friend. 8} Most days, the "resting" part drives me absolutely buggy, but today, rest is about all I can seem to accomplish. They're telling me that days like today are common, but I hope not for too much longer. I want so very much to get back to some semblance of "normal" around here. Thank you for all of the good thoughts and the always wonderful friendship, Mary. XOXO

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  12. Oh Mary. I just read this. I have been delinquent in my blog reading and struggling to keep up. I'm wishing you more healing and a strong heart!

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    1. Gosh Liza... I'm so very sorry that I didn't see this until now. It's been such a long time that's passed, I don't know if you'll even see this. Obviously, I've been a bit more than delinquent myself, where the blogosphere and the internet in general are concerned, but hopefully with Spring allegedly just around the corner, that should be changing. Thank you for your warm wishes. I sincerely hope to get around to visiting and catching up with you soon. xoxo

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