It may to turn out to be rathet difficult to burn coal.

Well, today I went to see my cardiologist in Boston. And while I was there at the hospital I went to talk to another doctor about my congestive heart failure because my condition has been going down hill for the last few months.

The new doctor wants me to have some tests to evaluate me for suitability to me put on the list for a heart transplant.

So, if I do qualify for a new heart, this may mean I may have to switch to burning oil.

Although, I'm feeling rather discouraged right now, I do feel fortunate in that the doctors I see are top notch in their fields and the hospitals in Boston are among the best.

One of the things that really impresses me is that the doctors talk TO me not AT me and they make sure that I understand what is being said. I'm glad I have a cousin that will come into the exam room and help me listen and get things straight.

What will be tough is arranging for transportation for what will be expected to be many trips to Boston an hour and a half away if the traffic is good. Thank goodness I have a very kind and understanding cousin.

Sorry to hear that and good luck. We went through similar thing with my Brother who had a brain tumor, 6 months of taking him to Philly every week but he had his wife, my Father was retired and I always had time so it was split up. They had given him 1 to 2 years and that was about 7 or 8 years ago, there is always hope.

No neighborhood kids you can depend on? Of course that's asking a lot when it's your heat. No natural gas in the area I'm assuming?

My Grandmother is 94, still lives by herself and still has coal but she has hasn't been the basement for about 15 years. She has enough family around she doesn't have to worry about it.

Richard S. wrote:
No neighborhood kids you can depend on? Of course that's asking a lot when it's your heat. No natural gas in the area I'm assuming?

My Grandmother is 94, still lives by herself and still has coal but she has hasn't been the basement for about 15 years. She has enough family around she doesn't have to worry about it.

I live in a rural area with about six houses in the immediate area and All the kids were in my generation and have grown up and moved away. My brother (older) is unavailable for another three to five years. I'm the only one left.

My mom is 91 and she is not able to take care of coal (I take care of her stove for her).

There is no natural gas in the area, although I possibly could switch to propane.

I hope it all works out for you. You are fortunate to be in the Boston Area. As you mentioned, some of the best Dr's are there.

Perhaps this change to oil would be temporary. Don't people with new hearts get back to being 100%? It might be a year or two, but I'd think after you have recuperated & have gotten accustomed to the new plumbing and pill regiment you'd be fit as a fiddle.

Good luck with it all bb. Just remember, God has a sense of humor. You'll be fine.

BB

You are in our prayers. Stay positive and know you have people on this forum who care.

Mark

I know from experience bringing my son to Boston Childrens a yr. ago, you couldn't ask for better treatment both patient and family. We were furtunate to stay on the hospital campus at an Inn designed for patients and familys from away. Possibly your doctor's staff and hospital can assist you to minimze your travel and expenses. We had a great experience and needed nothing, I grew up near Boston and never could imagine the caring and professional people that do this every day and to everyone. Be glad to direct you to some great places to eat and visit. Look forward to your recovery. Mike.

i don't want to start sounding like smitty (i love ya smitty) but i've been going to boston forabout 3 years now and they arn't showing me very much !! every 3m0nths they change the meds and it works for abot 2mths then its back to the same B/s ,they diagnosed me w/ parkinsons but i don't shake ,i have trouble speaking and turning around when standing and my head's f------up its like a bad ground in my brain i open my mouth and nothing no words come out it taks a while for me to getstarted goodluck bb jim

Sorry to hear of your health problems pal. Glad you have the best docs on your side and best of luck to you, coal or not so long as you stay warm this winter.

I thought that it was time to up date you all on my progress towards better health.

Since I last posted here, I've been back to Boston almost every week during October and so far in November. About four weeks ago I went to Beth Israel Deaconess for a "right side heart catheterization". It was supposed to be only an over night... I ended up staying seven days!

During the cath the doctors noticed that I was retaining a lot of fluids around my belly, so, they put me on a mega dosage of IV Lasix - 40mg an hour for three days. I ended up loosing almost 7 (yes, seven) liters of fluids and almost 20 pounds. While I was there, they played around with my medications. I'm now up to 4 pills in the morning and 11 pills at night.

Also, while I was at BIDMC I was able to have most of the tests required for transplant evaluation.

Last week on Thursday, I went to Tufts Hospital (also in Boston) to meet with the transplant coordinator, more doctors, dietitians and transplant pharmacy. By the time I was finished, I was so burned out I was mumbling and I think I may even started to drool a little. I was also told that I probably would also need a kidney or two replaced at the same time.

Friday morning, while I drinking my coffee, I get a call from BIDMC telling me that after reviewing the blood tests I had at Tufts they want me back for another cath. Apparently, change meds, and something else fall apart and my heart function is dropping.
Fun thing to be told isn't it? So, back to the hospital for possibly another a week...

I have a couple more tests, a visit to a dentist for dental clearance, get the results from my last colonoscopy sent to Tufts, meet with "infectious diseases", social worker and psyche. It never seems to end.

While I wish that this would all end, I'm not ready to just give up yet.

Have faith in god. I'll keep myou in my prayers.

BB

You and your family are in our prayers. If you need or want to have some company when you are in Boston let me know. I will drive in and have a cup of coffee with you and talk some coal.

Hang tuff bb, I don't know if this is good or bad, but you're in my prayers.

Well, I made it there and back in one day. Plan for the worst and hope for the best.

The cath started about 10:30 this am and was over about an hour and a half later. Just like the last one, they went through my neck to my heart to check function. After it was done, the doctors told me that "My numbers look good" and the reduced heart function isn't damaging my liver. After waiting around after, I left the hospital about 2:30.

Your prayers and good wishes worked. Thank you so much.

Sorry to hear BB, glad to have a strong will, that counts for much as I'm sure others have told you. Good luck with your continued path to health.