Apache Junction, AZ High 92 Low 59
I haven’t posted in awhile because I’ve been waiting until we had some news from all the tests on Jim’s leg. I also haven’t been reading too many blogs because we’ve been running all over the Phoenix area for those tests and seeing the doctors. But hopefully soon I’ll get caught up.
Jim needs to have surgery one more time. They do say three times is the charm, right? That makes three for this year. This one isn’t as serious as the others which is nice. However, if he doesn’t get it fixed he could lose his leg.
The artery in Jim’s left leg is 50% blocked. So not much blood is getting through and that is why he has been having the terrible cramping and pains in that leg. We saw the surgeon yesterday and he is going to do an angiogram and use the balloon to open up the artery. Then he’ll put in as many stents as needed.
There is a chance this won’t work. Jim had stents put in his heart an they didn’t work there but we have hopes that it will be okay this time. If the stents don’t work, they will do a by-pass in his leg. I didn’t even know they did such things. I knew about the heart by-passes because Jim has had two of them. The main reason for all these problems is the fact that Jim was a smoker for many, many years until he met me. He hasn’t smoke in almost 20 years but the damage had already been done.
Our surgeon is the same doctor who did his lung cancer surgery and we are really happy about that. He is excellent and we have complete confidence in him.
The surgery will be sometime in the next two weeks and we will be so glad to get it over with. In the meantime, Jim is not supposed to do much walking. So we went to Goodwill and found him a wheelchair and I get to push him around even more than I already do. (Doesn’t he just look soooo happy in that picture.)
The really bad news is – no fishing. But since the boat is still in the hospital, that helps a little bit.
I sent prayers and hope this all gets better. You are good people and I do hope and pray it soon gets better. Maybe the boat and Jim will get out of the hospital at the same time. Love to you both!
ReplyDeleteMichael
Ah, the "joys" of smoking. Did it myself for a number of years. Haven't had one since June of '86.
ReplyDeleteAnd I still get a craving once in a while. It's an insidious habit.
Sure hope Jim gets to keep his leg. Heaps easier to get in and out of a fishing boat that way.
Wow, at least now you know what the problem is and the pathways to fix it. We'll keep Jim in our prayers for a good and fast outcome.
ReplyDeleteIt's too hot to fish anyway, right? ;) Seriously, I hope that this third (last) surgery does the trick and that Jim will be as good as new afterwards. Take care and my prayers are with you, Sandie and Jim.
ReplyDeleteprayers for Jims fast recovery, Boy I wish I could get Donna to quit smoking, but I m sure after 60 years the damage is don like you said. Be safe out there. Sam Donna..........
ReplyDeleteHope all goes well with the new surgery!
ReplyDeleteWe will be heading south around November 7-10. The motor home finally sold!
We are praying that this surgery is the last of Jim's problems. (other than you bossing him around - hehehe)
ReplyDeleteMan, that smoking sure messes up lives. It is an addiction that secures it's fangs in and tries really hard to not let go.
What a horrible price people have to pay for doing foolish things to their bodies. It makes me sad.
Oh dear friends. We are in such pain over this. We were praying for a much better outcome. Please know that Jim will be in our prayers each day. We will ask our Dear Lord for a successful surgery, complete healing, and patience for you both. We love you two!
ReplyDeleteI think the very fact they are able to do those kinds of surgical procedures is amazing. All the best to Jim & I bet he'll have a bog smile on his face when he pushes that wheelchair back to the Goodwill store soon..........
ReplyDeleteOh, so sorry this is happening to you both, hope it all goes well, i am sure it will and Jim will be up at those fish in no time at all!!!!
ReplyDeleteI hope the stents work for Jim. Then he'll be free to do all the fishing he wants! Glad they found the problem.
ReplyDeleteI'll be waiting to hear of Jim's progress!
Pats to S&S. :)
Best wishes and prayers for a successful surgery and a speedy recovery.
ReplyDeleteI quit back in 84 and they still blame it for my cancer.... Seems so long ago, but perhaps the damage was done then and only showed up as I aged.... But anyway you already like and trust the surgeon and they have so many ways to fix this stuff, it will turn out ok I'm sure...
ReplyDeleteI am sure three is the charm and both he and the boat will be back on the water soon:)
ReplyDeleteLots of Love & Prayers going out to you both. Please keep us posted. I wish we were closer and could help out some.
ReplyDeleteLove Ya
{hugz}
I'll be thinking about both of you and praying for a speedy recovery.
ReplyDeleteAt least you have a diagnosis now and they have something they can do to fix it. Good luck and I hope he has a speedy recovery.
ReplyDeletePrayers for you both and get Jim back to fishing.
ReplyDeleteGlad you found out what the problem is with Jim's leg and it is something that can be fixed. Prayers being said for both of you and hope Jim is back in the fishing boat soon.
ReplyDeleteHoping this is it for you guys...time to get Jim back fishing and you some relaxation time! Hugs to you both.
ReplyDeleteMy best thoughts will be with Jim and you, once again. Hope this is the last time. He's had enough for one year.
ReplyDeletePrayers and good wishes for quick and successful surgery. Stents sure work for a lot of things. In the meantime, both of you take it easy. Stroking dachshunds is very relaxing (and it might even do you both some good).
ReplyDeleteOur prayers are with both of you! Good luck to Jim with the surgery!
ReplyDeletePrayers are coming your way from the Graffis house tonight.
ReplyDeletethe third time is the charm..here is hoping the surgery and recovery go well!..hugs to you both!!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear of Jim's problem and not to diminish a 50% blockage, although I am an open heart surgery patient of some 15 years now I probably won't be very popular saying this but... Blaming previous smoking is easy but overlooking other potential causes could be a serious mistake. They would be stress, improper diet (especially for a heart patient), excess weight, lack of exercise, etc.. As to leg cramps... improper hydration or too little salt intake in hot weather can easily cause them.
ReplyDeleteGary
Best wishes for a successful surgery and Jim's return to full health.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad he didn't have this problem while in Montana. Very good timing on the boat repairs and he even had time for his RV repair shop. Hope the boat is ready the day he gets the OK to fish.
ReplyDeleteDave's Mom did that leg bypass surgery and it was a great success. She continued walking many miles a day for many years after it. I'm glad you also have a doctor in whom you have full confidence.
ReplyDeleteWill be thinking of you both and hoping and praying for the best. Jim is a good sport letting you take that picture.....
ReplyDeleteOur best wishes to you Jim. It is amazing what can be done to repair our bodies isn't it? Even though the damage is done just think of the damage that isn't still happening. I lost my beloved Mother to lung cancer, she had smoked since she was in high school.
ReplyDeleteSo many lives lost to this addiction, I'm sorry it was ever discovered. God be with you.
A year ago last July my then 42 year old SIL was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer and he never smoked. He knows 3 other guys about his age that over the last few years have died from lung cancer and 2 of them never smoked. Lately I've heard of more than a few women having died from lung cancer and most had never smoked.
ReplyDeleteSending prayers your way for a successful surgery and a speedy recovery!
ReplyDeleteYou guys will be in our thoughts and prayers. Those kinds of surgeries were my specialty when I was an operating room nurse.
ReplyDeleteLots and lots of good thoughts and prayers are coming your way from me and many others. Try to keep positive, I really think that helps. And I'm glad you have such a good doctor.
ReplyDelete