Apparently I've run afoul of the medical gods. About the time this post is published, I'll be checking into the local hospital for a "procedure".
Something called "cardiac catheterization". Evidently they're going to do a little "Body Wars" action, and slip a submarine (or something) into my blood stream to look at my heart. Unfortunately, Elisabeth Shue is not available right now.
Out on assignment elsewhere. Drat! Source |
So they're using Mr. T instead.
I wonder if he has to remove his jewelry as I do? I also wonder who's going to tell him to do so? Not me! Source |
With a little bit of luck, they'll find nothing and start treating the symptoms with some blood thinners. Other outcomes will be a tad more complicated.
A prayer or two, if you're so inclined, would be appreciated.
Since it is the Holiday Season, I searched around for the best video of my favorite Christmas Carol, "O Holy Night". My maternal grandfather used to sing this to the family on Christmas Eve. As far as I remember, this is the only time and only song, he ever sang. He had a voice that would give these guys a run for the money singing that song.
But, after listening to a boatload of versions including a great one by a 7 year old, this is the Official Juvat favorite.
Added Bonus Video, for all those aspiring Fighter Pilots out there (You know who you are!). It's actually a pretty accurate and interesting video of flying. His analysis, if not his skill, is very good.
God Bless, ya'll. See you next week (I'd say with more better stuff, but...Suldog!).
Update: Thanks for the prayers! Procedure went well. Valium is a wonderful thing! But finding out that there is NO blockage and I only need to treat the Atrial fibrillation with Blood Thinners is a relief. Well.... That and lose about 50 lbs, change my diet, reduce the alcohol consumption and exercise. But still a relief. Thanks again.
Will be sending prayers up and positive vibes to your location.
ReplyDeleteThanks. Valium has been administered. No longer responsible for comments. But I feel GOOD!
DeleteYou got it.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sir,
DeletePrayers, up!
ReplyDeleteThanks
DeleteEven this old Marine sends prayers. Of course, I have to remind you that we are doing the PFT at 1400. We expect you there in sweats and running shoes.
ReplyDeleteThanks. PFT IS in my future, but not this afternoon. They'd like my femoral artery to reseal itself before any strenuous exercise. I wonder why? :-)
DeleteDarn!! Stay well my man, and prayers, of course!
ReplyDeleteThanks
DeleteHere's to the surgeon not being hem fisted, like the guy in the last video.
ReplyDeleteTrust me, Elizabeth Shue does look like that anymore . . . She's taken a Val Kilmer turn for the worse
Well, he did lie to me a bit. "You won't feel a thing" was not quite accurate, but once the catheter was in, THEN I didn't feel a thing.
DeleteBest wishes for the best outcome.
ReplyDeleteThanks.
DeleteHad to get to the comments on this blog to be sure who to pray for. juvat it is! Going to throw a quick one in for Sarge too just to cover all bases.
ReplyDeleteIt's always nice to have your name put before the Almighty in a positive way.
DeleteBut it is Juvat who needs that at the moment.
Thanks Joe.
Thanks Joe.
DeleteExcellent news Juvat! In an ideal world our latter years would not hold us accountable for our genes, family history, lifestyle choices and other small matters. Real World, we do start paying the price. I went thru the same thing earlier this year and while not ideal, they did find some arteries that were substantially blocked and then they did their magic (thru the use of stents) and it made a huge positive difference for me. My take is that I would rather go thru the cardiac catheterization and have preventative work done than have a heart attack, as many of my friends have had, and have repairs done post-event. Thoughts are with you during this time. V/R
ReplyDeleteThanks Ron. I'm in agreement about prevention rather than repair. The procedure didn't bother me too much, the "what are we going to find?" did. A lot!
DeleteThoughts and prayers Juvat!
ReplyDeleteThanks, PA! Also glad to here that your surgery went well.
DeleteJuvat: All the best and prayers for it turning out to be a minor procedure with a quick and complete recovery.
ReplyDeleteThanks Aaron. It did, I don't feel too bad, but a nap is in my immediate future.
DeleteThat picture of Elisabeth Shue brightened my day. I hope it does the same for yours!
ReplyDeleteYeah, it did. Interestingly the OR nurse had a similar hairstyle and color. The Lord must have a pretty good sense of humor!
DeleteNow we know how to get Tuna's attention...
DeleteStill works!
Delete:)
DeleteJeanie and I are praying that all will go well. Thanks for the videos, they were fun to watch. Didn't like the part about taking the records away from the Phantom though. Oh well, progress and all that. They even have Guinness in cans.
ReplyDeleteThanks. Yeah, on the record. However, we had to get through the Phantom's record in order to wipe out the commie's records. As for Guinness in cans. I don't drink if from a can and so...the keg is just a very big can.
DeleteSorry, for some reason, my view on life is spun a little bit more positive today.
I'm late to this post. Happy to read that everything went well. My best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery.
ReplyDeletePaul L. Quandt
Thanks Paul, I appreciate the thoughts and prayers from all. That and a long nap are helping a lot on that recovery thing.
DeleteMust have been interesting transitioning from the flying brick to the Eagle. I'm not saying the F-4 wasn't maneuverable or fast, but the difference (from the ground) seem almost unbelievable. (But then again, for years after the introduction of the A-10, the old guys in their A-7s kept winning the ground attack competitions.)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on not having internal appliances applied to/inside you. Keep up that record, we'all wish to have you around for a lot longer.
Thanks, your comment gave me an idea for a post.
DeleteYeah, I REALLY wasn't interested in the two (ok three) other options. Surgery didn't sound fun.
I am pleased to hear that you are doing well, but since you are Badger Approved, there was little doubt that Higher Powers would be looking out for you.
ReplyDeleteOne would certainly hope (and pray), but thanks.
DeleteGood job Juvat, it's lonely enough in "old guy world" without another one down for maintenance. Bourbon's on the house tonight. Stay well, Alemaster
ReplyDeleteThanks. As for the Bourbon, I think I've got another day before I'm authorized (by an even higher power than the Cardiologist--Mrs Juvat).
DeleteThat's good news Juvat. Good things happen to good people, huh? I've been on the thinners for the last two years due to AFib and a MI with a stent. It isn't too bad, just have to be more careful about the snags and such because the bruising looks just awful.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I know about the thinners. Had to take care of my Dad his last 6 years. Sitting in church one Sunday, I looked over at him and blood was running down his arm. Fortunately, it wasn't my first time at that Rodeo. Had some gauze and the sticky tape out in the truck. Walked out, got it and patched him up. The priest didn't even skip a beat in his sermon. I'm hoping the newer stuff is less of a problem, but we'll see.
DeleteThanks.
Juvat: I'm a little late to the party, but I'm glad the procedure turned out okay. Living with a-fib isn't too bad. I've had it for about ten or eleven years, controlled well by drugs. (Not the fun ones like Valium though!) The newer thinners don't require a constant battery of drug tests like Warfarin used to. Never had a problem with severe bleeding, which I typically control by avoiding severe cutting. (I highly recommend it!)
ReplyDeleteThanks.
DeleteTry to avoid severe cutting. Sounds like good advice to me! Think I'll attempt to follow that. ;-)
Crying shame about Liz'beth. You're gonna find out a lot of things about yourself. Good thing you're a fighter pilot, should make it easier.
ReplyDeleteYeah, she was a sweetie back in the day.
DeleteThere was quite a bit of soul searching going on between Friday (we NEED to get you in and take a look at your heart ASAP! AKA "Scramble, Scramble, Scramble, vector 360, Buster!") and Monday morning (well, Juvat, no blockage AKA "Standdown"), that's for sure! The thought that "There's nothing I can do to influence this situation at this time" weighed heavily.
Well, the typical Blue Four here juvat. Glad everything went well--I've had A-Fib for about the past four yrs and on nothing but blood thinners which seem to do the job (along with a 40lb weight loss thru exercise and reduced alki intake (SOB!) as well as restricted diet as I developed Type II diabetic at around same time. We're all just now paying for our past gluttonous rum-soaked sins.. :)
ReplyDeleteHey Virgil! Glad to see you checking in. I was starting to wonder...
DeleteThanks, VX! Yeah, my follow up with the Cardiologist is on the 23rd. I'm pretty sure I can author his opening remarks with astonishing prescience. It was a wake-up (and move it, move IT) call, though.
DeleteConcur with Sarge, glad to hear from you.
Well, U-1944 has been temp submerged (hospitalized) by two more septicemia attacks and have been on heavy-duty antibiotics. Hopefully I've turned the corner and am feeling much better--about to go into heavy-duty out-patient rehab as I'm weak as the proverbial kitten.. At least I managed to resurface, lol.
DeleteStay in the fight Virgil, we need you!
DeleteI'm in agreement with Sarge, VX. Although I'd put it in F-4 terms, take a heart of the envelope high angle gun shot on those commie bugs, exit the fight unloading for energy. Then pitch back for reentry when able.
DeleteIn all seriousness, you're added to my prayer list and I wish you a speedy recovery and a Merry Christmas.
Thoughts and prayers for a quick recovery!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sir!
Delete