Dear Friends and Family,
Jason and I left the house this morning at 5:15, we arrived in Walnut Creek at the hospital early at 6:30 and at 6:45 were being checked in. Then we waited. I was set to be the next at 9 am but then there was a heart emergency and we waited, we kept waiting until 12:30 when we finally were prepared and I entered the cath lab, its an incredible place with huge white equipment, cameras and every one and everything in place. I was draped with sterile sheets and a decision was made that they could use my wrist instead of my groin, that meant a quicker recovery time, 2 hours versus 6 hours of laying flat on my back. The team were wired and very congenial, all firing questions and comments to me as an appraiser, soon the process had started and in a few seconds there were in my heart and photos were taken, dye was released and soon it was over, from the smiles on their faces I knew we had good news. None of my arteries had any blockage at all, just the value needed replacing. They told me that with the new valve I would experience life so much better, with more energy and that I could keep up with my 41 year old girl friend just fine. The guys were great and encouraging, very pleased with what they had discovered. Then then the waiting started and it was 5:00 before Jason pulled up and we headed home. Then we went to the local dentist's office for an appointment, xrays and a quick exam. With a teeth cleaning very soon I'll have the clear dental certification and have that issue removed out of the way so the surgery can proceed.
Jason is on his way home now after we had dinner at the Sports Bar here in Discovery Bay. What a huge help he has been today. Wow he will have a very long day before he sleeps.
Now I'm working again as they have told me I can type so I'm finishing up a report and then going to a much needed and deserved rest. My Moon has been great and keeping in touch with Jason today to follow my progress and to pray for me.
thank you to all who were praying for this day.
Love to all
Tim
Tuesday, June 21, 2016
Friday, June 17, 2016
Life is becoming more complicated
Dear Friends and Family
Tonight I'm relaxing here at the computer and seeing the dozens of emails both business and personal, wow.
Heart news: on Tuesday Jason will take me to Walnut Creek where I'll enter the world of the cath lab, they will be inserting something near my groin and taking a better look at my heart to determine what needs to be done once surgery is happening. How long I'll be there I don't know and I've been told I can't drive home afterwards so either Jason or Ray will come for me and bring me home.
That evening at 6:30 I see the local dentist as I have to have a clearance from my dentist that I have no infection taking place in my mouth before they will operate, they say infection in the mouth can easily lead to infection in the heart valve and then it has to be replaced again, not fun! On July 5 I travel to San Francisco to the heart center Kaiser maintains, there I will meet with Dr. Allen who will discuss the surgery with me and decisions as to timing will be made. They attempted to delay until the 12th but I urged them to reconsider and they did. The lady on the phone told me that I would be out of work for three months while I recovered, that is not possible and not one person I've talked to so far who has had a heart valve replace has been down more than a month, a month I can handle, three months and I'll be homeless.
Meanwhile I worked hard this morning in the office getting reports out and then did two appraisals, one in Stockton and one in Ripon, then had to drive to Oakland to do a 5 minute inspection of a rear house on a property with two houses, the people were supposed to be there but did not stick around for the appointment and so I drove two hours out of my time and way because of their thoughtlessness, it happens and now its done so that is good.
This morning I walked to the park and tonight I just felt like walking so I did my three miles, just did not walk as fast as I used to and I feel fine. The lady at the heart center today said, well no one told her it was urgent, and I should just keep doing the exercising I was doing before, acted like a severe closure of a valve meant nothing, I was not impressed with her, I'll tell you that. But I think she is the gatekeeper so I need to keep on her good side if possible.
I get to take Kallie to church in the morning, it will be great!
Love to all
tim
PS please pray that God will be with us all as we struggle to make sense out of life.
Tonight I'm relaxing here at the computer and seeing the dozens of emails both business and personal, wow.
Heart news: on Tuesday Jason will take me to Walnut Creek where I'll enter the world of the cath lab, they will be inserting something near my groin and taking a better look at my heart to determine what needs to be done once surgery is happening. How long I'll be there I don't know and I've been told I can't drive home afterwards so either Jason or Ray will come for me and bring me home.
That evening at 6:30 I see the local dentist as I have to have a clearance from my dentist that I have no infection taking place in my mouth before they will operate, they say infection in the mouth can easily lead to infection in the heart valve and then it has to be replaced again, not fun! On July 5 I travel to San Francisco to the heart center Kaiser maintains, there I will meet with Dr. Allen who will discuss the surgery with me and decisions as to timing will be made. They attempted to delay until the 12th but I urged them to reconsider and they did. The lady on the phone told me that I would be out of work for three months while I recovered, that is not possible and not one person I've talked to so far who has had a heart valve replace has been down more than a month, a month I can handle, three months and I'll be homeless.
Meanwhile I worked hard this morning in the office getting reports out and then did two appraisals, one in Stockton and one in Ripon, then had to drive to Oakland to do a 5 minute inspection of a rear house on a property with two houses, the people were supposed to be there but did not stick around for the appointment and so I drove two hours out of my time and way because of their thoughtlessness, it happens and now its done so that is good.
This morning I walked to the park and tonight I just felt like walking so I did my three miles, just did not walk as fast as I used to and I feel fine. The lady at the heart center today said, well no one told her it was urgent, and I should just keep doing the exercising I was doing before, acted like a severe closure of a valve meant nothing, I was not impressed with her, I'll tell you that. But I think she is the gatekeeper so I need to keep on her good side if possible.
I get to take Kallie to church in the morning, it will be great!
Love to all
tim
PS please pray that God will be with us all as we struggle to make sense out of life.
Wednesday, June 15, 2016
heart update
Dear Family and Friends,
you can tell by the time I am writing that my work load is incredible right now.
Today with fear and trembling I saw the cardiologist Dr. Hanna. I'm now set to have a cath done next Tuesday at 7 am in Walnut Creek, anybody want to drive me there at that time of day, I can drive there but can't drive home per their instructions, but it will work out.
Not sure how long it will take but I'm guessing some hours before they get it all done. That will let them know exactly what they are facing when they do the surgery so its important.
One concern is that I have to stop the blood thinner 5 days before they do the procedure and I don't like the idea of my blood being thick with increases the stroke risk greatly. Oh well, God has watched over me to this point, He is still on the job I know.
Sending love to all,
Tim
you can tell by the time I am writing that my work load is incredible right now.
Today with fear and trembling I saw the cardiologist Dr. Hanna. I'm now set to have a cath done next Tuesday at 7 am in Walnut Creek, anybody want to drive me there at that time of day, I can drive there but can't drive home per their instructions, but it will work out.
Not sure how long it will take but I'm guessing some hours before they get it all done. That will let them know exactly what they are facing when they do the surgery so its important.
One concern is that I have to stop the blood thinner 5 days before they do the procedure and I don't like the idea of my blood being thick with increases the stroke risk greatly. Oh well, God has watched over me to this point, He is still on the job I know.
Sending love to all,
Tim
Saturday, June 11, 2016
Swim meet in Concord, go girls
I had not seen the girls swim in awhile, wow have they progressed, they know their strokes and placed in the middle or better in all of their heats today, talk about a place being full of energy and friendship, it was just a great thing to experience and all the parents get involved and help out making it all work, there are maybe a hundred swimmers there from 4 years old to 18, all know the rules and all do their best, someone sets up and sells food, everyone helps each other and for a few hours its like utopia, just a great experience.
Since I'm not doing the challenge due to my heart surgery that is coming up soon I've decided to use the Lose It app in my phone, last time using it got me a 50 pound loss and this time I'm dumping pounds already, there are a few basics of losing weight, drinking a huge amount of water, keeping track of what you eat, keeping track of how much you exercise, eating foods that help instead of binge foods that do not help and I'm trying to rest more at night.
This morning I woke up early and took a short walk to the park, I could feel that my heart was not totally happy but I did not push it not really wanting to have that feared heart attack before I can get into surgery and obtain the new valve I so desperately need.
I eat oatmeal every day and today I had a banana with it. I like it and I don't mind eating the same thing most every day as it seems to work for me.
Moon kept in touch today as she had lunch with her friend and this evening we talked for a long time as she was using her sewing machine to alter her girls friend's shorts, Moon is very capable with her trusty sewing machine and so as she sewed we talked and once again I learned a lot about what she thinks and hopes for in the future. She is a clear talker, does not know how to say fake things, just says it like she believes and sometimes I'm a bit shocked but then I think it through and she is almost always right. Right now she is spending quality time with her mom and giving her hope and encouragement as she listens to her mom talk about the day of caring for her father who is in rough condition and in the hospital. Earlier she talked to Crystal, her daughter, she is totally faithful in caring for her family and I'm always impressed with her loyalty and love for them.
Well now its bedtime, tomorrow instead of working here at home like I usually do on Sundays I see three properties, two duplex properties in Oakland and then a relocation appraisal in Tracy. What that means is good fees but a very lot of work that no one can help me with, I have to write those reports totally on my own, not fun!
God is good and I am so glad for His Blessings and His forgiveness. I am so very thankful for my family, all eight are precious to me.
Sending love to all
Tim
Since I'm not doing the challenge due to my heart surgery that is coming up soon I've decided to use the Lose It app in my phone, last time using it got me a 50 pound loss and this time I'm dumping pounds already, there are a few basics of losing weight, drinking a huge amount of water, keeping track of what you eat, keeping track of how much you exercise, eating foods that help instead of binge foods that do not help and I'm trying to rest more at night.
This morning I woke up early and took a short walk to the park, I could feel that my heart was not totally happy but I did not push it not really wanting to have that feared heart attack before I can get into surgery and obtain the new valve I so desperately need.
I eat oatmeal every day and today I had a banana with it. I like it and I don't mind eating the same thing most every day as it seems to work for me.
Moon kept in touch today as she had lunch with her friend and this evening we talked for a long time as she was using her sewing machine to alter her girls friend's shorts, Moon is very capable with her trusty sewing machine and so as she sewed we talked and once again I learned a lot about what she thinks and hopes for in the future. She is a clear talker, does not know how to say fake things, just says it like she believes and sometimes I'm a bit shocked but then I think it through and she is almost always right. Right now she is spending quality time with her mom and giving her hope and encouragement as she listens to her mom talk about the day of caring for her father who is in rough condition and in the hospital. Earlier she talked to Crystal, her daughter, she is totally faithful in caring for her family and I'm always impressed with her loyalty and love for them.
Well now its bedtime, tomorrow instead of working here at home like I usually do on Sundays I see three properties, two duplex properties in Oakland and then a relocation appraisal in Tracy. What that means is good fees but a very lot of work that no one can help me with, I have to write those reports totally on my own, not fun!
God is good and I am so glad for His Blessings and His forgiveness. I am so very thankful for my family, all eight are precious to me.
Sending love to all
Tim
Friday, June 10, 2016
Friday evening, winding down
Dear Family and Friends,
So a good day, delightful times spend with Moon on the phone, every time I learn more about her, her life, her beliefs, her family and the gut wrenching process of dealing with immigration, the delays, the demand that every document be exactly correct. Moon is bright, extremely family oriented and loving in action, not just in words. I have learned she will do what she needs to take care of her daughter, her mom and her dad, now she extends that same concern and care for me too, she reminds me to rest, to eat at meal times, to be careful when driving, she lets me know that she is safe after she has been out late driving home, she sends photos every day and she is very encouraging about my heart situation. She points out that unlike her dad who health situation is so complicated it may never be totally solved my heart value can be replaced, I will recover and I'll be stronger for us than ever, that is exciting to her and to me too.
Today I got up early, worked in the office and then inspected two properties, one in Pittsburg and the next in Walnut Creek, then back to the office to work until time to go see a duplex in Stockton, then to soup and salad at Olive Garden and now home finally to relax and chat with my brother and later to Moon once she gets home.
My heart has reminded me that is has a problem today but with only mild symptoms. Never angina pain but pressure or a feeling that is not right.
So now I look forward to the surgery, the valve replacement and the new energy that is to come. Using the Lose It app on my phone I'm down 9 pounds now and I'm so sad that I cannot do the challenge right now I'm still on track to rid myself once and for all the belly that makes it so hard to buy shirts and forces me to buy everything a size bigger than my shoulders and chest would need. I'm on a quest much like I was two years ago when I lost 50 pounds and I think a combination of Moon's love, the heart value issue, my general desire to be more fit and a knowledge that when men carry weight on their front sides it is very hard on all the organs. I can do this, Father God is urging me on, Moon is encouraging but not demanding or even suggesting, just loving support and I know my kids want me to be healthy and strong.
Sending love to all,
Tim
So a good day, delightful times spend with Moon on the phone, every time I learn more about her, her life, her beliefs, her family and the gut wrenching process of dealing with immigration, the delays, the demand that every document be exactly correct. Moon is bright, extremely family oriented and loving in action, not just in words. I have learned she will do what she needs to take care of her daughter, her mom and her dad, now she extends that same concern and care for me too, she reminds me to rest, to eat at meal times, to be careful when driving, she lets me know that she is safe after she has been out late driving home, she sends photos every day and she is very encouraging about my heart situation. She points out that unlike her dad who health situation is so complicated it may never be totally solved my heart value can be replaced, I will recover and I'll be stronger for us than ever, that is exciting to her and to me too.
Today I got up early, worked in the office and then inspected two properties, one in Pittsburg and the next in Walnut Creek, then back to the office to work until time to go see a duplex in Stockton, then to soup and salad at Olive Garden and now home finally to relax and chat with my brother and later to Moon once she gets home.
My heart has reminded me that is has a problem today but with only mild symptoms. Never angina pain but pressure or a feeling that is not right.
So now I look forward to the surgery, the valve replacement and the new energy that is to come. Using the Lose It app on my phone I'm down 9 pounds now and I'm so sad that I cannot do the challenge right now I'm still on track to rid myself once and for all the belly that makes it so hard to buy shirts and forces me to buy everything a size bigger than my shoulders and chest would need. I'm on a quest much like I was two years ago when I lost 50 pounds and I think a combination of Moon's love, the heart value issue, my general desire to be more fit and a knowledge that when men carry weight on their front sides it is very hard on all the organs. I can do this, Father God is urging me on, Moon is encouraging but not demanding or even suggesting, just loving support and I know my kids want me to be healthy and strong.
Sending love to all,
Tim
Thursday, June 9, 2016
Interesting day, yesterday
Could a guy possibly get better kids? I don't think so. Nikki, Jason, Steve and Jo were so supportive yesterday offering their help and encouragement, was very comforting to a frightened heart, beating with diminished flow as it is.
When Dr. Hanna told me the news I had a long day scheduled already. I left at 11 and found traffic, accidents, a hug steel post directly in front of me which I ran over, I was sure the tires would be gone but amazingly the new tires came through perfectly. First I saw a condo in Oakland with a delightful lady from South America, place was cute and easy to measure, tiny but nice, then a rush to find a bathroom and a trip to Brentwood for the next house, then three more in quick succession until I finally got home at 7:30 or so. All day of course my heart fitness filled my mind as I trudged up stairs lugging my ladder, measured in the hot afternoon, I could feel it beating and the same dull ache that has been with me for months was there, at last I knew why.
Jo was quick to consult with her uncle, a leading heart surgeon in Australia who confirmed that I had a severe narrowing of the aorta value, the only solution is to replace it. Dr. Hanna has set me up with a Tuesday appointment for 11:30 and we will firm up details with a surgeon and begin to prepare for my visit with the knife. She also told me that the surgery has a success, survival rate of 98% and that is also encouraging.
I held off tell my special lady, Moon, as she was dealing with a very heavy load as she supported her family who were facing their own challenges, I mean serious ones. I saw a side of her that was very impressive, she does not run away from challenges, she sticks with the person and loves then with everything she has.
last evening as she was walking Gucci and was calm I shared what we were facing, she was incredible in her support and caring. Instead of just running away from me because I was flawed she affirmed we would be fine with God's help and that our relationship was also solid, it was just what I needed to hear and she was there in spite of being very tired and feeling the heavy pressure from helping her family over the last 24 hours.
So I am working very hard to get caught up, Jessy and Steve are being very helpful and once I know a date for the process then I'll inform my clients of the break I need and move forward.
I just spoke to Kaiser and it looks like my total costs will be less than $1400 since I am on Medicare and Kaiser advantage combined. Now if I can just save enough to pay the bills while I am unable to work and generate new income.
Moon and I both feel it is a huge blessing that I discovered the value problem, Nikki pointed out that if I had not been doing the P2P challenge I would not have gone to have my heart checked so everything is working out. I've backed out of the challenge as the doctor said I would have a heart attach if I worked out that hard every day with the severe value narrowing. God will see me through this and last night my brother offered to come and be here when I come home from the hospital and help care for me those first important days. What a blessing that is, I just can't thank him enough, all of my kids work long hours every day and don't need to have to do a bunch of stuff for me beyond their busy lives so this is a big deal, his coming.
So today I work in the office trying to push paper to the clients and late this afternoon I drive to Thornton, a little town on the way to Sacramento. I hope to get my new glasses too so I can once again see my work in front of me.
So I send love to all and ask for your continued prayers, life is precious and good.
Love to all, Dolly has been a special prayer warrior for me and for Moon recently and I thank her for that.
Tim
When Dr. Hanna told me the news I had a long day scheduled already. I left at 11 and found traffic, accidents, a hug steel post directly in front of me which I ran over, I was sure the tires would be gone but amazingly the new tires came through perfectly. First I saw a condo in Oakland with a delightful lady from South America, place was cute and easy to measure, tiny but nice, then a rush to find a bathroom and a trip to Brentwood for the next house, then three more in quick succession until I finally got home at 7:30 or so. All day of course my heart fitness filled my mind as I trudged up stairs lugging my ladder, measured in the hot afternoon, I could feel it beating and the same dull ache that has been with me for months was there, at last I knew why.
Jo was quick to consult with her uncle, a leading heart surgeon in Australia who confirmed that I had a severe narrowing of the aorta value, the only solution is to replace it. Dr. Hanna has set me up with a Tuesday appointment for 11:30 and we will firm up details with a surgeon and begin to prepare for my visit with the knife. She also told me that the surgery has a success, survival rate of 98% and that is also encouraging.
I held off tell my special lady, Moon, as she was dealing with a very heavy load as she supported her family who were facing their own challenges, I mean serious ones. I saw a side of her that was very impressive, she does not run away from challenges, she sticks with the person and loves then with everything she has.
last evening as she was walking Gucci and was calm I shared what we were facing, she was incredible in her support and caring. Instead of just running away from me because I was flawed she affirmed we would be fine with God's help and that our relationship was also solid, it was just what I needed to hear and she was there in spite of being very tired and feeling the heavy pressure from helping her family over the last 24 hours.
So I am working very hard to get caught up, Jessy and Steve are being very helpful and once I know a date for the process then I'll inform my clients of the break I need and move forward.
I just spoke to Kaiser and it looks like my total costs will be less than $1400 since I am on Medicare and Kaiser advantage combined. Now if I can just save enough to pay the bills while I am unable to work and generate new income.
Moon and I both feel it is a huge blessing that I discovered the value problem, Nikki pointed out that if I had not been doing the P2P challenge I would not have gone to have my heart checked so everything is working out. I've backed out of the challenge as the doctor said I would have a heart attach if I worked out that hard every day with the severe value narrowing. God will see me through this and last night my brother offered to come and be here when I come home from the hospital and help care for me those first important days. What a blessing that is, I just can't thank him enough, all of my kids work long hours every day and don't need to have to do a bunch of stuff for me beyond their busy lives so this is a big deal, his coming.
So today I work in the office trying to push paper to the clients and late this afternoon I drive to Thornton, a little town on the way to Sacramento. I hope to get my new glasses too so I can once again see my work in front of me.
So I send love to all and ask for your continued prayers, life is precious and good.
Love to all, Dolly has been a special prayer warrior for me and for Moon recently and I thank her for that.
Tim
Wednesday, June 8, 2016
Bad news
Dear Friends and Family
Dr. Hanna called this morning, he is my cardiologist at Kaiser and I saw him on Monday since I was planning to do the challenge at Nikki's great gym where she lost 90 pounds and reclaimed her life. I wanted to be sure I was capable. We talked and he had an EKG on the spot, it was perfect, but hearing me speak of pressure around my heart he ordered an Echocardiogram on Tuesday, each morning I got up early and walked my brisk 3 miles and felt great.
I could tell the lady was concerned at the end of the test on Tuesday and today he confirmed the news, I've had a narrowing of my aortic value for years but it was not of concern before but now after 2 years it has narrowed to the severe range.
As a result he has told me no to the challenge at the gym as he thinks it could easily lead to a heart attack and he is urging a value replacement as soon as possible which will involved open heart surgery and at least a month as I recover. Of course many concerns fill my mind today, that is as I plan to leave in a few minutes for Oakland to see a condo, then back to Brentwood to see a duet, then on to Oakley to see a huge home and then back to Brentwood to see two more homes today, meanwhile there is a stack of unfinished reports on my desk and Jessy is coming today to write up even more reports for me to finish.
Can I ask for your prayers one more time? The Dr. says I could just continue on but with only mild exercise hoping that the situation won't get worse. I'm not much in the mind of waiting for the next shoe to drop so we are taking a hard look at what needs to take place. Finances fill my mind, a month without income is serious and losing clients is also serious but of course dying is not a good plan either.
I'm not sure how Moon will take this news as she is already concerned about my age and health with her father so ill now. She had a terrible day yesterday as she and Crystal her daughter worked through an interview at immigration in Singapore and discovered her Houston lawyer had not done his work on documents correctly. She and Crystal certainly need our prayers too.
yes I do have many things on my mind today but if I've learned one thing through the last 10 years it is that things have a way of moving forward and working out, God does not leave us to fend alone and I'm remembering that as I stumble through a very fearful day ahead.
Of course I can't help but wonder when I'm climbing stairs carrying my ladder, will I be OK?
I love my family, my friends and my Moon and have many reasons to have this value replaced and get on with living without heart pain.
I send love to each of you today, thank you for being part of my world
Love
tim
Dr. Hanna called this morning, he is my cardiologist at Kaiser and I saw him on Monday since I was planning to do the challenge at Nikki's great gym where she lost 90 pounds and reclaimed her life. I wanted to be sure I was capable. We talked and he had an EKG on the spot, it was perfect, but hearing me speak of pressure around my heart he ordered an Echocardiogram on Tuesday, each morning I got up early and walked my brisk 3 miles and felt great.
I could tell the lady was concerned at the end of the test on Tuesday and today he confirmed the news, I've had a narrowing of my aortic value for years but it was not of concern before but now after 2 years it has narrowed to the severe range.
As a result he has told me no to the challenge at the gym as he thinks it could easily lead to a heart attack and he is urging a value replacement as soon as possible which will involved open heart surgery and at least a month as I recover. Of course many concerns fill my mind today, that is as I plan to leave in a few minutes for Oakland to see a condo, then back to Brentwood to see a duet, then on to Oakley to see a huge home and then back to Brentwood to see two more homes today, meanwhile there is a stack of unfinished reports on my desk and Jessy is coming today to write up even more reports for me to finish.
Can I ask for your prayers one more time? The Dr. says I could just continue on but with only mild exercise hoping that the situation won't get worse. I'm not much in the mind of waiting for the next shoe to drop so we are taking a hard look at what needs to take place. Finances fill my mind, a month without income is serious and losing clients is also serious but of course dying is not a good plan either.
I'm not sure how Moon will take this news as she is already concerned about my age and health with her father so ill now. She had a terrible day yesterday as she and Crystal her daughter worked through an interview at immigration in Singapore and discovered her Houston lawyer had not done his work on documents correctly. She and Crystal certainly need our prayers too.
yes I do have many things on my mind today but if I've learned one thing through the last 10 years it is that things have a way of moving forward and working out, God does not leave us to fend alone and I'm remembering that as I stumble through a very fearful day ahead.
Of course I can't help but wonder when I'm climbing stairs carrying my ladder, will I be OK?
I love my family, my friends and my Moon and have many reasons to have this value replaced and get on with living without heart pain.
I send love to each of you today, thank you for being part of my world
Love
tim
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