rumitoid

That was my first visit to a doctor since 1970. Given I was 72, the staff there was somewhat incredulous I had no prescriptions or other restrictions. It turned out I had a-fib, atrial fibrillation; an arrhythmia that causes the heart to off and on to race. There was also systolic heart failure. Was a bit shocked at the severity of my condition. And more bad news: my heart needed repair with two stints.

At some point, the question came up about about a Living Will and my wishes for the extent of treatment. I did not hesitate to say DNR, "Do Not Resuscitate." When they asked if I would agree to the stints, it took me a few hours to decide. I had basically done this to myself with my lifestyle. Should I just let consequences, nature, take its just cause? Or was that more like suicide? I took the stints. It seemed okay to prolong my life with that procedure. But I regretted it later, as well as accepting drugs to help manage my condition. Yet I take my meds dutifully everyday. Not so easy to allow death, no matter one's convictions.

My only point here is for all to give long and serious thought to end of life choices. It is a week now from my diagnosis. My prognosis is fairly decent. The stints have approved the functioning of my heart. The meds are allowing me the chance to end the a-fib in a month through two methods. Exercise and diet will help, but I always said I would never alter wh**ever-I-want-to-eat menu. That is cruel. So I still eat wh**ever. (Love steak fat and all other fat, and salt, and sugar.) My Cardiologist says if all goes well I could have another ten healthy years. Should I bother? The end will come, why not just let it come?

Boo_Boo Loc: Jellystone

I am sorry for your condition and I hope you have a complete recovery.

I am also a DNR, however I firmly believe that G*d provided us with physicians to help us live a long and productive life. I have no issue about taking medication, provided that my quality of life will not be stolen by the drugs. If I were bedridden, then I would allow death to come without a fight. But, as long as I can "do for myself" and I am not a burden... I will allow a procedure or take limited medication for health problems.

At 72, you are bound to have an issue now and again, but your heart issue should not stop you from enjoying life.... keep in mind, it is normal to feel depression after surgery. It sounds as though you are feeling somewhat "reflective" but it is hard to judge your mood as you seem pretty pessimistic most of the time. My thought, you were given a wakeup, start repairing your life and relationships....find the small joys of life.

Peewee Loc: San Antonio, TX

Will say a prayer for you. Hope the rest of your days are happy, productive, pain-free, and hope you are around for a long time. No one can make that decision for you. That's between you and your maker.

grace scott

Welcome to the world of older folks. Unlike you, I always saw a doctor for a yearly check up. At the age of 20 I had blood in my urine, and for 50 years it drove doctors nuts. Finally, I said no more. I refused any more tests. About 70, I had chest pains and went to the emergency room. Heart okay, but I had a mass on one kidney, and was admitted. Kidney removed. It was cancer. No more blood. Living fine without the kidney. Think about all the money I wasted, and you saved. I agree with you about "DNR".


Take your medicine, do your exercises, and enjoy your food. You can't give up everything.

Rose42

I'm sorry to hear this. Live each day to the fullest and give thanks for everything God has given you - His undying love, grace and mercy. May that be a comfort to you.

archie bunker Loc: Texas

Looks like it's your choice.
Personally, I got tired of having to take medicine for my blood pressure, so I changed my habits, my diet somewhat, and my attitude a lot.
It was hard in a way, but I don't take prescription medications any longer.
It's up to you to make the changes needed, or be dependent on chemicals to keep you alive.

I feel better, have more energy, and stamina without the chemicals myself.
Just my opinion, and experience.

I wish you well. Go take a walk. I mean, a walk. Get your blood flowing, wake stuff up. Use muscles you have neglected.
Trust me, you'll eventually feel like a gently used one.

debeda

Funny, we're kind of in the same position.i hadnt actually seen a doctor regularly since my youngest child was born. Had a cyst once and pneumonia a couple years ago - and finally quit smoking. Really bad, I know. I also just started seeing a doctor and have let her know I have no intention of making a career out of breathing for one more day. However, I've also been having shortness of breath, so I'm getting a resting and exercise echocardiogram. If there is a problem I will get the stints, because I've seen many people have really good results from that procedure. My thing is I'm not gonna be one of those old people who shuffle or are wheeled to the doctor a couple times a week for chemo or some such. 72 isnt that old, Rumitoid.

rumitoid

Thank you your sincere perspective. Much to consider.

debeda

Good advise, Prnnylynn

rumitoid

Excellent, Peewee, right on the spot.

rumitoid

Thank you. My thoughts exactly. A s***e to chemicals is not life.

rumitoid

Thank you for sharing your experience it really helped. God bless.

rumitoid

You hit the mark when you said "I'm not gonna be one of those old people who shuffle or are wheeled to the doctor a couple times a week for chemo or some such." To me, that is ridiculous. Just this one week being in the hospital system has me ill to the lengths some will go just to keep going. Spoke to a woman this morning while waiting for a doctor's visit that had been on anti-coagulants for fifteen years. Her life is pretty much miserable, as she described what she had to do and its effects on her. Death is not, or should not be, a big deal.

Coos Bay Tom Loc: coos bay oregon

Get feeling better soon Rumi. I'm on blood pressure and heart meds plus cholesterol meds. I thought I was fine but not according to doctors. I think they make us sick.

Mikeyavelli

Guess you had more than arthritis, rumitoid.