After talking with Dana and remembering the confusion and anxiety surrounding my younger brother's many heart attacks, I briefly thought about getting a expense fund together. After a few phone calls and a little more thought, I realized that the best way to help this situation wasn't monetary, it was to tap the incredible informational resources on this board. This site is filled with small business owners who are under the constant stress of making payroll, paying bills, meeting deadlines and trying to remain healthy enough to make it to work day after day. Many of us have gone through the same things that Bruce and Dana are going to experience in the coming months and sharing that information might be the best thing for not only Bruce and Dana, but for the many people who might not have the answers to get through this challenge. Please share your thoughts on what you did to get through problems like rehab, little or no health insurance, lifestyle changes, life insurance (or lack of), hiring temp. help, delegating work, etc. I hope this helps Brother Bruce, please let me know when you want me to come up for a few days. My brushes are in the truck.
[ October 07, 2005, 10:59 PM: Message edited by: Terry Baird ]
Posted by Bill Preston (Member # 1314) on :
Terry B. dropped me a note this a.m. and asked that I get the ball rolling on this topic. I've been down this same path that Bruce is on now, and because I have a fairly heavy duty background in the medical field as an RN/ER and also ICU years ago, maybe I can offer a bit of info from that side of things.
This may be a bit disjointed, since I will put down these ideas as I think of them, so bear with me.
I guess the first thing I think of for a successful recovery from open heart surgery is patient attitude. By that I mean accepting what has happened, and also accepting that it may happen again. But worrying about it accomplishes nothing, and may only aggravate the process. Less worry means less stress, and a lower likelihood of re-occurence.
On the insurance thing, we were fortunate in that we were covered, so I can't address that for those who don't have it.
Medications----a lot of argument on this issue---some post-op meds have side effects that many find they don't want to put up with. Cholesterol lowering statins are among the worst offenders. Aches and pains, and muscle weakness mainly----but consider the alternative.
Rehab after surgery---mainly walking---short ones to begin with, working up to several miles a day as stamina increases, and as time allows.
Recovery from this is actually much faster than one might think, assuming one is in otherwise fairly good health to begin with. Again, attitude plays a big part. If one thinks "I'm gonna do well," chances are one will.
There were not too many surprises for me at the time of my repair---I knew what to expect, and also the "mechanics" of what needed to be done, and that took a lot of the fear out of the whole deal. Not everyone is so fortunate. Speaking of the mechanics---Dana is right on the difference between arteries and veins---they are built differently. Think of arteries as a flexible pipe with 3 layers, veins are the same, except they are single layered, and not as rugged since they don't have to handle the pressure that arteries do.
Lifestyle changes---this is pretty much up to the individual. The doctor proposes, the patient disposes. Never been a fanatic about much of anything on this subject. More of an "all things in moderation" sort.
Lastly---for now anyway---sex after surgery. A lot of doctors are not comfortable discussing it, and many post-op patients are too embarassed to ask about it. Not so for me. The loose rule of thumb is this---if one can handle a flight of stairs without chest pain, or getting short-winded, then sex is probably safe. 'nuff said.
bill preston
One other thing, Dana, my brushes are available on a hit/miss basis if you all need help in your shop. Maybe some of the others in the area can also offer.
[ October 08, 2005, 03:59 PM: Message edited by: Bill Preston ]
Posted by Kimberly Zanetti (Member # 2546) on :
Bill, Thank you for that informative post. I have to say once again that your emails to me after I had my heart "issues" last summer were such a comfort and gave me such great information.
Posted by Frank Magoo (Member # 3950) on :
Good one Bill, never having this particular situation happen to me, leaves me out of the loop on this, but, I've had my share of problems and must reinforce what Bill's saying about patient attitudes, keep them positive, at any cost, it is very important, laugh if possible, it's probably the best way to relieve stress and cope instantly w/anything that m ight crop up...seriously, they say laughter is the best medicine, I have to agree...first though, go get that pillow Bill mentioned earlier, hold it to chest tight and laugh away... I'm praying for your recovery, knowing full well, you'll be fine, just listen to Dana and the doctors, more to Dana, she loves ya...good luck my friend, hang in there, fight, fight, fight...............stay positive, and like Bill alluded to, don't suger coat it in your mind, treat it w/the reality it demands...only way to truely win is to be stronger than it is.......
Posted by Santo (Member # 411) on :
Do not under any circumstance think that this is the end of your lifestyle. Remember you will be doing those things again soon. Keep working towards that goal.
Posted by Michael R. Bendel (Member # 5847) on :
Nice job Bill! I have known a few much, much older fellas that have gone through the same thing & recovered fully. Bruce is a strong guy & I have full confidence in his recovery. Keep your head up Bruce.
Bruce & I just met face to face on a business deal a couple of weeks ago, I now think of him as my friend & anxiously look forward to our next meeting.
Best of luck to you both & hope to here from you soon Dana.
Posted by Steve Shortreed (Member # 436) on :
So what actually happens when you have a medical emergency without insurance?
For years we wandered all over the USA confident that our Blue Cross insurance covered any situations that might come up. It was only a couple years ago that I read the small print and discovered the insurance never covered pre-existing conditions.
We know many, many Letterheads that have no medical insurance at all. The premiums for a self employeed individual are incredible. If you have diabetes, I've heard $2 grand a month is not unusual. How do you do it?
I know some of you have been down this road already. What sort of treatment can you expect without health insurance? Can they take your house or car? Are you in hock for the rest of your life or can you declare bankruptcy?
These are personal questions. Feel free to change the names of cases you know about that had to face this situation.
Posted by Rick Beisiegel (Member # 3723) on :
Steve & Others
I have health insurance, and yes it is expensive. We cannot afford to have insurance in my wife. My premium is just south of 300 a month and it covers pre-existing conditions. My prescriptions cost me 50% of the total price which is better than nothing.
I have had Priority Health for about 4 years, and so far am satisfied.
Posted by Adrienne Morgan (Member # 1046) on :
I'm paying $290 a month for kaiser, it's sometimes hard to come up with it (wish I could be buying a nice new van....) but I'm glad I have it, regardless.
Having walked this road with my Dad just recently (quadruple bypass in Feb) all I can say is, like any major surgical procedure...it's gonna hurt the first few days.
You can ask for pain meds whenever you need them, having Dana there for you is going to help, the nurses are so busy they can't always be there for every thing you need, so having someone to hold your hand, bring your favourite robe, pillow,etc. is a big help.
Just know, this too shall pass.....and you will be stronger for it!
Do what the Doc says too.... take short walks down the hallways (make sure your robe isn't open in back!!! ) quit smoking,watch your salt intake and talk to the big guy more.
You got a lot to be grateful for!! Love ya, A:)
Posted by Dave Grundy (Member # 103) on :
Steve..I'm interested in your question. And it might provide Dana and Bruce with some information that will be useful.
Being in Canada, you and I are "pretty fortunate" that health care is not too much of a concern. I say "pretty fortunate" because I know that sometimes the wait for surgery is longer because surgery is not something we pay for directly out of our pockets. (I'm no fool, and I do know that we pay in other ways)
As far as experiences are concerned re: USA medical costs...(this is just info that was related to me)
"A hospital cannot refuse treatment of any serious nature. They can send you all the bills they want but cannot force you to pay, they cannot force you into bankruptcy, they can not do anything to affect your credit rating. They and the various attending physicians can be annoying with all the bills they send, but they cannot take you to court to collect their bills."
This was information told to me by an American citizen when I was concerned about their inability to pay for hospitalization and surgery.
I don't know about it's accuracy but it might be a starting point for a serious discussion of what is or is not correct/available for folks in the USA who don't have private health insurance plans.
[ October 09, 2005, 07:14 PM: Message edited by: Dave Grundy ]
Posted by Jill Marie Welsh (Member # 1912) on :
Do look into Charity Care....it covered my butt once to the tune of over $5K. Hope things are going well, guys. Love....Jill
Posted by Jason Davie (Member # 2172) on :
Dave, My wife works for a hospital based doctors clinic.She is the head account specialist in her office.She says that they can realy screw up your credit..Once it gets outside of the hospital's collection agency it can go to court.
Edited To add..
But before it can go to collections yo uwould have to fail to pay the payment scedule set up by you and the hospital.. She sets up payment plans here for as low as 25 bux a month and as long as you keep the agreement everything is fine.
Jason D
[ October 09, 2005, 08:14 PM: Message edited by: Jason Davie ]
Posted by Dave Grundy (Member # 103) on :
Thanks for that Jason..THAT's the kind of information that I am sure would or could be of assistance to others. Posted by Karen Wunch (Member # 3577) on :
Being a US Citizen is WONDERFUL... until you're not an Employee, Covered by Unemployment Insurance or Medical....Ive been on my own for Year!
Stve? How many 'Heads are there? Can we think of some way to entice a 'self-employed' insurance co to listen to our probs and care. I can try, Right?
Posted by DianeBalch (Member # 1301) on :
Terry has a good idea here. Bruce may have some extended recovery time ahead of him.
I think Bruce occasionally hand carves signs, I can't do that but I'll fire up the router and cut out any signs he needs. Heck things always slow down in October, maybe a ride out to Tonawanda would be fun.
ernie
Posted by Bill Preston (Member # 1314) on :
Had a nice visit with Bruce earlier today. He is doing well, and his doctors have covered his situation regarding what has happened and what he can expect with his surgery and recovery.
At risk of being accused of practicing medicine---again---I thought it might help others at some time in the future to pass on a few items.
It happens that most non-medical types really don't have much clue how the body works. Sad fact, but true. Many years in the ER and a few years in ICU in a teaching hospital---well---you get the idea. Interns and residents love to teach---even old farts like me.
Anyhow, some chest pains can be laid off to angina. Pain in the chest, with or without shortness of breath, that is relieved with rest, and/or nitroglycerine tablet(s) under the tongue, is most likely angina. About all this means is that the coronary arteries---one or more---have spasmed or clamped down restricting blood flow to the heart muscle. There may also be fatty deposits inside the arteries restricting blood flow. If after a maximum of 3 nitro tabs taken at 5 minute intervals the pain hasn't gone away, it is time to get to the nearest ER. BTW, nitro tabs should give a burning sensation under the tongue, and a possible short lasting headache. No burning, and they are probably too old, and ineffective. If the angina subsides, and blood flow is restored, then cardiac muscle/tissue death is unlikely.
If the pain doesn't subside then angina is probably not at fault, but a real heart attack is happening. (aka known as MI, or myocardial infarction) It can be the result of fatty deposits blocking one or more of the coronary arteries, or, more likely, the formation of a clot in one of these vessels and the blocking of blood flow "downstream," with tissue death, and scarring forming later on. Scar tissue doesn't contract when the heart beats, so pumping action is compromised. It also doesn't conduct the electrical charge that makes the heart beat, and this shows up on later EKGs.
Again, apologies to those who think I am practicing medicine. I am not. Just trying to help out whoever may be at risk for a heart attack of their very own.
bill preston
BTW, when I was working in the ER, the words "chest pain" from the patient were enough for me to get them on a stretcher, and on a monitor right then and there. Someone else would have to go to the sign-in desk. Usually, by the time the sign-in process was done, the doctor was already on hand, the EKG was being run, O2 was on, an access line IV was in place, and bloods were being drawn.
FWIW
[ October 11, 2005, 04:47 PM: Message edited by: Bill Preston ]
Posted by Si Allen (Member # 420) on :
Looks like Bill nailed it! been there twice, but never bothered with the 'dynamite' went directly to the hospital....my family history is full of heart attacks!
It is much better to go to the Emergency Room and be embarassed with 'heartburn' than to ignore the chest pain and seriously damage your heart and/or die!
I called bruce today and insulted him and also called him bad names (So that he would know that we really still like him)! His attitude is good!He will be just fine!
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) quit smoking,watch your salt intake and talk to the big guy more.![[Applause]](graemlins/applause.gif)
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