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Misc Forums => Health, Welfare, and Passings => Topic started by: Seldom Seen Slim on October 11, 2021, 10:36:13 AM

Title: More Mayo Fun for Slim
Post by: Seldom Seen Slim on October 11, 2021, 10:36:13 AM
I'm back at Mayo Clinic.  Remember that I had a heart valve repair here a few years ago?  Well, maybe I need another.  The docs here and the guy back home either are trying to take care of me or need a new car so here we go.  This visit is for tests only - I guess they want ammunition to use to try to talk me into the procedure (specifically, I had a mitral valve repair and the O-ring has subsequently dehisced).

They are quick here, too.  This morning I had 4 tests in less than 90 minutes, and by the time we'd walked back to the room the results had been posted to me online.  I read through the notes and gee-zus, are those labs thorough.  They told me that some results indicated that I needed to spend another few minutes on the toilet soon.  And they were right!!

I know - TMI!  I'll update this later - an ECC is next.
Title: Re: More Mayo Fun for Slim
Post by: RansomT on October 11, 2021, 11:21:08 AM
I'll be praying for you...
Title: Re: More Mayo Fun for Slim
Post by: WOODY@DDLLC on October 11, 2021, 11:39:39 AM
Slim, can you just get a brake fluid IV - the o-ring should swell up!  :cheers:
I know a mechanic that was addicted to brake fluid - said he could stop anytime!  :evil:
Keep us posted on youse two!  :cheers:
Title: Re: More Mayo Fun for Slim
Post by: manta22 on October 11, 2021, 11:41:50 AM
Awww... Jon----get well- both of you!
Title: Re: More Mayo Fun for Slim
Post by: floydjer on October 11, 2021, 01:13:34 PM
Good luck and get well soon Jon........Woody, Are we related?? :cheers:
Title: Re: More Mayo Fun for Slim
Post by: Peter Jack on October 11, 2021, 01:55:29 PM
Good luck Jon.  :clap :clap :clap

Follow your wife's example and have a fast, thorough and painless recovery.

Pete
Title: Re: More Mayo Fun for Slim
Post by: MAYOMAN on October 11, 2021, 04:31:44 PM
Jon, I wish you well. Luck has nothing to do with it. Make certain you have a certified mechanic doing the valve work!
Looking forward to more of your excellent work on this forum.
Title: Re: More Mayo Fun for Slim
Post by: Stainless1 on October 11, 2021, 05:12:46 PM
Well Jon the guy should have told you the "lap job" on your exhaust valve would only go a couple of years.  Mine did after he was done...  :-(
The next step may be to pull the head and replace the valve...
I opted for the valve from a very tasty and well pampered pig... a better choice than the mechanical replacement. 

They might be able to do a hybrid... my cousin just had one of those installed... without a chest crack...
Look at all the options  :cheers:
Title: Re: More Mayo Fun for Slim
Post by: floydjer on October 11, 2021, 07:15:10 PM
🤔...Am I the only aged fossil on this site with all o.e.m. parts?
Title: Re: More Mayo Fun for Slim
Post by: Seldom Seen Slim on October 11, 2021, 07:27:15 PM
Jerry, I don't have anything that ain't got original serial number - yet.  The valve work a coupla years ago repaired, not replaced, the bits in there.  The next one, should I elect to have it done, would likely get me a mechanical one (so I'd take thinners) rather than a pig or other organic version (so I'd take anti-rejection drugs).  Hot Dang, hey?

This visit was and is only for testing and talking - no surgery was intended, none was performed, and one of the cardiologists I talked to has an old Triumph T100 and a modern (2014) Bonneville.  There's hope for me with a rider on the team.
Title: Re: More Mayo Fun for Slim
Post by: manta22 on October 11, 2021, 07:45:01 PM
"Who was that masked man? I wanted to thank him!"  :-)
Title: Re: More Mayo Fun for Slim
Post by: Stainless1 on October 11, 2021, 10:42:37 PM
Hey Jon, no anti anything drugs with the pig... talk with the DR...
Title: Re: More Mayo Fun for Slim
Post by: Jack Gifford on October 12, 2021, 12:32:02 AM
... the O-ring has subsequently dehisced...
??
Title: Re: More Mayo Fun for Slim
Post by: kiwi belly tank on October 12, 2021, 12:59:13 AM
🤔...Am I the only aged fossil on this site with all o.e.m. parts?
I still have all my 1951 model parts, I don't know if I'm vintage or classic! aktion086
 I heard Mayo is a pretty good shop Jon.
  Sid.
Title: Re: More Mayo Fun for Slim
Post by: PorkPie on October 12, 2021, 06:57:44 AM
Hi Folks,


Don't Panic


when SSS is writing you have to read between the lines


He was only in the pits to check if the power unit is still inside the tolerance for well function


Jon, hope it also stays so for a while :clap
Title: Re: More Mayo Fun for Slim
Post by: Seldom Seen Slim on October 12, 2021, 09:16:07 AM
Here ya go, Jack:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wound_dehiscence
Title: Re: More Mayo Fun for Slim
Post by: Stainless1 on November 22, 2021, 11:52:32 PM
OK Slim... how about an update...
How is Nancy doing without the tennis ball in her head?

Your ticker.... still tickin'
Title: Re: More Mayo Fun for Slim
Post by: Seldom Seen Slim on November 23, 2021, 07:52:43 AM
Well, since you asked. . . 

Nancy's meningioma announced itself on Sept. 10th, and was removed a few days later.  The immediate prognosis was that she'd be completely disabled.  She got better pretty well, and the prognosis kept improving.  It went from lifetime disability to short-term disability, then to "stay at home for three months" down to two months then "return to work part time in 2 months - - -  Last Saturday Nancy went in to discuss her return to the Deli/Bakery at WalMart.  Yanno - Set up some part-time hours, find some of the easier tasks that she could do at first (since she's be off since early September).  Yes indeed!   That was Saturday noontime.  And so what happened?

They wanted her back so much that Nancy clocked in THE NEXT MORNING at (her usual) 5AM, back on her regular 40-hour shift.  She's shown no adverse effects, so I guess it's okay to say that she's all better.  I mean, as she's leaving the house at 4.15 AM to drive to work she tosses a log or three into the boiler as needed - so I don't have to scurry out there when I get up.  Not bad, hey?

I'll summarise my story later.  Thanks for asking, Stainless.
Title: Re: More Mayo Fun for Slim
Post by: manta22 on November 23, 2021, 10:08:27 AM
That's great news, Jon. Keep on truckin', Nancy!
Title: Re: More Mayo Fun for Slim
Post by: Stan Back on November 23, 2021, 11:26:36 AM
Thanx for the update!

(I hadn't seen any follow-up and with my usual positive thinking, I was afraid to ask.)
Title: Re: More Mayo Fun for Slim
Post by: Seldom Seen Slim on November 23, 2021, 09:23:15 PM
Now here's my story since you asked so don't blame me for telling it:

In Feb '19 I had open heart surgery at Mayo Clinic to repair a farkled mitral valve and tricuspid valve.  The mitral valve repair used an O-ring to reinforce the flapperdoodles, and that O-ring has sorta slipped out of place.  In the past 6 months the cardiologists here in Marquette and at Mayo (during my visit there in early October) all had told me that I should have the repair repaired, but gee-zul-man, did I want to go through another of those operations?  Not really. 

It wasn't until this past week that I talked with the surgeon.  I guess he's pretty good - his staff told me that he'd gone to college and everything.  Anyway, from what he said* I will probably go ahead and get it done, most likely soon after the first of the year.

*The good doctor told me the second operation isn't as easy because of scar tissue and so on from the first one.  He described it as harder for him, not so much harder for me, and it'll take 4 1/2 hours instead of 4.  Okay, that's good to know, I told him, but that ain't enough to talk me into it.  So he upped the ante by telling me that not only would I probably not have to stop for a breather after climbing a flight of stairs, but also that my hair would regain its natural luster and my d*ck would work better than a Viagra saleswoman's 25-year-old boyfriend's johnson. 

I'll let you know when the surgery gets scheduled.
Title: Re: More Mayo Fun for Slim
Post by: WOODY@DDLLC on November 24, 2021, 09:54:49 AM
Slim, my heart's fine but is there a waiting list for the side effects?  :-P
Title: Re: More Mayo Fun for Slim
Post by: floydjer on November 25, 2021, 07:20:03 PM
Keep us posted Slim...Rev. Jer will put in a good word for you.
Title: Re: More Mayo Fun for Slim
Post by: Stainless1 on November 25, 2021, 07:46:36 PM
Slim, I'd talk about a replacement valve from a very tasty pig... I'll bet the re-repair will not be any better... especially the 2nd time around. 

Woody... or not so much... maybe you need to check out a outfit called Johnston Controls  lol8
Title: Re: More Mayo Fun for Slim
Post by: Seldom Seen Slim on February 21, 2022, 02:02:48 PM
Well, ain't this a heck of a note, as Bill, a guy that used to work for me, would say.  Three years ago this week I had open heart surgery - they sawed my ribcage open, used a Jaws-of-Life to spread my bones apart so the doc could reach in there and do his stuff, then safety-wired me back together and that was that.  It was a valve repair, not replacement, and no stents or bypasses or any of that.  My recovery was damn near miraculous it was so easy and quick.

In the months before I heard from at least a zillion people wishing me well, telling me horror and good stories about other people's surgeries, prayers for me and so on.  I concluded that of all the people - I was the least concerned or worried.  I really just assumed the best - and I was right.

Well, the valve job now needs a touching-up so I'm going back in late March for a re-do.  I doubt that I'll be out of touch with the Forum for more than a day or two, although I might be comical from the drugs they'll no doubt be administering. 

I'll welcome your comments and other wishes, but I'm not concerned that it'll go sideways for me, and I hope my confidence brings some reassurance to youse guys.

By the way, when I went to Mayo for the work-up for this event, I was pleased by the professionalism of the doctors and staff.  The guy that lead the group, Dr. Rick Nishamura, responded in the most reassuring manner when, during the final chat/assessment after the tests were completed, I asked (with a straight face, of course) if it was true - that he had actually gone to college to learn doctoring.  He looked me straight in the face and calmly said:  "Well, I went to junior college."

This guy is one that I can deal with!



Title: Re: More Mayo Fun for Slim
Post by: jacksoni on February 21, 2022, 05:22:26 PM
One of my nephews who is part of my crew pretty regularly is an ER Doc at one of the Mayo satellites after his residency there. His wife is in the Head and Neck surgery program. No help to you this go around but it is a good place. In good hands I think. good luck and we will definitely want to see you on the salt.

Jack
Title: Re: More Mayo Fun for Slim
Post by: Speed Limit 1000 on February 21, 2022, 11:29:52 PM
Slim, I had a triple bypass during Speedweek last year. I was almost prepped and ready for the gas and the doctor asked if I had organ donor marked on my drivers license. I told him yes but I didn't want to ruin his perfect record and be used for spare parts. Everyone in the room had a good laugh   
Title: Re: More Mayo Fun for Slim
Post by: Seldom Seen Slim on March 02, 2022, 08:28:32 PM
Wonder where I've been?  Well, I spent four nights at Marquette General Hospital this past weekend.  My heart surgery is still scheduled for the 22rd of March, but I was feeling so funky that Nancy took me in to see why I was weak as a kitten, had gained 12 pounds in a couple of weeks, and had a heart rate that jumped to 180++ now and then.  The docs did what they could to stabilise my stuff and sent me home to wait for the 22th.  I think the phrase "congestive heart failure" were written someplace in real light print - like "Boy, mind your step or you'll be suffering from complete CHF."

Gee-zul-man, I peed out those 12 pounds (they were liquid, yanno) fairly well, once prompted by pills and restricted liquid intake, and the heart racing got pretty much controlled by a slate of pills (now) and 6 IVs running at once (while in room 443).  My heart rate is way more steady now, though I'm supposed to pay attention and do something if it takes off again.  I'm still being careful about how much I drink (I'm thirsty!!) and have all the strength I need to lift El Monstro to take a leak - but that's about it.  Oxygen helped some, although it wasn't the instant panacea I had hoped for, and I'm not using a supplemental O2 supply at the house.

Boyoboy was it great to get back into our waterbed last night after suffering a hospital bed for 4 nights, but a few hours after hitting the sack - sh*t, things went a little sideways and I woke up with all the incumbent shortness of breath and the panic that comes with it -- and the knowledge that another night of good rest had eluded me.  I moved to the sofa so I didn't bother Nancy too much and - - - eventually things settled down so I slept.

I woke this morning with a feeling of confidence that I was past the bad crap - then I got out of bed and discovered I barely had the strength to dig a pair of long underwear outa the drawer.  What a bummer was that, I say!!  The day moved along and I did gather some strength again, but it was a challenge to do stuff like open a bottle of pop.  Putting butter and jam on 2 slices of toast took most of my stamina.  Nancy later reminded me that the docs didn't repair anything this weekend, but rather that they just stabilised me so I can wait for the 22st and my intimate visit with Dr. Hartzell Schaaf (go ahead, look him up to reassure yourselves that I've got a real surgeon on the case, not just a junior college pre-med student). 

Yeah, so today I was going to drive to the shop and just be mellow, but changed my mind on that when I got winded and dizzy walking DOWN a flight of stairs.  Maybe driving wasn't such a great idea after all. :roll:  I've had to give up my job driving all night delivering nuclear medicine, dammit, and Nancy is getting pretty good at firing the outdoor wood boiler that keeps our house warm.

That's enough for now.  I managed to bake a cherry pie today and a slice of it with a nice glass of milk sounds like dessert to me.  I'm gonna go snack and then hit the hay (water).  I'm doing okay enough, thank you, and if nothing else the docs know that there IS a magic phrase they can utter (a duck will drop down with the word if they get it right, a la Groucho Marx) to bring me back as a last resort when I'm at the doorstep of death.  All they need to remember is to say:

See you on the salt!

Title: Re: More Mayo Fun for Slim
Post by: manta22 on March 02, 2022, 08:42:01 PM
God willing, Jon!
Title: Re: More Mayo Fun for Slim
Post by: Stainless1 on March 02, 2022, 10:41:28 PM
Jon, the repairs don't last very long... because the valve is already so FU... Talk to your guy about a new valve.... you can get off the rat poison if you go pig.... mechanical not so much.  Of course you can't be in AFIB half the time.
Do your best to stay alive for the next 3 weeks.... we don't want to break in a new guy  :naughty
 :cheers:
Title: Re: More Mayo Fun for Slim
Post by: salt27 on March 03, 2022, 12:37:23 AM

See you on the salt!





I'm gonna hold you to that my friend. 
Title: Re: More Mayo Fun for Slim
Post by: sabat on March 03, 2022, 07:08:18 AM
Hang in there Jon. I hear that alcohol is dehydrating.
Title: Re: More Mayo Fun for Slim
Post by: theazoldcrow on March 03, 2022, 10:25:18 AM
Mr. W.   The prayer candle is lit at the Crows Nest for you.   My wife went thru the same things,,, three times,,, and now she is 89 years young , and still going strong.   The power of the incredible weed has made a difference in her life !   Love, and prayers sent !   SEE YOU ON THE SALT !

 Crow, P.R. guy for the "Bend in the Road Gang !"   




Title: Re: More Mayo Fun for Slim
Post by: floydjer on March 03, 2022, 03:40:12 PM
Weed helped?....Ah hell, Slim is good for another 7 decades :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:
Title: Re: More Mayo Fun for Slim
Post by: SPARKY on March 04, 2022, 01:04:49 PM
SSS  keep on      keepin on  :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:

ON TO THE SALT!!!!
Title: Re: More Mayo Fun for Slim
Post by: Seldom Seen Slim on March 16, 2022, 12:36:01 PM
I guess I won't be going out dancing next Tuesday evening, even if this is outpatient surgery.  I'm supposed to stay off my feet overnight.  Dang!!
Title: Re: More Mayo Fun for Slim
Post by: Stan Back on March 16, 2022, 01:02:19 PM
Were you still under warranty?

If not, I can direct a guy that might help you to give you a call.
Title: Re: More Mayo Fun for Slim
Post by: PorkPie on March 24, 2022, 08:32:12 AM
Any updates on SSS

Tuesday was the day....and now still no information....

hope our SSS is fine and ready for another birthday party in 2023

Title: Re: More Mayo Fun for Slim
Post by: fwillyj on March 24, 2022, 02:29:08 PM
--here's part of the story
https://www.facebook.com/nancy.wennerberg
Title: Re: More Mayo Fun for Slim
Post by: PorkPie on March 24, 2022, 02:54:22 PM
--here's part of the story
https://www.facebook.com/nancy.wennerberg
Didn't work......be aware that not all are FB slaves....maybe an added screenshot would gave an answer :dhorse:
Title: Re: More Mayo Fun for Slim
Post by: Stan Back on March 24, 2022, 02:59:31 PM
Me, too.
Title: Re: More Mayo Fun for Slim
Post by: Speed Limit 1000 on March 24, 2022, 03:15:16 PM
Nancy LeBeau-Wennerberg

They say his numbers are good??? It?s Greek to me. Pumped him up with katomin some trippy street drug. Takes care of the pain but makes him groggy. He?ll walk the halls later and hopefully step down to a different room tomorrow. Care has been stellar. Thanks for all the well wishes. He says he?ll respond later😬😍
 From Fu**book
Title: Re: More Mayo Fun for Slim
Post by: jacksoni on March 24, 2022, 03:20:44 PM
Was just about to post the same. That "katomin" is probably "ketamine" ( think that goes by "special K") Does make you goofy, not that he needs help with that!! :friday :friday Looks like is a so far so good deal. Best wishes Slim!!
Title: Re: More Mayo Fun for Slim
Post by: Speed Limit 1000 on March 24, 2022, 03:26:16 PM
Nancy LeBeau-Wennerberg

fltS2flponismac9uc25h10  ?
Slim says ?hello everyone?! See you on the Salt.
Title: Re: More Mayo Fun for Slim
Post by: floydjer on March 24, 2022, 04:27:45 PM
K makes you goofy?  So Jon got goofier??? :cheers:
Title: Re: More Mayo Fun for Slim
Post by: Stainless1 on March 24, 2022, 10:36:12 PM
Doesn't look any goofier than usual to me...  :roll:
Get up and start moving Slim... Let us know if we need to send you some snow...
 :cheers:
Title: Re: More Mayo Fun for Slim
Post by: Stan Back on March 25, 2022, 04:31:53 PM
This is really important to me -- so do your very best to get well again!
Title: Re: More Mayo Fun for Slim
Post by: Stan Back on March 28, 2022, 07:28:17 PM
Anyone got an update?
Title: Re: More Mayo Fun for Slim
Post by: jacksoni on March 28, 2022, 10:00:38 PM
Besides some poetry and other musings and a cake recipe,, last update was 25th when a posted photo showed him up and around on a high tech walker and that the chest tubes (drains) had been pulled. (per Nancy's FB page)
Title: Re: More Mayo Fun for Slim
Post by: Stan Back on March 29, 2022, 11:25:34 AM
Thanx!
Title: Re: More Mayo Fun for Slim
Post by: Stainless1 on March 29, 2022, 03:37:13 PM
Just talked to Jon... he just got home from the hospital and feels like he was run over by a truck... but he thinks he's doing OK
He promised he was not going to shovel snow or split wood for the boiler for several more days  :?
The doc said he has a good repair and should be back to himself  :naughty after the pain goes away.  He's still taking good drugs and that seems to hamper his typing skills...  :roll:  :laugh:
Jon said he would try to get on and post something later today or tomorrow...

He sounded pretty good  :cheers:
Title: Re: More Mayo Fun for Slim
Post by: WOODY@DDLLC on March 29, 2022, 03:55:51 PM
Back to his old self?? :?
Well, we've been warned, the comma cop is on his way!  :evil:
Title: Re: More Mayo Fun for Slim
Post by: floydjer on March 29, 2022, 08:34:36 PM
Owe gude...Eye kan hardlee weight...😁
Title: Re: More Mayo Fun for Slim
Post by: Seldom Seen Slim on March 29, 2022, 09:14:00 PM
Are youse guys actually concerned about me?  Thank you so very much.

yeah, typing is still a bugger but I'll get better at it.  Nancy just served me spaghetti and that was so tasty!  Mayo food was much better than last time, I'm happy to report, too.  And the coffee was hot and very good.  I ate well, but we stopped for some KFC about 300 yards after leaving the place.  Nancy did yeoman duty, driving the 8 hours home, getting me and her to bed by 10.30 last night and then getting her ass outa bed to go to work at 2.30 this morning.  Thanks, Hon!

I'll post some stuff about the surgery itself tomorrow, but for now just take my word that thw docs never said anything like "WTF is that?" during the procedure, and I think that's good. 

Thanks again for your care and concern.  You all make me so glad I know you.
Title: Re: More Mayo Fun for Slim
Post by: manta22 on March 29, 2022, 11:02:23 PM
We're glad to hear that you are doing OK, Jon. Nancy, thanks for taking good care of the old fart.  :wink:
Title: Re: More Mayo Fun for Slim
Post by: gowing on March 30, 2022, 11:17:15 AM
this is good news  :clap
Title: Re: More Mayo Fun for Slim
Post by: wheelrdealer on March 30, 2022, 07:41:11 PM
Speedy recovery Jon

BR
Title: Re: More Mayo Fun for Slim
Post by: Seldom Seen Slim on April 09, 2022, 11:00:36 AM
I guess I oughta bring you up to date with my recent Mayo visit.  But first, I can summarise the procedure as a piece of cake.  Really.  I mean - 2 1/2 weeks ago a doctor was hands-deep inside my chest and here I am, back at work and (other than being careful) doing everything I want.  No, I can't play catch with cement blocks, and hang gliding is out for the near future, but that's about it as far as restrictions.

I'm told that when they got me opened up, the surgeons and cardiologists and casual passers-by looked in and said:  "There it is!" - meaning the fault was that easy to locate and to repair even better that they did the first time.  Yippee!  That means no replacement parts, no fancy extra meds, an no warranty card to forget to return.  I'm doing poorly on the 4 weeks of rest and no driving requirement, although I did wait 4 days after getting home before I hit the road this time.  Last time it was 2 days.

Interesting side note:  During the workup the anesthesiologist told me I was a candidate to participate in a trial of two drugs.  One worked better but was not as well-researched vs. a more common other type.  I signed up, and they used ketamine on me.  It worked well, and had the benefit of cool side- and after-effects.  A few minor bright light hallucinations, a great dream or three, and - absolutely best of all - - everything I ate tasted stupendously good.  For at least a week.  Burgers and fruit and hospital meatloaf and desserts and so on.  Road food and leftovers here at home.  If you get the opportunity - - hey, man, it's way cool.

I'll summarise with a simple comment that I'm confident of saying:

See you on the salt for SpeedWeek!
Title: Re: More Mayo Fun for Slim
Post by: manta22 on April 09, 2022, 03:25:29 PM
 :cheers:
Title: Re: More Mayo Fun for Slim
Post by: Dakin Engineering on April 09, 2022, 06:35:19 PM
Ketamine. Hmmmm
My barbecues will be be adult only.

Sam
Ps. Atta boy
Title: Re: More Mayo Fun for Slim
Post by: WZ JUNK on April 10, 2022, 07:38:52 AM
Good news Slim.  Speedy recovery.(fitting statement for lsr board)