Tuesday, June 6, 2006

Cliff's visit to the cardiologist

The cardiologist seemed totally pleased with Cliff's progress.  That's the good news.

Here's the not-so-good news:  Cliff's next visit there is December 21.  They're calling this a six-month checkup, but six months would have been October 24.  Just like today was the one-month checkup, even though it's been seven weeks.

Anyhow... this would mean Cliff won't be going back to work until after December 21. 

It could be worse:  He draws 100% pay for three months (till the end of July), then it drops to 80%; I'm not sure how long that lasts.  We can manage pretty well on that amount, considering I'll soon be drawing my little bit of social security money; I'll get my first allotment in mid-September.

But Cliff isn't real happy about being off work that long.  He's thinking of waiting until the end of July, then seeing if the doctor would approve him to go back to work if he lets somebody else lift the dies to his machine.  His job is not physically demanding at all, except for the occasional lifting, a few times a night.

Heat is a concern at work, too:  the doctor acted like Cliff should retire rather than risk the 90+ degree temperatures at work in summertime.  Cliff figures he'll be fine, and really, I do too.  Sometimes we just don't have all the choices we'd like.

All in all, the news IS good.  Cliff's doing great, feeling better every day, and can now lift 20 pounds rather than 5.  The 20-pound limit stays in force until six months after surgery.

I'm just glad to have him here.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE MOSIE AND CLIFF...YALL DON'T RUSH THIS.....
Heat does play a role in heart attacks....and 90+ temps. are pretty hot...You do not want to put stress on those valves....80% of pay is pretty decent wages, after you consider gas prices into it....Please Mosie, yall take it easy and have FUN TOGETHER>>>OK???? please??? OK, I will hush now...just relax and take life as it comes...enjoy the time you two will have together. OOPS>>SAID I WOULD HUSH DIDN"T I???? lol
love ya both,
Carlene

Anonymous said...

I'm glad Cliff is doing so well.  But, don't push it.  He still needs time to recover.  There are reasons they don't want him in that heat and working.  He needs time to heal.
Take care....Pam

Anonymous said...

Cliff reminds me soooo much of my dad.  My dad would be bored silly and itching to do something useful (and most likely labor intensive) by now. Men like these don't know how to relax and take it easy.  I did manage to get my dad interested in crossword puzzles the last time he was laid up. But there are only so many puzzles a person can do.  Maybe you can find something to interest him on the computer. I know you hate to give up your precious PC time...so I suggest you find some good farming and tractor websites, get a router and extra cable so you can hook him up to the cable modem too...and park him in the living room with the laptop. ;-)  Throw in a chat room or message board for by-pass survivors so he has some folks with something in common for him to chat with.  

Anonymous said...

Happy to hear Cliff is doing sooo well...Praise God! But don't let him push it, listen to the docs on this one!
Hugs, Sugar

Anonymous said...

I'm glad Cliffs visit with the dr went well.
Missie

Anonymous said...

Please take my advise and don't go back to work too soon, stay off as long as the doctors want you to. I waited to go back as long as I could. I went back to work in 4 months and believe me that was way too soon and I felt it too. We only have my income to live on as my husband has arthritis real bad and an enlarged heart and very high blood pressure, but he couldn't draw disabilty, he was denied. So I had to go back to work for the money and the insurance. Let me tell you it is not the same being at home, as it is being at work.Oh, they will help you in the beginning, but then they forget and you will find yourself doing more and more, because you don't want to bother anybody and before long they expect you to carry the full load again. I know how you feel, but please take it easy, you life and your health are much more important.
love and prayers,
Donna Keene

Anonymous said...

Sometimes the choices we have to make are tough ones...but count your many blessings-- they out weigh any scrimping you might have to do.  80% pay doesn't sound bad at all .   Right now I have to work forever...if I want health benefits etc...If something should happen that I couldn't work,  I'd be down to Social Security and the little my 401k has - which isn't enough to buy a new car.  I guess that why we are supposed to take each day as it comes and not worry about tomorrow...Just make the most of today!  'On Ya' - ma

Anonymous said...

great news on Cliff's progress!
Becky

Anonymous said...

I'm glad to hear that Cliff is doing well
Terrie

Anonymous said...

That is great news!

Anonymous said...

May I make a suggestion? Get an air conditioner. At least a room air conditioner. I live in the same area you do and airconditioning removes the humidity and that is important to heart patients.  When my husband had his quad bypass we bit the bullet and put in a large window unit and at least gave him a safe place to stay. Then when I had my bypass I realized how important removing the humidity was.

Anonymous said...

Like I said before, you can't keep a good man down!  Cliff is is a hard worker, has always been a hard worker, and I can't see that changing, anytime soon.  I think that's a good thing, personally.  Although that heat thing is a bit questionable.  But, that's because I can't stand heat, and I'm healthy!

Hugs,
Jackie

Anonymous said...

So happy the news is good on Cliff. and hopefully he can go back to work sooner, ONLY if someone else does the lifting and not Cliff.