Thursday, December 21, 2006

Cliff's appointment with the heart doctor

Today was Cliff's six-month visit with the heart specialist, although it's actually been eight months.  The doctor was very pleased that he is still losing weight, and asked how he's doing it:  Cliff pointed at me; and the doctor asked, jokingly, if I could come to work for them.  He said they have patients who could use my help; seems the biggest problem with heart patients is they don't exercise, they won't quit smoking, and they don't want to watch their diets.

One thing worried me when I first heard it:  The EKG (why do they call it EKG if it stands for electrocardiogram?  Shouldn't it be ECG?) shows that the bottom part of Cliff's heart isn't working as well as it should.  I quizzed the doctor on this, and he said it's nothing to worry about, because the heart is compensating.  Damage was probably done when Cliff was having angina for so long. 

As is usual for Cliff at the doctor's office, his blood pressure was more than ten points higher than it is at home.

No more appointments with the specialist for a year.  Doc would still like Cliff to lose a little more weight, which of course we are working on.

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

Maybe EKG is used for another medical term and they meant to make it different, who knows?  I'm glad he's doing well.  :D

Anonymous said...

Sorry, I meant ECG.  d'oh!

Anonymous said...

What great news.  You're such a good caregiver.  Blue and Libby agree with Cliff. Vicki

Anonymous said...

I am glad that Cliff is doing so well. You do deserve a lot of credit for watching after Cliff. Seeing that he eats right and exercises with the walking each day. Helen

Anonymous said...

Glad Cliff got a good report....you both must be doing something right???  and that is good....Hugs from KY...Ora

Anonymous said...

I'm glad he's doing so well.

You guys have such will power. I admire that in you guys,
Take care  :-)

Anonymous said...

You can just look at Cliff's pictures and tell he is doing good.  The lower left chamber of C.Y.'s heart was the part damaged also.  At his lowest his heart was only pumping 20%.  Don't know what it is now but we do know he is doing a lot better.  I agree with everyone, the part you play in maintaining Cliff's health is no little thing.  I for one know the downside of that role but we both know that the upside is worth everything.  Congratulations to you both!

Anonymous said...

Wonderful news !  You are doing a good job and so is Cliff as he is following your instructions...That seems to me to be a great Christmas Gift !  Good Health is something money can't buy and if we have it we should be very grateful, there are lots that don't .  'On Ya' - ma

Anonymous said...

Glad to hear about Cliff's good report, Mosie, and I know that your support and encouragement has been a key factor.  God bless both of you in the coming year.  Love......Sam

Anonymous said...

Donna,
So glad to hear that Cliff had a good checkup! My Father-in-law will go for his 5 month check-up on Feb 9th at Jefferson Hosptial, MO. He is really doing fantastic and looks so good! You were so right about everything Donna.

Hugs to you both,
Gayla

Anonymous said...

EKG came from the German. ECG is also used but not very often.

Keep the excerise going so the heart can compensate for the part that is not pumping as good. Cliff is right. Without your LOVE for him (and his for you) he probably would just go about and eat whatever.

Anonymous said...

I've found in the hospitals we use ECG more often than not now.  Took me awhile to get used to.  
Congrats on his good check up!!  That's GREAT!  I can't believe it's already been so long....boy time goes fast, doesn't it?
Have a good evening.
Pam

Anonymous said...

Good news!
And a belated couple/three hellos.
Seen you've been doing a good bit of horseing around. };?D

Anonymous said...

Good news!
And a belated couple/three hellos.
Seen you've been doing a good bit of horseing around. };?D

Anonymous said...

good news!!!
Becky

Anonymous said...

I think it's wonderful what you all have been able to accomplish, b/c of your will power....
And I have the recipe you sent on my kitchen counter.  I was thinking about you all today...thinking I needed to make the apple cake....

Anonymous said...

I'm very very behind on my blog reading but I had to check in on you guys. So glad to hear that Cliff is doing so well and is an example to other heart patients.

Merry Christmas!

Anonymous said...

Sounds like besides the diet, just being at home with you is good for Cliff's heart!  -  Barbara