Since I've been away the forums I thought I'd type up a quick update.

[AndyArrow]

At the beginning of March we found out that 1 part of my partners bypass that was done in August wasn't working and he needed an angioplasty and two stents placed.  He's doing fine now and goes to cardiac rehab 3 days a week. 

At the end of March my aunt had hip replacement surgery so my 71yr mother is staying with her so I've been visiting them both when I can.  When I was at UofC Hospital for my aunt's surgery I had my wallet stolen.  It's been a real pain the a$$ to get replacement EVERYTHING. 

My move to Illinois is turn out great.  My regular meds are either $6.30 or $2.50 and the clinic where I go has a therapist on staff and is opening up a dental clinic on site.  I haven't been to the dentist in a VERY long time and my teeth are in very bad shape from when I was down to 79lbs and my body was taking the calcium from my teeth (not pretty) 

My mother was going through some old papers she had saved and one of them was my first report from my kindergarten teacher.  I got good marks in everything  but I could learn to print more neatly (still a problem today ... although my cursive is very nice but they don't even teach that anymore.    I was also bothered by the misbehavior of others.  (Nothings changed there)    And the finale note says that I was a good student but I was a bit tense at times and needs to relax somewhat.     So basically my personality was already set by the time I was 5yrs old.  How depressing is that!?!? 

Then I remember that today (12 April 2010) is Holocaust Remembrance Day and I realize I have nothing to complain about.

[bear60]

Hi Andy
Wow.  Thats a mouthful.  But I hope everything works out for you guys.  My partner has had a stent put in an artery and has been fine for 4 years.
Old things bring up fun memories...dont they.  My Mom never threw anything away either.

[Boo Radley]

...

Then I remember that today (12 April 2010) is Holocaust Remembrance Day and I realize I have nothing to complain about.

You have every reason to complain about what you and your partner have been through.  I hope the future is much, much better.  You've both earned it.  Best of luck!

Thanks for the reminder -- it definitely gives one pause while pondering the vagaries of our own lives. 

[BT65]

Andy, it's good to hear from you.  I hope your partner heals up well, and that you two continue to do well in Chicago.  I had my wallet stolen when I was 17, and you're right-it is a pain to replace everything.  I can imagine moreso today with all the ID agencies want to replace this and that.

My mom didn't hardly throw away anything either, and going through stuff when my parents passed brought back a lot of memories.  Isn't that fun.  I really don't want to remember about school, because much of it wasn't good for me.  But, that's how it goes.

Again, it's great to hear from you.  Glad things are going well!  And you're only an hour and 1/2 away from me, so maybe sometime I'll invade your space.
  Luv,
Betty

[leatherman]

Hey Andy,
Glad to hear that you've been busy with life, and that life has been busy with you.

fyi, I'm so glad I talked to you and had that endoscopy/dilation thingie done. It's so nice, and still a little odd after I dealt with the problem so long, to be able to just gobble up any old food and know that I'm not going to choke on it, and that it's going to do down like it's supposed to.

Best wishes to you, your partner, your mom, you aunt, and the rest of your peeps!

[aztecan]

Hey Andy,

You've been a busy guy. I am glad they are getting your partner's heart stuff under control.

It is nice that you and your family are still so close. That is a blessing.

Glad you checked in.

HUGS,

Mark

[AndyArrow]

Thank you everyone for all your kind remarks ... my partner has a really good cardiologist so we are very lucky.

BT -- I wish I could offer accommodations within the city of Chicago but I'm out in the far south suburbs about 45mins from downtown.  Still the fact that we are so close it seems a shame we haven't met as of yet.  Maybe I'll plan a road trip to South Bend.  I hear you loud and clear about school ... hell, already in kindergarten my classmates were working my nerves imagine how I felt about then when I got older. 

Mikie -- isn't it crazy that we just accepted NOT being able to eat for so long especially when the EGD is so quick and easy.  My last one was 23 Dec and just recently if I try to eat very quickly and don't chew throughly things are starting to stick but they eventually go down and it's not bad at all so I'm gonna hold off for another month or so before I schedule my next one. 

[BT65]

It'd be just fine if you want to come visit in South Bend, just give me warning so I can get one of those inflattable mattresses.  I only have a 1 br apartment, and my twin bed is the only one.   I have to get one anyway, because I may have some visitors in the beginning of June. 

Hey, we could always snuggle in my twin.   Really, if you ever want to visit, just let me know the date.  You'd be more than welcome.

[leatherman]

last one was 23 Dec and just recently if I try to eat very quickly and don't chew throughly things are starting to stick but they eventually go down and it's not bad at all so I'm gonna hold off for another month or so before I schedule my next one. 

eek! already??
I only had one incident like that; but I was testing it all out about 2 wks afterwards and crammed my mouth full of bread and food, swallowed really fast, and followed it down with a huge gulp of coke. ROFL as soon as I burped (really big and loud) everything was fine again.  But I do catch myself now sometimes when I'm eating just too fast and think "watch out. You could have an issue". Well, don't wait too long to get that taken care of. Eating AND swallowing is very important. LOL

[jm1953]

Andy,

Good luck with everything.  It's good to have you back.  Always appreciate your helpful comments. 

All my best to you and yours,

Jeff

[AndyArrow]

BT --  I'm always up for a good snuggle.

Mikie -- Yes, I'm starting to feel it but it's not bad.  Mine is unfortunately going to be a life long thing but for a while there I was having one done every week so one every 4 - 6 months is pretty good.

Thanks Jeff