The Ol’ Curmudgeon had an angioplasty (stent placed in his heart) on February 25. He was feeling miserable for about 2 months before he finally admitted he needed some help. Following the angioplasty, he was feeling much better. On March 24, he had his post-procedure appointment with the cardiologist, and was given a full release to go back to work full time. The next day he was “RIFFed.” This is where a company uses the “reduction in force” (RIF) excuse to lay someone or people off.
Since then, he’s started having cardiac symptoms again – flutters, chest discomfort, out of breath, bone weariness. Finally got him to go in again, and he is now on a Holter Monitor for 48 hours (assuming we can keep his electrodes on). I’m hoping that this is mainly stress, but with an injured ticker, it pays to be careful.
He has been without cigarettes for 5 days, now, too. I’m proud of him for that, but I know it is adding to his stress. While the symptoms he is having are NOT in anyway related to any reported effects/side-effects of Chantix(r) or nicotine withdrawal, they all can be related to stress and worry – both of which he is experiencing on many levels. So, I’m hoping and praying that these symptoms are simply that – stress and worry – and that once we rule-out the cardiac thingies, that we can address his stress and worry.
I’m wishing I could go back to work. But I’m too old and I’m too disabled. I wouldn’t last more than a day going to a hospital, working and coming home. Yet, I feel guilty that I’m not taking care of the Ol’ Curmudgeon. I keep thinking there is SOMETHING I should be able to do.
We say the Akathist to St. Xenia together, and we each pray privately. But we are “pulling back” from things. We are withdrawn from each other in some ways. I don’t want to worry him, so I don’t tell him some things. He doesn’t want to worry me, so he doesn’t tell me some things. We don’t go anywhere. We don’t make phone calls. We are simply pulling back from many things.
Now, however, it’s time for us to reach out, so I’m reaching out in this way
If any of y’all out in reader-land are so inclined, please add “Theodore” to your prayers: for his health, for his life, for a job. If you are interested, I will be posting the Akathist to St. Xenia of St. Petersburg on my Angelfire website in the next day or so. Check back for the URL.
Lord, have mercy!
Praying for you both……………….
Thank you, Elizabeth. All prayers help. God knows our needs, and I’m sure He will address them in His time and in His way – and that will be what is best for us. It’s the waiting that gets “scary.”
Another Elizabeth
I know you both don’t want to worry each other, but communication needs to be kept open during these times.
I continue to keep you both in my prayers each day, and I know there is something out there that Theo can do. Perhaps it’s just time to “re-invent” himself and go back “into it” as a consultant. He’s got so much more to offer than just a mere 14 years experience.
Send him my regards, and I hope to see both of you soon.
Love,
Andreas
Andreas – after so many years, there are things that don’t need to be said aloud, but you are right in that communication needs to be kept open. We are in this through thick and thin – together! He has considered being a consultant, but getting his resume into the right hands will be interesting. His experience in this goes back about 20 years – just 14 years at one company.
Need to talk to you about some things. Will “chat” later!
I have been lighting a candily (oil lamp ) and adding you to my prayer list.
How are things going with the Curmudgeon and yourself.
The Ol’ Curmudgeon has been having more cardiac symptoms. He had a Holter Monitor test last week, and will have a nuclear stress test this Friday (4/17/09). The results will determine our plan of action in terms of his continuing to job search or taking early retirement with reduced income and NO BENEFITS! I’m switching my Medicare to add Plan D for drugs. And so it goes… Your prayers are appreciated more than I can tell you.