I don’t know how many of you have noticed, but I have frankly been pretty distracted of late.
The last couple of months have been a frustrating, distressing time at Casa Twistie and a true test of that vow ‘in sickness and in health.’ We’ve faced this kind of challenge before, and met it handily. So no, it didn’t strain the marriage one iota. It did, however, stress us both out horrifically as individuals.
You see, Mr. Twistie was facing another round of cardiac problems. Yes, another. He had a triple bypass about ten years ago. We were told at the time that somewhere around the ten year mark he would probably need more heart help.
A few months ago, it became clear to us that the time was drawing near. He was having chest pains, difficulty breathing, and his color was going distressingly grey. The joy of trying to convince the doctors on his insurance that he seriously needed help began. Yeah, they have a tendency to tell him to just quit smoking… which would be great advice if he smoked, and send him on his way.
But this is not meant to be a diatribe about the state of health care in the USA, so I’ll restrain myself a little about the dog and pony show. Suffice it to say that Mr. Twistie had to change doctors to get someone to pay attention to his chart, but he found such a doctor at last. Said doctor immediately sent Mr. Twistie on to the cardiologist.
One month, two hospital stays, and one aborted stenting procedure, one aborted consultation for a bypass, and finally a successful triple stenting later, Mr. Twistie came home yesterday with the color back in his cheeks, no longer clutching his chest when it pains him. He’s breathing better, too. My heart feels a million times better, too.
Marriage is a wonderful thing. There are times, though, that test our strength, our faith in one another, and our ability to cope with stress. I wish every one of you as few of those times as possible, because frankly they suck right out loud.
But those of you who face such trials and come out the other side as strong as ever – or even stronger – are truly lucky. It’s in the testing that you discover what your spouse means to you.
Mr. Twistie is my heart. It’s wonderful to have him better again.
Twistie, I’m happy that you’re both feeling better — there is nothing more difficult than a loved one’s illness!
Wishing Mr. Twistie lasting health!
@ Rubiatanta: Yeah, it’s been rough. It’s been scary. It’s been stressful. Right now, though, I’m on top of the world. The hospital said he should be good for ‘another 70,000 miles’ and that’s a wonderful thought. Thanks for the good wishes, too! We both appreciate them.
Here’s to the next 70,000, then….
Good for you both on pushing thru the BS and getting the right MD. And Congrats on Mr. Twistie’s successful return to health. Blessing on you both.
Thanks for the update. I’m so glad that everything worked out in the end.
Twistie, I’m so glad to hear Mr. Twistie is feeling better. I can’t imagine how stressful that must have been for you both, but you guys are an inspiration to all of us who hope to build strong marriages, for better or for worse.
Good to hear that he’s doing better … and that you found a decent doctor.
Glad to hear he’s feeling better… and I hope you and he will continue to do so for a long time!
With less than 3 weeks to my wedding date, your story reminds what love and marriage are all about. My beau is my heart too. I don’t care how long I get with him, just as long as I’m with him.
Whew! I hope this is the only problem you have for the next decade.
My prayers that the both of you are blessed with continued good health; particularly Mr Twistie.