American Heart Association Heart Walk

For the last 3 years my husband and I have participated in the AHA Heart Walk. For those that do not know about my husband, he has had a stroke, two open heart surgeries, and a pacemaker/defibrillator surgery. He was sick for 4 years out of our 7 years of marriage! For our story click here.

I know what it is like to feel helpless and alone. Thanks to the American Heart Association, I was able to get the information needed to help me learn about and handle our new lives. That is why I support this cause with all of my heart.

I have set a personal goal to raise $300 for the American Heart Association.

What I would like to do is find 60 people willing to donate at least $5 to the AHA.

Please, step out against heart disease and stroke by supporting my efforts. Your donation helps keep the information on the web, television, and the community. It was there when I needed it. Now help keep it there when you or someone you know needs it.

You can help me reach my goal by making a donation. If you would like to make a donation of $25 or more you can click here for my AHA donation page.

If you prefer to donate less please do. No donation is too small. If you would like to send a donation of $1 to $24 please send a check or Postal Money Order made out to 'The American Heart Association' and send it in the mail. I will update the AHA site when I receive it. Please comment on this post, and I will send you my mailing address.

All Donations must be received by September 4th, 2007.

Your donation will help fight our nation’s No. 1 and No. 3 killers—heart disease and stroke. You can make a difference.

God Bless,
Melinda

Husbands & Diets

So...my husband started a diet yesterday and I suggested he should blog his daily ups and downs. I know he will struggle with this diet(as we all do on diets) but I told him not to let the devil tempt him. He is trying to lose 48 pounds and it will take a lot of strength and support to do it. You can read his blog here.

Great Fonts!!

My husband found a great site with free fonts this morning. He is not usually this excited about fonts, but it had all the fonts used in the science fiction movies and TV series he has seen over the years. I looked it up and found some great ones to use for scrapbooking and my very slow business. Just follow this link!! http://acidfonts.com

Enjoy!

Organ Donation

I found this cute image and wanted to share. When my husband had his first heart surgery, his aortic valve was replaced with a donor valve. It was a blessing that the person that passed on was an organ donor. If you haven't already, please become an organ donor. You just might save a life!

Let the ER visits begin!!

Well....here we go! My husband drove himself to the ER tonight. He is coughing up blood again. Last time this happened he was diagnosed with a lung infection. He took pictures of what he coughed up as proof. He loves his camera! Anyway, I will update later when I find out more info. Have a good evening!

He returned home at 1am very deflated from having lots of blood taken. After 4 hours in the ER the staff of doctors could not give the exact reason for his coughing up blood. They have referred him to a pulmonary doctor. Was it worth the $100 to the emergency room???? Why can't ER doctors call a specialist and have them diagnose? hmmmmmm, things I wish I knew!

Sick???

My husband is not feeling well today. He said he feels low on energy, and like he is going to fall over. You take that very seriously when you have heart problems. I took his blood pressure and it was fine. He has not been sleeping well, maybe it is just lack of sleep. I will try to get to bed on time, but might stay up just to make sure he is ok. Goodnight!

About My Family

I have been married for 6 years and have a 5 year old son. Right after our third wedding anniversary my husband got sick. He contracted a virus that traveled to his heart and attacked one of his valves. He had his first open heart surgery in May of 2003 (age:31) to replace his aortic valve with a donor valve. That was one hard day. 7 hours waiting for the word that all was OK. We were unaware at the time that he had a weakened immune system. He went the next 3 years tired and catching colds and sinus infections.

In January 2006 he had a lung infection. In April 2006 he had his third heart infection. And in August 2006 (age:34) he had his second open heart surgery to replace his aortic and mitral valves with mechanical valves. The second time around was a little bit easier to handle. The day of the surgery was also school orientation for my son. Since it was going to be about 9 hours before the surgery was done I took him to orientation! People were shocked! But I had my brother in law at the hospital ready to call me if anything happened. After surgery the surgeon said he cannot get another heart infection or we risk having to do another heart surgery. My mothering skills kicked in at that point! Cleaning house and making sure my son did not get sick were top priority. But, my son had two ear infections and a sinus infection within the first 3 months of school. Public school has lots of germs! Then last but not least in November 2006 my husband had a pacemaker put in because his heart muscle was only pumping at 15%. Now…with all the mechanical stuff in his heart he definitely CANNOT get sick again! They will have to go in and take the pacemaker out and start all over.

So..my life consists of lots of cleaning, taking care of my husband and son, oh…and our 2 dogs and 3 cats. I also have a small web business that I started before all the madness began 4 years ago. I’m pretty busy!