Mike has clotting disorders. Besides plavix, he also takes a shot of blood thinner twice a day, along with an aspirin.

Thanks for the explanation, Betsi, of why the docs don't think a bypass will work. I've never heard of that explanation before, but I am sure it is correct. I hope a bypass is not necessary.

The Plavix isn't working, hmmmmm.....I wonder why that is and YES! you are absolutely correct to be mad that the hematologists in Dallas didn't check.

I would agree that he has some degree of congestive heart failure. If so, he needs to be taking something like Coreg (carvedilol). But then, like Gary, his case is so complicated, he may not be taking it. At any rate, Gary's heart failure specialist says Coreg (carvedilol) is the absolute best for heart failure. Unfortunately, Gary can't take it any longer because it gives him bronchospasms (he has asthma). So, he was off his Coreg for about 9 months and I could really tell the difference - he didn't feel good at all. He now takes Bystolic which is like Coreg, but doesn't bother his lungs. He feels SO MUCH better now.

It is so difficult when their conditions are so complicated.

Keep me posted.

I am so sorry that both of you, Betsi and Gayle, have husbands who have such health issues. Both men sound like wonderful people, and they are so lucky to have you two with them.

It is also wonderful that you found each other here. I can give you support, but I do not really know what you go through. You both speak the same language, and I am so happy that you have each other.

I keep all four of you in my prayers, and hope that 2010 will be a healthy, easy year for all of you!

Thank you so much Judy! I'm glad I found you ALL, but Gayle and I do have A LOT in common:D

How is Mike feeling now after all the company is gone? Better, I hope. When do you see the doctor again?

All of our kids are still here;) Michael, Rachel and the kids are leaving tomorrow. We'll take Dustin and Joy to the airport in Dallas on Thursday. We went to have family pictures made today, and Mike did fine. He has a cough and is a little congested. Sometimes his chest hurts a little, but it always does that after a new stent placement...much less four at a time:rolleyes: He goes to the doc at the end of next week. I'll be glad!

Thanks for the update! Glad to hear he is doing OK. Keep me posted.