Subject: dlv2k annie's status ...
annie@annie.net
Date: Sat Mar 11 2000 - 13:08:48 CST
Hi, gang! :)
This is going out to the cdlist, the dlv2k list, and a few independent mail
addresses. If you don't know who I am or think I sent in error, please
accept my apology and delete.
First of all, thanks for all the supportive e-mail (over 200 at this
time). I began to reply to each personally, but realized it was an
exercise in futility. I've cut-pasted to a number of them at the end of
this message.
If anybody has any questions or anything, let me know. (annie@annie.net)
I was discharged from the hospital Wednesday around noon. I had the first
of many outpatient followup visits today.
I'm still a bit dopey and spacey (more than usual :) from the drugs and
the general stress to the system.
I'll be taking all next week off, possibly returning part time the week of
the 20th. if I feel up to it and if the docs agree.
Updated diagnosis is that this was not a "heart attack" in the normal
sense, meaning no coronary blockage or damage to the heart muscle. It's
listed on the chart as "... primary ventricular tachycardia leading to
ventricular fibrillation ...", meaning that for reasons unknown, I went
from a normal heart rhythm to a very rapid one, to one that was chaotic
and irregular.
Angiogram was negative (no placque, no blocked arteries, etc.) and they
could not duplicate the bad rhythm during an electrophysiology study.
They want to treat this primarily with medication, to reduce the chance
of this happening again, plus increase the stroke-volume and actually
increase the blood pressure. (I've always had somewhat low BP.)
I'm under a number of restrictions (lifting, driving, alcohol, RFI, and
a few others) for the next six months, but they say I can resume work
and nonstrenuous activities in a few weeks, assuming things go as well
as they have.
Anyway, I want to say thanks for the cards, mail, phone calls, etc.
(yes, some people were able to track me down :) and the kind thoughts,
etc. This has helped my spirits quite a bit, and I'm sure was a major
factor toward being out of the hospital so soon.
I'll try to get on channel in the next few days. Most of my online time
the past several days has been trying to catch up with e-mail.
One thing I would like to ask of everybody is to take a CPR course
(cardiopulmonary resuscitation) from one of your local agencies. Then
should the need arise, somebody might have a much better chance of
surviving an incident like I had.
*hugs*
annie :)
. . . . . . . . . .
>Don't really know what else to say but get well soon.
>
>Sorry for not writing earlier.
>
>I heard from Margeth that you are getting better already. I hope that
>you continue on the path to full health.
Yes, knock on wood, and continue to do so ...
>I wonder how that implantable defibrilator works - do you have a big
>red button that gives you a big Zzzzapppp when somebody presses it?
Actually, it's smaller than the traditional implantable pacemaker. No
big red button. It monitors the heart and should it go into a
threatening rhythm, it delivers a jolt of about 30 joules to restart
everything.
>Did
>you try it already?
No, but they did --- THREE TIMES --- in the electrophysiology lab on
Monday. I was out for that little game, but they warned me that when I
woke up, I would feel like I was kicked by a horse.
More like a whole herd of horses, I was sore for over a day from that!
>Anyway, I'm really glad that you are still with us - what would
>#crossdress be without our most famous geekbabe?
Thanks. I'm sure life on channel would go on, but I hope I've made a
positive contribution over the past several years.
. . . . . . . . . .
>>There obviously was not a DLV (Diva Las Vegas) mailing last Sunday,
>>and will not be this coming Sunday. There is nothing going on that
>>can't wait a couple weeks.
>Does this mean that Diva will be canceled or rescheduled? I know your
>under the weather, but I've got to make my reservations soon. Thanks.
My first instinct is to use an expression that seems a bit crude for
such a situation (use your imagination) but YES, DLV will go on as
scheduled.
If for some reason I can't make it, my wish is that it go on, and there
is no reason it can't even though I or somebody else may not be there.
With the model we have, we don't rely on any one person to make it
happen, except for me doing a year's worth of cheerleading to get
everybody there.
For the past two years, we have had people pull out at the last minute due
to medical or family emergencies. If that should happen to me, I would hope
that enough plans are in place so those there can make it happen with no
difficulty.
. . . . . . . . . .
>I'm very sorry to hear about your heart attack. Yes, thank God for the
>paramedics being so close at hand. I'm wishing you a speeding recovery. My
>prayers are with you.
Thanks. The reason I'm here after so little time is that of a quick
response. That's why I'm gonna be suggesting very assertively that
everybody (including me) get current on their CPR certification. That's
kind of a way everybody can help out everybody.
. . . . . . . . . .
>We (my wife and I)hope everything is goig better
>now.You are in our thoughts and prayers.I'm not good
>at writing how i feel. But hope you get the jest of my
>words.. hope to see you in May ...:-))
I understand and appreciate the thoughts. Unless I have a drastic downturn,
I'll be there in May, and hopefully feeling much better.
. . . . . . . . . . .
>I hope you are doing much better now. Whenever you find out what caused
>this, please either cut down on that or quit it altogether.
Although this was not a traditional blocked-artery thing, I do plan on
eating less, drinking less, and exercising more.
>I already
>give money to a local TLBG community center and I will give a few in
>your name.
Thanks. I would prefer that to anything sent directly, etc. :)
>I will be going into the hospital voluntarily next Sunday. I will be in
>a hospital in Montreal, Canada, for some much needed surgery. I will be
>a whole new woman when I see you at DLV. And I will see you at DLV. So
>get better.
Great, looking forward to it. :)
>This past Saturday I was at that community center, I volunteer there,
>and was talking with this kid. He is new to the El Paso community, so I
>asked where he came from. Lo and behold, he is from Omaha. I told him
>about you and he mentioned a few bars that he went to, but I don't
>remember them. He just started doing drag shows, and we were talking
>about that some.
I've never done the show thing, although I do occasionally go to the
shows at the Max and at Club 15. We've probably run into each other at
some time.
. . . . . . . . . . .
>Wow...I feel I should send an electronic get well card or something free. :)
>I am very sorry to hear about what happened, but there is one lingering
>question: do you think you could talk them into doing SRS while you're laid
>up?!?! *grin* "Excuse me, Doc? While you're down 'there'........" *giggle*
Actually, that's not on my agenda, for this life, that is. :)
>Seriously, though, do get better, and thanks for the e-mail update, I
>appreciate being on your list. *smile*
And I appreciate the note and the kind thoughts. :)
. . . . . . . . . .
>Did I ever tell you I was born in Omaha, and lived there till 4th grade?
> I also went to high school in the area. All this was 40+ years ago!
No, I got here in the early 70's. I'm sure we overlapped. :)
>Hope you're continuing to recuperate.
As best I can ... :)
>Some kind of inspiration or
>prescience about the confinement and its food options probably led to
>the upchuck... (;-))
Well, the first meals I remember were those for those who had difficulty
chewing and swallowing, thus they reminded me of cat food.
The last few days I was placed on a regular diet and even had a choice of
what was served, to an extent. Of course it was not haute cuisine. :)
One person who phoned me reminded that what I was getting was most
likely much more edible and wholesome than prison food, so I kinda quit
bitching about it since then.
>Hope to hear back from you soon!
I hope you get this ok, and again, I apologize for not being able to give
as many personal answers as I thought I could.
. . . . . . . . . .
>Annie, that's terrible! But I'm so glad you made it ...like, around a
>third of the people don't survive their first heart attack. So count
>your blessings, dear, and please try to take better care of yourself.
It was a stroke of luck that there were trained people sitting only a
couple tables away. I really think that is what made the difference.
>I'm sure your doc has already lectured you on a low fat diet, taking a
>daily aspirin, and all that ..so I'll stop being a pest. Just take care
>of yourself, okay?
Actually, the only dietary restriction I have is to "watch it", meaning
don't OD on fats and sodium and the like. They don't want me to drink
for six months, but that's mostly to eliminate any interaction with a
couple of the drugs I will be taking ...
. . . . . . . . . .
>Wanted you to know how much you are missed. Sorry about the belated
>"sorry" but I don't bump the Netscape mailer that much. It's a pain to
>pull up and full of popups. So much for "freebies" huh?
Ya get what ya pay for. Imao, free.net.stuff with all kinds of annoying
spam are overpriced.
>I almost cried this morning when they said you were under the weather.
>Jeeze, I thought you were an institution like the Rock of Gibralter.
>Always there, always helpful, and always going to be there.
I was down for a while, but not for the count. I'm back, but just not
up to speed yet.
>Ahh, this is
>depressing. Let's talk about funnier things, (like Sharly)! Well???
>Sharly is always funny.
Sharly needs to watch out for attacking gas heaters. <semi grin>
. . . . . . . . . .
>I pray they find the bug that bit you and get you back up and running
>with a brand new engine, oil, and lube job. Take care of yourself, doll.
Thanks. They still don't know what caused it, but they took steps to
prevent/treat it should it happen again.
. . . . . . . . . .
>Dear Annie, you are in my prayers - and those of the whole #crossdress.
>Today's short on-line services were dedicated today to you.
Yes, I got the transcript and it made my day. Helped out in recovery
more than you or anyone will ever know! (Transcript at end of this note.)
. . . . . . . . . .
>I hope you will get well soon and heal well. And, yes, it is reasonable
>to remember he victims of AIDS. That horrific disease claimed again
>another celebrity victim: the Israeli female singer Ofra Haza perished
>week.
Yes I heard that. It's one condition that still has a long way to go
for effective treatment and cure. I won't comment on the social/political
issues, but that's one area in which some major education has to be done.
. . . . . . . . . .
>Well, as much as you seem to enjoy laying on your back and counting the
>holes in the ceiling tiles above your head - I'd like you to remember
>that you can't get anything productive done in that position. So I'd
>suggest that you just get over your little broken heart condition and
>rejoin us in the romping we love to share on the channel :)
Uh, isn't that what I did last nite? :)
. . . . . . . . .
>Thank you for the kind note, Your note has given me a second wind -- I
>recently found out that I am diabetic and that was a shock and a half to
>my system -- and I am also taking a re-evaluation of my life very
>quickly and seeing where I want to go (nope, doesn't look like any more
>peeps for me this time around..less they find a cure for diabetes...so
>far, the doctor thinks things can be maintained through a better diet...
>I sure hope so!!)
Yes, we're all very vulnerable, and often times we don't realize it
until something potentially tragic strikes. Diabetes, fortunately, is
quite manageable and treatable in these days.
>You have been missed on the IRC.. its just not the same!
I've missed everybody there. I finally got on for a while last night.
. . . . . . . . . .
>Goodness Annie...
>
>You know, for those of us that are NOT young, and have a real
>understanding of our own mortality, what just happened to you is a real
>wake up call!
>
>I agree... life is precious... every minute of it!
Yes, and we have to make the most of it. :)
>I am REALLY glad to hear that you are hanging in there, and with modern
>medical cardiac procedures, it sounds like you are going to do well,
>with a full recovery! We all know today, that people can be pulled back
>from the abyss, and then go on as normal for what seems like an eternity
>of life. I'm sure you are one of those, and if they don't have to do
>anything too invasive, like a bypass, you should be outta there in no
>time.
Well, I still feel like the proverbial 10lbs of doodoo in a 5lb bag, but
much better than last week. If things continue to improve, I should be
more or less normal in a few months.
. . . . . . . . . .
>Hope you recover soon and get out of the hospital. I had a heart attack
>over five years ago. I thought it was a bad case of the flu and walked
>in to the emergency room with my mother who had came and given me a ride
>as I felt driving my car was to risky the way I felt. They asked me
>what was wrong, my face must have looked like a ghost. I told them my
>chest and stomach hurt and my feet and ankles had swollen up. They put
>me on a gurney and wheeled me into the emergency room and stripped my
>clothes off and started iv's. After an hour in the emergency room and a
>chest a x ray they put me in intensive care for a few days. They took a
>angioscan of my chest area and the doctors came and told me that I had a
>heart attack.
For lots of people it's that way. A cow-orker felt numb in the feet, and
did not know he had a heart attack until he was tested in the hospital.
>After a few days they performed a angiogram and the results were blocked
>arteries. They decided to try medication and I was in the hospital for
>10 days. The doctors wanted to do a by pass at a later time or told me
>to take it easy, no more drinking or smoking. I nixed the by pass and
>have had very little alcohol and have not had a cigarette since.
Yes, often lifestyle changes can be used in lieu of more invasive
measures. I'm supposed to avoid alcohol for 6 months or so.
>One note about the day I went into the hospital for what I thought was
>the flu. I was wearing a pair of red lace nylon panties and had my toe
>nails painted bright red. My mother was not there to see that, they
>sent her home after they put me in intensive care. When the doctors
>came to examine me they seen the red panties and painted toe nails.
>They asked me if I was homosexual and if I were HIV positive. I told
>them I was a crossdresser, but I am sure they did blood tests to confirm
>that I was not HIV positive. I did get a lot of teasing from some of
>the nurses about my choice of underwear. I removed it and did not wear
>any underwear for the rest of my stay in the hospital.
Yes, a few people have asked me if the hospital staff got any surprises
when I was admitted. Nope, just came from work, boymode all the way.
A few visitors were curious about flowers and a card from "The girls on
the net" but I don't think anybody who didn't know already figured it
out.
Again, a note from a cow-orker to the effect of "... hurry back, your
shoes (low or high) will be hard to fill ..." kinda went over
everybody's head except for those who already knew.
>I get out here in the twin city area of Minnesota dressed quite a bit.
>I joined a local group TG Northland, http://www.tgnorthland.com, and
>they have something going on almost every weekend.
I haven't heard of that group. I've heard of, and known people in both
the CCLA and the Tri-Ess groups. Guess that means your area now has
three groups ...
. . . . . . . . . .
>I am glad that you still have your humor though, and I hope that things
>work out and you feel better without all that hospital stuff. I hate
>hospitals. Maybe you should have had a Galiano! I had like 8 or ten
>shots Friday!
Well, Galiano{sic} is verboten for six months, so you will have to take
mine. :)
. . . . . . . . . .
>I am so shocked.....really don't know what to say. We were just talking
>the other day about you. I kinda figured you were on a business trip
>off somewhere and some way just hadn't had the time to make contact.
I wish it were that easy.
>I suppose things like this make you realize that one must live their
>lives fully now....not wait....but live it now. Yes.....burn those
>closets!!!!
Yes, it's a shame for anybody to go thru life in the closet, only to
not have any time left once the decision has been made to come out.
>My prayers are with you annie.....you are probally my first irc friend....I
>still remember the warm welcome I recieved when I first came of channel:)
>Get better and I'll be waiting fer ya to get back to spammin the channel
>like ya do so well :)
I'm there already. Where are you?
. . . . . . . . . .
>I'm so sorry to hear about yout medical problems, but I'm very glad to
>hear that you are recovering fairly well. Kerry and I both send you our
>best wishes and love. Hoopefully see you in May!
Thanks. I'll be there. :)
. . . . . . . . . .
>Actually, I don't remember who you are.
And for a few days last week, neither did I. :)
. . . . . . . . . .
>I am glad to see that you are better now. I sure wish things were
>different for me in my not being able to make this years Deva Las Vegas
>event.
You will be missed, I know.
>One exciting thing that did happen to me this past Friday, I had a
>session with my therapist with my wife present. After being married for
>27 years, I finally got the nerve up to let my wife know that I was a
>TV/CD. Much to my relief, she said that she had know for a little while
>and that she love me anyway. For that moment, I was the happiest person
>on earth. A burden that I have carried on my sholders since my childhood
>had been lifted. I think that you know how I felt. I wanted to cry for
>the joy of the moment.
Yes, the closet is a dark, lonely, miserable place to hide!
Everybody should get out and enjoy life while there is time to do so.
>I do hope things do go well at Diva Las Vegas.
I'm sure things will. Most of the plans are already falling into place.
After this ordeal, I *NEED* a vacation! :)
. . . . . . . . . .
>Sorry to hear about your difficulties. HOWEVER, having had two heart
>attacks, one triple bypass, and currently a left ventrical that only
>pumps out 25% of the normal quantity of blood that it should, let me
>assure you that life does go on. AND, with the right mind set, it is
>pretty good.
That's great. I'm glad you came out of it and are doing fine.
>Hang in there dear and don't let it get you down.
Well, it hasn't been a fun couple weeks, but things are looking up.
I feel much better than I did last week, and hopefully things will
continue to improve over time.
. . . . . . . . . .
>I just figured you must have been simply tied up. Now I know you are
>tied up with IV tubes.
Yes, unfortunately. :(
>Good to hear that you are having a speedy and uneventful recovery....
Well, they say it is much faster than normal, but there are lots of
events, and hoops still left to be jumped.
>Now about the food,.... the best solution I have heard of for correcting
>institutionalized food is to claim to be a vegan or vegetarian. It's
>the one way to ensure you get *fresh* food.
By the time I had anything to say, I was already admitted with "no diet
restrictions" noted. For the first few days, when I was out cold, I was
fed what was essentially baby food thru a NG tube, but .....
What I wasn't told about this was that there was a very bright tracer in
this so-called food. This was so if it showed up anywhere it was not
supposed to be, it would be very obvious.
When I was up and about in a few days, and I went to the little girls
room by myself, I was very surprised with the bright green color, which
lasted and faded over several days.
>You hang in girl and I look forward with great expectation to hearing of
>your continued improvement.
I sure will. :)
. . . . . . . . .
Here is the transcript of the channel last Sunday morning ...
>PS: The channel obviously seems to miss you too ;)
>
>[11:19] <Sharly> If I may for a few minutes have the channel's attention
>[11:19] <BarbieLee> ROFL
>[11:19] <Star-Rang> surely sharly.....go right ahead :)
>[11:19] * WhiteFox turns to Sharly
>[11:19] <Sharly> Source of All That Is,
>[11:20] <Sharly> Hear this prayer for one of our beloved channel members.
>[11:20] <Sharly> Watch over her and protect her
>[11:20] <Sharly> Let her know we are thinking of her and wish her a very
>speedy recovery
>[11:20] <Sharly> And one other little thing if You can
>[11:20] <Sharly> Although even some things *are* beyond Your control
>[11:20] <Sharly> Can you see to it that the menu improves a bit ?
>[11:20] <Sharly> Amen
>[11:20] <Star-Rang> Amen!!!!!!!!
>[11:20] <LyndaSue> Amen :)
>[11:20] * WhiteFox smiles an Amen :)
>[11:20] <BarbieLee> Thank you Sharly. Amen!
>[11:20] <Susanna> :-)
>[11:20] <LisaR> Amen!!
>[11:21] <TammyC> Amen
>[11:21] <Susanna> Amen
>[11:21] * WhiteFox hugs Sharly - thanks hon - I stayed around just for that
>*kiss* :)
>[11:21] <Sharly> : )
>[11:21] <BarbieLee> Me too Sharly!
>[11:21] <Star-Rang> :)
>[11:22] * Susanna would like to say something too
>[11:22] <WhiteFox> yes Susanna?
>[11:22] <Sharly> next Sunday I will try to have something put together for
>those that want to hear it
>[11:23] <Susanna> some of you might know Annie from cdlist, wo sometimes
>also visits this channel
>[11:23] <Susanna> she has had heart attack, survived and is currently in
>hospital
>[11:23] * LyndaSue has met annie IRL
>[11:23] <Sharly> um make that camps out here continiously
>[11:23] <Susanna> let's remember her in our prayers
>[11:23] <KarenJane> yes, susanna
>[11:24] <BarbieLee> Of course!
>[11:24] <Susanna> her message in short was:
>[11:24] -> -Susanna- that's who the prayer was for hon *hug* :)
>[11:24] <Susanna> this life is all too short to live in fear and spent in
>closet
>[11:24] <treqie> Who was Annie?
>[11:24] * WhiteFox couldn't have said it better!
>[11:24] <Star-Rang> :)
>[11:24] <Susanna> the life is precious and meant to be lived with full steam
>[11:24] <treqie> was/is?
>[11:24] <LyndaSue> who ya gonna call? annie the #1 closet buster :)
>[11:25] <WhiteFox> annie is a channel permanent treqie
>[11:25] <Susanna> so everyone get out the closets and drop the masks and
>live like we all should - as our true selves
>[11:25] <treqie> WhiteFox: Okeys
>[11:25] *** NikkiCO (inkust@216-146-136-73.bwn.net) has joined #crossdress
>[11:25] <LyndaSue> hi ya Nikki
>[11:25] *** NikkiCO (inkust@216-146-136-73.bwn.net) has left #crossdress
>[11:26] <Susanna> she also said that instead of sending her cards, flowers
>or things like that, it's better to remember your T* group or AIDS support
>center
>[11:26] <LyndaSue> hmmm Nikki must have left something burning on the stove
>[11:26] * Star-Rang throws an order of fries at Nikki...."Ya want salt with
>that"
>[11:26] <WhiteFox> thanks for sharing that with the channel Susanna - I
>didn't think of doing it. A lot of us got that e-mail, but a lot of us also
>didn't.
>[11:27] * Susanna would like to *hug* Annie and wish she'd get well quicly
>[11:27] * WhiteFox calls for a group hug for the invisible annie! *huggers*
>[11:28] <Star-Rang> *hugs* for Annie!!!!!!1
>[11:28] <LyndaSue> wish i didnt have this job to run right now..i would
>drive over to Omaha and wish her well in person :/
>[11:28] <BarbieLee> *hugs* Annie! Get well and come back home soon.
>[11:29] * LisaR gives a big heart warming hug for annie's return.
>[11:29] * Susanna would also like to read a short prayer in the memory of
>Ofra Haza, the Israeli singer who died from AIDS last week... and for
>everyone, who suffers from that horrible disease
>[11:29] *** Nin1 (me2@dialupHH73.mpls.uswest.net) has joined #crossdress
>[11:29] <LisaR> met Annie IRL too.
>[11:29] <BarbieLee> Name me one other channel that thinks enough of it's
>members to remember them in prayer and spirit?
>[11:29] * LyndaSue Playing..
>[11:29] <Nin1> hi everyone
>[11:29] <Nin1> hey
>[11:30] <Nin1> I take it the note of discussion is the note from Annie?
>[11:30] <BarbieLee> Yes, Nin
>[11:30] <LyndaSue> hi ya Nin
>[11:30] <Star-Rang> mornin Nin
>[11:30] <Nin1> hia Ls, Star
>[11:30] <Nin1> hi Barbie
>[11:30] <BarbieLee> :)
>[11:30] <WhiteFox> I'm going to clip this little section of the log and send
>it to annie - I think that's the best present she could ever get - to know
>she's loved to peices and that she's dearly missed :)
>[11:30] *** Sharly changes topic to 'Our thoughts and prayers are with you
>annie: )'
>[11:30] <Nin1> <-- Just got the note as well
>[11:30] <BarbieLee> That would be great, Jana.
>[11:30] <Susanna> *HUGS* Jana
>[11:30] <Nin1> *hug* Jana
>[11:31] <Star-Rang> :)
>[11:31] * WhiteFox smiles ear to ear :)
>[11:31] * Nin1 dcc's 1000x the hugs in this room to Annie
>[11:31] <LyndaSue> super good thought there Jana :)
>[11:31] * LisaR needs to head out, just here for a short visit. Best
>wishis to annie. Huggss all
>
>Get well soon! *HUGS*
>
>. . . . . . . . . .
This archive was generated by hypermail 2a23 : Sun Jun 18 2000 - 10:38:34 CDT