It does help Night Owl, thanks from all of us. You know M'Cateers, modern medicine can really help. Almost two years ago my leaky aortic valve was not doing well, another valve started leaking and my heart was enlarging to try to compensate by working too hard. I started on oxygen therapy because my bod just wasn't getting enough (a lot of the oxygenated blood was leaking back into my heart instead of being pumped out into my body). The o2, along with modified exercise AND weight loss has helped tremendously. The last echocardiogram showed improvement. I have had allergic reactions to every drug they've tried for blood pressure and to help my heart. The last time this happened, I called the doc and told him I wasn't goiing to take it anymore, at all. My goal had been to be off all meds by summer, anyway.

The upshot of all this sharing with you is to let you know there is always hope, as there are so many alternatives. It is never an either or situation. There is always a third, and fourth, etc. Off the meds, stil on o2, but able to go without it for short times when running into the store or whatever, I AM doing MUCH better and my doctor and I fully expect me to be able to let the o2 go, during the daytime, by later this summer.

A lot of my success, I believe, also had to do with working through things on a spiritual level and learning to set boundaries on myself and on others I am involved with. I think it is safe to say that, like me and a lot of you, Catspaw has a "big" heart and wants to right all of the injustices of the world.

It's hard to admit that we cannot and is something I've been struggling with since this all happened. Hardest of all has been limiting myself and some family interaction; I've had to adopt a "protective mode" and learn to let some family members and friends go to learn on their own, for their own growth and because, finally, I had to admit to myself there was nothing left that I could do for them. I've also increased some family interaction, seeking out my dear sister, bet, even more than ever, 'cause positive is the kinda gal she is! Also, if I wanted to be an old woman and continue to wear purple I had to start caring for myself more.

Today, I can clean the house; run errands, in and out of the car; work on writing or jewlery; and still have some energy at the end of the day. Even 4-5 months ago, I was still having a hard time going up the stairs, just doing the dishes, or taking the dog outside. Things continue to improve for me and I know they can for dear 'Spaw.

Now, I know a large part of why I've continued to heal so much, in just the past few months, is ALSO because of you all here at the 'Cat. It has literally saved my sanity and life to be able to be on here and to find such wonderful friends. The meds I was on made me feel like a 90something cripple, which in turn depressed me. There were many days when about all I could do was sit at the computer and try to communicate with everyone who had shown me such outright love and concern. I thank you for that from the bottom of my healthier and improving heart.

Please know that what we all do here, for 'Spaw and each other, isvital and does have a tremendously positive effect. As ever, thanks for leting me ramble. 'Spaw, there's more healing for ya right here, whenever you are ready and able.

Love you all,

katlaughing