Columbus OH

This time something significant did happen, but it hasn't gotten these Lindners any closer to mailing their Christmas cards.

Lew's back had improved progressively since August, and with the absence of acute pain he definitely was feeling better. However, after Christmas he began to notice an itchy throat and some difficulty breathing. He made an appointment with their PCP, who measured his VC = 75%. This did not seem to alarm the PCP, even after additional emails advised him of additional symptoms. Finally Lew developed 3-pillow orthopnea (classic symptom of congestive heart failure), so the PCP suggested that he go into the ER if things got any worse - which they did in less than 24 hr.

The ER took one look at Lew and admitted him to the cardiac monitoring unit. Quick testing revealed that both his mitral and tricuspid valves were leaking, and his ejection fraction was only 20%. A couple of days of additional testing found nothing more (this was enough), so the cardiologist medicated him and released him back home, planning to build up his ejection fraction for possible later surgery. So that is where Lew is at at the moment.

Bobbi, on the other hand, continues to do relatively well, except for her chronic and slowly resolving left hip pain.