Most of you know my Heart attack caused Congestive heart Failure! It has been a very tough time for me since July of 2012 when I had to quit work camping due to my health. Been through the Poor Me's; anger; diassappointments; tears; and What good am I now syndrome!
I met so many people and acquired some remote relationships and close friendships while on the Road; it pangs my heart and mind to having to giving it up; and kepp telling my self it will only be a temporary set-back. I also miss the excitement of getting that nervous hitch-itch a couple months before the end of the committment. And know I will be able to enjoy the travel to some new and uncharted territory.
I beginning to comprehend the reality of this heart dilemma I have to face; I may have to stay put and accept the fact that I will need Cardio Care for the rest of my life. I am in a good area to get that with two VA medical centers within a 30 minute drive and there is Vanderbilt and St. Thomas Heart Hospital. If it gets serious enough The VA will give authorization to go there.
My old Class C is going to need a few thousand of $$$'s to make it ready or it will have to be replaced. I have found and am debating on an income-based 55+ community that has townhome style living with pool; entertainment room; and other amenities. It is close to another so called hospital which could be used for life sustaining care until being transferred to the VA Medical Center. I have to face it guys and gals; the old 62 yr. old body has taken a beating since i was 8 yrs. old woking in the local farmers garden; a paper route at 14 when I lived in Northern NY and delivered to over 190 homes year round and in Jan and Feb. when it was 30+ below zero at 3:00 AM. Then loading Scrap steel by hand into trucks for a local auto dismantler from 15-18. I joined the army as heavy truck and tank mechanic at 18+ and got out and turned 23 and you get the picture I labored pretty much until I turned 58 in 2009; then started this work camping gig. I am trying not to complain or whine; just saying like it was. Some of you may have worked harder and maybe i'm just a wimp; but I want to take care of me for a few more years so I visit with my grand -kids and my lovely and caring daughter.
Maybe I will author a book about my life and call it: The Adventures of a Modern Day Tom Sawyer!! LOL! Have a nice day! PIEERE
Gary said
03:48 AM Sep 14, 2013
Yeah, you may be down now but the advancements made every day in medicine may have surprising results for you and get you back on the road.
Never give up on your dreams.
dream reachers said
07:30 AM Sep 14, 2013
I am sorry to hear about your heart problems and the fact that you will have to park your rv. Fulltime RVing is a great time of our life but sooner or later we all have to face the realization that growing older brings medical problems and there comes a time when we have to hang up the keys. My wife and I are trying to develope an exit plan for that time. I also served in VietNam. It was a rough couple of years but being a vet has its rewards. I am pleased to know that you have VA coverage. I have been pleased with the services that they have provided me. I hope all works out well with you. Tennessee is a nice state to settle down in and having family close means alot. Best wishes in your life off the road.
SnowGypsy said
01:05 PM Sep 14, 2013
Getting older, we see friends and family having to make decisions about changing their lifestyle and most have lived, really lived versus survived so I think it is a little easier for them. When I worked in federal civil service, I knew a lady that was being critical of me and our family because rather than saving for retirement, we were buying campers and going to Disney World. She kept telling me how she and her husband were saving for retirement and they would do those kinds of things when they retired. She didn't do it in a pleasant way either. I saw her deny herself many common pleasures to save for this retirement. Well, I decided to look her up and see how she was doing because despite that issue, we were good friends. She died at 56. Although I don't know the cause, my guess was since it was in December, she was probably driving to work when the roads were bad and she really should have just stayed home. I see this as the most sad way to live your life, for the future. So, Pieere, it looks like you filled your life with worthwhile activities and enjoyed all those years, I'm hoping that you might be able to get out to some extent in the future to enjoy those activities again but if not, I"m guessing you'll find a new way to use your time to the fullest. And, sign me up for a copy of that book!
janni said
01:52 PM Sep 14, 2013
Pieere, Some decisions don't come easy(believe me I know) My adventure to this dream started just a few short years ago and has come down to only 3 months on the road this last year. As you recall we share "heart" stories that took place about the same time. Like you, I began working at age 14 and have always done jobs with physical labor. Maybe it was that or just the way it is for some of us. I will turn 58 in February and my doctors advise me the same as you. Your exit plan looks pretty good. Glad there is VA care for you and you deserve it. It is not what you dreamed but may be where you should be at this time. The way I have it figured..........set down and heal ........maybe in a few years we can get back in the driver's seat.
My son that is almost 40 just had his first child.....grandchild number 6 for me......if you think I want to miss seeing him grow up? Not a chance.
Never.....never EVER.....give up the fight! Oh and count me in on a copy of the book also. TC
Dog Folks said
02:08 PM Sep 14, 2013
Don't give up the dream, otherwise you will never know if you reach it.
WestWardHo said
03:32 PM Sep 14, 2013
Pieere,
Whatever your decision we hope you stay with us on this forum as some of our other "family" members have done. So glad you finally get the VA treatments you earned. So glad you had the recent small windfall to allow you to get wheels. So glad you found your townhouse alternative with amenities. So glad you have a lovely and caring daughter.
Your decisions are ones we'll all have to make, some sooner than later. Your attitude will get you thru!
Stay with us,
Sherry
NWescapee said
04:13 AM Sep 18, 2013
Pierre - sorry to hear this and hope that as you make your decisions that you will have peace that you've made the right decision for you.
CJSX2fromCT said
09:08 AM Sep 19, 2013
"Most of you know my Heart attack caused Congestive heart Failure! It has been a very tough time for me since July of 2012 when I had to quit work camping due to my health. Been through the Poor Me's; anger; diassappointments; tears; and What good am I now syndrome! "
Think of this when your down and out...
My oldest bro who will turn 62 9/27 (lives in Austin) has had a upper frontal by-pass, numerous stents, mechanical valve, on his 4th defibrillator pace-maker ( the second one they put in was NOT sterile and he got a massive chest infection. They pulled it out on a Monday from his left side and on Thurs. they put the 3rd one in on his right side.) He has had a stroke, and has flat lined, and 8 yes 8 heart attacks.and to top all that off... he got shingles in his right ear that now has led to belles-palsy where the whole right side of his face is drooping (no muscle control.)
His motto... The good lord doesn't know what to do with me ,and the devil is afraid I'll will take over"
There is always someone worse off then you and "but for the grace of God there go I." Live each day as a gift for the is truly what it is
Lucky Mike said
01:03 PM Sep 19, 2013
Live...Breathe...Relax is what I live by now.
Just like you ,when this battle started alot of decisions needed to be made and I refused to accept them. soon they no longer were mine to make and I had to make adjustments to just survive.....its like life starts over and your real life was just a dream and suddenly you woke up....your mind says yes you can yet your body thinks your crazy.
Ed your like a brother to me ,we both started running down this path at the same time , and if the fork in the path takes you to a healthier place than thats the direction you must go......
We will cross paths and when I get down that way I will stop....Get well my Friend and do what is right for you!!
Stay in contact with us.......the nice part of being an elder on the forum is that your experiences while out here are someone elses Dream or learning curve...Lifes Knowledge comes in many editions and the best was never put in print , your chapter still needs to be finished!!!
RN on the road said
01:06 PM Sep 19, 2013
When God closes one door, He always opens another. Look for that door and go for it. You're never alone. God Bless/Patrick
PIEERE said
06:52 PM Sep 21, 2013
I didn't mean to come on to strong. I'm no longer down on myself. I am in the process of starting a new chapter in my life. Decisions; Decisions; Decisions; I always have a tough time making them! I listen to what others have to say and base some of my decisions on them! I believe I have settled down in an area that has and is very thoughtful and helpful to their citizens. It is close to shopping; restaurants; and grocery stores. There is 2 VA hospitals; the one I go to has Veteran Patients come from several different states; so far the quality of care seems good. The people in this area seem to be very sociable and friendly. Mike; I hope their may never be an end to the chapters in my book. I just want to make sure that I keep listening to my DRs.; My body; the food I am suppose to eat; get as much exercise as I can possibly stand. Knowing I have to take medications to stay alive is like the song; "I want a New Drug; one that won't make me feel sick." There is nothing like "quality of life" as we all know and I am trying my best to achieve that. I have a POV; a 2000 Ford Ranger; It's drivable and needs some repairs. I can get help with it when a man I met does not have other priorities ahead of him. Now I don't have to depend on others to get food or go to the DR. and I have actually been able to eat where I want a couple times this past month. I just hope Gene and Terry don't ban me for taking up so much forum space! Thanks Again Friends! PIEERE
Edit by moderator: Corrected name from Bill to Gene. Terry
-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Saturday 21st of September 2013 07:54:48 PM
Terry and Jo said
02:57 AM Sep 22, 2013
Ed,
We all have to learn to live with limitations when they hit us. What amazes me is that both you and Lucky Mike can have such upbeat attitudes in spite of the health horrors you both have faced. Believe me, you likely will never be banned as you are an inspiration to a lot of us. If you do have to be stuck in one place for an extended time, put that location in your signature so it is always there for us, and I'll be some stop and visit with you.
Terry
Doug And Christina said
08:25 PM Mar 12, 2014
PIEERE wrote:
I didn't mean to come on to strong. I'm no longer down on myself. I am in the process of starting a new chapter in my life. Decisions; Decisions; Decisions; I always have a tough time making them! I listen to what others have to say and base some of my decisions on them! I believe I have settled down in an area that has and is very thoughtful and helpful to their citizens. It is close to shopping; restaurants; and grocery stores. There is 2 VA hospitals; the one I go to has Veteran Patients come from several different states; so far the quality of care seems good. The people in this area seem to be very sociable and friendly. Mike; I hope their may never be an end to the chapters in my book. I just want to make sure that I keep listening to my DRs.; My body; the food I am suppose to eat; get as much exercise as I can possibly stand. Knowing I have to take medications to stay alive is like the song; "I want a New Drug; one that won't make me feel sick." There is nothing like "quality of life" as we all know and I am trying my best to achieve that. I have a POV; a 2000 Ford Ranger; It's drivable and needs some repairs. I can get help with it when a man I met does not have other priorities ahead of him. Now I don't have to depend on others to get food or go to the DR. and I have actually been able to eat where I want a couple times this past month. I just hope Gene and Terry don't ban me for taking up so much forum space! Thanks Again Friends! PIEERE
Edit by moderator: Corrected name from Bill to Gene. Terry
-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Saturday 21st of September 2013 07:54:48 PM
I met so many people and acquired some remote relationships and close friendships while on the Road; it pangs my heart and mind to having to giving it up; and kepp telling my self it will only be a temporary set-back. I also miss the excitement of getting that nervous hitch-itch a couple months before the end of the committment. And know I will be able to enjoy the travel to some new and uncharted territory.
I beginning to comprehend the reality of this heart dilemma I have to face; I may have to stay put and accept the fact that I will need Cardio Care for the rest of my life. I am in a good area to get that with two VA medical centers within a 30 minute drive and there is Vanderbilt and St. Thomas Heart Hospital. If it gets serious enough The VA will give authorization to go there.
My old Class C is going to need a few thousand of $$$'s to make it ready or it will have to be replaced. I have found and am debating on an income-based 55+ community that has townhome style living with pool; entertainment room; and other amenities. It is close to another so called hospital which could be used for life sustaining care until being transferred to the VA Medical Center. I have to face it guys and gals; the old 62 yr. old body has taken a beating since i was 8 yrs. old woking in the local farmers garden; a paper route at 14 when I lived in Northern NY and delivered to over 190 homes year round and in Jan and Feb. when it was 30+ below zero at 3:00 AM. Then loading Scrap steel by hand into trucks for a local auto dismantler from 15-18. I joined the army as heavy truck and tank mechanic at 18+ and got out and turned 23 and you get the picture I labored pretty much until I turned 58 in 2009; then started this work camping gig. I am trying not to complain or whine; just saying like it was. Some of you may have worked harder and maybe i'm just a wimp; but I want to take care of me for a few more years so I visit with my grand -kids and my lovely and caring daughter.
Maybe I will author a book about my life and call it: The Adventures of a Modern Day Tom Sawyer!! LOL! Have a nice day! PIEERE
Never give up on your dreams.
My son that is almost 40 just had his first child.....grandchild number 6 for me......if you think I want to miss seeing him grow up? Not a chance.
Never.....never EVER.....give up the fight! Oh and count me in on a copy of the book also. TC
Whatever your decision we hope you stay with us on this forum as some of our other "family" members have done. So glad you finally get the VA treatments you earned. So glad you had the recent small windfall to allow you to get wheels. So glad you found your townhouse alternative with amenities. So glad you have a lovely and caring daughter.
Your decisions are ones we'll all have to make, some sooner than later. Your attitude will get you thru!
Stay with us,
Sherry
"Most of you know my Heart attack caused Congestive heart Failure! It has been a very tough time for me since July of 2012 when I had to quit work camping due to my health. Been through the Poor Me's; anger; diassappointments; tears; and What good am I now syndrome! "
Think of this when your down and out...
My oldest bro who will turn 62 9/27 (lives in Austin) has had a upper frontal by-pass, numerous stents, mechanical valve, on his 4th defibrillator pace-maker ( the second one they put in was NOT sterile and he got a massive chest infection. They pulled it out on a Monday from his left side and on Thurs. they put the 3rd one in on his right side.) He has had a stroke, and has flat lined, and 8 yes 8 heart attacks.and to top all that off... he got shingles in his right ear that now has led to belles-palsy where the whole right side of his face is drooping (no muscle control.)
His motto... The good lord doesn't know what to do with me ,and the devil is afraid I'll will take over"
There is always someone worse off then you and "but for the grace of God there go I." Live each day as a gift for the is truly what it is
Just like you ,when this battle started alot of decisions needed to be made and I refused to accept them. soon they no longer were mine to make and I had to make adjustments to just survive.....its like life starts over and your real life was just a dream and suddenly you woke up....your mind says yes you can yet your body thinks your crazy.
Ed your like a brother to me ,we both started running down this path at the same time , and if the fork in the path takes you to a healthier place than thats the direction you must go......
We will cross paths and when I get down that way I will stop....Get well my Friend and do what is right for you!!
Stay in contact with us.......the nice part of being an elder on the forum is that your experiences while out here are someone elses Dream or learning curve...Lifes Knowledge comes in many editions and the best was never put in print , your chapter still needs to be finished!!!
I didn't mean to come on to strong. I'm no longer down on myself. I am in the process of starting a new chapter in my life. Decisions; Decisions; Decisions; I always have a tough time making them! I listen to what others have to say and base some of my decisions on them!
I believe I have settled down in an area that has and is very thoughtful and helpful to their citizens. It is close to shopping; restaurants; and grocery stores. There is 2 VA hospitals; the one I go to has Veteran Patients come from several different states; so far the quality of care seems good. The people in this area seem to be very sociable and friendly.
Mike; I hope their may never be an end to the chapters in my book. I just want to make sure that I keep listening to my DRs.; My body; the food I am suppose to eat; get as much exercise as I can possibly stand. Knowing I have to take medications to stay alive is like the song; "I want a New Drug; one that won't make me feel sick." There is nothing like "quality of life" as we all know and I am trying my best to achieve that. I have a POV; a 2000 Ford Ranger; It's drivable and needs some repairs. I can get help with it when a man I met does not have other priorities ahead of him. Now I don't have to depend on others to get food or go to the DR. and I have actually been able to eat where I want a couple times this past month.
I just hope Gene and Terry don't ban me for taking up so much forum space! Thanks Again Friends! PIEERE
Edit by moderator: Corrected name from Bill to Gene. Terry
-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Saturday 21st of September 2013 07:54:48 PM
Ed,
We all have to learn to live with limitations when they hit us. What amazes me is that both you and Lucky Mike can have such upbeat attitudes in spite of the health horrors you both have faced. Believe me, you likely will never be banned as you are an inspiration to a lot of us. If you do have to be stuck in one place for an extended time, put that location in your signature so it is always there for us, and I'll be some stop and visit with you.
Terry
What Part of NY are you from.