summersigh Posted October 12, 2014 #1 Share Posted October 12, 2014 “Don’t sweat the small stuff” … keeps ringing through my head as I skimmed over the cruise boards this morning. Why? We were booked to leave for the Panama Canal cruise Nov 7. A couple of weeks ago DH had a “small” stroke. No noticeable damage but his doctors have advised that in the future he not go on any trips out of the country, including cruises, so we had to cancel our much-looked-forward-to upcoming cruise. :( We had insurance and had our credit from HAL back within days. The insurance will cover the rest … BUT….. I’d give about anything to be going on cruises and at this point I don’t believe any “annoyance” could over ride the joy of cruising again. Count your blessings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lazey1 Posted October 12, 2014 #2 Share Posted October 12, 2014 We are so sorry to learn that you had to cancel your cruise. We had to cancel a cruise in July and understand just how heartbreaking it can be. That said, right now your husband should be close to his Doctor's. Perhaps after a year or so of observation your husbands neurologist will allow him to cruise again. It can't hurt to ask. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krazy Kruizers Posted October 12, 2014 #3 Share Posted October 12, 2014 I am sorry to hear that your DH had a small stroke. Since 1997, my DH has had a stroke, a heart attack with one surgery partially successful and another totally unsuccessful. The doctor told him to go home and wait for death (2006). DH moped around the house for a couple of weeks and we were close to cancelling a cruise. Then he said -- I am not going to sit around and wait for death. Since that time we have done quite a few cruises. He has a new cardiologist who just suggests he not do long flights. So we cruise Alaska and the Caribbean and Mexico and Hawaii. A few years ago DH was diagnosed with Parkinson's. Maybe you can get a second opinion about your DH's condition. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruz chic Posted October 12, 2014 #4 Share Posted October 12, 2014 Agree with KK. I would get a second opinion. I could see having to give up cruises in the short term but this seems excessive, especially for cruises closer to home. Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lizzie68 Posted October 12, 2014 #5 Share Posted October 12, 2014 I feel so bad for you, but I do agree with the others - get another opinion. My DH had a heart attack more than 10 years ago, 4 stents since then, fell off a ladder and broke many bones plus hip and femur - is very patched up, but still cruises. You only live once. If it does turn out that your doc is right, then there are many lovely places to travel to within the country. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sail7seas Posted October 12, 2014 #6 Share Posted October 12, 2014 (edited) Very sorry to hear of your DH's illness but I agree with the others. Of course, we don't know his medical history or the doctor's reasoning but before I gave up a joy we valued in our lives, I would be seeking more than one opinion. I've had heart attacks and two open heart surgeries and no doctor even tried to stop me from cruising. :) Hopefully, as your DH recovers more, you will get doctor's approval. In the meantime, look at the positive. You still have him. Best Wishes. Edited October 12, 2014 by sail7seas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ger_77 Posted October 12, 2014 #7 Share Posted October 12, 2014 summersigh: I'm sorry you had to cancel your cruise - unfortunately it could happen to any of us, at any age. Hopefully after some observation, he will be deemed cruise-worthy again and you'll enjoy yourselves even more. Krazy Kruisers: I'm sorry, but your post actually made me laugh out loud; just the thought of the Grim Reaper hanging around the yard for the past 8 years, and finally throwing up his hands in disgust just had me giggling. Maybe it's the smell of turkey cooking that's making me silly, I don't know. I'm glad to hear you've been able to take many more cruises and vacations since his originally "sentence". Smooth Sailing ! :) :) :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Vict0riann Posted October 12, 2014 #8 Share Posted October 12, 2014 Try not to think of it as a "cancellation", but just a postponement. Hopefully, your DH will recover quickly with no ill effects, and the doctors will tell you that a great cruise will be good for him - and you too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RuthC Posted October 12, 2014 #9 Share Posted October 12, 2014 I'm sorry you had to cancel your cruise, and even more sorry as to why. You are so right that experiencing a crisis such as this changes your perspective on what really matters. Right now what matters is that your husband heal, and look forward to a full future. I agree with the others that a second opinion, especially after some recuperation, is a fine idea. Having something to look forward to can be a great motivator. Best wishes to you both. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krazy Kruizers Posted October 12, 2014 #10 Share Posted October 12, 2014 summersigh: I'm sorry you had to cancel your cruise - unfortunately it could happen to any of us, at any age. Hopefully after some observation, he will be deemed cruise-worthy again and you'll enjoy yourselves even more. Krazy Kruisers: I'm sorry, but your post actually made me laugh out loud; just the thought of the Grim Reaper hanging around the yard for the past 8 years, and finally throwing up his hands in disgust just had me giggling. Maybe it's the smell of turkey cooking that's making me silly, I don't know. I'm glad to hear you've been able to take many more cruises and vacations since his originally "sentence". Smooth Sailing ! :) :) :) Thank you Hope you are enjoying your Thanksgiving Day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rkacruiser Posted October 12, 2014 #11 Share Posted October 12, 2014 My heart goes out to you and your DH! I, too, have had to cancel two cruises in the past because of health issues, so I understand totally your disappointment and dispair. As others have said, I would encourage you to obtain a 2nd, maybe a 3rd, opinion. Doctors/test results don't always agree with a prognosis. Best wishes! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BumperII Posted October 12, 2014 #12 Share Posted October 12, 2014 I think postphone is the correct term.I have had a total of 15 stents and a quad bypass. We did have to set the cruising aside for awhile, but we are back at it again. Retirement is a wonderful part of life that I would not want to miss, but it isn't a good time to be sitting around waiting for anything. A second medical opinion is always in order.:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PathfinderEss Posted October 13, 2014 #13 Share Posted October 13, 2014 I agree with everyone else. It is just a postponement, I think as he heals, you will be out cruising again. Absolutely get a second opinion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kakalina Posted October 13, 2014 #14 Share Posted October 13, 2014 I am sorry you had to cancel your cruise that is tough to do; however I am happy that your husband's stroke was small and his future outlook is good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roadbeagle Posted October 13, 2014 #15 Share Posted October 13, 2014 I am sending prayers for you both. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lis2065 Posted October 13, 2014 #16 Share Posted October 13, 2014 I am in agreement with all on the 'postponement' thought, if you are able to hold on to that. My wonderful partner had valve replacement surgery 4 years ago. He crashed twice following the initial operation and they had to operate on him twice again in the following 12 hours. He'd had a quadruple bypass 15 years prior to this surgery so it was a pretty bleak outlook.... But this wonderful man has just gotten stronger and stronger and, whilst the valve isn't doing all that it should, in the last two years we've been on two cruises and have another booked for January - all with the blessing and encouragement of his Cardiologist! I never dreamed that this would be the outcome and it was very hard in the first few months following his surgery, but we were lucky. I hope you have the same fortune. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HamOp Posted October 13, 2014 #17 Share Posted October 13, 2014 If any doctor told me to go home and wait for death, I'd find a new doctor and do my best to outlive the old one! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sail7seas Posted October 13, 2014 #18 Share Posted October 13, 2014 If any doctor told me to go home and wait for death, I'd find a new doctor and do my best to outlive the old one! Here, here and happily it seems that is just what KK's DH has done. Good for him (them !!!). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruzin Terri Posted October 13, 2014 #19 Share Posted October 13, 2014 To me the cruise is the small stuff. After our ordeal in Rome this past Summer, the cruise meant little as opposed to having my husband alive. I thank God every day for those doctors in Rome who were able to identify the problem and correct it quickly. So we canceled a cruise. There will be others. KK, good for you and DH. OP, get a second opinion. Terri Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
solocanadian Posted October 13, 2014 #20 Share Posted October 13, 2014 Please get a second opinion. I had a small stroke in February 2013 and fortunately no side affects, Since then I have had 6 cruises and 2 more booked for 2015. My GP doctors for HAL on some of his vacations, so he must know what he is talking about. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flygirl2 Posted October 13, 2014 #21 Share Posted October 13, 2014 Totally agree! We are booked on a Nov. 8 Carnival Glory cruise and thought I'd look you up in case you are Steve were booked on the same cruise. We really enjoyed our visits with you on the Westerdam last year. Give our best to Steve and we pray for healing and that once again you can sail the Happy Seas! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iancal Posted October 13, 2014 #22 Share Posted October 13, 2014 Totally agree with you. After your health and physical safety the rest is well down on the list. Nonsense about Tshirts, shirts, robes at the pool, luggage tags and all those other 'small stuff' items just don't even make it on our list anymore. It is why we retired early. The attitude changed how, where, and how often we travel. It is surprising how an illness or a medical scare can refocus you and change one's priorities. I have no doubt that you will get past this and move forward. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Two@Sea Posted October 13, 2014 #23 Share Posted October 13, 2014 We understand the sudden "no cruises" situation, and sympathize with you. While I agree with what others have posted regarding your husband, there are no dialysis machines onboard to assist mine. My heart is with you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
summersigh Posted October 14, 2014 Author #24 Share Posted October 14, 2014 Thank all of you for your advice and encouragement. DH has a number of other problems besides this stroke thing ... but the stroke was not a pre-existing condition. They don't seem to be sure just what caused it but increased and/or added meds the think will prevent a reoccurrence. He has an appointment with the neurologist/stroke specialist at the end of the month and we'll definitely quiz him on prognosis and our ability to cruise in the future. Once again ... thank you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krazy Kruizers Posted October 14, 2014 #25 Share Posted October 14, 2014 Thank you for coming back and explaining that your DH has other medical problems. Many of us here thought that the only problem he had was that small stroke. Prayers for both of you and hopefully one day you both will be cruising again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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