I just looked at the calendar. Today really is February 28th - and exactly two years ago today I was being wheeled into the OR at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago for my AVR.
I think the Grateful Dead had it right when they sang ". . . what a long strange trip its been." My first year was peppered with complications from the surgery and the medications. Gradually, over time, the issues subsided. Now, as I look back over the recent past, I find that most days I don't even think about my heart and what it has been through. I am reminded every day that I have a pacemaker, as I see it when I look in the mirror with my shirt off. Other than that, I just live life, and trust me, life is good.
I think I was pretty good at adapting to my changing capabilities in the years leading up to surgery, so I'm not surprised that I don't feel restricted now. Maybe some of the guys my age can do more than I can, but I can sure do more than the majority can. I can't run marathons, but I have no trouble doing all that I want to do. I have more energy now than I did 5 years ago, and things just feel better - especially since the last adjustment to my meds. (No, it isn't prozac. . . just a reduction in beta blocker.)
I want to thank all the family here for all your support over the 9+ years I was in The Waiting Room, for your help and support during those first months of recovery, and for all you have done since. This is truly a remarkable community, and I hope it continues to be here for those who will follow us.
And. . . a special THANK YOU to Hank and Michelle for starting it all and keeping it going.
Life is Good!
I think the Grateful Dead had it right when they sang ". . . what a long strange trip its been." My first year was peppered with complications from the surgery and the medications. Gradually, over time, the issues subsided. Now, as I look back over the recent past, I find that most days I don't even think about my heart and what it has been through. I am reminded every day that I have a pacemaker, as I see it when I look in the mirror with my shirt off. Other than that, I just live life, and trust me, life is good.
I think I was pretty good at adapting to my changing capabilities in the years leading up to surgery, so I'm not surprised that I don't feel restricted now. Maybe some of the guys my age can do more than I can, but I can sure do more than the majority can. I can't run marathons, but I have no trouble doing all that I want to do. I have more energy now than I did 5 years ago, and things just feel better - especially since the last adjustment to my meds. (No, it isn't prozac. . . just a reduction in beta blocker.)
I want to thank all the family here for all your support over the 9+ years I was in The Waiting Room, for your help and support during those first months of recovery, and for all you have done since. This is truly a remarkable community, and I hope it continues to be here for those who will follow us.
And. . . a special THANK YOU to Hank and Michelle for starting it all and keeping it going.
Life is Good!
