Johnny Stephens
Well-known member
Wow, I can hardly believe it. A year ago today, April 15, 2002, I checked into University of Washingon Medical Center for my pre-op procedures - namely, a cardiac catheterization. Versed and other drugs administered in the following days have blanked most of the next 2 weeks from my memory, but suffice it to say that I had a major pulmonary setback immediately after surgery. The anticipated 4-day hospital stay stretched into 15. By all accounts I am clearly lucky to be here.
My life has been effected in little ways. I see the Anticoagulation clinic once a month. I have to remember to take my Coumadin with me when I go on a trip. I sometimes have to explain to an embarassed co-worker that "no, that's not my watch ticking." I find myself looking for "Vitamin K" on food labels.
But I'm alive.
I had my 1-year checkup on Friday, and I was excited to hear my cardio say how happy he was to see me doing well. I came away with a great prognosis. The valves sound great, nice and crisp, and I was sent away with orders to come back in a year!
I apologize if this all comes across as too melodramatic, but this is a really big event in anyone's life. I want to thank all of you here for being there when I needed someone to listen. What a GREAT place this is!
My life has been effected in little ways. I see the Anticoagulation clinic once a month. I have to remember to take my Coumadin with me when I go on a trip. I sometimes have to explain to an embarassed co-worker that "no, that's not my watch ticking." I find myself looking for "Vitamin K" on food labels.
But I'm alive.
I had my 1-year checkup on Friday, and I was excited to hear my cardio say how happy he was to see me doing well. I came away with a great prognosis. The valves sound great, nice and crisp, and I was sent away with orders to come back in a year!
I apologize if this all comes across as too melodramatic, but this is a really big event in anyone's life. I want to thank all of you here for being there when I needed someone to listen. What a GREAT place this is!