For a few years I just haven't felt right. Numerous tests, visits to doctors and specialists, and even two back surgeries did not seem to find the cause. I really began to think that it was a mental issue. I did not enjoy being with folks and probably wasn't always a friendly guy to be around.
Several months ago I began to have burning across my chest. We felt it was coming from my arthritis. I spent much time with a heating pad and tylenol. One Sunday afternoon this returned, along with increased blood pressure, so we headed for the emergency room. There they did all the normal tests for heart attacks and didn't find anything wrong. They released me with the suggestion that I should talk to my family doctor and possibly have a stress test since it had been six years since my last one.
Two of my family doctors didn't think I had a heart problem, especially since all my EKG's were fine and I didn't have typical symptoms. But they sent me to my cardiologist who said the same thing. In fact he felt my problem was more likely anxiety and he suggested some things to help with this. But to be safe he sent me for an echo and a chemical stress test.
I had both tests on a Friday and they sent me home thinking all was fine. But on Monday I received a call that I needed to come back right away since there were some "minor" problems. I saw another cardiologist who also felt that my heart was fine but recommended a heart cath just to be sure.
So the Tuesday after the record snow fall we headed to the hospital for the heart cat. I thought that maybe I would need a stent which they would do at the same time. However, when they concluded the cath I was told that I would need to see the heart surgeons since I had numerous blockages. I needed major open heart surgery. We were stunned. They wanted to send me home until I could schedule with the surgeons but we felt that might be too dangerous. So they admitted me. Several hours later I was told that they could do the surgery the next morning. They said there was a 99% of success since my heart appeared to be in good shape. I didn't want to go home to worry about it so I told them to go ahead.
On Wednesday I had about four hours of surgery. They broke my breastbone and at some time had me connected to a heart and lung machine. They ended up doing five bypasses. They brought me back over a six hour period and I don't recall any of that time. I was moved to ICU where I stayed for a day.
Then recovery began and I was doing fine until I developed a rhythm problem which they say happens in about 30% of such surgeries. So my time was filled by nurses taking vitals and introduction of new meds. It was very discouraging and boring. Then when they felt I was stabilized and they were getting ready to send me home, my heart decided to act up once again - for three hours. So they kept me two more days for more meds, vitals and observation. But, finally, after ten days, I was allowed to go home.
Now I will share more about my continual recovery in future blogs, but so far it has been a real challenge, including a problem with a mistake in medications, new pains and some unexpected difficult side effects, including numbness, pain and weakness in my left hand and arm. This has also been discouraging and an MRI might be needed in a few weeks.
I believe that the Lord is in control and we have spent many hours with Him during this time. And I believe that He allows these things to happen to teach us lessons we need to learn. Unfortunately, I still don't know what lesson is being taught this time. But I know that someday I will know.
I have, however, been reminded of the value of prayer and friendships. I have been touched by the many who have praying and the many cards of encouragement which I have received. Please don't quit - we need your prayers and encouragement now as much as ever.
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