Me & My Hemotoma

November 19, 2011

Good Morning,

Two weeks ago Friday, I was gently reminded that I’m getting older and my body isn’t quite what it used to be.  Actually I have been aware of it for a while… little signs here and there.   So nearly passing out while sitting at my computer was enough to get me to check in at the Banner Gateway Hospital ER down the road.  Three hours later I’m released with a referral to a cardiologist.

The cardiologist (Dr. Nabil Dib) after reviewing the films and findings from the ER and some pokes and prods, it is decided that an angiogram is in order.  I don’t know about anyone else, but punchering my femoral artery and shoving a catheter up there to my heart is something I am a bit apprehensive about.  On the up side, it is the “gold standard” of testing and if there is something going on, then he/we will pretty much know the situation.  If needed or appropriate he can use Angioplasty or place a stint in an artery that has blockage.  That would be the best result as compared to bypass surgery.  I suppose I will know more after the procedure.  With my “Nitro” spray to carry with me all the time and two more prescription meds added to the growing list of “My live another day pills”), I am now acutely aware of every bump, thump and twinge my heart makes.  Will I live long enough to make it to the procedure?  Funny how the mind can play games with you at times like these.

I must admit that all during the Thanksgiving Holiday a possible negative outcome was on my mind.  It was impossible for me not to think about it and unfortunately consumed much more mind share than it should have.  In many ways I was more aware of family and the really important things in life.  (Relationships)  You see, I love Thanksgiving because it is a family holiday and a time to “give thanks” for the many good things we have been blessed with in our lives.  Oh and yes…the food is not bad either since I love to eat.

As with so many things in life, it is the unknown that tends to be the worst.  Not knowing what to expect, kind of like your first prom.  Am I dressed right?  Over dressed?  Under dressed? Did I get the right kind of corsage?  Is it too big or not big enough?  Will I look like a dork in this tux?  What will her parents think of me?  I hope her dad isn’t into guns.  So I’m pretty sure that the “unknown” is my greatest challenge right now.

Sure, there is risk with any procedure and along with risk one must consider a “Plan B”.  After all S**t happens and we should not kid ourselves.  “The best laid plans of mice and men…” and all that sort of thing.  So it was prudent/necessary to update the ol’ “Living Will” and “Medical Power of Attorney”.  After all, the last thing I want to be is a vegetable in a bed and the only way to make sure that does not happen is to have the “legal stuff” in order.

I’m pretty sure it is true of a lot of people, but it is at times like this, when one ponders their own mortality, I think of my family and where each member is in their own life.  Are they happy in their relationships?  What will their future look like?  Have they chosen the right path?  And…what will things be like if I’m not around?  The kids are all grown (all over 30) and one would think, or at least would like to think, that they would have their “ducks in a row” by now, but as a parent and from that perspective, they are still my children, if by nothing more than a generation.  So, then I question… did I do everything I could/should have to prepare them for the “world of reality” out there?  Did I set the right example that will survive their years?  I suppose only time will tell.

 12/04/11 Sunday: Post Procedure

The procedure was Thursday and except for rather remarkable Hemotoma on my right arm from a vein that dodged the needle for the IV at the last microsecond and a slight limp to my gate for the next couple of days making me look 85, the casual observer would never know I had a Left and Right Heart Catheterization.

All in all, the procedure was relatively painless (good narcotics), with the hardest part having to lie still for two hours after to allow the wounds to seal up.  Something about popping a leak in your femoral artery is not a good thing.  It messes up the floor and blood is so hard clean up.

Not finding anything of significance with the Left Heart Catheterization, the doctor then did a Right Heart Catheterization.  I appreciate the fact that he was thorough and professional.  With a good result for a guy 66 years of age and a bit overweight, it looks like I am good to go for another 30k miles.  He also took me off of some of the meds I was on, which could have been some of the problem.  Go figure.

Now I can focus on that Stained Glass Window I wanted to make.

Love, Dad

To those at Mercy Gilbert Hospital Catheterization Lab that may read this, I wish to thank, Shannon, Terri, Tammy, Warren, Trixey, Jerry, James, Erica, Steve, Sunshine and Dr. Nabil Dib for the great care and attention.  Last, but far from least, Jeanie my “Florence Nightingale” in times like these.