Well, I am writing this entry with a smile on my face because I was very fortunate several days ago. The cardiac catheterization showed a blockage in the right coronary artery that was amenable to opening via angioplasty and stent placement. I was discharged home the following morning, was able to walk 3 miles later that afternoon, walked 4 miles yesterday and back to work today.
I wanted to share some thoughts with you concerning my recent experience:
- Hospitals are NOT where you want to be: Yes, the procedure I had is a life-saver, the cardiologist, Dr. Satler was super, the nurses were great, BUT, you simply cannot get any rest in a hospital. Between the vital sign checks, lab tests, noise in the hallway, etc, there is no rest to be had. I could not wait to be discharged home the next morning.
- How much time do I have before another heart issue pops up and what can I do to prevent this? Despite not being a smoker, not having diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and maintaining a “healthy” weight, my arteries still blocked up. So, as much as this ain’t gonna be fun, NO MORE: French fries, onion rings, nighttime snacking on ice cream….those days are over.
- Renewed appreciation of “things” I take for granted: Spending quiet time with my family, taking walks with Nataliya, coming to work and seeing you, my amazing patients and even writing this blog every day are “things” that I LOVE doing and any health issue that would take any/all of these away from me would be incredibly harmful to me psychologically.
Basically, taking “ good health” for granted is something none of us should do and we should all take the necessary steps to diminish the chances of bad things happening to us. I consider myself incredibly lucky/fortunate to have had a positive outcome and I will arrive at the office today with a newly invigorated passion to helping all of you avoid any health issues that could adversely impact your lives.
I gotta borrow a song from an old Broadway show, Fiddler on the Roof. To life! See you tomorrow!
