Something to Live for

I know I haven't posted in a long time. I have found that as more time gets between me and my surgery the more it becomes a distant memory. For me this is a good thing. I remember a time when that is about all that occupied my mind. In time I was able to make room in my mind for others, and that was probably the beginning of my real recovery. Since my surgery in 2005 so much has happened. I have faced other surgeries, and found out that there are operations worse than bypass surgery. In 2008 I had a total knee replacement of my right knee, and on December 30th of this year I am scheduled to have my left knee replaced. For me the difference in the pain level between TKR and bypass was tremendous. The knee surgery hurt much worse, but there were no emotional issues with the knee as their was with the heart. I have has so many surgeries that my gall bladder surgery in 2009 doesn't even count. Yes, a great deal has happened since May of 2005, but nothing compares to the birth of two beautiful grandchildren. I think only another grandparent can really understand the impact these little people have on your life. More than anything else they have given me even more reason to live well and take care of myself. Savannah and Caleb need their Pappy and he needs them. If you are about to face something as serious as bypass surgery it sure helps to remember that there are people counting on you. You really do have a lot to live for.

Large McDonald's Mocha Frappe

My wife has always been slim and doesn't mind treating herself to a calorie packed dessert on occasion. Her latest favorite treat is a large McDonald's Mocha Frappe. Last night we went we out and she sad that she wanted to stop and get one and said that I could get one too. I struggle with my weight, but I have been doing well with my diet and I love those things as much as she does. We both got a large one. I knew that it had to have a hefty dose of calories, but I enjoyed every sip, that is, until I got home and actually checked the calorie count. That one drink had almost 700 calories!! I am convinced that most of us don't have a clue just how many calories are packed into the food we eat. This especially a problem when we eat out. Like I said, I knew that the drink had plenty of calories, but had no idea just how many. I try to avoid fast food, but the calorie count problem is sometimes worse at nicer restaurants. I am not a big fan of government telling us what we can eat, but it sure would be nice to know what the calorie count is when it comes to the food we eat.

Five Years Post-Op

This past Thursday my wife and I were sitting on our back porch swing. She got my attention with a little poke in the ribs and ask me if I knew what day it was. In a matter of fact way I told her that it was March 13th and asked her why she wanted to know. After my answer she asked again what day it was and then the lights went off. That day marked the fifth anniversary of my bypass surgery. I couldn't believe it that I had not thought of it once. I was too busy thinking about other things. Don't get me wrong. I still think about it quiet often, but I really do go for pretty good stretches of time when I really don't think about.

I remember well the time when my whole mind was consumed with what had just happened to me. I remember thinking that my world had just fallen in around me, but as it turned out it hadn't, and I would make it. I have no idea how long I will live, but to me the most important is that I am living again. I am not thankful for the surgery instead of feeling resentment for having had to have it in the first place.

I know from reading posts on other sites that there are so many people who have just gone through the surgery and you are convinced that your life is over. Everyone's experience is different, but for most people they can and will get better. I try to enjoy everyday to the fullest. It just takes time and the willingness to take a journey that at times can be awful rough.

Bill Clinton: It Could Happen to You

In Kate Dailey's blog about Bill Clinton's recent heart procedure she made clear something that anyone with coronary artery disease ought to know. Sometimes your arteries can block again no matter what you do. That, of course, doesn't mean it doesn't matter what you eat or whether you take your medicine, but the truth is President Clinton, by all accounts, had changed his lifestyle, was taking good physical care of himself, but he still had another blockage. Let's face it, some of us have heredity working against. The good news is that we are still not helpless and hopeless. I think that that Clinton's story ended well for a very simple reason. He had chest pains and he didn't ignore it. I remember well that when I went in the hospital for my bypass my diagnosis was coronary artery disease and when I was discharged that was still my diagnosis. I wish President Clinton many more years of quality life, but more importantly I wish for all of us dealing with his condition to learn from his actions. It could save our life.