You might be wondering why there have been no posts since 11 February when I mentioned that I would be undergoing a short stay in hospital. I have been in recovery.
On 13 February, I had double cardiac by-pass surgery. It went well, although not a picnic, it was not too bad. I have had a few more painful and alarming experiences in my life.
Huge compliments to the doctors and staff at University Hospital in London, Ontario for a level of care and professionalism that I did not imagine possible. Every one of the scores of people who attended to me went out of their way to make me comfortable and help my recovery.
I was discharged on Friday 17th and have been recovering at home. Some days have been more comfortable than others. I am sleeping well, walking 2 km twice a day, doing the prescribed exercises and feeling good. My times for the 2 km walk are back to those before the surgery. With my heart working more efficiently and no longer taking medicine to stop my heart speeding up, I feel as if I could soon run a marathon.
The biggest benefit of all is that I now have a strong possibility of living and being active for another 20 years. A huge improvement over the chance of perhaps 5 years as I was and then a decline with increasing risk of another heart attack.
Although I was not depressed about my condition before the surgery, a weight has been lifted, the future is brighter. I have a different perspective for the future. For that I am grateful.
As a member of the Baby Boomer generation, I cannot understood the urge of younger generations – and many older people – to flood social media with personal details. For me, it’s partly an inbred desire for privacy and partly a huge suspicion about the motives of governmental information gathering. That’s why I have not and will not write about my condition and recovery on Facebook or twitter.
Interestingly, I am finding it uncomfortable to sit still for more than an hour at a time. If I sit at my desk as I am now, I get uncomfortable. Then I sit in an easy chair until after an hour I get uncomfortable again. That gives me a wonderful excuse to avoid computer or writing work! I am most comfortable when I am outside walking. However with today’s -6C temperature, wind and snow, I will only be walking once.
Many of you have wished me well for my recovery through emails and phone calls, thank you, I appreciate your good wishes.
photo courtesy Sujin Jetkasottakorn / freedigitalphotos.net
Peter,
You are an intrepid citizen of the world, this experience is another chapter in your book of life. I am sure your lovely partner is relieved to the surgery outcome. Best to both of you through these life challenges.
Sorry you had to have surgery, Peter. But sounds like you are doing well. You are in my prayers. Take care.
Peter, it is great to hear that your are on the mend. I wish you all the best.
Tim
Thank you all for your good wishes, My recovery is going well. I am feeling good, walking every day – weather permitting.