Some may know, others may not, so here it goes…
I’ve been in the midst of serious medical problems and haven’t been able to work for two years.
As it happens, I am retired now but had planned to keep working. The problem was, my legs were going bad and my feet were going numb. The doctors tried angioplasty and stents and more angioplasty to save my legs, but it didn’t work. Eventually I couldn’t walk across the street or go up my stairs. I also had an aneurysm above the totally blocked junction from the aorta to the femoral arteries in my legs. If it popped, I would be dead in minutes.
My choice was lose my legs or have major surgery. I elected to have the surgery on July 13th this year.
I am happy and sad to report the following:
- I learned what is worse than torture.
- I learned the Angels that supported me for a week in the ICU are truly that.
- I learned what it’s like to have a catheter and bag in place for a month.
- I learned they load you up with saline (7-8 liters) before and during surgery to keep your body from going into shock.
- I learned what true friends are in time of need.
- I learned that prayer and pushing the pain med buttons helps a lot!
- I learned what it’s like to be cut from sternum to groin and groin to upper legs.
- I learned what a miracle it is doctors have the skill and technology to save my legs.
I can report that NOW I can walk again, but everything else pains terribly. It will be at least 2 more months before I am allowed to exercise and lift over 10 pounds.
The procedure is called
Aortobifemoral Bypass
Well, things being how they are, my new computer construction has halted and reporting of some things are about nil right now. Sorry about that.
I enclose a picture 2 weeks after the surgery and a funny.
Recently the staples were removed and my friend who drove me to/from the hospital said:
"Well, at least your less magnetic now!
That gave me my first laugh in weeks and it hurt like hell to laugh, but it was worth it! LOL!
I’m still in pain, but slowly healing… another month or two should see me better recovered.
Keep on keeping on!
