Anniversary
Oct. 12th, 2003 11:51 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
sun_set_bravelyAh, I forgot a very important thing. Twenty-two years ago today, I underwent heart surgery to extend my life expectancy far beyond 21, which was what I was born with. Thank you to Dr. Cooley and the other doctors who fixed my heart for me. I wear this scar joyfully and gratefully, as an integral part of who I am.
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
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Date: 2003-10-12 10:44 am (UTC)Thanks doctor!
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Date: 2003-10-12 10:52 am (UTC)from Twin Peaks
Date: 2003-10-12 11:15 am (UTC)- Special Agent Dale Cooper
Re: from Twin Peaks
Date: 2003-10-12 11:57 am (UTC)And now I have Julee Cruise in my head, singing "Into The Night." I was too young to understand the show at the time, but I loved the soundtrack, and got it for Christmas one year. It used to give me nightmares, that music, but I loved it anyway.
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Date: 2003-10-12 12:40 pm (UTC)Happy anniversary! I had to check your user profile and calculate how old you were and how old you are. Wow!
My father (and most of his brothers) died shortly after turning 60. I wonder if I'll find those years an especial gift. Hah!
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Date: 2003-10-12 12:58 pm (UTC)When they reach you, I hope that the years after 60 treat you to good health and longevity.
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Date: 2003-10-12 02:58 pm (UTC)And what an awesome surgeon to share it with!
I remember the first time I saw open-heart surgery - 31st October 1990. I was in my first semester of RN school, and since I was already an LVN, the surgeon and OR nurses were relatively certain that I wouldn't faint watching ;)
The surgeon loved what he was doing. It was electric watching someone who enjoyed his life's work so much. He asked that I be put at the head of the table, as close as possible. When the patient's chest was opened and the rib spreaders applied, he said, "Watch this." He poured a solution of potassium chloride and stopped the patient's heart - then the perfusion machine started, and it was a [relatively] bloodless procedure.
I'm simplifying things of course, but it was *amazing*. To see the source of life being stopped and started - incredible.
I can only imagine how hard it was on your parents - do they ever talk about it? I'd be a nervous wreck, nurse or no nurse ;) What was it like for you - your memories of your recovery and illness?
Yes, full of questions I am ;) I love to read stories of recoveries, where people go on to live full lives after an illness and/or injury.
And I thank you for your postcard I received this week also :)[You have beautiful handwriting!]
Sandi*
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Date: 2003-10-12 04:04 pm (UTC)Because I was so young, I don't remember anything without the aid of pictures from the time. The surgery was done at the Texas Children's Hospital, and I have a picture of me, post-surgery, with the life-size Big Bird sculpture in the lobby. I vaguely remember pulling a red wagon down the hallway a few days after the surgery, and my mom tells me that I refused all pain-killers afterwards.
My parents have never really talked about it much, but I can only imagine how scary it must have been for them. I don't know the full story of how the condition (PDA) was discovered, or what they thought before I went in for surgery. It seems like it was a no-brainer: if I had the surgery, I'd live a normal life; if I didn't, I'd probably die before 21. But I'm sure that the easy decision didn't make the process any easier.
I'm glad that you enjoyed the postcard!
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Date: 2003-10-12 09:07 pm (UTC)Only the best!
Seems like you've done very well so far.
Keep it up!
:-)
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Date: 2003-10-13 05:56 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-10-13 12:41 am (UTC)happy anniversary!
=^_~=paul
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Date: 2003-10-13 09:17 am (UTC)=^_~=paul