June 10 is the date the surgeon has set for my surgery. While I am not happy to have to wait that long, it is beyond my control. I might as well get happy. I am happy that as far as I know, all hurdles have been overcome.
I will have to pay $1500 to satisfy the insurance company and $2500 to satisfy the doctor. Everything else will be covered, or so they say. So we will have $4000 out of pocket expense up front. I am most thankful we can pay this through the blessing of God. However, that is a prohibitive amount for many people.
I also have to meet with three different doctors to get all the pre-operative work done. We start on those appointments next week. More hoops, but as I understand it, these are not approval hoops, but implementation hoops. That is OK.
The reason the surgery is delayed until June 10 is because it is the first day the surgeon has completely open. He intends for me to be the only surgery that day. I am of moderate risk due to my size, so he wants to be able to give me his full attention. That is a good thing and worth waiting for. While I do not expect any complications, I am very aware of some of the risks inherent in this surgery. However, my quality of like issues make the risk/reward equation one I am most comfortable with.
My wife and son and family will have to reach their own peace with these risks. I hope they are fully informed and cognizant of the possibilities. I will ask the surgeon to be most explicit with my wife at our pre-surgery appointment.
So, on May 6 we will meet with one of the surgeons who will be in the operating room. On May 18 we talk by phone with the bariatric nurse at the hospital. Then on June 8 we meet with the surgeon then with the anesthesiologist. Then about 6 or 7 am on June 10 we will show up for the surgery. Normally the hospital stay is 3 days. That's about all I know.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
14 days only
No, we do not have a date for the surgery. However, we do have an answer for the H-pylori treatment. 14 days. I took the last of the PrevPak of antibiotics this morning. So I am supposed to be H-pylori free. Thank God this was diagnosed and treated before I had any symptoms. This often leads to ulcers and can lead to stomach cancer.
So now we wait. Of course, no one has called me back regarding the date. I will call again later today.
In the meantime, I have developed a good regimen of water intake. I usually get a full gallon in. Some days a pint short. But usually a gallon or more. Still working on it, but it is becoming habitual. Maybe I will have one good habit in my life!
So now we wait. Of course, no one has called me back regarding the date. I will call again later today.
In the meantime, I have developed a good regimen of water intake. I usually get a full gallon in. Some days a pint short. But usually a gallon or more. Still working on it, but it is becoming habitual. Maybe I will have one good habit in my life!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Delays
I talked to the Surgeon's nurse today and she said it would probably June 10 before I can have surgery. There is still a chance for May 13, but doubtful. This is due to the surgeon's schedule. We are praying for an early date, but our times are in His hands.
Also, as stated previously, the treatment for H-pylori bacteria is 14 days of antibiotics. I have taken the 14 days of medicine, but have enough for 14 more. I assumed the doctor either wrote the prescription incorrectly or the pharmacy made a mistake. But JUST IN CASE I asked the nurse to get clarification for me. We spoke at 9:45 am. It is 5:41 and I have heard nothing. So I will keep taking the stuff until I hear differently.
I was also to hear again today from the nurse re surgical date. I will have to call again tomorrow. Ugh!
Also, as stated previously, the treatment for H-pylori bacteria is 14 days of antibiotics. I have taken the 14 days of medicine, but have enough for 14 more. I assumed the doctor either wrote the prescription incorrectly or the pharmacy made a mistake. But JUST IN CASE I asked the nurse to get clarification for me. We spoke at 9:45 am. It is 5:41 and I have heard nothing. So I will keep taking the stuff until I hear differently.
I was also to hear again today from the nurse re surgical date. I will have to call again tomorrow. Ugh!
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Limbo
We wait. We wait for a call from the nurse. We wait for a date for the surgery. We wait for the beginning of a significant change.
Sometimes it seems all we do is wait. I guess I am paying for all those times I prayed for patience. Ok. I get it, Lord. I will wait. I am thankful for all the wonderful blessings in my life. I am really blessed. So, I wait. Oh, did I say I am waiting?
Sometimes it seems all we do is wait. I guess I am paying for all those times I prayed for patience. Ok. I get it, Lord. I will wait. I am thankful for all the wonderful blessings in my life. I am really blessed. So, I wait. Oh, did I say I am waiting?
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Heart OK
I finally heard from the Cardiologist and the echo cardiogram revealed no problems. Now I wait for the surgery date.
A nurse called yesterday from my insurance company. It was a nurse I had not spoken with before. She asked a lost of health status questions. She finally said, "You really are fortunate that nothing more is wrong with you."
I guess it is a matter of perspective. However, other than obesity, knees, arthritis and high blood pressure controlled by medication, I seem to be OK. Usually, health care professionals are surprised that I do not have cardiac problems, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, diabetes, sleep apnea, other serious ailments.
Of course, for most of my life, if I went to the doctor the cause of my problem was obesity. I discovered that is the refuge of lazy or prejudiced doctors. Just as many doctors do not take the ailments of the elderly seriously, so many do not take seriously the ailments of the obese. They name the easy culprit and tell you if you loose weight, that will solve your problem. And for most of them losing weight is simply "pushing back" in one form or other.
I am grateful I have found some doctors who look a little deeper and do not take the easy diagnosis of obesity. These people actually see me as a person and not just a fat person.
About 12 years ago my wife and I spent 3 weeks at the Pritikin Center in Santa Monica. The trip was a gift from a very loving friend. Our first full day at this "fat farm" was consumed with a thorough physical. The next day we had to see the doctor on staff so he could review our physical condition and recommend a diet and exercise program. I went into his office and sat in front a a man about 50 who was about 5'8" and probably weighed 130lbs. He looked at my file for obviously the first time and after a long exasperated sigh said, "Damn!" (I thought then he would tell me I was dying.) He went on to say, "I've been eating this rabbit food for years and your numbers are better than mine (except for weight, of course).
About 6 years ago I went to an annual meeting in a church where I presided. Afterward a retired physician came up to me and with the haughtiness the obese are accustomed to said, "Do you know you have gross morbid obesity?" I must confess my first thought was to blurt out, "No S____! I never looked in a mirror. Do I really?" Of course, I said "Yes, I am aware of that and thank you for telling me."
Such is the common experiences of the obese. Add to this the pointing fingers, the stares, the laughter, the obvious disdain, the judgementalism, the hostility, the prejudice, the rudeness, the blame game and all the rest and you will know something about what it is to be obese. Some of us with healthy egos (some say its too healthy!) can usually shrug it off. But we lie if we do not admit it hurts. And it has hurt me from early childhood.
The most hurtful comment came from an older cousin 50 years ago when he called me, "Turtle Bucket." I still do not know what a turtle bucket is, but I knew he was ridiculing me for being fat. The fact that he was a bully and cruel to everyone made no difference. I only knew at that time he was cruel to me.
There is also the assumption that if you are truly obese, there is some terrible trauma in your early life that caused it. You eat to medicate that pain. This may be true. However, in several counseling sessions, in and out patient programs and genuine self-examination in the greatest honesty I can generate before God, I have never been able to identify a trauma on which to place blame. Sometimes I wish there was something. Then I could escape responsibility. It would be someone else's fault. But I can't find that excuse.
I do not know why I am fat, other that my remarkably slow metabolism. I know I eat too much. This is I eat more than my body burns. But one of the most frustrating things is to know friends for years, some for life, who have always eaten more than me and are not fat.
The other reason for obesity always noted is laziness, or a sedimentary life style. That is not me - at least until I got crippled. I have always been a person of high energy, great work ethic and numerous activities and interests. The popular attitude toward the obese is they do nothing but sit at home, binge on high caloric foods and watch TV. Ain't so. At least for me.
So we live with the judgement and the prejudice from the general public, our doctors and often our own family. That is the experience of all who are significantly obese.
Now, Doc, lets get this turned around for a change! My heart is ready for it - and the pumping muscle is too.
A nurse called yesterday from my insurance company. It was a nurse I had not spoken with before. She asked a lost of health status questions. She finally said, "You really are fortunate that nothing more is wrong with you."
I guess it is a matter of perspective. However, other than obesity, knees, arthritis and high blood pressure controlled by medication, I seem to be OK. Usually, health care professionals are surprised that I do not have cardiac problems, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, diabetes, sleep apnea, other serious ailments.
Of course, for most of my life, if I went to the doctor the cause of my problem was obesity. I discovered that is the refuge of lazy or prejudiced doctors. Just as many doctors do not take the ailments of the elderly seriously, so many do not take seriously the ailments of the obese. They name the easy culprit and tell you if you loose weight, that will solve your problem. And for most of them losing weight is simply "pushing back" in one form or other.
I am grateful I have found some doctors who look a little deeper and do not take the easy diagnosis of obesity. These people actually see me as a person and not just a fat person.
About 12 years ago my wife and I spent 3 weeks at the Pritikin Center in Santa Monica. The trip was a gift from a very loving friend. Our first full day at this "fat farm" was consumed with a thorough physical. The next day we had to see the doctor on staff so he could review our physical condition and recommend a diet and exercise program. I went into his office and sat in front a a man about 50 who was about 5'8" and probably weighed 130lbs. He looked at my file for obviously the first time and after a long exasperated sigh said, "Damn!" (I thought then he would tell me I was dying.) He went on to say, "I've been eating this rabbit food for years and your numbers are better than mine (except for weight, of course).
About 6 years ago I went to an annual meeting in a church where I presided. Afterward a retired physician came up to me and with the haughtiness the obese are accustomed to said, "Do you know you have gross morbid obesity?" I must confess my first thought was to blurt out, "No S____! I never looked in a mirror. Do I really?" Of course, I said "Yes, I am aware of that and thank you for telling me."
Such is the common experiences of the obese. Add to this the pointing fingers, the stares, the laughter, the obvious disdain, the judgementalism, the hostility, the prejudice, the rudeness, the blame game and all the rest and you will know something about what it is to be obese. Some of us with healthy egos (some say its too healthy!) can usually shrug it off. But we lie if we do not admit it hurts. And it has hurt me from early childhood.
The most hurtful comment came from an older cousin 50 years ago when he called me, "Turtle Bucket." I still do not know what a turtle bucket is, but I knew he was ridiculing me for being fat. The fact that he was a bully and cruel to everyone made no difference. I only knew at that time he was cruel to me.
There is also the assumption that if you are truly obese, there is some terrible trauma in your early life that caused it. You eat to medicate that pain. This may be true. However, in several counseling sessions, in and out patient programs and genuine self-examination in the greatest honesty I can generate before God, I have never been able to identify a trauma on which to place blame. Sometimes I wish there was something. Then I could escape responsibility. It would be someone else's fault. But I can't find that excuse.
I do not know why I am fat, other that my remarkably slow metabolism. I know I eat too much. This is I eat more than my body burns. But one of the most frustrating things is to know friends for years, some for life, who have always eaten more than me and are not fat.
The other reason for obesity always noted is laziness, or a sedimentary life style. That is not me - at least until I got crippled. I have always been a person of high energy, great work ethic and numerous activities and interests. The popular attitude toward the obese is they do nothing but sit at home, binge on high caloric foods and watch TV. Ain't so. At least for me.
So we live with the judgement and the prejudice from the general public, our doctors and often our own family. That is the experience of all who are significantly obese.
Now, Doc, lets get this turned around for a change! My heart is ready for it - and the pumping muscle is too.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Progress
Well, after months of jumping through hoops we finally received the formal approval for surgery from the insurance company. I am grateful for the insurance because without it I would not be able to have this surgery. I am also thankful to my denominational judicatory for providing such good insurance. I am not thankful for all the red tape...but that's just my problem.
I spoke to the surgeon's office yesterday and was told we are ready for surgery as soon as I finish the PrevPac antibiotics (about one more week) We are working on a schedule for surgery. It will probably be early in May. May be my 57th birthday present! Only one more hurdle, apparently. The Cardiologist has not given the surgeon the report from the echo cardiogram. I have to call them today to get that report submitted. I assume I am not dying of heart disease since they did this test a week ago and I have heard nothing. We'll see.
Anyway, it looks like this may actually happen. Its been a long journey - over a year since I made the decision to have the surgery. Now to get the insurance company to pay for a therapeutic indoor pool. That will go over big at Conference!
I spoke to the surgeon's office yesterday and was told we are ready for surgery as soon as I finish the PrevPac antibiotics (about one more week) We are working on a schedule for surgery. It will probably be early in May. May be my 57th birthday present! Only one more hurdle, apparently. The Cardiologist has not given the surgeon the report from the echo cardiogram. I have to call them today to get that report submitted. I assume I am not dying of heart disease since they did this test a week ago and I have heard nothing. We'll see.
Anyway, it looks like this may actually happen. Its been a long journey - over a year since I made the decision to have the surgery. Now to get the insurance company to pay for a therapeutic indoor pool. That will go over big at Conference!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Since this is "Anonymous"
I rarely pass on this kind of thing, but this is just too good:
R. J. Wiedemann LtCol. USMC Ret
"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end"
I'm OK
Yesterday, I began to have some nausea in the morning, but by noon I was having severe stomach pain. I thought it might be the PrevPac causing the pain. So my wife called our internist for help. About two hours later we heard from his office, "Cut back on the medicine." Well, we were already on the way to the emergency room. (May be time to look for a new internist!) Anyway, after about 7 hours we got some help and some good legal narcotics and I am fine. By the way, can you see those elephants walking on the ceiling?
Monday, April 20, 2009
Thank God for Friends and Family
I (we) make it through the two days of teaching this weekend. Lots of Ibuprofen. My wife was indispensable. I could not have done it without her. She had to sit in the lobby or car and read while I taught. What a wonderful wife I have!
I also have wonderful friends. On Friday night one of my dear friends called me after reading the previous post. He offered to come to my house on Saturday morning (he lives an hour away) and drive me to the Center, stay with me all day, drive me home, drive to his home and repeat the entire process the next day. He offered to do this so my wife would not have to.
Wow! I am a fortunate man. I would not be able to do this alone.
After a life of "self-sufficiency" I find myself almost totally dependent on others. This is a new reality. I hope after surgery I will regain some independence. In the meantime, I continue to take the antibiotics in the PrePak and hope that knocks out the bacteria so I can move ahead with the surgery. It has been a year since I made this decision. Maybe soon...
I also have wonderful friends. On Friday night one of my dear friends called me after reading the previous post. He offered to come to my house on Saturday morning (he lives an hour away) and drive me to the Center, stay with me all day, drive me home, drive to his home and repeat the entire process the next day. He offered to do this so my wife would not have to.
Wow! I am a fortunate man. I would not be able to do this alone.
After a life of "self-sufficiency" I find myself almost totally dependent on others. This is a new reality. I hope after surgery I will regain some independence. In the meantime, I continue to take the antibiotics in the PrePak and hope that knocks out the bacteria so I can move ahead with the surgery. It has been a year since I made this decision. Maybe soon...
Friday, April 17, 2009
Pain in the ...
I've been working on fund-raising for my favorite mission cause today. Met with old friends and mission supporters for lunch at our house. Only now got time for reflection at 3:09pm.
I have to teach at our conference center tomorrow and Sunday. All day. I cannot drive so my wife will have to go with me and stay with me. I ache so much with joint pain that sitting anywhere is getting to be tough. However, to sit in my electric scooter for 8 hours is no longer possible. My wheelchair is a little better. But that means my wife has to push me everywhere - no easy task. So I am filled with dread because of the pain I will be in on Sat and Sun, but also because of the pain my wife will experience because of me. So, I will just dread the days for me and her.
I am taking the Prevpac of antibiotics designed to kill the bacteria. Hope it works. It must for me to be able to have the surgery.
They took my hospital bed yesterday since I cannot lay down on it for more than an hour. My knees hurt so badly that sleeping in a bed is no longer possible. I sit in my chair most days, 24/7.
I really want to get this surgery done and move toward wellness and mobility. In the meantime, I just hurt.
Enough whining. But I still hurt...
I have to teach at our conference center tomorrow and Sunday. All day. I cannot drive so my wife will have to go with me and stay with me. I ache so much with joint pain that sitting anywhere is getting to be tough. However, to sit in my electric scooter for 8 hours is no longer possible. My wheelchair is a little better. But that means my wife has to push me everywhere - no easy task. So I am filled with dread because of the pain I will be in on Sat and Sun, but also because of the pain my wife will experience because of me. So, I will just dread the days for me and her.
I am taking the Prevpac of antibiotics designed to kill the bacteria. Hope it works. It must for me to be able to have the surgery.
They took my hospital bed yesterday since I cannot lay down on it for more than an hour. My knees hurt so badly that sleeping in a bed is no longer possible. I sit in my chair most days, 24/7.
I really want to get this surgery done and move toward wellness and mobility. In the meantime, I just hurt.
Enough whining. But I still hurt...
Monday, April 13, 2009
I Needed This Today
I hope you will appreciate this as much as I did today. I really needed to hear this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUN7Rw7srUM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUN7Rw7srUM
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Not So Fast
Well, we wait again. The nurse from the surgeon's office called Friday to tell me we need two more things. First and easiest is an echo cardiogram by the Cardiologist. That was easy to schedule for Tuesday. The second is not so easy. I have a high H-Pylori count. That means I have a bacteria in my upper GI and it needs treatment. The normal regimen is a 14 multiple antibiotic routine that is very effective. About 50% of the population has this. I probably got it from bad water in Mexico or Venezuela. It is possible to get it from pets, I think, but I prefer to think I got it from the other source to avoid blaming our dog or cat!
Anyway, the surgeon's office instructed me to call my internist to get Prev-pak of the antibiotic treatment. Of course, this was Good Friday afternoon and a call to the Dr.'s office resulted in leaving a message for the nurse. No call back Friday. I hope on Monday we can talk to her and the doctor will write/call in the prescription without requiring another office visit. After taking the treatment for 14 days, then I must have a second test to make sure it is gone. The surgeon will not do surgery until this is done.
So we wait. Patience is not my strong suit anway (to put it mildly) and having made the dicision to have the surgery over a year ago and still be waiting is frustrating. I was even slightly depressed yesterday afternoon. I think I am OK today, but frustrated with further delays. A part of me wants to scream, "It's never going to happen!" My good wife continues to reassure me with our faith. My times are in God's hands. He alone knows what tomorrow holds. He loves me and has my best interests in his hands. "Though he slay me, yet will I trust him." OK, Lord. I will trust you and believe this is all for my good. Now, let's get on with it...
Anyway, the surgeon's office instructed me to call my internist to get Prev-pak of the antibiotic treatment. Of course, this was Good Friday afternoon and a call to the Dr.'s office resulted in leaving a message for the nurse. No call back Friday. I hope on Monday we can talk to her and the doctor will write/call in the prescription without requiring another office visit. After taking the treatment for 14 days, then I must have a second test to make sure it is gone. The surgeon will not do surgery until this is done.
So we wait. Patience is not my strong suit anway (to put it mildly) and having made the dicision to have the surgery over a year ago and still be waiting is frustrating. I was even slightly depressed yesterday afternoon. I think I am OK today, but frustrated with further delays. A part of me wants to scream, "It's never going to happen!" My good wife continues to reassure me with our faith. My times are in God's hands. He alone knows what tomorrow holds. He loves me and has my best interests in his hands. "Though he slay me, yet will I trust him." OK, Lord. I will trust you and believe this is all for my good. Now, let's get on with it...
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Focus
The news this morning lifts up the problems of Global Warming (now PC: Climate Change), North Korea, Somali Pirates, Chavez and Obama, Our President bowing to a Saudi leader, TARP, Constitutional Violations of Congress, Cuba, Iran, Afganistan, Sharia Law in Europe and the US; just to name a few.
As I listened and watched, I realized my primary concern is my own health. A part of me feels great guilt at that reaction. For a lifetime, I have ignored my own well-being and justified it by focusing on the needs of others. This was baptized by my faith and work ethic (clearly Protestant work ethic). It was also validated by my Wesleyan theology of Inward and Outward holiness. However, I have always been more passionate about Outward Holiness because that focuses on doing good and loving others as opposed to being good and loving self. I have years of sermons to support this theology!
Now as I get closer and closer to life changing surgery, I am having to let go of so much outward focus and truly embrace an inward focus. I can do so in the name of helping myself for the sake of others. That is not the focus I need. This time I realize I have to focus on myself to be obedient to the Lord. This is God's will, I believe. Not for my wife, as much as she deserves and needs a husband. Not for my son or his wife our our grandchild, as much as that is self-validating. Not for the sake of the lost here or in that other country I love so much. All valid and good. But this has to be for me.
That is hard to write. Harder to read. Possible to do? I don't know. I sure do not have much of a track record of success with this. However, if I fail at this I cannot be successful in my relationships with those mentioned in the previous paragraph.
Lord, help me.
As I listened and watched, I realized my primary concern is my own health. A part of me feels great guilt at that reaction. For a lifetime, I have ignored my own well-being and justified it by focusing on the needs of others. This was baptized by my faith and work ethic (clearly Protestant work ethic). It was also validated by my Wesleyan theology of Inward and Outward holiness. However, I have always been more passionate about Outward Holiness because that focuses on doing good and loving others as opposed to being good and loving self. I have years of sermons to support this theology!
Now as I get closer and closer to life changing surgery, I am having to let go of so much outward focus and truly embrace an inward focus. I can do so in the name of helping myself for the sake of others. That is not the focus I need. This time I realize I have to focus on myself to be obedient to the Lord. This is God's will, I believe. Not for my wife, as much as she deserves and needs a husband. Not for my son or his wife our our grandchild, as much as that is self-validating. Not for the sake of the lost here or in that other country I love so much. All valid and good. But this has to be for me.
That is hard to write. Harder to read. Possible to do? I don't know. I sure do not have much of a track record of success with this. However, if I fail at this I cannot be successful in my relationships with those mentioned in the previous paragraph.
Lord, help me.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Now for the Insurance Approval
I spoke to the surgeon's office today and everything required for surgical approval is in to them. This was a mountain or paperwork from me, surgical clearances from a Nutritionist, Primary Care Physician, Cardiologist, Pulmonologist and Psychiatrist. All these did the appropriate tests (blood work, EKGs, Breathing Tests, X-rays, Psychological tests, etc.) and cleared me for surgery.
Now the surgeon's office will submit the entire packet to the Insurance Company and await their approval. Apparently this takes about a week. The nurse in the surgeon's office told me to call her next Monday if I have not heard anything and she will call the Insurance Company.
I then asked what would follow after insurance approval (assumed). She said we would schedule the surgery. So there is a chance I will be able to have the surgery before the end of the month. I hope so.
Decision Making is not difficult for me in most cases. This has been a difficult decision. However, once I make a decision, I am at peace and then simply move in the direction that leads. Time to get on with it! The decision is made. I believe this is my Rubicon. I cannot turn back. Only death awaits me there. So, let's go. Thanks for going with me on this journey. "Alea incta est" (The die is cast), Julius Caesar.
Now the surgeon's office will submit the entire packet to the Insurance Company and await their approval. Apparently this takes about a week. The nurse in the surgeon's office told me to call her next Monday if I have not heard anything and she will call the Insurance Company.
I then asked what would follow after insurance approval (assumed). She said we would schedule the surgery. So there is a chance I will be able to have the surgery before the end of the month. I hope so.
Decision Making is not difficult for me in most cases. This has been a difficult decision. However, once I make a decision, I am at peace and then simply move in the direction that leads. Time to get on with it! The decision is made. I believe this is my Rubicon. I cannot turn back. Only death awaits me there. So, let's go. Thanks for going with me on this journey. "Alea incta est" (The die is cast), Julius Caesar.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Palm Sunday
Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! The song of my soul joins with the voices of all those who have for 2000 years praised the Lord of Life on Palm Sunday. While I am confined to home this Sunday morning, in my heart I am standing by the side of the road looking, looking, waiting, waiting, hoping, hoping to catch a glimpse of the King of Glory as he passes by. Whether I see him or not, I join with the voices of the ages singing, "Hosanna!" I have known no greater joy in this life than giving praise and worship to the Messiah, the Christ, the Redeemer. And while my voice is silenced in the leading of public worship (at least this year) I cannot be quiet. I will sing out his praises. No rock will take my voice. Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Breathing Easy
I went to the Pulmonologist yesterday to get his letter of medical clearance for the surgery. Got it. However, it was not easy. Oh, I easily passed all the tests. But he was thorough! After waiting an hour and 15 minutes to see him he spent almost an hour with me. I did a breathing test in his office and went to out-patient lab at the hospital to draw blood from an artery to check the gas in my blood. I knew had gas, but never knew it was even in my blood! Anyway, about 4 hours later, he said OK and will send his letter to the surgeon.
This is the first time I have had any breathing tests. I was pleased that I passed so easily since I learned to smoke at age 8 and struggled with it most of my adolescent and adult life. I probably smoked cigarettes or cigars a total of 15-20 years. I had long periods of not smoking, starting when I was 17 and not resuming until I was 28 or 29. Then I smoked for several years, then quit again only to start again the day our son was killed and continued until after the turn of the century. I never smoked more than a pack a day except on rare occasions. For some of those years I smoked far less than a pack a day. I have not smoked at all in at least 7 years and plan to never smoke again. In fact, for the first time in my life, I detest the smell of tobacco smoke. Anyway, it was good to get the "all clear" after the years of abuse of my lungs.
How different the world is today than when I was a child. Everyone (almost) smoked or used snuff or chewing tobacco. Those who did not use were notable exceptions. I smoked my first cigarette at 8 years of age. Most of my friends were smoking by the age of ten or eleven. My doctor smoked. I knew preachers that smoked. The famous pastor of Atlanta First Methodist Church was known for his cigars. My sainted grandmother and grandfather used snuff and Papa smoked cigars and chewed tobacco. My dad smoked at least 2 packs a day. A pack of cigarettes cost $0.25. Cigars were $0.05. Available. Cheap. Acceptable. Normal. Highly Addictive. No wonder I got addicted to what former Surgeon General Everett Koop calls a substance "more addictive than cocaine."
I am thankful to be free of that aditction (today) and breathing easy. Thank the Lord for grace.
Now to tame the tiger that still controls my life. More to come about that...
This is the first time I have had any breathing tests. I was pleased that I passed so easily since I learned to smoke at age 8 and struggled with it most of my adolescent and adult life. I probably smoked cigarettes or cigars a total of 15-20 years. I had long periods of not smoking, starting when I was 17 and not resuming until I was 28 or 29. Then I smoked for several years, then quit again only to start again the day our son was killed and continued until after the turn of the century. I never smoked more than a pack a day except on rare occasions. For some of those years I smoked far less than a pack a day. I have not smoked at all in at least 7 years and plan to never smoke again. In fact, for the first time in my life, I detest the smell of tobacco smoke. Anyway, it was good to get the "all clear" after the years of abuse of my lungs.
How different the world is today than when I was a child. Everyone (almost) smoked or used snuff or chewing tobacco. Those who did not use were notable exceptions. I smoked my first cigarette at 8 years of age. Most of my friends were smoking by the age of ten or eleven. My doctor smoked. I knew preachers that smoked. The famous pastor of Atlanta First Methodist Church was known for his cigars. My sainted grandmother and grandfather used snuff and Papa smoked cigars and chewed tobacco. My dad smoked at least 2 packs a day. A pack of cigarettes cost $0.25. Cigars were $0.05. Available. Cheap. Acceptable. Normal. Highly Addictive. No wonder I got addicted to what former Surgeon General Everett Koop calls a substance "more addictive than cocaine."
I am thankful to be free of that aditction (today) and breathing easy. Thank the Lord for grace.
Now to tame the tiger that still controls my life. More to come about that...
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