As I lay strapped to a stretcher in the back of an ambulance transporting me to Kansas Medical Center in Andover, a bumpy ride that was going to last a few hours, I wanted to see what time it was. I struggled to see my watch, but my wrist was hidden by some of the straps keeping me on the stretcher. My ever-present phone which could also have told me the time was in a plastic bag of my personal items I could see on a shelf just out of my reach.
The doctor in the Emergency Room at SWMC (Southwest Medical Center) had diagnosed me as having had at least one heart attack and I was on my way to Andover so a cardiologist could deal with my condition.
Then it occurred to me, it did not really matter what time it was! Everything was completely out of my control anyway. I tried to relax and enjoy the ride.
That was July 11.
After arrival at KMC it was determined I had not had a heart attack. I would eventually be diagnosed as having septic arthritis in my right shoulder which had spread to my blood. This required I stay in the hospital for more procedures.
My toxic blood was causing my condition to deteriorate rapidly. Cultures identified the virus. The treatment would be a daily infusion of antibiotics at a clinic in Wichita.
I would be discharged from the hospital, but I would not be able go home because it was too far away to make the daily trip. I moved to a room at the Springhill Suites Airport Marriott hotel in Wichita. This became my home for the six-week duration of the daily infusions.
On September fourth, I was able to come home, getting a bit stronger every day.
This past week (October sixth), I had a heart stress test that was recommended by my cardiologist. Two days later I had a check up at Infectious Disease Consultants to check my blood for any remaining infection.
Dr. Alvarez my cardiologist said the results of the stress test showed I was “normal.” I told him there would be several people glad to hear I was normal, but he said he was referring only to my heart.
At Infectious Disease, Whitney (PA-C) said she did not need to see me again. The six weeks of antibiotic infusions had worked!
I had started to use the word “final” in describing these tests and checkups, but somehow that did not seem proper in my medical situation, if you know what I mean.
Reading in the Book of Psalms one finds several verses saying it is good to give thanks to the Lord: verses 92, 100, 107, 136 among them.
It occurred to me, considering all my recent serious medical complications, I had really taken my present state for granted and had not really taken time to pause and be thankful.
I am thankful to God for His mercies, His grace and the good fortune I now enjoy. I am thankful for those people who helped me when I was unable to help myself. I am stronger every day and do most everything I did before.
This morning, I enjoy sitting here watching “my” Bluejays who have returned and are emptying the peanut feeder in my back yard.
For this and countless other things, I am thankful.
don3518@gmail.com