Going Home In Time For Church

Yesterday, the cardiologist who was treating me explained the options we could pursue. There were basically two:

One option is that I could take a stress test. A stress test can provide helpful diagnostic information but it is not the test which can provide the highest level of certainty regarding issues like blockages in the arteries in and near the heart.

On the other hand, it is not invasive.

The second option is an angiogram procedure. With an angiogram we would know for sure if there was any blockage but the angiogram involves a catheterization that is invasive. It also involves anesthesia which increases the risk factor.

So it is more complicated than a stress test and it involves some recovery time.

Obviously, I liked the idea of a stress test from the standpoint of being less invasive. But I also valued the certainty of the angiogram.

The doctor was basically giving me the choice to pick which option we would pursue.

Then he added this: if the angiogram reveals no blockage you could possibly still go home later today (Friday).

If there is a blockage and they put in a stent you would go home tomorrow (Saturday).

I perked up. I could have an angiogram and still be home on Saturday?!? I could have an angiogram and still be at church on Sunday?!? Whoa! Now the decision was easy.

"Let's go with the angiogram, doc!" I exclaimed with glee.

(Keep in mind, angiograms rarely involve a tremendous amount of glee.)

I had the angiogram on Friday afternoon. There is some blockage but it is not in a place where a stent could be inserted. However, it can be effectively treated with medications.

So, I get to go home today.

Better yet, I get to be at church on Sunday!

...And believe me, I have a wonderful, thankful, joyful message to proclaim!

God Loves Me No Matter What The Outcome

Some lessons I've recently learned.
Romans 8:38-39

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I'm Home From The Angiogram Procedure

I had the angiogram procedure, last night.  (That makes two angiograms in less than two weeks.  But who’s counting?)  The cardiac team: 1) “installed” another stent; 2) they did an “angioplasty” on an artery (that’s the technique where a balloon-type device is used to open blockage); and 3) they did a rotor blade technique to open up blockage in yet another artery.  (The rotor blade is like a tiny drill and… well you get the picture.)

I woke up 3 times during the angiogram process.  That’s not a joke.  I really did.  And I can report to you that it was… um, what’s the right word…? Oh yeah: TERRIBLE!!!  It felt like some people were on the inside of my body (which they were) poking a pencil into my heart.  (They weren’t poking a pencil they were just drilling through build up in my artery.  It’s similar.)

But I’m still here and now the pain from the procedure is gone and I am feeling much, much better.

I got home a couple of hours ago.

Thank you, once again, to everyone who was praying for me.  I cannot tell you how much I love you and appreciate your support.

And, of course, I thank God for His mercy.

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

Lamentations 3:22-23

Love,

Dan

E-Flash From Dan, May 23, 2013

Dear E-Flash Friends;

Imagine that someone pointed a gun at you and pulled the trigger, but you moved just as the gun fired.  Then, amazingly, the bullet from the gun missed hitting you by several inches.  That’s a literal description of the phrase, “dodging a bullet.”

If, on the other hand, you were walking, jogging, doing pushups, going to work every day and otherwise fully engaging in life, while experiencing 99 percent blockage of the left anterior descending artery (sometimes referred to as the “widow maker”).  And then you went into the hospital and the blockage was discovered and successfully treated, that would be a figurative description of the phrase, “dodging a bullet.”

The second scenario—figuratively dodging a bullet—is what happened to me this week.

I thank God that He is merciful and this incredibly dangerous arterial blockage was discovered and treated.  Today, when I say, “I am blessed to be alive.” I say it with a newly acquired perspective and a heightened level of awareness.

I am home and resting comfortably.

Thank you all for your prayers.  I appreciate your love and support more than words could ever express.

Love and blessings,

Dan

P.S.  I am blessed to have a wonderful, helpful, loving, caring wife!