Update on the medical procedure

Some of you know that I had a routine medical procedure today and several folks have requested that I provide an update.

Fortunately, all is well. The procedure went perfectly. The medical team was stellar!

The doctor told me this is what the test revealed:

1.  No signs of physical problems;

2.  I, possibly, talk a little too much;

3.  Plastic surgery could help…perhaps just a little tightening here and there; and

4.  Trimming the eyebrows doesn’t take that long but would be very beneficial.

I felt the doctor’s conclusions were needlessly broad; covered non-medical areas; and could have been expressed a little more diplomatically. But I was just glad to be able to wrap it up, go, and get something to eat.

Thank you to all for your prayers! They were, and are, greatly appreciated. God is loving, kind, generous and gracious to me.

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!

Heart Tests And Self Honesty

This morning I had a medical test.  I’m not having problems, this was simply a routine procedure which my doctor ordered because I haven’t had this particular test in a while and he felt it would be good to check it out.  The test is called an echocardiogram.  An echocardiogram involves ultra sound technology.  A medical website I looked at describes an echocardiogram as “a test that uses sound waves to create pictures of the heart.”  It goes on and states, “For one out of five patients the echocardiogram procedure is terminal.”

My mouth dropped open and I did a double-take as I read that line!  “Terminal! What…!?!” Then I realized I was on a satire website.  (It’s important to read the fine print.)

The woman who did the procedure was nice and very professional. But she also joked around and did a good job of making sure I felt comfortable.  She asked for my birthdate and she also asked for my height and weight.  My response?  “Six foot 4 inches, 175 pounds.”

She laughed and put her own numbers in the log.  (They were not as flattering as mine.)

At the conclusion of the test I said, “I know you are not allowed to interpret the test results, however, did you see anything that looked unusual or not typical based on your experience administering this test?”  Because of our earlier conversation during the procedure I knew she had been doing this type of work for 25 years.

She said, “I am not allowed to say anything about the test results, either positive or negative.”  With a smile, though, she went on to say, “But I’m letting you walk out of here and go home.”

We both chuckled.

There is a different type heart test mentioned in the book of Psalms.  It says this, “Test me, LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind…”  Psalm 26:2  This has to do with our spiritual health and our willingness to be honest with ourselves before God.

Tests have to do with self-honesty.  Self-honesty isn’t always easy.  But it’s always helpful.

NOTE:  If you would like to receive these “Daily Thought” posts to your e-mail, just send an e-mail to this address (cog111st@aol.com) and write: “Please send the Daily Thought” in the subject field.

Getting Ready For The Medical Procedure

My friend, Greg was being prepped for a medical procedure a while ago and as the attending nurse hooked up a fresh IV bag she wisecracked, “This is 100% vodka!”

We all laughed and shook our heads saying, “She is a real card!” I think I might have even slapped my knee.

Several minutes later, when Greg began singing “Bohemian Rhapsody” at the top of his lungs we realized that she wasn’t kidding. Another clue was that he had rolled up his hospital gown and was using it as a hat.

By the way, I just got word that the procedure went well and, thankfully, he’s okay.

(…But his wife reports that he seems to have developed an unusual fondness for IVs.)

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

An Unusual Kind of I.V.

My friend, Greg was being prepped for a medical procedure today and as the attending nurse hooked up a fresh IV bag she wisecracked, “This is 100% vodka!”

We all laughed and shook our heads saying, “She is a real card!” I think I might have even slapped my knee.

Several minutes later, when Greg began singing “Bohemian Rhapsody” at the top of his lungs we realized that she wasn’t kidding. Another clue was that he had rolled up his hospital gown and was using it as a hat.

By the way, I just got word that the procedure went well and, thankfully, he’s okay.

(…But his wife reports that he seems to have developed an unusual fondness for IVs.)