January 23/24: Milestone
In January, 2004, I missed celebrating my 41rst birthday in Egypt by just one day. My initial echocardiogram and diagnosis were less than a month later.
In the last four years I've had so much taken away from me: my future plans, my financial security, many number of hopes and dreams, my ability to climb stairs without a debat on if it's truly necessary. I've had my chest cracked open four times, my heart stopped five times, and have been "dead" for over 10 hours. I've heard diagnoses than no one ever thinks will be directed at them. I've heard the words "If this third surgery doesn't work the only other thing to do will be a heart transplant."
In my days as a paramedic I was infamous (really!) for having more cardiac arrest patients than any other medic. This lead to my nickname of "The Grim Reaper". I prefered to think of it as delaying his task for a while longer. During some of my darkest moments, I asked him to extend the courtesy to me--for old time's sake.
In a little over an hour, it will be January 24th. I will be 45 years old. Under the circumstances, it's quite an accomplishment. Life is different now and I'm still adjusting. I'd like to think that I still have work to do here, others to help, before the time when God decides there was enough of an extension.
I just sent an e-mail to Dr. Cohn. "January 24 is my birthday. I'm turning 45. Thanks for making that possible." Yes, I am capable of being brief.
Off to sleep--temporarily, not the final one. Laurie
In the last four years I've had so much taken away from me: my future plans, my financial security, many number of hopes and dreams, my ability to climb stairs without a debat on if it's truly necessary. I've had my chest cracked open four times, my heart stopped five times, and have been "dead" for over 10 hours. I've heard diagnoses than no one ever thinks will be directed at them. I've heard the words "If this third surgery doesn't work the only other thing to do will be a heart transplant."
In my days as a paramedic I was infamous (really!) for having more cardiac arrest patients than any other medic. This lead to my nickname of "The Grim Reaper". I prefered to think of it as delaying his task for a while longer. During some of my darkest moments, I asked him to extend the courtesy to me--for old time's sake.
In a little over an hour, it will be January 24th. I will be 45 years old. Under the circumstances, it's quite an accomplishment. Life is different now and I'm still adjusting. I'd like to think that I still have work to do here, others to help, before the time when God decides there was enough of an extension.
I just sent an e-mail to Dr. Cohn. "January 24 is my birthday. I'm turning 45. Thanks for making that possible." Yes, I am capable of being brief.
Off to sleep--temporarily, not the final one. Laurie
posted by Laurie @ 10:28 PM
4 Comments:
At 10:41 AM,
Anonymous said…
Happy Birthday Laurie
Hope your 45th year is a healthy one!
Paula
At 10:17 AM,
Unknown said…
Laurie, you have been through hell and you have a lot to celebrate! Thank God you had saved and were prepared for a crisis (or four). Thank God you had invested wisely and did not lose your house. Thank God you chose the profession you did so you were able to stay one step ahead of the docs. Thank God you had the ability to see the best docs in the nation. You are living, breathing, working, and making a difference to a lot of people. I am glad you are so successful in the face of many setbacks, you are an amazing woman.
At 10:42 PM,
Anonymous said…
Laurie,
Hey girl I think you have been through more than any community should have to share and go through let alone only one person!
However I do believe that you have always found a way to touch people and help them. Have you thought of writing a book, from your personal side. Not the medical side. You have been an inspiration to those of us just reading your blog. You have been able to open up and share some of the more personal feelings and fears as well as you are great at explaining the techinal end in layman terms so all can understand those with and without medical training.
I think that everything from your good choices for putting money away [for other reasons like retirement but still], your struggle to make the decission to sell for a smaller house for financial and physical reasons. your racing the ant to do the walk on your walker [if you remember that story] **** the point is you have a great way of telling the sad story keeping it real all while adding lite humor.
You would be able to help many - many people understand one that they are not alone in what they are feeling and going thru. and two you could explain it [all the medical it] in a way all could understand, yet not boring to those with some knowledge.
Well I hope you did something special for yourself to celebrate YOU. many would have given up by now, you deserve to be proud of yourself.
Deneen
At 4:14 PM,
Anonymous said…
Laurie,
Hope you are doing well.?? over 30 days does this mean you are done posting? always in my thoughts and prayers
Deneen
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