Tuesday, late morning, walking my dog at the park. Something doesn’t feel right. I’m having a hard time breathing and for the last two nights I can barely get to sleep. I feel like I can’t breathe fully.
There had been some local wildfires, so I was thinking I was just having trouble getting clean oxygen. In reality, I was having congestive heart failure . . . again.
About halfway through the circuit around the park, I convinced myself I wasn’t going to make it all the way back around. I coaxed Westin into cutting across the grass, and I was struggling to get my pretty fancy phone to dial my brother. Paraphrasing, I told him to come get me so we can go to the hospital (in hindsight, yes, I should have just had an ambulance take me. It happened anyway, when I was transferred to Overlake from the local regional hospital.)
I outlined all this in the past on my Facebook feed, but it bears repeating for this journal. I had a period where I was feeling great after having SOME medical attention and meds. But, I had a lapse in insurance because of income considerations and I took the unwise risk of putting off dealing with it until the next enrollment period. All avoidable. All stupid.
I spent 3 days in the hospital this time. What liquid that had built up in my chest was medicated out of me and we took another close look at my then-diagnosed “mild” diabetes. Turns out, not so mild.
Getting the news that my chest is full of water 
Buckled up for the ride to Overlake 
Waiting to be admitted in the Overlake Emergency Ward 
Finally admitted and wired into monitoring 
My angel Brother Steve waiting with me to find out what is next 
Me REALLY wanting Web Shooters . . .
I’m not sure how many wake-up calls you are allowed, but I have not spent the last year dwelling on that. I got my insurance sorted, been diligent with meds (even though I had to REALLY shop to find the right insurance that would help pay for the meds I need) and even went so far as to start dealing with other health issues, like the poor condition of my teeth.
Today, I’m doing SO much better. I learned my lesson. If I want to be around for any more of this miracle called Life I can’t let things slide. This month I have dramatically reduced my sugar intake and have started tracking my meals. I have a digital scale on the way and plan on increasing my activity. I can’t allow the fear of a weakened heart get in the way of trying to make it stronger. And ALL of my doctors agree I’m making marked improvements. I’m still on a ton of meds, but the keep me from having these kinds of self-imposed visits to the E.R.
Glad to still be here. Glad you are all here to remind me how much I’m missed.
Thanks!
John, those who know You also want You around for Years to come. Keep Up Your Diligence.