Since Neo-Nemo's three month mark has just passed, I thought it would be a good idea to wrap up my surgery and hospital experience in a tight little bundle for ease of consumption. Enjoy.
Three months ago…
…I felt broken.
…I was in a haze.
…I was anemic.
…I couldn’t breathe deeply.
…I was stricken with migraines and visual auras.
…I ate more pills than food.
…I could only stomach a handful of Mini-Wheats and watered down apple juice.
Three months ago…
…most food had a metallic taste.
…walking 25 feet down the hall and back was a challenge.
…exercise was lifting my heels off the ground and raising my arms while seated.
…sleep was impossible.
…my extremities would occasionally go numb.
…an intense burning would often disable my legs, shoulders, and lower back.
…taking a shower was a huge undertaking.
…my chest pillow was a necessary component to getting in and out of bed.
…lifting over five pounds was forbidden.
…singing or playing music required energy I didn’t have.
…it was easy to feel defeated.
Three months ago…
…my wife shared her strength and kept me focused on getting well.
…I was flooded with thoughts and prayers from family and friends.
…I was spoiled by caring, long-distance visitors.
…I felt myself improving – little by little – each day.
…I started to acknowledge the everyday things I once took for granted.
Three months ago...
…the Mavericks stuck it to the Heat in a satisfying series. =)
And now today…
…I feel mostly normal.
…I have returned to teaching and playing music.
…I am capable of lacing up and shooting hoops.
…I value every day, every moment, and every ticking heartbeat.
From here on, I'll most likely be blogging about my post-op triumphs along with any reflections from my experience. Updates such as "3 months later and the doc say my valve looks gorgeous" probably won't make it here but will instead be splashed upon my Twitter and Facebook. If you have questions about anything specific, please comment below.
Derek, plain and simple, you RULE. And so does your Wife! I can't imagine being in either of your shoes. You guys should figure out a way to publish your blog into something for other cardiac patients to see. You truly are an inspiration man! :-)
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