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I just had quadruple heart surgery. What did you have for breakfast?
When I meet people these days and they find out about my surgery, pretty much everyone says the same thing….’Wow, what a lousy way to start the year!” My response is exactly the opposite…”What a great way to start the year…. I’m alive!”
Well here we are months after the operation as I start to put my thoughts together for my story. It’s meant to be something that I can look back on and go “Wow!” but also I believe if I can talk about it this way it might help or inspire or bring a smile to someone’s face or hope and optimism when they are going through similar pain and emotional stress.
So the 3 elements of the story are:
- I survived one heart attack, then another before the subsequent hospital emergency visit and operation and feel obliged to tell the story because God gave me a second chance at life. I am grateful for that gift and feel I might be able to make some small contribution to help people in similar situations through their pain and recovery.
- I want to tell my experience, funny and not, about being in Hartford Hospital for 8 days. There were funny days believe it or not when humor won out over pain. There were awful days when you just wished someone would end it right there, but once you get past that (and you do), you learn a lot about yourself and why it’s so important to fight through it.
- Last but not least this is a testament to the staff of Hartford Hospital. The care, compassion and consideration of everyone, from the people checking you in to the ER to the valet parking guy and every nurse, doctor and everyone I came into contact with over the 8 day visit. The follow up was exemplary including the cardiac rehab nurses who prodded you along safely to getting back in shape. To say they were exceptional people would be a gross understatement. Thank you all for saving my life!
The "Beat" Goes On!
This poem was written for the nurses at Hartford Hospital cardiac rehab. It is now hanging on the wall in their facility. Enjoy!
Three months have passed so quickly and now it’s time to say farewell
To my team of cardiac nurses who looked after me so well.
Their smiles, their knowledge the work they do, their commitment to us all
Kept us going even on those darkest days when we hit that big brick wall!
The first day was a tough one “It’s time to get on the treadmill John.”
I did and said to Heidi “So how the heck do I switch this on?”
I walked a long 5 minutes and thought “My God will I ever get fit?”
“Well done” she said “You’re doing fine, keep doing it bit by bit”.
The first few weeks were tough because your brain would say “Okay.
Keep pushing it will be alright, tomorrow’s another day.”
But your body would say “Hold on I’m tired, I need to have a rest,”
And there would always be that nagging pain in the middle of your chest.
The weeks went by and with their help I worked harder day by day.
The chest pains went (they said they would), so now what can I say?
Except hugs to you all and a big thank you from the bottom of my heart,
And we know it’s not the end but really for me a brand new start.
To Michele, Michelle and Heidi you all put me to the test,
Marie, Charlie and Karen you just wouldn’t let me rest,
Because I am now a new new man, much fitter than before,
But sadly it’s time to say goodbye and kick me out the door!
But before I go I want you to know that words can’t really say
What a wonderful job that you all do helping people every day.
Compassion, kindness a helping hand to all that come through that door,
Thank you all for what you achieve each day, we couldn’t ask for more!
Thank you so much for your kindness, compassion, knowledge and the smiles that you bring to work every day…. I hope I made you smile too! I will be forever grateful to you all for working with me on getting me to a better physical and mental state of mind.
Hugs
John Myers……May 2016
