I do, and that tune in particular. I don't know why, but that song seems to be the one my mental jukebox cues up whenever my heart doctor gives me bad news.
"It's time for another surgery, isn't it?"
It is. He wanted to do it this coming Friday! Another cardiac ablation, which means intense and utter pain during recovery, nightmares about falling asleep, as well as stupid decisions for a week or more as I recover from the anesthesia. Honestly, I walked from his office straight into the bathroom and sobbed! I was so distraught!!
"Settle down, you've been through this before, you'll get through it again. Just when is this one scheduled?"
Next week, on Thursday, 7 November, early in the afternoon.
"Too bad it isn't at 7 PM on the 7th! LOL!"
I know you're trying to cheer me up, but that isn't helping. If the surgery was that late, I'd definitely be in for an overnight stay. I certainly do not want that.
"Listen, you need to keep your sense of humor intact, okay? It isn't like you have any control over this situation, right?"
Right. Bloody well right.
"Indeed I am. So, as Dr. Cobb has granted you a reprieve this week, you have time to set things in motion for the next few weeks. You know, so you don't make any post-anesthesia decisions that will screw up your finances. Get your bills set for payment. Get some kind of film festival lined up on Peacock. Make sure you have food you enjoy. Just get ready, as that's the part you can control. Okay?"
Right. Bloody well right. Control the things I can control.
"Correct."
Okay.
"And did the good doctor proffer any reasons for the need for a new cardiac ablation?"
Yes. There's a flutter in the right side of my heart. That's why my heart rate has been hovering around 107 for the past couple of months.
"I see. The right side. That seems to have brought the Supertramp to mind. So, really, truly, this is no surprise that he wants surgery."
Right. Bloody well right. He even gave me an option of a DCC or the ablation. As I told him, I don't recall the DCC being good for more than a week or two, then I was right back in the hospital. So I chose the cardiac ablation, with mapping of my nerves to make sure they zap the right place in my heart. He even said this might offset the need for Sotalol in the future. I just wish I didn't have to be put under for all that.
"Plus, there's that whole thing about going up the veins in your groin to get those little electrodes in place in the torso."
Yeah, I seem to recall an issue with sitting after that.
"Well, let Ms. Barker know, so she can make sure the VA Community Care is all in place for this operation. You don't need any new financial bills coming in."
Already have that in motion. I went to the Savannah VA Center as soon as I left Dr. Cobb's office so I could let my PCP know. I now have a phone appointment with her for Friday morning. I've also called the VA National Community Care Network to start the process of getting an extension on the Community Care Authorization for the visit to the cardiologist today, as the last one expired two weeks ago. I do so hate jumping through these hoops, but it's all part of the process.
"It is. Just be calm and get it done."
I'm trying, I really am. I'm trying. Now, I'm going to watch "Autumn In Apple Hill" on Peacock. It's not a Christmas movie, but it should be calming for me.
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