Last Thursday, I took my broken heart to a cardiologist in Surrey but got lost along the way. I knew the address was 88th Avenue, so employing high-tech directions was unnecessary. Although I have a navigation system in my vehicle and Google Maps on my phone – I did not use either to let GPS guide me.
However, I took the wrong route and ended up in New Westminster!
So, I swallowed my pride and eventually let wisdom prevail – and pulled over and parked to launch my GPS for directions. Stubborn pride can be an obstacle to happiness.
Thankfully, my chronic fear of being late saved my sorry behind – but not my broken heart.
Dad was always paranoid about being late, and I am sure I inherited my paranoia from him. But I would always be happy arriving at an appointment or destination a half-hour early than being a minute late!
My anxieties increased in the days leading up to my appointment with the cardiologist because I convinced myself that getting a pacemaker would fix my broken heart.
Readers of this space will recall several stories about my broken heart – especially the episode a year ago. An ambulance rushed me to the Peace Arch Hospital in White Rock ER Department, and I had to have an electric shock treatment to save my life.
I spent the rest of the week in the ICU.
But my first problem with my heart occurred about ten years ago when I volunteered at the cancer center in Surrey, BC.
I was in the staff washroom and was not feeling very well at the time. Phil, a nurse at the center, asked me if I was feeling okay, but he was taking my pulse before I could answer.
I could tell by the expression on Phil’s face that it was a significant problem. He led me to the hallway – put me in a wheelchair, and ran me down the hall to Surrey Memorial Hospital’s ER Department. A team of doctors and nurses immediately examined me.
I spent some time in the hospital and saw a cardiologist/heart specialist. I underwent several x-rays and tests – including wearing a Holter monitor for 24 hours.
But after the various tests, I was told it was probably just an isolated incident because my heart appeared otherwise healthy.
When I arrived at the cardiologist’s office, I was five minutes early and happy that I was not late. But although my appointment was for 1:00 PM, I saw the doctor when one of the nurses completed several tests on me.
I finally saw Dr. Gosal sometime after 2:00 PM.
Dr. Gosal indicated that she needed to schedule additional tests before determining the need for a pacemaker.
The doctor also advised me to stop taking the meds controlling the frequency of my peeing because it could affect my blood pressure.
She prescribed a new med for cholesterol. She said she would be referring me for an echocardiogram scan of my heart. I also received a requisition form for more blood tests.
My arm feels like a pin cushion!
Dr. Gosal said she would teleconference me on January 10th and wished me a happy holiday season.
So, although I did not get what I had hoped for – at least there is a glimmer of hope that I will not need a pacemaker.
And that is a relief.
In a few weeks, I will be 73 years old. I remember in 2009 when I was diagnosed with stage 3 throat cancer and given only a 40% chance of survival – hoping I would make it to my 60th birthday.
Although I do not traditionally celebrate Christmas – I still enjoy the fabulous, peaceful, and loving feeling it provides to warm everybody’s heart each year.
Happy Holidays from Santa Danny and Holly Golightly.
Dedicated to the Spirit of Christmas
I hope my stories are a gift to your head and heart.
Hugs,
Danny
Today’s tune from Danny’s library (purchased):
Hey Mister Tambourine Man, play a song for me.
I’m not sleepy, and there ain’t no place I’m goin’ to
Hey Mister Tambourine Man, play a song for me.
In the jingle jangle morning, I’ll come followin’ you
Take me for a trip upon your magic swirlin’ ship
All my senses have been stripped
And my hands can’t feel to grip
And my toes too numb to step
Wait only for my boot heels to be wanderin’
I’m ready to go anywhere.
I’m ready for to fade,
On to my own parade,
Cast your dancin’ spell my way
I promise to go under it
Hey Mister Tambourine Man, play a song for me.
I’m not sleepy, and there ain’t no place I’m goin’ to
Hey Mister Tambourine Man, play a song for me.
In the jingle jangle morning, I’ll come followin’ you
Songwriters: Bob Dylan
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