O! for a horse with wings!

O! for a horse with wings! ~William Shakespeare, Cymbeline

Log date: Wednesday August 6, 2008

I know it would be easier to fly on a horse with wings, especially with today’s security restrictions, luggage restrictions, etc. Now will I be able to fly…….

Not trying to be obsessive compulsive or anything, this entry is pretty much a continuation of my activities leading up to my first flight with an LVAD. Delta has been notified. LAX (Los Angeles International) has been notified and Columbus International has been notified. My LVAD coordinator has even been in touch with Ohio State’s cardiology department to arrange a local emergency contact person as an authorized LVAD support center should I encounter a problem while in Columbus. Not that I am anticipating an emergency of any kind, I have been know not to follow the rules so well, therefore one never knows what may happen in the world of “could”. I still cannot imagine a better medical support team than what I have.

I think I have mentioned I have assembled several copies of my LVAD, Travel, Emergency Notebook which continues my cardiologists release, explicit guidelines for emergencies, contacts here and Columbus, travel itinerary, hotel info, TSA contacts in both locations, medical equipment lists with pictures and descriptions, patient reference guide, etc. If there is document that has anything to do with this trip with LVAD, it is in these notebooks. They were a lot of work, but hopefully it will head off any issues or potential complications regarding me, my gear, etc.
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I had my annual checkup late last week and today, I had my pre-flight checkup and all is working well, my labs were great, I have managed to loose a few pounds, blood pressure good, pulse OK. OHHHH – and this served as my early 12 month follow-up for having the LVAD implanted. My Cardiothoracic surgeon spent nearly 45 minutes in our consultation, I was shocked. But we reviewed everything from my trip details to the fact that I am probably at the halfway point for the life of the particular generation LVAD implanted in me. The next generation (LVAD Heartmate II) hopefully will be approved for “destination therapy” by the time mine needs replacing (it has already been approved for “bridge to transplant” and “bridge to recovery therapy”). The Heartmate II should last 4 to 5 times longer than the current model I have.

Back to my doctors’ visit, I also have been taken off of coumadin therapy. Not that coumadin is that horrible to deal with, but you really have to watch your diet and be consistent about taking your medications, etc. in order effectively manage your anticoagulant performance level. So I can at least take one thing off my plate!

There are a couple of other tests like a 2-D echo I need to do, but will schedule those when I return. Otherwise a great checkup and am glad to finally have all my documentation in order for the trip.

Otherwise, life is pretty good. Assuming all goes well on this trip; I will start planning a trip to see my sister in Pensacola and shop for a motorcycle. I am not in a rush on the motorcycle as they are selling at a premium now with the gas crisis, but hope to buy one by the end of the year. I have thought of other things I would like to do, but haven’t committed to them yet. I have thought about doing some volunteer work of some sort and perhaps get certified as a personal trainer. I like working out and am fairly knowledgeable about the body and the gym. I have especially learned a lot in reference to my medical condition and exercise. This is something that the average trainer would have experience with.

I guess what interests me about being a fitness trainer is that many folks struggle with getting into or back to an exercise regiment after having a major cardiac event or a serious illness. I would never try to pass myself off as a substitute for a medically sponsored Cardiac Therapy program, but I think I could offer fitness training that is a little more than just fitness training, but training that recognizes healing and growth that must occur on levels other than just the physical. I know for me, it has been very mental, emotional, and spiritual like journey. And like life the journey of recovery is on going. It is not like a diet you go on for awhile to loose weight and then return to your old ways and think it will stay off. WRONG! You have to grow your life to match your desired goal. Whether this to attain a certain weight, or level of fitness, etc.; it all requires permanent changes if it is going to last.

Another thing I have learned is one has to take change gradually. If you try to change it all at once, there frequently are complications. With exercise, it could be injury; with diet/weight change it could be unmanageable cravings that lead to an eating binge. We as human beings do have an incredible capacity to be self indulgent, but we also have an even greater ability to change, adapt, grow, love and improve as our life proceeds if only we will recognize and work with it. I am still working with “it” as a “work in progress”. I don’t believe I will ever be finished; but I will have the opportunity to work on it as long as my little “energizer bunnies” keep my ticker ticking.

Working on life a beat at a time……