Joyce,
I haven't had 4 heart attacks, but I was only 29 when I had my open heart
surgery via a Ross procedure. But I will say that two things brought me
through with flying colors: My love of the outdoors and my love for my kids.
The kids- well that's an obvious reason.
But the outdoors is another thing all together. I've heard it said, and
have lived through several surgeries, that surgery is 90% mental, 10%
physical. As fishing is what relaxes me and keeps me on an even keel, well
'even' for me, I'd have to say it played a big part. Peole who go into a
surgery freaking out, well, they tend to have harder surgeries and longer
recovery.
I was a professional wrestling referee when I went under the knife. My week
in the hospital found many well known wrestlers dropping by the hospital.
Few said "Hurry up so we can get you back in the ring and pound you some
more." That was reserved for my close friends. Most of them dropped by,
said hi, and left a few fishing lures and hooks. One left an expensive rod
and reel combo. But one joker left a dozen nightcrawlers in the paper cup.
yeah, they're really nuts.
For about a year after my surgery I was asked to come back by the hospital
and talk to other 'younger' folks who were going in for similar surgery. I
imagine I'd still be doing it today if the hospital who was asking me to do
so hadn't merged with ar 'less people orineted' philosophy.
The way I see it is that if it's important enough that your 'aquaintenaces'
are aware of it, it must be really dear to you. And if it's dear, it's
worth fighting to continue. During my recovery, after I was home, I was
supposed to walk daily. Well, I had my wife or friends drive me to a nearby
lake so I could walk near the water. Nowhere else I'd have rather been.
Best wishes,
Cincy_Bill
p.s. I know I'm really in a foul mood, or making life miserable, when my
wife turns to me and yells, "Go Fishing!!!'
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of Joyce Westphal
> Sent: Monday, October 07, 2002 7:36 PM
> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Subject: Re: [VFB] Winter Blues
>
>
> Anthony, anyone who has survived four heart attacks is someone whom I look
> up to in awe. Do you think that your love of fishing had anything
> to do with
> your survival? Did it help/hinder in any way? Inquiring minds
> want to know,
> if this isn't too personal a question. (I"m a nurse and so this sort of
> question is always one I want to ask survivors)> Joyce
>
