ONE MORE THING 

 Journal entry by Richard Burg — Oct 16, 2018

Everything I've written about my surgery and discharge has been possible because of the support and encouragement of my wife, Linda. There is little question that she does not find me an easy partner. I hold opinions and attitudes about everything from parking in front of our house to loving more than one person that truly undermine her sense of support, safety and security in our relationship. I am arrogant and self-assured about what I know, and when I am wrong, slow to acknowledge it. 

But Linda has welcomed me back into our house, knowing that for the last several years, I truly and deeply enjoyed and used the separation my warehouse studio afforded me. At times, she even acknowledged that my absence was a small comfort, eliminating my grumpiness, inattention, or distraction from her immediate presence. But her vision, her model of marriage, seems to be something that is not in my genetic code. It is a struggle for her to accept the independence and isolation I find necessary to feel good about myself and my world.

With my illness she has navigated the world with strength and fortitude. From concealing her own anxiety about my surgery to tolerating my nearly immediate re-immersion in the civic activities I have been working on since last November (Healdsburg 2040 - SDAT) she has been a rock. I am sure my independence and attitudes about time and the future must be a constant source of discomfort. 

While I do not promise her the framework of relationship she wishes to hear, I love her deeply, care about her well being, and will continue to support her needs. And will forever be grateful of her constancy and willingness to bring herself repeatedly to grapple with my irregularity, distraction, silence, and contrariness. I have given great credit to the Huddleston book previously (Prepare for Surgery, Heal Fast), but another, possibly more significant dimension of my response to this surgery is the steady presence, concern, and love of my wife. She doesn't really deserve the anxiety I bring to her, adding to her own wide ranging anxieties, but she smiles through it all. And, truth be known, when she smiles, my newly repaired heart still glows with appreciation and love.

Thank you Linda,
With endless appreciation and love. 

The Beat Goes On

Journal entry by Richard Burg –– Oct 22, 2018

A visit with my cardiologist today answered a random assortment of questions and confirmed that I am doing pretty well. 

I don’t need to carry my heart pillow around with me. Crossing my arms across my chest when coughing or sneezing is good enough.

I should continue to sleep on my back for a couple of more weeks. 

Doing Tai Ji would be OK. 

And while my discharge instructions suggested four different times to take medication (Before breakfast, Morning, Evening, Before Bedtime) he confirmed that taking two batches, once at breakfast and once a dinner was fine. In fact one, the Coreg, would act too fast if NOT taken with food. 

Feeling cold is related to the surgery. (I never used to feel cold!)

Managing Vitamin K intake and consequences is important. If I eat an avocado I should let the anti-coagulant clinic know. One wedge would be fine. Watch out for spinach, kale, brussels sprouts, broccoli, etc.

I can have coffee and chocolate in moderation. 

Continue charting my weight, heart rate, and blood pressure – for a couple of weeks.

What was surprising was that while I have grown quite fond of him I won’t be seeing a lot of him – his prediction! In December another echocardiogram will confirm the new valve (Percival) continues to perform, and then I won’t see him for10 years! He reported the valve seated quite well and the bypass went well. It turns out Kaiser has one of the highest rated cardiac surgery practices in the country. Not necessarily represented by US News and World Report, but by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons whose reportage is more data based than a beauty contest.

And, although I was told they do 10,000 valves a year, the actual number is 1,000. I have nothing but positive things to say about my experience, from the Pre-Op conversation until discharge, the staff, the attention, and the processes all seemed design to make me comfortable and well.

Next stop is a visit with my surgeon in November. I just want to say thank you … and ask Did you follow my instructions?