WQ #161: Wait, Weight – Improving Our Body’s Looks And Function Inspire Us The central problem in heart failure is not that patients are short of breath or that they retain fluid: the problem is that they die. Heart failure… Read More ›
heart surgery
MARILYN’S HOME AFTER BAD DAY WITH HOSPITAL STAFFERS
The GOOD news – Marilyn’s home and begins her post-op recovery. The BAD news – Owen and I had to go head to head with hospital staffers who moved Marilyn from her former room at 2am WITHOUT notifying us. She went… Read More ›
UPDATE: MARILYN – SATURDAY PM
FLASHBACK FRIDAY On Saturday – Originally written on March 19, 2014 by Garry Armstrong. Update by Marilyn. Not all flashbacks are fun to read or remember. Eight years ago, I was in Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital trying to stay alive…. Read More ›
RDP #23 – I HAVE A HEART — Marilyn Armstrong
RDP #23 – HEART I have a heart. Everyone (living) has one. These days, the issue is whether or not it works like it ought to. You know, compassion. Caring, love, concern. That stuff. Mine is a little more complicated…. Read More ›
HOW TO FIX A BROKEN HEART – OR – WHAT’S A PACEMAKER ALL ABOUT?
As the owner of a four-year-old pacemaker, I have often found myself trying to explain what they are, what they mean to other people. Just a warning here — a pacemaker will keep a heart beating. It is not a… Read More ›
THE THING I DO BEST: SURVIVE
I know a lot of things, most of them ultimately unimportant. What I’m best at is surviving. I’ve been nearly dead four times. Talked with an unknown voice from somewhere. Twice rescued from imminent demise, wherein he (definitely a male whatever-he-was)… Read More ›
AT THE HEART OF THE MATTER
Re-springing Your Step – Tell us about the last experience you had that left you feeling fresh, energized, and rejuvenated. What was it that had such a positive effect on you? It was just about a year ago when I discovered the… Read More ›
WHAT EMPOWERS YOU?
From the Top What empowers you? When you’re worried, frightened. When you’ve lost your way and have no idea what to do, what’s your game changer? Is it a hug from a loved one? Encouragement from peers or colleagues? A… Read More ›
STUMBLING DOWN THE WINDING ROAD
They warn you when they send you home it will be hard, especially the first few weeks. They warn you about depression. It seems to be part of the heart surgery package and hits pretty much everyone to some degree…. Read More ›
I’LL BE BACK
Daily Prompt: Never Surrender Like a lichen on a rock, I cling. Like the sun, I rise. Like the earth, I renew. I’ll be back. Friday’s the big day, though I’ll be in the hospital as of Thursday for cardiac… Read More ›
Working the health system — Survival in modern America
At a certain point, no matter how awful the latest crisis is, I emerge from my stupor and decide I need to do something. Although I recognize that I am not the arbiter of life and death, I simultaneously recognize… Read More ›
SERENDIPITY - SEEKING INTELLIGENT LIFE ON EARTH 