My Journey to a Healthier Heart

I know the economy is very different today than it was just a few years ago. So much uncertainty.

Please don't stick your neck out any further than you're comfortable with.

Lately, I'm having to do battle with that character defect of pride. I really don't like to ask for help.

I have a serious medical condition that requires my second open-heart surgery to replace a mitral valve. My stamina has gone downhill rapidly in the last few months.

Also, the last year has been very character-building for me.

As many of you know, I've been a semi-nomadic traveler in Arizona for the last 5 years. It's a lifestyle that's been within my budget.

Recently, I was cited for exceeding 14 days in a favorite campground near Williams, Arizona.

Times have changed. Just last year, many of us stayed at this particular campground for the entire summer.

This year, I was cited and had to appear in federal court. I had to agree to a stipulation that I wouldn't occupy the national forest for a year.

In an effort to comply with the order, I approached a woman I've known for 3 years about staying on her 40 acres. Every summer, I have had the same discussion with her, and each time I ended up not feeling comfortable with the arrangement.

I thought I recognized a change in her this year. Maybe it was my imagination.

Nevertheless, my travel trailer and tow vehicle remain on her property pending a legal action. I could go on and on about this situation, but I'd rather focus on a solution.

On Wednesday July 23rd of this year I was taken by ambulance from the doctor's office to Flagstaff medical Center. I had lost the strength in my legs. I couldn't walk.

I was admitted to FMC and remained there for 9 days. While there they stabilized my blood pressure with another drug and then I was sent to a skilled nursing home. The nursing home was a major disappointment. I remained there for another 6 days and was discharged, because of insurance reasons, last Thursday August 7th. I returned to my minivan.

I don't see myself recovering from open-heart surgery in this situation.

Due to my poor health, I haven't been able to work in 2 years now. I'm amazed that I've been able to get by on $731 a month.

I think the universe has a plan. I'm constantly amazed that when I play the game according to the rules and get out of the driver's seat, the universe through you, comes through every time.

I did my homework this time, and the surgeon I have selected has lots of happy customers. I wish I had done the same sort of research last time. The downside is that because of his popularity there's been a long waiting list. I have a great deal of confidence in this doctor.

I need a little travel trailer or a motorhome in order to recover from open-heart surgery. I could also use help with a few months' rent in a trailer park that has water and electricity.

Your help and your positive thoughts would be deeply appreciated. I know I still have good stuff to bring to the table. But if this is to be my last chapter, I'm okay with that as well. If you have questions, please don't hesitate to ask. Thanks for reading this far.

Doug Higgins