Surgery Recovery: A Dad's Struggle

Since last March, I have had a heart attack, severe lower back pain, and numbness in my feet. I went to my primary care physician (at the time) on numerous occasions in hopes of finding out why. I finally switched primary care doctors and they instantly went into action. The same day I was seen, I was sent to Dr. Ponds. Dr. Ponds immediately sent me to NAMC to be admitted for surgery. My mind was racing; I was terrified.

I was told I needed an aorta iliac endarterectomy with possible bypass.

I'm 35...

I was told it was due to some injury in my early adulthood that crushed my aorta. Calcium built up and just now began to break apart and flow through my veins.

The 1.5-hour surgery turned into 6, with the bypass... and a 14" laceration. They cut through the main muscles in my stomach, separated my entire intestines from my body during the procedure. They fileted my aorta and removed every bit of calcium that had built up.

I now cannot even lift a gallon of milk to pour my kids' cereal. I cannot pick up my 5-year-old son to put him in the bathtub.

I will be off of work for 8 weeks or longer... until my doctor releases me. I know times are tough, if you can spare a few dollars... thank you.

If you cannot, please share... and thank you.