Matthew Costello’s Recovery Days

Heart Bypass Anniversary (Late)

February 17, 2018 was exactly one year since I had a four-way CABG (Coronary Artery Bypass Graft).

I wanted to do a post on that date about my continued recovery, but various events distracted me at the time..

So how am I doing? It’s been a long hard road in many ways physically. My chest feels better for the most part though recently I’ve been having some chest symptoms that I’m still trying to get a test to check out. There are some issues with my timing of paying my health insurance that are preventing me from getting an authorization. Still working on that.

It took me a long time to get back into the seat at work. The drugs they use really slowed my mind. It was about three months ago that I finally felt like my brain kicked in and I could multi-task and do creative problem solving again. I’ve been working but trying to make up for all those months of not working, or working less than I did before the operation, is difficult.

There have been many, many generous people and family members who have helped make up the gap for a lot of those months. I am eternally grateful. But I am always facing the financial issues.

Also, I have the responsibility as power of attorney for my mother to take care of her affairs. Three months after my operation I had to kick into gear to help her. During this year I have managed her move from Assisted Living in to Long Term Care. Long Term Care always requires constant attention to be sure she is receiving the care she needs. Recently she was in the hospital twice with heart issues. The second time she was in, this past weekend, they also found she had a terrible urinary tract infection. Fortunately she’s back at the facility and is feeling better, though they’ve added more medicines.

Some days I think there’s likely to be more coming at me to make it even more difficult. Yet I keep myself clear by recognizing that how I respond is up to me. So even though I’m seeing many, many challenges that seem overwhelming, I still look for a solution. “There is always a way” is what I tell myself.

I increased the goal on my Go Fund Me Account as during the year my premium on my health insurance increased to over $1000 a month (It’s COBRA and there are no plans in the state of Virginia that cover what this plan does.). And there are other debts from last year I have yet to start settling.

Any help is always appreciated good words are too.

If you’re in need a website, please reach out to me and let me see if I’m a good fit for your project.

Blessings to everyone and I hope you’re doing well.

Thanks for reading.

Matthew

This is from Matthew:

I appreciate everyone who has extended help. Thank you so much!!

While things improve physically, with occasional bumps in the road, my financial situation is still extremely stressful and it's extremely challenging getting ahead.

I finished up some projects and a few new ones have come in the door, but the backup of bills has become serious.

If you have helped, please consider sharing this link to your Facebook or Twitter. To those who may be seeing this, please consider helping out.

Thanks to all!

Matthew Costello’s Recovery Days

Update

While still recovering from his quadruple bypass surgery, Matthew was called to help our mother through several health issues. Then last month he had to start the process of planning to move her to a Long Term Care Facility. Researching the options, making contact, engaging legal help and planning & packing for the move. Thanks to the help of many friends, tasks associated with getting ready for the move were accomplished.

However, between our mom’s illnesses, the move and still working with limited stamina, he has not been able to get his work back on a steady track yet.

He still needs help to cover for lost income. We are asking you to consider contributing towards our goal. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Michael and Mark