It all started with a brisk walk around the neighborhood. During the last quarter mile it started to rain, so I pushed myself to hurriedly climb the slight hill before my home. After resting for 20 minutes I started to have tightness in my neck, which then migrated to my upper chest. This reminded me of people who disregarded similar symptoms resulting in catastrophic consequences. With that background, we called 911 and were taken to the ER at St. Dominic's Hospital. Doctors and nurses were already prepared for my arrival and conducted their tests expeditiously. First they determined that I had not suffered a heart attack. Many other tests were conducted throughout the day before I was released the following day.
Ten days later I had a heart catheter test when the condition of my arteries and blood flow were examined. At home the next day I woke up at 3 a.m. with the same chest tightness I had originally experienced. This time I knew the reason. Thinking back over the previous months, I recalled that there were a few other times when I had tightness in my throat, but this had not migrated to my chest. Back then I thought it was due to indigestion or acid reflux.
Three days later I had the operation to replace my aortic valve. We arrived early and found that surgeries would be performed on four patients that day. The first preparation was to shave my body from the neck down--yes, including down 'there.' It had taken me several decades to grow this foliage, and now poof! It was gone in a couple of nanoseconds!
A long wait ensued. My pastor called and I told him that I'd taken his Lenten message on fasting to heart: I hadn't eaten in almost 48 hours! On the serious side I told him that his suggestion on one method of bible study, namely to concentrate on a few words at a time, had been helpful to me. I remembered Jesus' words: "My peace I leave with you...let not your heart be troubled." I experienced great peace as I finally entered the operating theater at three pm.
Ten days after the surgery I met with one of the surgeons. He gave me the green light to do anything I wanted within reason. So I played golf the following Saturday. Overall, I am so thankful for the skill and care given me by all the doctors and nurses at St. Dominic's, but I wish they had a cure for my missing those four foot putts!
Peter Gilderson, Madison
