I'm Still Alive!!

As reported earlier on this site I was to have gallbladder surgery last Tuesday.  The procedure was to be performed as an outpatient at a surgery center in Gainesville.  After modeling the latest patient surgical fashion (at right) I expected to awake without my gall bladder.  However, I awoke with a ventilator tube in my throat in the ER of a nearby hospital.  I learned that I experienced a cardiac episode which required emergency treatment.  The breathing tube was removed quickly as I demonstrated I could breath under my own power.  I was then moved to a room on the cardiac floor for additional tests.  I felt very sharp pains in my chest area when moving certain ways, taking deep breaths, or coughing.  X-rays show no broken bones, which can happen during CPR, but the muscles were strained.  A heart cath on Wednesday found no heart damage, no blockages, and a very strong chamber.  That is a very good report!!

So, what happened?  Doctors believe I experienced a CO2 embolism, which is very rare, that caused my heart to "crash".  Apparently I did not "flat-line", but was close to it.  The sharp pains I'm still feeling will soon stop and were caused by the forceful chest compressions during CPR.  I came home from the hospital yesterday with, basically, a clean bill of health, and with the same ol' gall bladder.  Barring no flare-ups the surgery will be rescheduled for late summer or early fall.  Doctors say I may resume my normal schedule of activities.

I want to thank everyone for your prayers during this week.  The Lord made His presence known by surrounding me with medical staff from churches where I've preached, by Christians notifying others to add me to prayer lists, and countless calls, texts, e-mails, and Facebook posts encouraging me and expressing your love.  Again, I thank the Lord and you all from the bottom of my healthy heart!!

Help me spread the word, I'm alive, healthy and kicking!  As Mark Twain once said, "The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated!"  And as James "The Giant" Croft has said many times, "Boy, am I excited!"