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A Vietnam War Veteran shared a story that made me thank God that my wife Gwynelle is like a mother hen when I get sick. Gwynelle will stay on top of everything; especially, knowing I may not be capable of doing for myself if the sickness is critical enough.
In 1997 this Vietnam Veteran said he had a gall stone problem, so he went to the hospital, unassisted by his wife, to have the doctor resolve this problem. The routine treatment did not work; therefore, he needed surgery. Once out of surgery, he flat lined – his heart stopped. He recalled feeling the Heart Defibulator shocking life back into him.
Then he found himself chatting with someone when his heart stopped a second time. He says he could feel the heart crisis coming on. The Defibulator brought him back once again.
He recalled his heart stopping a third time. The Defibulator brought him back to life one last time.
I was mesmerized listening to his story. He saw my intense interest then he elevated the drama saying that the hospital people never called his wife to apprise her that he was in a life and death struggle with the grim-reaper three times in the same night.
I wondered about his doctor’s comments.
The Vietnam Veteran said his doctor’s only comment was, “I did my job!”
The Vietnam Veteran said his medical records disappeared until he believes after the statute of limitations for a law suit was reached. He said he is having adverse reactions from Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War, thus he needed his medical records for his current doctor. The veteran contended his records resurfaced because he kept receipts on taking the tests and he went to the different departments at the hospital demanding his medical records.
The veteran said for three years he did not know whether he would live or die.
He is a Caucasian with smooth facial skin and nose that he said was reconstructed. This veteran said that portions of his face are numb as he moved his fingers across these facial areas.
I commented that his face looked fine.
I wondered why a Vietnam Veteran was sitting in a private doctor’s office seeking treatment. I never queried him. He poured forth going to the Veteran’s Hospital meant he had to make an appointment and wait his turn. This veteran was then called to see the doctor.
What was crystal clear from this veteran’s story is it is foolhardy to go to the hospital without your mate or family member accompanying you no matter how simple you think the surgical procedure is going to be for things quickly can degenerate. I kissed Gwynelle and thanked her for never allowing this veteran’s scenario to become a reality in my life.
