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Established April 15, 1995
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I'm a single 52 year old father of one who, until age 27, rarely consumed animal products other than cheese, which I enjoy occasionally. I believe in moderation in all things and have never had a desire to indulge in recreational drugs, alcohol or tobacco. My diet remains low in animal products other than chicken, turkey or fish and I have no family history of aneurysm. Recent tests including, Arterial Doppler and Thallium Stress indicate zero arteriosclerosis or heart disease. My blood pressure and cholesterol levels have always been normal to low, however as a type II diabetic on insulin twice daily, I maintain very tight blood glucose control and have follow up doctor appointments every three months. I'm a published poet with a zest for life in spite of a spinal cord injury received on military duty for which I am 100% totally disabled. Why I would suddenly present with an iliac artery aneurysm is a mystery to me.
22 April 2002
I've been so exhausted from worry and the horror of knowing that my life is a game of roulette in the hands of a doctor who has never even laid eyes on me. To him I'm a number. I'll never forget following the young student doctor to my Baltimore, MD, VA Hospital exam room. Down a long cold hallway past a dozen other exam rooms with yellow post-it notes with numbers scribbled on then stuck to the wall next to the doors. I can't forget how he slapped a yellow post-it note with a big 16 scrawled on it on the wall next to a door and without even looking at me, blurting out, "Wait in here. Take off everything but your underwear and lie on that table."
Minutes before I had been lying on a cold table on 5th floor with my eyes glued to a TV monitor as an Ultrasound technician showed me images of the huge aneurysm ballooning out suddenly. I could hear the loud "swoosh, swoosh" sound of my lifeblood passing through. The technician exclaimed how huge it is. It was an eerie experience! And now, to find myself, case number 16, in another drab room on another cold table, with the sound of many distant voices in neighboring rooms in the background.
I watched the clock on the wall tick away for more than thirty minutes without anyone as much as sticking his/her head in to see if I was still there. After thirty minutes my blood began to boil. Another five long minutes watching the clock as it moved to 1:20 PM. Knowing that my shuttle back to West Virginia was leaving at 1:30 PM I got up from the table and walked out into the empty hallway in my underwear. I didn't care, I was steaming, my bus was about to leave and if I missed it I wouldn't arrive home until 8:00 PM on the afternoon shuttle. I was weak and hungry from not being able to eat anything since a banana and small bowl of cereal at 5:00 AM at home that morning when I took my Insulin. My blood sugar was bottomed out and no one cared. My shuttle was leaving and no one cared. I was number 16, and my student doctor was nowhere to be seen.
Finally a nurse showed up at the other end of the hallway and I walked toward her and asked, "Where is my doctor?" I said, "My shuttle to Martinsburg is leaving and I have to go." But I was just a damned number and the nurse was more concerned about me standing there in my underwear than with what I was saying.
Finally the student doctor appeared and told me he had to wait in line to see the attending, but that it was his turn and if I'd wait just a minute he'd be right back. I walked back into the exam room and began dressing. I could hear the attending doctor say, "I'm not operating on a 3.5cm aneurysm." I was all dressed except for my shoes when the resident returned. He told me that they were not going to operate and that I should come back in six months and get re-checked. I was flabbergasted! After all I had read and heard from other doctors and technicians about how serious an iliac artery aneurysm is at 3.5cm. After all I was sent home by Doctor Buzdon at that same clinic a little over a month before and told what tests I needed to make certain I was healthy enough for the surgery. She told me that if all the tests came back favorably I would have a surgery date set as soon as possible. I had had all the required tests and was found to be in good health to withstand the rigors of the six-hour long surgery and now I'm being told to go home and wait for it to grow even larger?
I tried to get this green student doctor to explain why I wasn't being operated on now to have this ticking time bomb removed, but all he could say was, "I have to go, I have other patients." I'm standing there knowing my shuttle was about to leave, but wanting to know why I was being treated this way and saying, "Wait a minute, I have a potentially life threatening time bomb ticking away inside me and no one knows how long it's been there and your telling me to wait six more months?" His reply continues to ring in my ears even now as he coldly replied, "Why are you so upset? It was an incidental finding, if it weren't for it being noticed accidentally you wouldn't have even known it was there." What the hell kind of answer is that? I said, "I have a lot of medical problems, Right now I'm medically fit to withstand surgery, in six months I may not be." With that he turned and walked away without saying a word. I was number 16, I didn't deserve any more of this arrogant green horn student doctor's time.
Everything I read and hear says that when it blows I won't live to see the ambulance arrive, but because I don't have money to pay a private surgeon to repair it I'm forced to play roulette. I have so many questions and worries, but no one has time to listen to me and answer my concerns. This leads me to believe that I am being denied life saving surgery for budgetary reasons. Washington bureaucrats have cut Veterans Affairs spending and staff so I am left a ticking time bomb, wondering if each day will be my last. I'm just 52 years young and I know nothing more than I've been able to glean from the Internet about my iliac artery aneurysm and I'm scared half to death.
Update: 19 May 2002
I'm happy to report that I have met with my new private practice vascular surgeon, Dr. Robert Tucker of the Winchester Surgical Clinic, Winchester, Virginia scheduled for a MRA as well as a Pulmonary Function Test in the next few days and then I will be meeting with Dr. Tucker on May 31, 2002, to discuss the test results and most likely set a surgery date.
I have received a large response from fellow aneurysm patients as well as family members. I would like to clear up a point that many are apparently not aware of judging by many letters I've received.
Many folks have commented that their aneurisms were much larger than my mere 3cm aneurysm and that theirs or their loved one's was a whopping 6 or 7cm before operated on. All of those responding have had or have abdominal aorta aneurysms or AAA as it's sometimes called. There is a big difference between the abdominal aorta aneurysm and my iliac artery aneurysm.
The iliac arteries are half or less the size of the aorta. I have no involvement of the aorta. My aneurysm is called an isolated iliac artery aneurysm or II AA as it's sometimes referred to and at 3.5cm I understand it is approximately the equivalent of a 6 or 6.5cm abdominal aorta aneurysm and, for some unknown reason, at greater risk of rupture.
Anyone interested in learning about the isolated iliac artery aneurysm can enter "Isolated iliac artery aneurysm" in any search engine and read how rare and dangerous it is in comparison to the AAA.
I will keep everyone posted concerning my journey down this aneurysm road as I have more to report. I am so fortunate to have Senator John Rockefeller as my Senator. It was his understanding of the seriousness of my situation that caused him to act on my behalf and force the Veterans Affairs to allow my case to be given to a private practice Physician and receive urgent attention.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank those of you that have written me with messages of support. I have been helped a great deal by reading of your experiences. This has been one of the most trying circumstances of my life. It's a long way from being over from what I understand, but it helps to have someone more experienced to give solace. You have all been more than kind with your encouragement and support.
Update: 1 Jun 2002
Just a note to let you and everyone know that my surgery will be performed on June 11, 2002, at Winchester Medical Center, Winchester, Virginia. I will learn the exact time when I report for pre-admission testing on June 7.
Yesterday my surgeon informed me that last weeks MRA revealed that the aneurysm is no longer isolated to the left iliac artery, but has spread and now includes the right iliac artery as well as the lower portion of the Aorta. I will be having the old fashioned surgical repair without stenting.
I really would appreciate any hints or tips from anyone that will help me through this surgery and the recovery process. I have complete faith in my surgeon, Dr. Tucker and the team at Winchester Medical Center, so I expect I'll be up and about in record time.
Update: 19 Jun 2002
One week ago yesterday (June 11, 2002) at ten o'clock A.M., I was rolling into surgery at Winchester Medical Center, Winchester, Virginia, for repair of my Isolated Iliac Artery Aneurysm. Two anesthesiologists had made eight painful, unsuccessful attempts at installing a workable arterial IV line in either of my wrists for the purpose of monitoring my blood gasses during the procedure. It was decided that further attempts would be made after I had entered oblivion to prevent further stress.
I am happy to report that was able to come home last night to begin my final recuperation journey after repeated assurances that I will follow strict doctors orders and guidelines regarding diet, activity and medication and return for office follow-up visits.
I had only begun a moderately solid diet yesterday afternoon, but had an insatiable desire for pizza. On the way home from hospital my son telephoned ahead to our favorite pizza restaurant for a cheese pizza, which was ready for pick up as we neared home. I had not eaten as much as a saltine cracker since two full days prior to surgery a week earlier and this was going to be heaven. Upon settling in at home it was with much eagerness that I took my first bite of the wonderfully aromatic pie that had been resting on my lap the final five minutes of the ride. To my great dismay the delectable flavor of my hearts desire appeared to be over laden with salt and tasted nothing like I had imagined for what had seemed an eternity. My son enjoyed the pizza and I settled for a small portion of vanilla ice cream.
I am not able to sit for long periods and will keep this brief for now. I did want to let everyone know that I am home and my surgery, which began as an Isolated Iliac Artery Aneurysm but turned into a full fledged AAA repair when all was said and done, was a great success. The total body weakness is sometimes overwhelming and both forearms are literally black from countless failed attempts at the arterial hookup (The arterial connection was finally made high in my left arm, above the elbow.
I will write more as my ability to sit upright increases. I have received so much information and support from you and all the other AAA writers that I did want to let you have a quick progress report and extend my heartfelt gratitude to all who have send letters of encouragement and support. I have so much more to speak of, but alas, I find the pain and weakness getting the best of me for now.
Update: 7 Jul 2002
On the morning of July 27, 2002, I awoke and went to the bathroom only to loose total control of my bowels and flood the bathroom with blood as I almost passed out. I was able to make it to the cordless phone and dial an ambulance, which arrived in about forty minutes with the 911 operator talking to me all the while as I went in and out of twilight several times.
Upon arriving at the local hospital emergency department I was revived with several units of blood, as well as a considerable amount of cryoprecipitate, to find my Von Willebrands Type IIa bleeding disorder had onset with a vengeance. I was eventually transferred back to the Winchester, Virginia, Medical Center, where my AAA surgery had been performed on June 11, and was just released to return home today (July 6) in a very weakened and painful condition.
My stomach was found to have developed two major bleeds that were squirting blood out into my stomach almost as fast as it was replaced by IV. The culprit is suspected to be Vioxx, an anti-inflammatory drug that appears to have burned right through my stomach lining.
After three unsuccessful attempts to stop the bleeding via endoscopy I was taken to surgery and reopened up the middle and my stomach cut open and surgical repair made. I have to return in about ten days for a fourth endoscopy to make certain my stomach is healing in good order. I'm told there's a chance I may experience yet another bleed and therefore must be monitored closely.
To date I have received 43 units of whole blood, 32 units of cryoprecipitate and several treatments with factor VIII that had to be flown in from Pittsburgh. I am quite drained physically and will write more as I am able. Being cut up the middle twice in one month is not an experience I would wish on anyone.
Update: 3 Sep 2002
It's been about three months since my AAA repair and I'm finally feeling quite normal. In fact, I've regained my strength and walking my Black Lab four miles a day over rolling hills without needing a nap upon return home. Not bad for a guy who developed a life threatening stomach bleed requiring stomach surgery within three weeks of the Dacron graft procedure! Aye? For a while I was beginning to wonder if I ever would recover. You see, following the stomach surgery, in which my AAA incision was reopened, I developed a Staph infection as well as a nasty Urinary Tract Infection. Additionally, because of the massive dose of antibiotics required to eliminate the infection, I developed Clostridium difficile, a intestinal bacteria that required yet another antibiotic, Metronidazole. The side affects of the Metronidazole are similar to having influenza and I do look forward to finishing it off in about three days.
I underwent an upper endoscopy last week, which I observed, and it was noted that my stomach perforations are healing well, but biopsy tests positive for H. pylori. Hopefully the Metronidazole will eliminate any further stomach ulcers.
My physician has ordered a Pulse Volume Recording with exercise to insure I have proper blood flow to my lower extremities. Once this is done I will return for a final follow-up visit until my one year check-up.
At this point I'd like to mention that, in keeping with pre-surgical instructions, I do have some residual affects of being under the knife in the form of nerve damage. My lower left abdomen and inguinal area is completely numb, as though anesthetized. While the plumbing works well in everyway, including healthy orgasm, I am left without the ability to ejaculate, little concern anyway.
Thanks to everyone for your prayers and well wishes. It's been a long dreary summer in which I sometimes wondered if I should have undergone surgery. There were times that I felt I wouldn't survive and there were times I wasn't sure I even wanted to. Through it all I have gained much insight and encouragement from many of you and have met some wonderful friends on this Website. Was it worth it? Darn right it was! But I'm glad it's over and downhill from here. I'll continue to update from time to time.
In kindness to all, Ron
Update: 13 Jan 2003
I'm happy to report that today is my fifty-third birthday. Considering all I experienced since my AAA was found, repaired and the subsequent multiple close calls with death due to the stomach perforations and massive loss of blood in 2002, I am one fortunate fellow!
I am doing very well now and wish you and everyone God's blessings. I'm looking forward, with great interest, to the Wall Street Journal article on aneurysms.
Update: 13 Jun 2003
This time one year and one day ago I was undergoing a six-hour "AAA" repair. Now, just when things seemed promising again I have been rudely awakened.
It's five o'clock PM, June 12, 2003, and I'm finally home from a doctor appointment with unsettling news. My doctor explained that I've apparently suffered a severe, damaging heart attack sometime since my "AAA" surgery last summer. It apparently caused irreversible damage to a critical area of my heart and a section of the "Apex" wall is dead and could possibly rupture like a weakened side-wall on a bad tire. He said that statistically, I'd be very fortunate to live beyond five years. Strangely enough, I have had no chest pain or anything that would have led me to believe I was experiencing a heart attack and have been on daily aspirin therapy for more than five years.
I've been referred to, and will be seeing, a Cardiologist in Washington, DC, as soon as I can be worked in, to determine what, if anything can be done. I'm dumbfounded! Not upset, mind you, but sort of in a "Twilight Zone" state of mind. I'll write more later when I've eaten and have a chance to rest a bit. I'm worn out!
It's four o'clock AM, June 13, 2003, and I'm just now going to bed. At least I'm going to try. By coincidence my friend, Doc S****y left a voicemail while I was at the hospital yesterday saying he wanted to go out on patrol with me last night. Doc is a good friend and Physician, as well as a member of the Sheriff's Reserve. We drove around and talked about my situation for hours and he helped me better understand what's wrong and what I need to do, or not do, to deal with it positively.
I'm in a cloud to some degree and going through a denial phase. I keep thinking someone screwed something up on my recent Thallium stress test and that the Cardiologist will find nothing wrong.
It's not easy accepting a death sentence, especially at age fifty-three and with so much going for me. At least I have good medical care that won't end suddenly and I'm financially secure with no real stress in my life. Well, that is other than this bit of news. I'm told stress is very dangerous for me now, even as it is for those with aneurysms.
Both my doctor and Doc S****y said that there is a section of my heart wall that has died, for whatever reason, and that the biggest concern is that it might suddenly wear through like a weak tire and blow much like an aneurysm, resulting in almost sudden death. The word "Almost" is what frightens me. I don't want to know that I have only seconds to a couple of minutes left to live, which scares me beyond words. I would rather go quickly in my sleep or slowly in the presence of loved ones. I'm afraid I could suddenly go while driving a vehicle and severely injure or kill others as a result.
Although I'm a Christian, I don't believe in miracles like many do because I believe that God cannot interfere in the lives of men. It's my belief that we are given choices and it's up to us to decide correctly or not and then bear the consequences. It is also my belief that God does not cause our lives to turn one way or other based on how much or little we pray or how good or bad we might have been, but rather, we ourselves do by our individual choices. I believe, therefore, that I am dealt this hand by no fault of God and He cannot interfere.
I believe there is genuine hope for my friend Gary. You see, Gary was recently diagnosed with an insidious, malignant brain tumor. There's a ray of hope for Gary because a medicine could suddenly be found that would destroy his tumor, whereas there is nothing that medicine can do to bring life to dead heart muscle. Death is final for now and, it seems, I'm in the final moments, perhaps days, of my life here.
I can only hope and pray that God and Heaven is real and that I'm indeed worthy, by the grace of God, through Christ's death, to go there and not the alternative. No one will escape the end of life in these bodies and we each must be prepared to cross over at some point. At least I don't know the day and time it will happen like convicted murderers on death row do. How awful that must be! Maybe it's all a horrible mistake. I guess I had better try to get some sleep now, if that's possible. I'll write more as I'm informed and enlightened.
It's my sincere hope that each of you will find comfort and peace and that, together, we will gain strength and understanding through sharing.
Update: 11 Jul 2003
I was hospitalized with severe chest pain July 3, 2003, upon presenting to the Martinsburg Veterans Affairs Medical Center Emergency Department. I was told that lab tests were showing slight elevations of enzymes indicative of cardiac muscle involvement and, in light of my recent positive MI and arterial Ischemia findings on a Thallium stress test, I was promptly sent to ICU. On July 8, 2003, I was transported to the Washington, DC, VA Medical Center, where I underwent a cardiac catheterization performed by two very knowledgeable and experienced Cardiologists, Drs. Burke and Carson.
Because I was very alert and full of questions, showing no signs of nervousness about the procedure and asked to watch and be apprised of their observations and assessment, DR's Burke and Carson were very accommodating. Having spent considerable time researching my purported heart condition I was quite surprised and aghast to observe that all arteries appeared very normal and without any blockage as the two most recent Thallium tests had supposedly revealed.
I kept commenting that my arteries appeared quite open and normal based on my study. Much to my amazement both doctors agreed with my assessment. At the end of the procedure a large volume of dye was injected and my entire heart quickly darkened with full contrast. It was then that Dr. Burke announced that not only do I have fully open and quite normal blood flow to my heart, but that my heart is normal, very healthy and shows absolutely no sign of previous heart attack or damage.
I was told that my heart is very strong and in amazingly good condition and that I have zero plaque within my arteries. Dr. Burke exclaimed, "What ever you have been eating and doing keep it up because it's right for you."
Apparently the chest pain and cramping I have experienced, as well as the periodic shortness of breath upon climbing stairs and hills has been solely the result of my neuromuscular disease. My doctor has prescribed the drug "Baclofen" and it seems to be solving the muscle cramping, which was severe enough that it interfered with my diaphragm function and mimicked heart attack. The cramping along with tingling in the left arm and neck caused by an old service connected cervical spine injury had me fearful of heart attack. Since I am diabetic, have moderately high, but controlled hypertension and a family history of heart disease (my father died at age sixty-six of a massive coronary) I have always been conscious of my diet and lifestyle with a degree of trepidation.
I wish to thank all who have written thoughtful words of support and concern. It is with great pleasure that I am compelled to perhaps reassess my belief in modern day miracles and how God works in our lives here on this Earth today. Our prayers have been answered in a mighty way here and I thank all who have petitioned the Creator on my behalf. No matter how I look at this and many earlier "Second chance" opportunities in my fifty-three blessed years here, I am awestruck, deeply humbled and completely unworthy. If ever I doubted the Creator I cannot deny His greatness now and give Him my remaining days, years or whatever my plight.
Update: 19 May 2005
June 11, 2005, will mark three years since my "AAA" repair. I have been blessed with a complete recovery and, to date, no further aneurysms have surfaced. Except for the vivid memories, which, at times, seem quite distant, and some wonderful friends that I acquired as a result of the ordeal, I rarely think about the experience. Were it not for the centerline scar dividing my abdomen, annual follow-ups, and emails from you and other wonderful "Zipper Club" friends, it would seem little more than a dream to me.
While the neuromuscular disease and military related spinal cord injury of thirty years ago have progressed, taking a toll, I am still walking short distances without aid and remain as active as possible.
My diabetes remains under good control through use of an insulin pump, which I acquired December 2004, and my blood pressure has been nearly normal most of the time. Tests indicate that I have absolutely no heart problems and my arteries are completely clear of plaque.
I remain quite active with my church, volunteer activities and lobbying Congress on behalf of the American Diabetes Association, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and Disabled American Veterans. I have organized and am chairman of the first annual Eastern Panhandle America's Walk For Diabetes, which takes place Saturday May 21, 2005, at the VA Medical Center, Martinsburg, WV. So far this is already the larges America's Walk event in the state of West Virginia, already double that of the largest in the state prior to this.
It is with deep gratitude that I give glory to God and acknowledge you and all who have been a great source of encouragement and warmth every day of my new life. I will never be able to repay everyone's kindness and love, but I promise to continue trying, doing all that I can to make other's lives better.
Update: 12 June 2006
Today, June 11, 2006, marks exactly four years since my repair surgery and its been quite some time since I have written an update. I guess I was hoping that by ignoring the very word "aneurysm" I could forget it, its meaning, and best of all, past negative experience such as pain and anguish associated with it. While our website has kept us aware of many friends having good outcomes, surgical as well as non-invasive repairs, we've mourned the passing of a few too.
I had been hoping to write a short narrative today, saying that all is well and that I'm headed for the five year mark free of anything negative to report. Fact is, this past Friday, June 8, I reported to the Washington, DC, VA Medical Center, Vascular Lab, for a four year post surgical follow-up Doppler exam. The test concluded with my learning, quite unexpectedly I might add, that I have a 3.5 cm aorta aneurysm located several inches above the previous Dacron graft located at the bifurcation to the left iliac artery.
I am scheduled to return to the Washington, DC, VAMC, for another Doppler exam on December 8, 2006, as we take a "wait and watch" approach until size reaches at least 5 cm. Strangely enough, while I said that learning there is another aneurysm was "unexpected," it did not come as a complete surprise, however. What I find remarkably surprising is the fact that I'm profoundly calmer and less alarmed this time around. I actually feel more anxiety about having to experience another surgery and recovery period than anything. Hopefully the next time around I won't awaken two hours early from anesthesia, still paralyzed and unable to even bat an eyelid or lift a finger. Hopefully this time around I also won't experience the post surgical stomach perforations and bleed, taking more than five days to regain clotting ability, all the while having daily endoscopy in an effort to ascertain the root of the bleeding. There was the infected incision following the surgery to correct the stomach bleed last time too. This time I hope for smooth sailing all around.
If it wasn't for my beloved son and two loyal Black Labs that depend on me for love and companionship, I think I'd just ride this one out and take my chances, but when I hinted of this to my son I got a frown and, "No way!" Along with my distant brother and two sisters, they're all I have left now, as my mother passed away June 7, 2005. Maybe it won't get any larger? :)
God Bless.
Update:14 December 2009
I have been all over the world since I last posted to my story and am shocked and deeply saddened to return to the site and learn of Bill's death! Bill was a good friend and a great supporter and I am just in shock because time has passed so quickly and there is so much that I had hoped to share with him, like the fact that I was married this past June 28, 2009, on Mindanao, Philippines, where we are currently building a winter home away from the cold WV mountains. Then there is the fact that I have been diagnosed with a new and even more challenging 4.5 cm "AAA."
Perhaps even more exciting for me has been my having found the book "Eat to Live" by Joel Fuhrman, M.D., and after following the strict dietary guidelines within, have been able to completely eliminate the insulin pump that I have been tethered to for the past ten years. That's right, no more insulin or diabetes medication of any kind since April 1, 2009, two weeks after beginning Dr. Fuhrman's dietary guidelines and basically eating the right natural foods as God has given them to us from the farm. Additionally I no longer require any medication for hypertension and my BP is now consistently right around 110/60 and my triglycerides dropped from 300+ to 105. I have lost 80 pounds of excess weight and have never felt better, in spite of the fact that I am still a U.S. military service-connected "Functional Quadriplegic" since a 1971 military line of duty injury.
I hope there are no other saddening surprises awaiting me in the Aneurysm and AVM Support forum and I promise to send a more thorough update on my "AAA" in coming days. I wish everyone a most blessed and wonderful 2009 holiday season!
Update:18 January 2010
I've been trying to figure a way of updating my narrative, but have experienced so much since my last significant post that it all has to be reduced to something much shorter without losing its punch. LOL I'm finally scheduled for kidney stone Lithotripsy on February 1st, in hopes that a persistent, exhausting, two-year-long every two week recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) ordeal will end. Dealing with the Department of Veterans Affairs is a constant battle, especially for anyone age 59 or above. I just turned 60 on January 13, and it seems that age 59 with the VA is some sort of cut off number for receiving anything beyond chronic disease care or small emergencies. I have learned first hand that where more expensive procedures such as "AAA" and other invasive procedures are concerned, priority is given the younger veteran.
When I recently inquired as to why I was placed at the back of the line, behind a larger group of younger, newly returning war veterans and asked why it is that they are provided access to a hospital dayroom with all new PC's connected to high speed DSL while I was told to use the older dayroom with all older vintage PC's connected to slow dialup Internet access and older printers, perpetually without ink, the physician in charge of the Center told me, "The younger generation of veteran has a higher standard of expectation than you Vietnam era veterans Mr. Patterson!" This was news to me since I am a Webmaster and am as interested in efficient technology as any younger veteran, including my own son, a university grad with a degree in Information Systems. While it is true that I am a US military service connected "functional quadriplegic" and not as fast moving as a lot of guys, I can keep up with the best of them in many ways and my wife of barely six months is in the Philippines awaiting her US Visa interview, so it would be nice if I were able to communicate with her and print out her messages from time to time when I'm admitted to the VA's regional SCI Center and Polytrauma Center. It seems the VA boys in Washington, are doing their best to avoid another Walter Reed fiasco in the national media. The media too seems more interested in the younger more newsworthy veterans.
Anyway, I am finally going to have a turn at Lithotripsy. I hope the VA isn't as difficult to deal with if and when this nearly three year new "AAA" reaches 5 cm. It is currently holding at 4.5 cm ahile I continue to age beyond 59 years. I wonder if this age 59 cutoff is something local to my region or if it is, indeed, a national VA policy.
More to follow.
Update: 9 September 2010
On August 27, 2010, nearly one and a half years after adopting a total fat free vegan lifestyle under direction of Joel Fuhrman, M.D., author of the book "Eat To Live," and having lost seventy pounds of excess body weight, I underwent a biannual follow up Doppler ultrasound of the aorta. I was exceedingly happy to receive word that the 4.5 cm aneurysm on the descending aorta found three years earlier has decreased in size to 3.5 cm. I still have about 30 pounds of excess fat to lose at the belly, but I have never felt better and, while the weight loss has slowed, I am assured that as I continue on the healthy dietary plan and daily walking routine my body weight goal of 195 lbs will eventually be attained and this 60 year old (functional quadriplegic since a military spinal cord injury in 1971) will feel even better, physically and emotionally. What is wonderful for me is the fact that I consume more food and a greater, more wholesome variety today than at any other time in my life because I am not following a diet, but enjoying the benefits of consuming foods free of animal and processed fats.
Two weeks after beginning this lifestyle of consuming wholesome foods and walking about a mile daily or riding a recumbent stationary bike for12 minutes after meals, I might add, I was able to remove the insulin pump I had been tethered to for more than a decade and have essentially reversed type two diabetes to the astonishment of my endocrinologist and others at the VA Medical Center. I am no longer in need of any type of insulin injections or other diabetes medication whatsoever and have consistently tested with a 5.9 HbA1c during the past year and a half! It is a wonderful experience to no longer require daily finger sticks and worry over what I put into my mouth. I freely consume fresh and canned fruits, including snacking on huge melt in the mouth jumbo Medjool dates and dried Turkish figs, two of my absolute favorites that were forbidden when I was considered diabetic.
These results are possible even though I am now consuming a high carbohydrate diet, and in abundance, with so many wonderful health benefits! Science has proven in recent years that type two diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, coronary artery disease, hypertension, and osteoporosis are all diseases related to the high fat Western diet. Yes, fat, especially animal fat, but also processed fats (including olive oil as there are no good processed fats) cause type two diabetes and so many of these diseases. Additionally, meat and dairy products, when digested, produce highly sulphuric lactic acid, and others, in the human system that causes calcium to be drawn out of the bones, creating osteoporosis, a condition unknown in Asian and other countries in which the people do not feast daily on animal products other than fish, which is high in beneficial omega 3 fatty acids. Bottom line; I am living testament to theses facts and feel wonderful!
All the best, Ron
© Copyright 2002 Ron Patterson
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