OTTUMWA —
Many of us offer resolutions at the beginning of the new year, hoping to change something in our lives. But when it’s a matter of life or death, the incentive to make those changes holds a lot more weight.
In December I began feeling weak, had gained some weight and was short of breath. I chalked it up to stress and maybe I had put on a few more pounds, but didn’t panic. I should have.
During the holidays, my parents noticed I was bloated and winded just walking up a small flight of stairs. They were concerned, and like most parents, worried about my health ... they insisted I go to the doctor immediately.
I said I would wait to go to see someone in Ottumwa and was planning to the first week of January when friends intervened.
Barb, Connie and Rick were concerned too, and apparently worked the phones on Jan. 1 — one of them was going to make me go to the Emergency Room.
Indeed it was Rick who said “you’re going now” and I complied. That’s when 2012 became the year of the new me.
In the ER, I was examined and learned I had a great deal of fluid in my body and my blood pressure had skyrocketed to some incredible numbers. The fluid was pushing up against my heart, going into my lungs and even into my carotid artery.
After a series of tests, X-rays and a catheter, I was sent to the ICU and spent the first week of 2012 at Ottumwa Regional.
With more tests, blood drawn and IVs hooked up, it was there that I learned I have congestive heart failure. Now, after all that time, the panic set in.
Not to worry, the doctors and nurses explained, but now when it really counts, a new year’s resolution for change really can’t be ignored this time. I have to change or it could be too late.
The ICU staff at Ottumwa Regional really made me feel better, despite lying in bed with nothing but a hospital gown and a number of tubes and wires attached.
That first night, Cindy and Angel made me understand that they were going to see that I got better. They, along with Heather and Cindi and other ICU nurses, were incredible (if I’ve forgotten anyone else’s name, I apologize).
But I can’t forget Bertie who made me laugh, especially during days where I thought I would cry, worried about the diagnosis and what lay ahead. She also made me promise that when I wrote my column I should mention she stands 5 feet 6 inches tall, 120 pounds, likes long walks on the beach and piña coladas.
Bertie, however, made it clear, as did everyone, including Drs. Ellison and Malik, that I was fortunate that I made my way to the hospital when I did and that my life was worth living if I made the necessary changes.
Fifty pounds lighter (30 lbs was the fluid alone) and faithfully taking a laundry list of meds, I am healthier.
I still get tired, but I’m slowly building my strength back up. I walk 30 minutes to an hour a day when I can, have cut back on the sodium and fat, and am drinking a lot more water than ever before.
But I’m better, and thanks to the medical professionals in Ottumwa, my good friends and my family, I’m living proof that new year’s resolutions can be kept, especially when there’s so much at stake.
Local News
A wake up call for a healthy change
The Road Less Traveled
- Local News
-
-
Bridge work will close trails section
The closure of the trails between Black Lake and Mary Street is expected to remain in effect through November.
-
PHOTOS: Fire and Ice — Raising funds for smoke detectors
Cooper Chickering, 3, of Ottumwa, enjoys the “ice” part of the “Fire and Ice” event, while Ottumwa Master Firefighter Bill Keith shows a crowd the “fire” part of the fundraiser, which raises money to buy smoke detectors for Ottumwans who need them.
-
Ottumwa schools toughen Internet policy
This week, the Ottumwa school board adopted a new policy for Internet use in the district. The new policy fits with The Children’s Internet Protection Act, a federal regulation tied to government funding.
-
‘A peek behind the curtains:’ Weekend events gear community to check out trails, downtown
This weekend's events to benefit the trails and educate the community of what’s new and changing downtown include the annual Tips for Trails at the Tom Tom Tap and the mediathon to raise money for the Wapello County Trails Council.
-
Eisenhower bridge repair in the works
Insurance companies are still hammering out final reimbursements after a truck hauling a wide-load wind turbine struck the Eisenhower Pedestrian Bridge in April 2011. The city also finalized severing ties with Centerplace and blasts the company's management of Bridge View Center.
-
Cremer takes command of Veterans Affairs office
The Wapello County Board of Supervisors has approved hiring Marty Cremer of Agency as the county’s new Veterans Affairs director. Dan Hoy, the outgoing director, told the board his last day will be Friday.
-
PHOTO: Rewarding field day at Wildwood
Students at Wildwood Elementary School reap the rewards of collecting Box Tops worth more than $2,000. The school had 12 activity stations Monday at its Field Day, where Wildwood alumni came back to help the kids have fun.
-
Ottumwa school district, teachers agree on contract
The Ottumwa school district approved the 2012-13 Master Contract for teachers on a unanimous vote.
-
IHCC eyes 2012-13 budget estimates
A potential state funding increase could add $800,000 in new money to the Indian Hills Community College's bank account next year. On the other hand, an estimated decrease in student population may reduce funds by about $800,000.
-
Gothic House Center has new outdoor exhibit area
Four outdoor panels will be available to visitors who stop by when the American Gothic House Center is closed. One panel features the history of the American Gothic House, and the others are about Grant Wood’s painting, his life and the impact of this painting.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Bridge work will close trails section
