Say the Word

Here we are at the end of what has proven to be a long week. One more consultation this morning with another doctor. This one in Houston. Then it’s decision time. I’m leaning toward San Antonio. It’s close to home. I like the doctor. I like the staff. But I want to touch all the bases. I mean one of these guys is going to be cutting open an artery of mine and running a catheter up my leg into my abdominal aorta, using low grade x-ray pictures to see where he is.

I’m glad we’re moving fast. Afterall, there is a 10% chance over a year this aneurysm of mine will rupture. And this points out an interesting human trait. If someone told you there was a ten percent chance you’d win a million dollars on a bet, you’d focus on the 90% chance you wouldn’t win and probably back away from the bet. But a 10% chance of rupture seems highly probable, and too high of a risk to accept. So, I’m betting on surgery. Weird. I guess when it’s your life no percent is acceptable.

In a way, I’m lucky to be living in the 21st century where we have the technicians and the technology to handle this sort of complicated surgery with a noninvasive approach that will have me back on my feet doing normal activities within four to six weeks, maybe less. A modern miracle at my fingertips, ready to save my life. And isn’t it a wonder what the human mind can do. Another miracle, for sure. So, like the centurion’s servant, I’m only waiting for the Lord to say the word so that I can be healed.

John W. Wilson is the author of The Long Goodbye: A Caregiver's Tale