The Autumn of My Years
Life events cause us to pay attention to how far we have travelled.
Life events cause us to pay attention to how far we have travelled.
At seventy-two, I believe that I can safely claim to have entered the Autumn of my years. In autumn there are good days and less than good days.
This year began on a good note. We travelled to Germany, Italy, and France. We enjoyed the sights, the food, and the people.
We made plans to return in October. I would take my Brompton bicycle and its trailer to Europe. Liddy, my dog, and I would follow the Rhône River from Geneva to Marseilles, where the Rhône empties into the Mediterranean Ocean. The path is called the ViaRhôna. October in the Cote de Rhône enjoying the fall weather. Enjoying some of the best food and wine in the world. Exciting!
My wife June would enjoy time with my daughter’s family at their home in Germany. We would meet at a friend’s condo in Valencia, Spain. We would share a couple of weeks there before returning to Germany and then home.
It would be an adventure. An adventure that was not to be.
In September I had an echocardiogram. I have atrial fibrillation, so my cardiologist thought it was time for one. The results of the echo showed advanced Aortic Stenosis. My cardiologist suggested that we not go to Europe. We should stay home. I should have an Aortic Valve replacement.
There was an OMG and WTF reaction.
Funny thing about events like this. They get your attention.
I guess I am lucky my problem is not cancer. My problem is not the kind that will slowly sap your life away. It is not the kind where you submit to abominable treatments with poisons that seem to be worse than the problem. No, my problem is a simple valve job. They can fix it, or they can’t.
At the moment, the prognosis is very positive. I will likely be able to play another day. Cycling in France and other places in the world are distinct possibilities. Friends tell me that with a new Aortic Valve, I should feel like a new man. My constant state of exhaustion should be lifted as my body will again receive a good flow of blood instead of the relative trickle it receives now. I might give the energizer bunny a run for its money.
Last week, I underwent a heart catheter procedure. My cardiologist was pleased with me. He found no surprises and no need to deploy any stents. A good sign, I think.
I am scheduled for an MRI next week. I am told it is to map a path from my groin to my heart so they can use a catheter to place the new valve. Less invasive than the alternative surgical procedure. I have several more visits with specialists before the final plan is decided.
Whatever procedure is chosen, I feel confident. It’s not like my medical team hasn’t done this before.
Autumn is a glorious season. The forests burst out in a festival of colour. If this is the autumn of my years, then I will embrace the season and celebrate in kind. I will outshine those golden aspen before I am spent.
Besides, who’s going to walk the damn dog?
The world is a beautiful place. Share the beauty. Leave only footsteps.