Quite recently I was told that there was a snake in my vicinity which could strike at any time! If it did I should call an ambulance immediately. Also, it would be better if I didn’t move around in case it struck!
I suggested not finishing mowing the lawn. However, that was ruled out at home. “If you are going to die, you are going to die – it’s the same for all of us.”
Well, that was the best advice. No panic, no worrying … almost a secret pleasure. The prospect of imminent death was not at all daunting. Maybe a bit of regret that I wouldn’t be at my wake. I did suggest it as a possibility. Maybe I could be borrowed from the undertakers and propped up in the corner with a beer in my hands…?
That’s not exactly what really happened…
My doctor had cut off a mole and sent it off for checking. She also sent me to a cardiologist to check my ticker. He sent me for some tests.
As arranged, my doctor phoned to report if the mole was dubious or not. It was not.
But, she had the results of my CT test…
- I was to take 300 aspirin immediately and one every day forever.
- I was not to do anything strenuous and if I had any discomfort, no matter what, I was to call an ambulance!
- She was booking me into hospital for angioplasty.
That’s when I asked about the lawn and the washing up.
The snake was a clogged coronary artery, which seemed to be a serious situation.
However, I saw my cardiologist a few days later and he said:
Nah, relax –it’s not a problem, we will treat it medically. It has been there a long time. If it hasn’t killed you by now, it is not likely to do so.
He is a very good doctor – he just prescribed a few pills and didn’t even put me on a diet!
So my plans for a wake are on ice.
Quite an impressive tale to tell and some of my children seemed concerned, which was heart warming.
On a slightly less jocular note, I was surprised. I was not remotely concerned by my doctor’s alarm and urgent arrangements for heart surgery.
On second thoughts, is it depressing that the thought of my death doesn’t alarm me? … I wonder if there is Beck’s in heaven? If the beer is warm, I have probably gone to hell…
sillysocksonfriday 