The Ups and Downs of Recovery
Written by Blair Townley, Photos by Anthony Rao
Having open heart surgery can be quite the life-changing experience. Recovering from the surgery can be just as much the ongoing ordeal that can change the way you look at life. Michael Williams is learning this idea every day that sometimes you have to go through the pain in order to experience the next day’s enjoyment.
“You only have one life to live. I feel I am getting more energy every day,” says Michael of his increasing strength since undergoing Triple Bypass with Mitral Valve Repair surgery in December.
Before his operation Michael found it difficult to get from one end of a mall to the other. He can proudly say it is a feat he can do more often.
Since his surgery Michael has lost weight and gained energy with the help of physical therapy, a nutritional diet and daily exercise.
“I’ve been eating a lot of yogurt and had my first steak in months just in the last few weeks,” Michael says. He’s also had to give up fast food in exchange for more fruits and vegetables due to his heart and diabetes.
His partner, Barbara Richards, has also joined him on his road to recovery, accompanying him on walks with their two dogs near their Umatilla home and eating healthier meals with him.
“We’re both getting more conscious about our weight, especially as we get more into our 50s,” Barbara says.
Michael is currently looking into investing in Segways so he and Barbara can enjoy more of the outdoors.
Even with all the renewed vigor that Michael has, being patient as his body improves has been a bit of a struggle.
“I have more pain but it’s more healing pain. I don’t have as much surface pain but chest soreness and pain around my rib cage and shoulders,” Michael says.
The first few days home were difficult for Michael, especially after he returned to the hospital shortly after his surgery to correct a post-op issue. Simple tasks like putting on clothes, taking a shower, even getting out of a chair required the help of Barbara and sometimes one other person. Barbara bought him a new recliner for Christmas which turned into a bed for Michael when he couldn’t get comfortable in his actual bed.
“It’s been rough on Barbara, taking care of me and helping me out of the chair,” Michael recalls.
Taking 14 pills a day has also been a chore. He takes everything from Morphine to Insulin to combat pain from the surgery as well as to handle his diabetes.
“I’m a registered nurse and it was tricky for me sometimes with medications and taking care of him,” says Barbara.
Yet being able to see him making strides towards better health has been enough of a reward for Michael and Barbara both through the ordeal.
Although they have had to miss out on events and activities that they enjoyed in previous years, such as Daytona’s Bike Week, plans can be made to enjoy them next year.
“We’ll make up for a lot of things this year that we missed,” Barbara says.
“I’m just mad because it is Bike Week (March) and I can’t ride my bike,” says Michael, referring to his Suzuki Boulevard. Sorry Michael but it’s your surgeon Dr. Duane Cook’s orders.
The path towards full recovery is getting closer each month and Michael can’t wait when he will be able to enjoy life as he did before but in a healthier way. “We have good days and bad days but there are more good days coming our way,” the couple says.
The fact that they will be able to enjoy each other’s company for a few more years is worth the pain and difficulties.
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