Surgeon

Pity him, lowly quarterback called into the game for one Hail Mary pass; and then we forget. So you don’t, I mention his name here. All three doctors on my case thought highly of Dr. John Crouch. He told me that he did my quadruple bypass in two hours. “Off-pump” reduced risk and saved weeks of recovery time. The rest of this “game” is played on defense, with my post-surgery team. His final gift to me: no dietary restrictions, but everything in moderation. Ah, a new life and the capacity to enjoy!

First Cardiologist

First, about the cardiologist recommended by my trusted physician. He worked comfortably in a no-questions environment, accustomed to people around him doing what they are told. Why, he even won a metro area award as “Best Cardiologist” among nurses. I’m told that this probably means his judgment is quick and accurate, and he takes responsibility. Not shabby. After all, most patients leave the hospital with a higher respect for the nurse than anybody. Count me among their fans. (Please pay them better.)

However, as a several-years single guy, self-employed, loner bicyclist, writer, reader, I could no more thrive in a doctor-knows-best environment than an alley cat. His impatience with questioners brought out my impatience with controllers. My mind would not concentrate; old Gestapo jokes made me smirk in his presence - great material for my next career, a stand-up comedy routine. His bedside manner, I grumbled, was a straight jacket. The ideal patient is in charge; all questions are to be asked; and if there is time to think, then think.

Next: Moving On

“I could no more thrive in a doctor-knows-best environment than an alley cat.”