A couple of months ago, when the winds ruled the land of Santa Clarita, I found the backyard basketball goal, once firmly secured in concrete, face down on the ground. Rust had revealed its ugly face and undermined the integrity of the steel pole on which the manufacturers had proudly stamped “Lifetime.” The water from the sprinkler system had gently jabbed at the pole over years, softening the steel, and allowing the winds to deal the last insult. The backboard that read “Shatter Proof” was in hundredss of pieces.
Because of my schedule, I left to see my patients, the first being Mr. H. He had been playing golf and smoking his cigars when he felt back pains. He ignored it, as he had been for two months, finished the round and played another 18 holes. The next day, the Arizona weather didn’t allow another swing. He set out to go home, but felt ill. His friend who was driving him asked if he was alright. “No, you better stop.” He got out of the car and collapsed on the road.
Mr. H was rushed to the hospital where he was diagnosed with an abdominal aortic dissection (tear in the biggest artery, causing internal bleeding). He was rushed via air to a hospital that could handle an emergency of this magnitude. The surgeons found the problem and saved his life.
After his hospitalization, Mr. H visited me in the office. “Man, God surely smiled at you when He got you from the ground to the hospital…and look at you…you’re alive!” He smiled and asked about playing golf. “You still smoking?” “Yes, Dr. K…I know, I’ve got to quit.” “Are you kidding me? You’re a miracle! You are going to stop today!”
I told him about the “Lifetime” basketball story and how the water and the wind grinded away at the pole. “It’s that nasty nicotine that’s tearing away at your arteries! Hey bud, do you want to die prematurely, fall and never get up?” He was surprised with my question, and with tears in his eyes, he said, “I quit Doc, I quit!” We celebrated life that day, and I was thankful that the “Lifetime” pole offered insight in helping my patient live a better life.
For further information on your cardiovascular health, contact Dr. Kojoglanian at 661-259-1711 and visit drrap.com. The Mender of Hearts is located at 24868 Apple Street, Suite 103 in Santa Clarita.