By Steve Stricker

Columnist

I’m from the “Show Me” state of Missouri – kind of surprised that I’m alive on this Thursday, February 20, home, finally out the other side from months of two Echo’s (25-30% EF), Nuclear Stress Test (no blockage), implant of new Pacemaker January 23 by Cardiologist, Dr. Mark Campbell and connection of that third “loose” lead (vein too biologically small), so, Tuesday, February 18, brought on Cardiologist, Dr. Thomas Lyn, who successfully connected it to the back of my heart.   

Knowing I was in for a battle on the 23rd and 18th, requested prayers from y’all and was totally blown away by your many responses of support!  “Thank You” just doesn’t convey my immense feelings of gratitude for these because I felt them and the peace they brought me. Especially thank you to my Lord, God and mother, Mary, whose Miraculous Medal that I never remove from my neck had taped to my hand on 23rd and arm on the 18th.

And how does one begin to thank the two doc’s who saved and extended my life with the ER pacemaker in June 2017, new one on this 23rd, and all vitally important third lead connected two days ago.  Then, there’s all the supporting medical staff without whom none of this could happen to include my St. John’s buddy who sits behind me in church with his wonderful wife Patty, daughter Camie Bianco and Coach B – Jerry Marquette who drove me to both procedures and picked me up.

Thursday, January 23 placement of new pacemaker, minus third lead (vein too small): Cardiologist, Dr. Mark Campbell, Autumn, Derek, Adam, Dorothy, Angie, (Oxford Stern Cardiovascular Clinic Staff), Vallery, Carlen, Katlan, Madison (In-room preparation and monitoring), Dr. Mark, Derek, Adam, Caleb, Olivia, Shelby, Maddie, “Tiger,” (Surgery). Couldn’t remember all those terrific staff and apologize for mis-spelled names.

Tuesday, February 18 – Dr Lyn’s wonderful staff, Nita, Kay, and Peaces. First person to greet me at Baptist Hospital sign in 6:20am after St John’s buddy Jerry Marquette picked me up and dropped me off, Hope (yay) announced, Striker,” uh close, Stricker.  Laugh, Abby had it right. Then team of Hope and Leslie prepped me for surgery with lots of laughter and care –  Love them!

Shortly after, buddy Derek, Dr. Mark Campbell’s office who has been checking my PM since 2017 came in to visit and pray with me, gladiator Roman came to chat, Rachel taped my Miraculous Medal to my arm and together bounced me off walls (ha) to surgery while Jessica kept my doctor son, Stephen informed on how it was going.

Roman dispatched me to sleep pretty quickly to shut me up, and an hour or so later awoke to the most pain I’ve ever experienced, mostly due to the #%^&*@! chest drainage tube!  Sorry for all that goat whaling Josh and Peaches. Son Stephen, after chat with Josh, said I received enough pain medicine to knock out a horse, the pain finally settled down to just a lot of pain….

Josh took great care of me until 7pm when Kimberly took over for the night and was wonderful! At 7am Wednesday, Christine came on duty and continued the awesome care. After surgery, Derek, while watching the screen, dialed in my heart rhythm remotely, perfectly – unreal!

5:30 am Wednesday, Nurses Kattie and Kimberly took me for a two lap walk around ICU important to be released, I nailed it!  At 8:40am, the newest hero, Dr. Lyn and Nurse Peaches in for few seconds, big grin, shook my hand, said procedure was perfect,  I apologized to Peaches for all that pain uproar, doc said all was great and that I was going home today – YAY!!  I was so worried because I had to leave my master owner cat, Jag, in the house.  Christine did a great job releasing me from those “miles” of tethered wires. Peaches pulled that BS huge chest drain tube, “At count of three, blow out like blowing out candles” Done!

Claudette graciously wheeled me down to Jerry in that big-o new Cadillac SUV.  It had snowed, but thankfully not stuck on the roads, home by Noon.  Jag was, whew, ok, asleep on my bed. Love God’s cat.

After ER procedure to place the Pacemaker in June 2017, Dr. Mark said, “Procedure went great, you are healthy as a horse and will be around for a long time.” With the new pacemaker, your life expectancy is 20 years plus!  When Dr. Lyn released me on Wednesday, I asked him the same thing.  Instantly, “If we can get your EF up to 30-35% – 20 years!! Thank you, God!! Now?  I feel like a pot-holed road, much pain, but future to infinity – awesome!!

Follow up appointment Friday, February 27 with Dr Ln’s staff. THANK YOU ALL!  Go  Baseball Rebels!

Steve is very thankful to be alive in Oxford and has his Ph.D., in Counseling from Ole Miss