Charlie's Heart. Jr., Charles W. Truitt

      

      Charlie’s Heart

      My Not-So-Perfect Journey

      Charles W. Truitt, Jr.

      Copyright © 2012 Charles W. Truitt, Jr.

      No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior consent of the publisher.

      The Publisher makes no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this book and specifically disclaim any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Neither the publisher nor author shall be liable for any loss of profit or any commercial damages.

      2012-06-28

      Acknowledgments

      My Wife and BFF: Peggy

      First and foremost, this book was her idea. She is my biggest promoter and greatest supporter. There are not enough words to express my gratitude and thanks for all she has done. I have walked many a mile thinking about the next words, paragraph, or chapter I was going to write. I have cried countless times remembering the events and writing the words. It has been Great Therapy…Thanks, Honey.

      Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Virginia

      I have to talk a little about Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Virginia. As I spent time in the medical center, I quickly came to appreciate and applaud the work they do. They genuinely cared and were determined to ensure I received the finest care and the best-possible experience.

      The Medical Center is a teaching hospital. With that, there are doctors everywhere, Residents, Interns, Attendings, and probably more. Of course, my understanding of educating doctors is limited to the “Grey’s Anatomy” television show, which I happen to enjoy. Regardless, some may think that your medical care is limited or minimized by these inexperienced doctors. I have experienced and believe the exact opposite. Every doctor I have come in contact with at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth used every bit of expertise and resources available to ensure I was provided the absolute best care. The staff in the Primary Care Unit (PCU) 3B is the absolute best. I always felt safe, cared for, and respected. The Heath Catherization Unit reminded me of the “MASH” television show. They are a little crazy; but absolutely the best in the business.. I love you guys! Thank you so much!

      Shirl Mundy

      There is no way I could have completed this book without the help of my sister-in-law, Shirl. As a retired English teacher from Benton, Arkanas, Shirl worked hard to correct my spelling, grammar, and more. Most of which, I incorporated, some I did not. Not because I know better than Shirl; but because I probably changed wording right up to the minute the book went to the publisher. Any errors are mine. Sorry, Shirl.

      Joe Arnn

      Without Joe (My brother-in-law) and his keen eye for detail, many a mistake would have been printed. Joe, a retired CPA, used his “attention to the detail” talents to provide me valuable recommendations and corrections. Like I said above - any mistakes in the book are all mine. Again, I changed things all the way to the publisher. Thanks for the help, Joe.

      Introduction - A Must Read

      This book is about my continuing journey through quadruple bypass heart surgery, recovery and life beyond. It is not about how well I have done or successful I have been. It is about my experiences, some serious, some funny, but all with a lesson.

      There are vast amounts of information available about the recommended ways to recover from heart surgery and thousands of people who have triumphed and are now living examples of that success. There are few books about me. The guy who went through the trauma of this operation and now gets up every morning determined to have a great day and get closer to good heart health; yet all too often comes up short.

      This book is my therapy. It has helped me see that true heart health is not a destination, but a journey. Some days I will do well and some I will not. My simple objective is to learn and gain a little ground everyday. I hope you read all the literature you can about the right way to take your journey. But I also hope you read about my journey; not because I have done it right but because I somewhat struggle and through that struggle I learn valuable lessons as I get closer to a heart healthy lifestyle. And after reading them both, I hope you find valuable lessons that make your journey easier and more successful.

       Charlie

      My Immortal Years

      My mother was a small woman and the most courageous person I have ever known. She was divorced in her thirties and left to raise five kids, one with Down Syndrome, and the youngest was 6 months old. I never heard an unkind word come from her mouth. To me, there was no woman with a bigger heart or stronger foundation. I often said that my mother was so secretive, I believed she worked for the CIA. She had heart bypass surgery in her fifties while I was serving away in the military - I found out several years laters. As I wrote this book, she (at 76) bravely battled yet passed away from liver cancer. She fought the good fight every day. If I am half as strong, I may live forever.

      Although my father left us when we were just kids, I learned in my later years that he had coronary heart disease and had heart bypass surgery at an early age. It soon became apparent coronary heart disease was the main killer in our family followed by cancer in a few instances.

      But there was a time that I was immortal, or at least I thought I was. Maybe more accurately, I knew people died, but death didn’t apply to me. Like any other kid growing up in Hampton, Virginia, I climbed the highest trees that I could find in my neighborhood, played war in the woods with bb guns (without eye protection), rode my bike with no helmet, drank out of the garden hose, played sandlot football without protective pads, and yes, ate anything and everything I wanted. To me, if it was food, it must be good for me. I was the king of my world, a world oblivious to disease and death.

      Somewhere along the line I know I became aware of death. I guess from an early age we all have this basic knowledge or understanding of the existence of illness and death. However, I think we see it as something that happens to other people or the elderly. It does not apply to us.

      Regardless of all of that, I must have been immortal. I didn’t dwell on death, and very few people around me were dying. And for some reason, if it did happen; everyone said it was such a shame that they were taken at such an early age. People died in a car accident or something totally unexpected. They didn’t die of diseases or at least I don’t remember any that did.

      I proudly served in the United States Army for more than 20 years. Even during that time, people died around me, but not from a health condition. It was some catastrophic event.

      But that would all change……