But when the possibility of facing this event right NOW presents itself, it can be stressful.
In Feb 2013 I enjoyed another perfect 10 days in wonderful Thailand. The weather was so warm and the Thai people so friendly, it was marvelous. I arrived home Feb 18th, feeling like a million bucks, totally rejuvenated and inspired.
The following day, events took a cruel U turn. I was hit with a chest infection, and for the next several days suffered severe discomfort, confusion and entered into an incoherent state. I could not eat and became dehydrated.
My friend Anne, came by frequently to do what she could and give Monty runs. After a few days, she called my Doctor in to see me who dispatched me to the hospital. After a series of tests and X Rays I was diagnosed with severe Pneumonia and given a fifty/fifty chance of walking out alive.
In addition my INR reading soared out of control. (INR is the measurement of anticoagulant blood control) A reading double the target world be a concern, mine went up twenty times what it should be. This combination was a life threatening prognosis.
After several days on Anti Biotics I improved to the point where I could go to the bathroom on my own. Standing in front of the mirror I took my shirt off, in preparation to wash, as I observed the image, I was in shock.
A few weeks earlier I had stood in front of a similar mirror in the hotel in Thailand. At that time, while not particular impressed with my physique, I was quite comfortable with it. But now the image staring back at me was a man wasted away. So much flesh had disappeared from my upper torso, I was emaciated. Loose skin hung from bones. How could a body change so much in a little over a couple of weeks.?
I had to try and build up my food intake. I was surprised they did not include nutrients in my I,V, s. So I began to try and order food from the hospital menu to start rebuilding the losses, but to eat was still difficult.
With an urgent need for beds, after a week I was discharged and given the balance of the anti biotics in oral format, to complete at home. As Anne drove me home, the simple houses looked so good and it was great to be out and see the World around us.
The temperature of my apartment was jacked up. Previous to going away I had not turned on the central heating, despite the cold weather, as part of my austerity push to enable the trip. Whether this was a factor causing my demise, along with the 40 degree drop in the climate following my return, is a possibility, but too late to worry about now.
I now need to evaluate, what do I do differently given this unexpected development combined with my existing cardiac problems. Obviously some life style changes are imperative, such as quiting smoking. Also it would seem helpful to maintain a positive outlook. I work on planning my food intake to as much as I can handle. Some foods seem to taste different, so I try some of my old favorites.
I also attempt to max out on sleep. I seem to have a lot of time on my hands, restricted to the confines of my apartment, due to the continuing cold weather, with lots to think about.
After a few days home, I received a copy of a directive issued during my hospital stay, directing that no resuscitation be attempted during my tenure. Having previously survived a cardiac arrest through resuscitation, I found this chilling and also wondered why it would be sent to me after the fact.
Anne was most supportive and caring. She monitored my complex medication, overseeing my adherence to the program. Every morning She and Peter picked Monty up and took him, along with their dogs to run on the embankment. I hope I will be able to walk down and meet them there, as I had previously, when the weather warms up and my strength improves.
Day by day, as I become more accustomed to my changing circumstances, I am trying to focus more on the short term, rather than speculating on what the future may or may not hold. I feel thankful for all the great things I am able to enjoy today and all the wonderful experiences I have enjoyed.
I had stumbled across "Muay Thai". More commonly known as Thai Kick Boxing.
Previously Thailand had just been another name on the World Map with no significance. But this was my original introduction to these gentle people, whom where to have a huge impact in the final stages of my life. A Muay Thai event takes on spiritual significance, with each fighter performing their own dance before the contest, to the familiar beat of the ringside musicians, which continues throughout the event. Following a prayer at the ropes and removal of head gear, the contest begins.
The Muay Thai T.V. shows became a regular nightly "Must See" until unfortunately the channel disappeared.
My interest in Thailand was fired up again a couple of years later on hearing reports of this tropical gay utopia, that sounded just too good to be true, but was indeed everything I could have hoped for.
On Feb 14 2013 I rode a motor cycle taxi out to the Muay Thai stadium in Pattaya to watch an event live. This poster is now displayed in my living room, having extracted same from a bill board AFTER the event, and rolling up for safe transportation.
The intensity of the combatants is impressive, which you can see in their eyes, (particularly the seven Thai men shown in the poster, compared to the three foreigners displayed with national flags.) These fighters having a gentle compassionate demeanour in their faces, but one should not under estimate their pugnacious and fearless approach.
All fighters in Muay Thai are most respectful and courteous to each other, unlike the "Hype Hate" often demonstrated prior to regular boxing matches.
The most practical, convenient service I have ever experienced.
You get on where you want, get off where you want for pennies. When you get off you go to the passenger window, to pay your fare.
In Pattaya during the day, one comes by every few seconds. Through the night every few minutes, and when it is quite they will hoot their horn when they see you walking, to offer a ride. The Thai entrepreneur spirit endures. I guess "Health a Safety" nuts would have a field day with this one.!!
This is surprising when you see some of the heavily laden hydro poles, draped with spaghetii like wires.