(December 3, 2019, 1:58 pm)
Today is an important anniversary in my life. 19 years ago today I had a heart attack and my heart stopped. It is only because of the skills of Dr. Khalid Abousy and the staff at the ER at Potomac Hospital (since renamed) in Woodbridge, Virginia, I would be dead.
Thus began a process that would continue until my release from rehab on February 14th. During the ensuing six weeks, I experienced another heart stoppage, nearly a month of induced coma, pneumonia, and a pulmonary embolism. I also had cardiac bypass surgery. Except for a brief time in the ER I was at the regional cardiac care center at Fairfax Hospital where a team of specialist oversaw my care.
During the entire time I was unconscious, my sister and brother-in-law Barbara and Mike Levin came from Santa Fe, NM and were constantly monitoring my care. My colleagues at my employer, the Nonprofit Risk Management Center were extremely supportive, especially Melanie Herman the executive director.
I can't begin to express my appreciation to all of my family and friends for the support and kindness I received. You know who you are and I am deeply indebted.
Just a side note, shortly after my release, I was at an Olive Garden restaurant and heard a voice behind me. "Dude, you're alive." It was an ER tech who helped save my life at Potomac Hospital. He told me that they had been uncertain of my survival. The last they had seen me was being loaded on the helicopter for the transport to Fairfax Hospital.
L