The Magic of The Times We Live In

For most of this last year I’ve been dealing with a few health challenges. I speak to them as challenges and not obstacles, because I, like many of you, am fortunate enough to live during an era of some amazing advances in health care, as well as facilities available to us in Southwest Florida. 

I know how lucky I am because I witnessed my dad’s healthcare struggles during his nine months from the ravages of cancer which took him from us at the young age of 45 years. I was only 16, my sister was 14, and my younger brother was nine years of age. 

For those of us who are part of the “baby boomer” generation we can be grateful that we have lived during these times of great advancements. I was thinking about that as I lay there last week being prepared for my procedure,gazing around the room in amazement at the advanced technology that surrounded me. 

Much of that technology has been developed during our lifetime, as have medical advancements such as the polio vaccine that has basically seen the eradication of that crippling disease throughout the world. 

The development of MRI and CT Scan technology in the 70s were two other great advancements. These imaging techniques have become crucial in diagnosing a range of conditions, from traumatic injuries to cancer, allowing us to enhance the accuracy of treatments and saving countless lives. 

Another great lifesaving advancement came in the 50s when the first kidney transplant was successfully accomplished leading to the first successful heart transplant in 1967.This would eventually leadto transplantation becoming a viable option, therefore saving thousands of lives. 

Introduced in the late 1980s, laparoscopic surgery was a significant advancement in surgical techniques. These minimally invasive procedures reduced recovery time, minimized surgical risks, and decreased pain for countless surgical patients. I would be another recipient of this advancement in modern medical technology as have many of my friends in one procedure or another. 

Robotic surgery has also emerged as a pivotal innovation beginning in the late 1990s, enhancing the precision techniques of surgeons during complex procedures. Systems like the da Vinci Surgical System allow for more precise, less invasive surgeries that improve patient outcomes and recovery times. The use of this technology is commonplace today in  

many types of surgeries, ranging from prostate surgeries to delicate orthopedicprocedures. 

So many other wonderful advancements have been made regarding the treatment of the various types of cancers, substantially improving the survivability rates of this terrible disease, which has taken too many of my family and friends. 

Yes, it was kind of amazing to be laying on my back while my eyes focused on observing the progress of the procedure being performed inside my heart as my cardiologist performed a delicate cardiac procedure that allowed for the removal of blockages within two existing 11-year-old stents,in addition to inserting two additional stents which should provide improved blood flow to a vital portion of my heart.  

Other great advances concerning cutting-edge cardiovascular treatments are now providing enormous benefits not previously available for patients with preexisting conditions,which allow for an improved quality of life for patients such as myself. 

I do appreciate the support from those at Coastal Breeze News and my friends and family over the last several months as I look forward to a rapid recovery and a return to my normal routine as I move forward with some new adventures in the future and maybe a story or two to share with you.