Before & After
I think we all must come to the conclusion that there is no permanent solution to my “problem”. It was fated to be and there is no magic CRISPR bullet to change it. The CRISPR moment was 73 years ago and of course, there was no gene manipulation in those primitive days. It will simply be a matter of control contain and maintain.
Pills, pills and more pills.
The future may be a series of small crises, little fires that can be quickly stamped out before they erupt into a raging inferno. Medication seems to be the least risky and, so far, the most effective approach. Doctors are reluctant to reach for the scalpel, at least the ethical ones. So drastic intervention is fading in the distance, not that I will stop pursuing it. There are things that I can do in the meantime; light-to-moderate exercise, healthy diet, and a more focused mental attitude. Understand that no one can do this for me.
It is all in my hands, so allow me the space to find my own way.
So bear with me. I’m not going to be 20 years younger overnight.
On the other hand, I’m not going to be 20 years older tomorrow.
Miracle of miracles. TAVI has come to my rescue. TAVI is Trans-catheter Aortic Valve Insertion. A wonder of modern technology. It seems that my aortic valve was getting calcified to the point where my heart was unable to supply the needs of my body. I suffered low stamina, physical weakness, shortness of breath a general disinterest in life and it was getting progressively worse. My heart was failing me. A little online searching produced what seemed to match all my symptoms and provided a relatively easy and simple solution. Only a few hospitals in Ontario were equipped to do this procedure and I needed to be approved to qualify. All my stars came into alignment and it was soon scheduled for the beginning of January. No digging about in my chest. No lengthy recovery. Just a small incision in the groin for entry of the catheter that slipped the new valve up and into my heart. No fuss, no muss and the ticker was as good as new. As the doctor who reviewed my case said to me “This will be life-changing.”