A medical ordeal that many don't survive has changed me forever

After three hospital stays totaling 82 days, (most of them in intensive care), three major surgeries, a thousand injections, dozens of CAT-scans and X-rays, I am finally back at home — minus 40 pounds — and beginning to put my life back together.

According to my surgeons, that will be no small chore. They predict a one-year recovery period from the rare disease that overtook my pancreatitis. Only about 50,000 incidents of acute pancreatitis occur in the U.S. annually.

Based on the home nursing care I'm receiving, a year sounds about right. Frequent dressing changes for my wounds are mandatory. And I am often overwhelmed with exhaustion by mid-day even though I may have hardly done more than read the newspaper.

Most pancreatitis cases result from alcohol or drug abuse, gallstones or complications from prior surgeries. None of those fit into my medical profile. I am one of the 15 percent of pancreatitis victims where the cause is unknown.

Until stricken, I could not have told you one single thing about the pancreas. The best I could have ventured is that it is an organ in the general area of the stomach that produces insulin.

I got some clue what I was in for when the emergency room doctor returned from reading the X-rays and said: "I have bad news for you." I naturally expected his follow up to be: "Cancer."

Instead, he told me, "Pancreatitis."

Pancreatitis came upon me like a sudden summer storm. One day, I was fine but the next day I was doubled over in a pain so intense I could not endure it. And the following day, I was on the operating table.

For someone who in his 63 years on earth had never been hospitalized for anything, let alone undergone surgery, it was all quite a shock.

Surrounded by doctors and nurses, I was slow to realize the gravity of my situation. When, after my third surgery, I asked the doctors if I was going to live, they artfully dodged the question by replying that I was doing as well as could be expected.

Only when I left the hospital did the surgeons candidly tell me that most patients in my condition don't live to tell about it.

How did I make it through?

First, I had the love and support of family and friends.

Second, I had the dedicated and tireless care of the professional hospital staff.

Third, I was determined not to die. Whatever goals were set for me, I pledged to better them. When the physical therapist told me it would be a month before I was walking on my own, I set my timetable for two weeks — and I beat it.

The good news from my ordeal is that I've been through a life-altering experience. Nothing is — or ever will be — the same for me.

I listened carefully to the staff chaplain who visited me daily. And, although it has been decades since I have been what could be called "religious," I took comfort in the compassionate words and prayers of my nurses.

I'm not sure exactly how my new life will play out. But I am very thankful to have the chance to live it.

Joe Guzzardi is an instructor at the Lodi Adult School. He is very grateful for all the supportive mail he received from News-Sentinel readers. Mail can be sent to him at guzzjoe@yahoo.com.

Reader Feedback

Taylor wrote on Mar 23, 2007 8:14 PM:

" Hello Joe, I really missed your absence from the newspaper. Happy to see you back. wishing you a speedy recovery Take care. "

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TruthSeeker wrote on Mar 22, 2007 9:43 PM:

" Joe, Welcome back from the abyss. What a harrowing, painful experience for you. I'm so sorry for the awfulness of what you had to go through, but I am truly, truly delighted that you are back! I hope to read many more of your columns and perhaps one day have the pleasure of meeting you in person! "

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FROM PORTLAND, OREGON wrote on Mar 21, 2007 1:07 PM:

" Your story reminded me of my experience. After having emergency surgery I developed Sepsis & was told I may not survive. I was a human pin cushion w/ 6 I.V.'s going. I lost 60lbs within 11 days. My faith in God was strong & after this experience it is stronger than ever. God chose for me to survive which means I have things left to do in this life. I wish you well and you will be in my prayers. "

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Mohammad Anwar (former student) wrote on Mar 20, 2007 11:27 PM:

" I pray you get well and recover 100%. You made a difference in my life and I hope many more to come.. in my prayers always, m. anwar "

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barb wrote on Mar 19, 2007 11:10 AM:

" Glad you made it through and that you're happy for another chance at life, you're a lot stronger than you think to have survived that. May God bless you always! "

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Aris wrote on Mar 19, 2007 3:49 AM:

" Welcome back Joe!! My wife and I were praying for you. "

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e.g.brink wrote on Mar 18, 2007 3:00 PM:

" We have been praying for your recovery. We want our "ol' Joe back. "

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Patricia wrote on Mar 18, 2007 8:12 AM:

" Welcome back, Joe. I thank God for your recovery. "

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blogger wrote on Mar 18, 2007 5:23 AM:

" Welcome back, Joe "

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Open Arms wrote on Mar 18, 2007 12:04 AM:

" Very happy to hear you're doing better and are back. Your writings were greatly missed. "

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Ajax wrote on Mar 17, 2007 10:44 PM:

" Joe, your a lucky guy blessed with good karma and we're fortunate to have your voice still amoung us provoking critical thinking and open discourse. We're you in our local hospital? "

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Kathleen wrote on Mar 17, 2007 5:56 PM:

" Joe, I don't often agree with you, but I'm certainly glad that you're back. "

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ra wrote on Mar 17, 2007 8:11 AM:

" Good to see you back on the road to recovery. Your commentary is important in the public debate. "

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