These last few days have been so interesting. I'm finding myself with ever increasing mental clarity, memory and, relative to where i was, seemingly boundless energy. After all but have given up on any semblance of life i find that all i am doing is looking forward with enthusiam and hope. I have resumed the renovations on my house that had been stopped in their tracks over a year ago. I find myself making plans for the upcoming year instead of dwelling on where i had been. It feels like i have a life left to live rather than existing in the zombie state that i had been in. I am a little sad for the year that i lost (all because of a few bleeping pills) but the experience and gift of a new lease on living a life worth living more than makes up for it. I fully intend to take advantage of it!

The only concern i have going forward is my heart and the cardiologist. I have an appointment with him to check out my enlarged atrium and the possible (or likely) connection between it and A-fib being being responsible for my strokes. I have a lot of fear that treatment for this may send me back to the way i was, lifeless. I am reconsdering the procedure that we are meeting about. He wants to implant a cardiac monitor in my chest to determine the frequency of the A-fib and from there take an appropriate course of treatment. Considering the nature of my last year i think i am a little gun shy regarding medical intervention.... Anyway, that is my only concern at this point. I would be grateful for any opinions or advice that people might have.

I am looking forward to returning to work hopefully late january or early february (unless the cardiologist says otherwise). I am certain that i will start slow (half time) and we'll see how i fare day to day and week to week. I feel like i can but don't want to push myself. I guess we'll just have to wait and see....

Anyway, i'm feeling great! and wishing everyone happiness and progress in the new year!

Dean