Return To "Normalcy"

January 19, 2026, at home

PHOTO: Me, physical rehabilitation at home, January 16, 2026

I am regaining my strength and my spirit, and getting back to a "normal lifestyle" after recent, severe medical issues. Between March 2022 and November 2025, I endured eight surgeries that took me down hard. Before that, I was dealing with other medical problems, including other surgeries (many left foot; nasal/sinus); dialysis; plural effusions; skin, bone, and blood infections.

My pain has mostly abated; I am continuing physical rehabilitation at home in an effort to walk again; receiving continued wound care on my left foot at home; and I am gearing up my brain to get back to writing my autobiographical novel.

Many thanks go to my wonderful wife and my terrific mother for their support and prayers, as well as from friends and family members.

Hey, I now have several long (and short), epic scars in my chest, in my belly, in my back, and in both of my legs, which I consider to be badges of honor. I do not seek pity or sympathy. I just want to tell you that I am returning to a life of "normalcy" after several years of difficult medical struggles.

My recent surgeries:

*March 2022: quadruple coronary artery bypass surgery ... broken sternum (breastbone) and removal of a vein in my left thigh
*May 2022: 1st chest surgery (remove loose screws/sternal plate and clean out infection)
*May 2022: 2nd chest surgery (a week later to close my chest)
*September 2023: 1st spine surgery (remove abscess in infected disk)
*October 2023: 2nd spine surgery (placement of titanium metal rod to hold my spine together due to a bone infection)
*April 2024: right ankle surgery due to 2 fractures
*November 4, 2025: artery bypass surgery (3-foot-long blockage in main artery in my left leg; removal of 3-foot-long vein in my right leg and inserted within my left leg)
*November 8, 2025: left foot surgery (3rd and 4th toes of my left foot amputated due to artery blockage)