I have received an OK that I can resume all activities, heavy lifting, etc. which is really great. I've waited so long for that surgery to begin, end and just be an occurrence in my past life. My iron is up, my blood pressure down (from 180/160 to 110/60) and I managed to lose a few pounds in the process.

I walked away from that really bad time in my life with a few lessons learned. That when people say that they're going to be there for you, they may not. Health is all that anyone really possesses and the rest is all smoke and mirrors. And that we, ultimately, are responsible for our own well-being, not your mom, dad, best friend or significant other.