Cataract Surgery
by Mike Brooks
"She did have a siezure while we were anesthesizing her, and we almost aborted the surgery. Fortunately her system recovered quickly and we were able to use a different kind of semi-anesthesia so that we could make the incision."
The doctor was explicit with the procedure that was used to repair a botched cataract operation on my bride. The fragments of lens that were dropped into her eye had been all removed with her assistance telling him where there were still fragments. The "Semi-Anesthesia" was more like a tranquilizer used to make her not really care about having his hands and instruments in her eye. After 2 hours in recovery, Bobi was ready to go home. I had every confidence in THIS doctor, but the first one will not do the same or any other operation on her other eye.
My 68 year old bride was beside me trying to go to sleep while I was listening to the ARES Net on 2 meters when a fellow ham said "The roof's gone!"
Net control asked "Can you tell me where?"
"My House!" came the reply. I asked Bobi if she could do with out me for a while. Bobi told me later that she was angry at first, until she realized that this was me. This is what I do. I would never have gone unless I was totally sure that the surgery would take well and she was not in any danger.
I went to the local Wal-mart and purchased tarps to put over the roof area, only to find out that the victims had enough tarps to manage the situation.
I started north on the Interstate and felt compelled to take Exit 43 and turn left. I had gone only three quarters of a mile when I came upon downed power lines. I hadn't noticed the late model Saturn that was parked in the right turn lane. As I stopped the car, a vigorous tug came on the passenger door. I unlocked the door, and a 16 year old girl got in and sat down. She began to tell of seeing the tornado pass just 50 feet in front of her car. Her friend was "Freaking out". That was why the tug came on the right rear door. She turned around and opened the door for her 14 year old friend to get in. Both girls then locked their door. I explained to the two panicky girls that they were safe, and that I had radio contact with people who would be able to warn me if another storm were to be approaching.
"Net Control, this is KC4ZTP. I am at the intersetion of Morgan Church and Bradford Dam Road. I have an intersection that is totally blocked except for a small passage on the north end of Morgan church. I am moving into position to provide warning lighting for some of the lunatics that are speeding down this road. I need police to assume traffic direction so that I may deliver two stranded girls to safe haven."
"Mike, this is Lowry. I am reporting the downed power lines now. Do they appear to be energized??"
"Negative. However I am sure the system is trying to automatically restore connection. There are also wires in the intersection making extreme hazard for less than well lighted vehicles."
"Mike, Please remain on station until emergency services can respond."
"Thank you Net Control, This is KC4ZTP Clear and monitoring."
Choice:
Note from Mike (the author): I would like to continue with a new chapter. This is a true story so far, and I intend to keep it true up to its actual ending, then the fun can begin.