Even though my new heart is doing well, there are still a few things I wish I could do.  These are based on a few different restrictions:

1 – My immune system is non-existent, so I can’t go into public until likely mid-August.

2- My sternum was cut to so they could get my old heart out and new heart in.  Healing is happening, but I can’t lift more than 10 pounds for another 3-5 weeks still.

3 – My immune system is permanently compromised, so things like drinking untreated well water is something I can’t ever do again.

I figured I would list them out some things I miss:

1 – Playing foosball with my family.  Right now, the twisting of the bars hurts my sternum.  This will be getting better soon.

2 – Working at McDonald’s.  I enjoyed working there and am looking forward to going back hopefully in September.

3 – Getting my driver’s permit/license.  Because I had a cardiac arrest and my condition, my cardiologist wouldn’t sign off on me getting my permit.  This is something I will be able to do as soon as my sternum restrictions are lifted.

4 – Drinking normal well water.  Right now I can only drink bottled water which is kind of a pain.  My family is working to put a water treatment system in our house so that by August, I could drink our water again.

Finally, today is the 5th anniversary of my first (of 3) “deaths”.  Feel free to check out the blog entry from 5 years ago for more details.  I don’t remember from about 15 minutes before it happened until several days later.  Honestly, I’m glad I don’t remember that much of it.  I am thankful to still be around.