New hope for Ken's heart.

On Wednesday, Ken saw Dr D. - another heart specialist; he was referred to him by Dr M. his regular cardiologist. This bloke is quite a character, we can see why he and Mark appear to be good friends! They both have great 'bedside' skills, in that they explain everything in detail, and give you the best and worst scenarios, which some people may not be happy with, but Ken and I like to know what we are up against. They also have a good sense of humour, which helps to lighten the mood when you are discussing the harsh realities of your health!

Dr D. handed Ken a pacemaker unit, and explained how it worked and why Ken needs one (to keep him alive!). I was astonished at how big it is - glad it's not going under MY skin. Although if my heart was as bad as Ken's, no doubt I wouldn't be complaining...It will be implanted on 11th June, unless our health fund refuses to cover the cost, and that depends on what category we are in. Our Health fund cost has gone up to $600 a quarter ($2400 a year), and I was thinking the other day 'do we really need this?' Dr.D told us the pacemakers cost $70,000 each, but it would cost us nothing because if Aust. Unity doesn't pay, Medicare will, although Ken would have to wait another 9 months to have it done at a public hospital. $2400 suddenly doesn't sound like a lot of money, considering it would take 29 years to pay for a pacemaker at that rate.

So Ken is feeling marginally happier, although there is no guarantee it will improve his health by much. Yes, the pacemaker will keep his heart beating, but that doesn't mean it will help him to breathe properly. Both doctors admit it is a last resort, and will of course have no impact on his lungs. We'll just have to wait and see.