Myocardial Infarction

Abstract

In December 1982, my busy practice of internal medicine and gastroenterology was rudely interrupted by a small inferior wall myocardial infarction. Because of persistent angina despite medication, this was followed a harrowing week afterward by a triple vessel coronary bypass graft. As I was recuperating from this technical tour de force some two months later, depression turned to restiveness. I cast about for something to occupy my time in case I could not resume my practice. I inquired of the local health planning agency if I could become a member of that august body. By law, the panel was to consist of a minority of physicians and other health care “providers.” The majority were always to be “consumers.” As I had just painfully consumed some $45,000 worth of health care, I asked to join as one of the latter group. The representative was visibly shocked. “Oh, no!” she replied, after a pause. “You can never be a consumer, only a sick provider!”

Dr. Robert Seaver retired from his practice of internal medicine and gastroenterology at age 45, disabled by unstable angina following bypass graft closure. He struggles now with only fair success to adjust to his new circumstances. He writes on medical subjects; eats pills, tofu, and fish oil; and counts chief among his blessings the time to watch his teenage son grow to splendid manhood. Dr. Seaver hopes fervently that the boy will see his father achieve a degree of contentment and accomplishment for a considerable time to come.