OT - Well, the other shoe has been dropped!

As many of you know, last August I had what could be termed, "a little heart
trouble." Well, since then, I have been experiencing chest pain and
shortness of breath almost daily. I've had test upon test done, by
different doctors, cardiologists and specialists of all sorts. None can
figure out exactly why, but the thing they think it might be, the only way
to know for certain is for me to be heart catheterized (again) and have an
episode occur while cathed. That's not bloody likely to happen and even
then, it would only confirm what they suspect and still the affliction
cannot really be treated.

With that in mind, after my last hospitalization last week, when I met with
my doctor this past week, I asked him point blank, "What are my chances of
returning to work as a firefighter/EMT?" His reply? "Steve, in all good
conscience, I cannot clear you to return to work! You'll only endanger
yourself, your fire crew and possibly the people of Rhinelander. I want you
to check into disability and I'll sign anything you need signed to get it."

So, I guess I can consider myself a "Former Firefighter" and now that
chapter of my life is closed. I am looking forward to the future with some
trepidation, for the last twenty years I have been involved in emergency
medicine and rapid responses. Now I have to open a new chapter in my life
and figure out what to do.

I'm not whining and knashing my teeth screaming "WHY ME????" I know that
many have inquired as to my current state and this is the easiest way to let
a lot of my friends know what's going on.

Anyone need a former firefighter/emt with a fair understanding of fishing
and hunting? :-)
--
Steve @ OutdoorFrontiers
http://www.outdoorfrontiers.com
G & S Guide Service and Custom Rods
http://www.herefishyfishy.com