I meet with Dr. Daraban, my cardiologist, in Saratoga Springs this morning. After my catheterization two weeks ago, she wanted to examine me and talk to me about my next procedure, another catheterization in two weeks in Albany.

I call it the reality chat.

She explained the next procedure in detail.

She said it might work and it might not, and the reason for being in Albany is to have surgeons and an operating room nearby if something went wrong.

I didn’t get that talk before the first procedure, so I asked her for more details. One of the major arteries of my heart was in such bad shape, surgeons abandoned it during my Open Heart Surgery in 2014.

Rather than try to repair it, they moved part of another artery up into my chest.

The abandoned artery may be calcified or too deteriorated to work on, in which case the surgeon will stop and cancel the operation. If the artery were to bleed, then I would need real heart surgery to fix it.

Technology has advanced even since 2014. The plan is to get a stent in there if it can be opened up with wire. If not, he’ll call it off.

My surgeon says it’s doable, and he feels good about the prospects. The doctors,  nurses, and staff I’ve met during these procedures are truly remarkable people, I could not be in better hands.

Dr. Daraban said she thought it was a good idea; without it, there is always a change of some pain or discomfort down the road since the bottom of the heart is still not getting the blood it wants and needs.

I would be fine if I didn’t have the procedure, she said.  But with it, I would be stronger.

But of course, it is very different from open-heart surgery.

The catheter lab is radically different than the operating room. I’ve been in both. And getting one’s chest cracked open is different from having a catheter in your arm and leg.

Dr. Daraban explained that they just need to be cautious and have a back-up if necessary. I thanked her for her caution.

I was nervous hearing this talk, but I am very happy to try this operation and restore my heart to full strength and health. And I am very lucky to have the chance.

Maria got nervous also, but we talked each other down. Or up, as the case may be.

Dr. Daraban said I should stay off the bike until after the surgery. I’m disappointed, but I guess it will simplify things. She said I could ride again in five or six weeks after she checks me out post-surgery.

And it makes sense. I have supervised cardiac rehab twice next week and am walking one to two miles every morning.

That will help me ride when the time comes.

And if I fell or got injured on the bike, they would have to cancel the procedure. In preparation for the “intervention,” I’m also on blood thinners, and scrapes and falls could be messy.

I also have to get another Covid-19 rest and give some blood before final approval.

Maria wants to come and be in the hospital until I am out and in my room. I’m urging her to drop me off and stay home; she doesn’t need to be driving around all day. Albany is 90 minutes away.

My friend Sue Silverstein told me it was silly of me to think Maria won’t be coming to visit. She is right, of course. She plans to come.

My catheterization went very well; the rest of my heart is in good shape. I am very excited by the prospect of getting all three of these arteries up and working, nourishing food for my heart.

Dr.Ansalem, my surgeon, is optimistic, and so am I.

I owe this to my heart and Maria, and to myself to stay healthy and get healthier. So few people in this world ever get the opportunity to do that.

Today’s meeting was sobering; of course, the details and potential problems are always daunting when they are laid out like that.

This procedure may not work, and I want to be prepared for that as well.

In either case, I’m already better, walking well, exercising, eating well, feeling better. I thought I was lucky to get the first procedure. I’m even luckier to get a shot at this other one.