The 1970s

During this decade, I had many trips to the OR. From July 1970 to April 1971, I had four trips to the OR, which meant four hospitalizations. From 1971 to 1977, I averaged one trip per year to the OR. From October 1978 to January 1979, I endured four trips to the OR.

In the early 1970s, I became more aware of having surgeries and being hospitalized. My mom and PS took time to explain things to me. By the end of the decade, I was very much involved in my medical care and any decisions about surgeries, especially on things that were optional.