Navel Operations: Surrender Was the Only Option

Former Florida State football coach Bobby Bowden and I have two things in common: We are both Alabama natives, and we have similar philosopies on doctor visits.

"I don't ever go to the doctor," Bowden once said, "because he might find something wrong with me."

The saying was proved right recently when I went for a routine physical, then shortly later was referred to a surgeon for an outpatient procedure. And the term "minor surgery" is relative -- it's only minor if it's performed on someone else.

The issue was called an "umbilical hernia" -- my bellybutton was taking an odd shape. I had noticed it, but attributed it to my spare tire. But seems time takes a toll on the abdominal wall, and a reinforcement was deemed necessary. An emergency could result if I ignored the matter, I was warned.

Perhaps it was just my turn. I've been remarkably healthy as an adult. My only previous surgeries were caused by youthful recklessness. I have run in many 10-Ks and even a marathon without causing injuries.

But I also do what doctors tell me, and that included reporting to an outpatient surgical facility near Gwinnett Medical in Lawrenceville recently. They are serious, even breaking out the gowns and disclosure statements, and bringing in the anesthesiologist for a pep talk.

It was quick. One moment I was staring up at the OR lights, the next moment I was having a soda and cracker in the recovery area.

And recovery at home (still somewhat in progress) consisted largely of eating soft foods (which will NOT help the spare tire) and being a couch potato. But the TV time does yield some interesting insights:

• Tim McCarver is an excellent baseball announcer. He's an old-schooler who made it as a player before free agency and expansion. In an Atlanta-Detroit game, he opined -- before seeing the replay -- that a Detroit runner should have been called out when he stole third. The replay bore McCarver out -- in fact, the runner was out by a wide margin.
• FOX News may be the most sensational cable news channel, but it is also the most interesting. Connection?

• Good movies are just as interesting the second time around. I marveled again at "Erin Brockovich" and "Runaway Jury."

But the main thing about the situation is that it's another reminder how important health is -- and support from family to help with the simplest tasks. No amount of money could have prevented my situation.

And what about those people who need regular help with such routine tasks as preparing meals, bathing and driving? My situation will pass -- many others will be in a similar predicament forever. Be helpful, and be thankful.

-- Do you have a friend or family member in need of help with recovering from an illness or injury? Post the comments below -- or start your own blog about it.