Scottsdale resident Jack S., a patient of Christina Reuss, MD, a cardiologist and independent member of the HonorHealth Medical Staff, wrote a poem about his experience with afib (atrial fibrillation). He composes his writing while walking, memorizes it and writes it down later. It occupies his mind as he walks for his health.
By Jack S.
Afib walked in looking for a fight,
Hit me with a left and then a right.
Heart beating fast and trouble breathin,'
Afib taunted — 'I ain't leavin.'
Blockages, stents and age on his side,
I was searching for a place to hide.
Cardiologist — I had a choice,
My first pick was Dr. Reuss.
Afib struck a very low blow,
Reuss countered with Xarelto.
Dropped some weight and cut the booze,
With Doctor Reuss, I will not lose.
Metoprolol, Crestor, Benicar and aspirin,
Finally thought that I might win.
Reuss consulted over the phone,
Doctor Beshai added Amiodarone.
Surgical gowns and a hospital bed,
Don't let me wind up dead.
“Goodnight moon” was what I stated.
Don't blame me — I was sedated.
Electric shock put Afib on the run.
Shocked him again just for fun.
Afib gave me one last schism,
Now I'm back in sinus rhythm.
U of A and medical degrees,
She knocked Afib to his knees.
Running out of cardiac rhymes,
Thank, thank you, a million times.
I have just one last verse,
Return the coffin and park the hearse.
Afib, Afib stay away,
We will fight again someday.
