Late last night I received the unbelievable news that NTS had been admitted to hospital due to chest pains he began suffering day before yesterday.Saturday, we briefly spoke on the phone at which time I detected in his voice that he did not sound like the happy, jovial person he is usually. He seemed to be struggling just to speak, plus he said he was experiencing a lot of pressure in the chest. He’s been dealing with cold and sinus issues for several months so I was concerned that he might have bronchitis or even pneumonia. Initially, E.R. staff thought he may have had a minor heart attack, but that has now been ruled out. However, tests have revealed some type of anomaly in the blood. The doctors began blood thinning treatment hoping that his pathology would return to normal. A few hours later I received word from NTS that the doctors had a diagnosis and it was not welcome news. Doctors determined that he has some blockage in one of his arteries. Either Thursday or Friday they will perform an angioplasty which broadly defined is the repair of a blood vessel, as by inserting a balloon-tipped catheter to unclog it or by replacing part of the vessel with either a piece of the patient’s own tissue or a prosthetic device. If the procedure is unsuccessful then he will be slated for bypass surgery shortly thereafter.NTS is one of the most energetic people I’ve ever known. He seems to be a happy workaholic and is always available to anyone that needs him, whether it’s family, friends or colleagues. But even more importantly the knowledge and wisdom he’s freely provided due to the political struggles every country has endured since 9/11 has been invaluable. He is a mighty voice of common sense, rationale and logic that hopefully will be restored to the world one day.The good news is NTS is actually a very healthy person, much more than I can say for myself. He’s never smoked, maintains a healthy diet and works out at the gym every week. I’m just baffled how this could have happened to him.Right now he needs our generous prayers and steadfast support for a swift recovery to return to his family. I consider NTS my closest friend and confidant and I am honored that he aligned himself with my work at Pragmatic Witness a few years ago. In this fight, NTS is a passionate concerned voice that we cannot lose. I have faith, though, that he will be back in action at the first chance.So, this now means that our dear friend and comrade will be spending New Years 2014 in hospital. Please show your concern and support with lots of comments and Happy New Year's wishes. I know he will greatly appreciate it.In the last email I received tonight NTS provided a comforting message: "Do not fret...I am a survivor and will be back on my feet very soon!" I will keep everyone posted on NTS' progress as the updates arrive.NTS, we are sending all our love, support and prayers for you and your family. May the gods grant you a speedy recovery, my friend.Whitewraithe~WW~postscript: I will double blog all my posts from Pragmatic Witness over to Blogger while NTS is recuperating. And I will do my best to focus on the issues that NTS considers important or urgent such as updates on Fukushima, etc., although, I can promise there will be no news on the Khardasians until NTS returns. I can be reached at passionatepragmatist@gmail.com if you have any questions or concerns.
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