Surviving and thriving I By Bryan Lett How DAV member’s close call reinvigorated his drive to give back n 2015, Tom Cousino’s wife Heidi “All of the doctors were scratching Bjurstrom had—as any concerned their heads,” he said. “They didn’t spouse would—urged him to seek know what to do. They had already medical attention for inexplicable gotten the chaplain and told my wife pain in his knees and ankles. I would likely die.” Cousino, an Army veteran, had An MRI revealed Cousino had been volunteering with the DAV also suffered a stroke. Furthermore, Transportation Network in Portland, the medications prescribed to break Ore., for roughly a year, helping up the blood clots were not working. get veterans to and from medical Precious minutes ticked by, and appointments. doctors decided open-heart surgery “One day while he was was the best solution. volunteering, he looked sick, “He was in intensive care for nine and it was suggested for him to days—nobody expected him to live,” go to the emergency room,” said said Bjurstrom. “Four separate times, Bjurstrom. After thorough testing I signed his life away on things they and evaluation, it was determined wanted to try.” that Cousino would need surgery to Though Cousino’s open-heart address an ongoing hip condition. procedure went well, his prognosis Tom Cousino began his rehab program almost immediately after Though Cousino had experienced was unknown, and the expectations an unexpected open-heart surgery some breathing problems in the for his recovery were modest. He in 2016. His doctors expected him days leading up to the surgery, he awoke unable to speak or move his to be in the rehab facility for up dismissed it as mere anxiety, and the right side. to six months, but after just two doctors prepped him for surgery. “The doctors weren’t sure if I weeks, Cousino left for home. “It was routine,” said Bjurstrom. would be able to walk or talk again,” “They took him back, and I was said Cousino. “It was possible I expecting about a two-to four-hour wait.” would end up a vegetable and need taken care of the That’s when everything went black for her husband, rest of my life.” and their lives became anything but routine. Cousino In a change of luck that Cousino credits to the support had a massive pulmonary embolism, or blood he received from DAV at every level, things began to clot, in his heart—what doctors sometimes call a slowly improve. He began to feel his right side and “widow maker.” And as Bjurstrom helplessly stood even speak. But despite his progress, there were lasting by, two cardiac teams worked feverishly to keep her impacts on both Cousino and Bjurstrom. husband alive. “I had to quit my job right after getting my master’s Though doctors were able to save his life, Cousino degree in order to care for Tom,” said Bjurstrom. “My was far from out of the woods. education was swept under the rug because of his DAV MAGAZINE NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2017 16
Issue Articles
Surviving and thriving
Bryan Lett
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