It depends what you mean by my own decision, it wasn't really. Unfortunately I developed a health problem 16 years ago. I had my first major surgery at the beginning of 1995 and multiple surgeries in the years following. By mid 2006, I could see my hold on life was becoming increasingly tenuous. This culminated in two huge last ditch surgeries at Mayo Clinic in January and October of 2007. The recoveries were long and I have to say very painful.
Actually after the last surgery, I wandered into this site and it provided a great distraction, and helped wean the narcs, as fast as my physicians would allow. I hate those drugs, and have a hard time wondering why anyone would take them for fun. The last surgery had no procedure code for it, as two surgeons made it up as they went along. My insurer did not want to pay the surgeon's fee claiming the procedure was experimental. After nearly a year of arguing we split the difference.
When it came time to renew my license in December of 2007, the medical board of ND did an investigation of my situation after seeing my health disclosures. Anyhow they declined to renew my license at that time. I was inclined at first to fight it. However after discussion with close colleagues, one of whom was a member of the board, and my wife, I was persuaded to go out to pasture. So I submitted my resignation from the medical staff ten months ago, and my retirement bash was last May. Probably that was wise, as I have had difficulties since, including one hospitalization, especially in the last couple of weeks. A little more medical interference is scheduled for the beginning of next month.
So actually, I have not worked since the end of December 2006.
I can't say I regret the decision. However I have to say the economic melt down is certainly a concern. It probably is to you as well. That as they say is the only fly in the ointment. I'm fine now, but I don't think things look very rosy. There has been too much irresponsibility all round.
