Watch above: At the age of 93, Bill Miller underwent major heart surgery, despite the hesitation of his cardiologist. On Monday, he celebrated his 100th year with his doctor and Wendy Winiewski was there.
SASKATOON – Open-heart surgery is a process hundreds of Canadian’s undergo every day. Bill Miller, 100, is no exception.
On Monday afternoon, he sat in Dr. Jacobus De Villiers’ office waiting for his seventh annual check up.
“Better than mine!” said De Villiers as he took Miller’s blood pressure.
Those are words any patient would like to hear from their doctor but, especially Miller. At age 93, with a failing heart, Miller was given a few months to live – that was in 2007.
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“At that stage, he needed an open heart operation and at 93, that procedure was potentially extremely risky,” according to De Villiers, Miller’s cardiologist.
“I didn’t have any pain and I didn’t feel too bad but apparently I was a lot worse than I thought I was,” explained Miller.
But Miller had a lot of fight left and told his cardiologist he’d love to live a little longer.
“That changed things for me,” explained De Villiers.
De Villiers approved Miller for surgery.
Seven years later, he has a clean bill of health and on the heels of a positive annual check up, he’s celebrating a big milestone.
“I’m 100 years old,” said Miller proudly.
De Villiers threw him a party Monday, complete with cupcakes, flowers, balloons and a young guest in attendance who has a special bond with the centenarian.
Sydney De Villiers is the cardiologist’s daughter. She was born seven years ago, on the same day as Miller’s heart surgery.
“We’re going to celebrate this event every year because that will be Sydney’s birthday too,” said the doctor proudly.
Displayed on the table with the cake; a photo of De Villiers and Miller, holding Sydney, who’s just one year old in the photo during Miller’s first annual check up.
With a century of life behind him, Miller has advice for the young and old. Enjoy friends and family, maintain a positive attitude, celebrate life’s milestones and always stay active.
“I try to walk a little bit every day,” said Miller.
Advice to take to heart, literally.
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