Colin Michaels

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Colin Michaels

Florida creator, applications developer, recording and mixing engineer, FPV pilot, and writer exploring unusual gadgets, useful technology, creative projects, and patient-perspective recovery.

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Applications Developer

90 published articles - Latest Aug 23, 2026

Published articles

When Did Healthcare Become Pay-to-Play?

Aug 17, 2026

After open-heart surgery, I lost two doctors to membership-based care and learned that moving another appointment could mean waiting close to a year. The numbers show a much larger access-and-price problem—and several practical ways to demand better.

Recovery Update #7: Building Momentum

Jun 3, 2026

This week marked a major turning point in my recovery journey. I completed my first full week back at work, finished my first full week of cardiac rehab, reached 258 pounds, and continued building healthy habits. While aches, pains, and sleep challenges remain, progress is happening one day at a...

The Emergency Plan Nobody Thinks They Need

Jun 12, 2026

Major surgery taught me a lesson I never expected: recovery is not just about doctors and medicine. It is about family, support, healthcare planning, and having people who can advocate for you when you cannot advocate for yourself.

Nurses: The Hidden Angels of the Hospital

Jun 12, 2026

A sincere personal thank-you to the nurses who stay when everyone else comes and goes — the ones who care for your body, your dignity, and your heart when you are at your most vulnerable.

Recovery Update #9: Keeping the Momentum

Jun 12, 2026

This week brought another round of steady progress: arm exercises were approved at cardiac rehab, work is settling into a new routine, walks are happening twice a day or more, energy is improving, Gretchen is providing extra therapy-cat support, and the scale moved to 257 pounds.

Cardiac Rehab Is Not What I Expected

Jun 17, 2026

I thought cardiac rehab would feel intimidating, but it turned out to be one of the safest and most helpful parts of rebuilding after heart surgery.

Recovery Update #10: Back to Normal(ish)

Jun 19, 2026

Full-time work continues, cardiac rehab rolls on, sleep is finally improving, drones are back in the air, and life is slowly starting to feel normal again. Recovery remains a work in progress, but the focus is shifting from survival to rebuilding.