Today. December 13, is 4 years after my open heart surgery. I hope this blog has helped others! I hope this blog has informed others! I hope this blog hale ME stay focused!!!
Let's review the past four years!
1 - At age 57, my last year in education, I had a feeling! It was gradual, and it progressed to the point I new I was in trouble! Sometime around September-October, I was tired! I felt, just typical for a guy who, was in his last year of education, still coaching, and doing too much! The long days of 6 AM to 6 PM were starting to catch up to me!
And then, late October I new EXACTLY what it was! A long time buddy had open heart in April! All my reading & studying said, heart issues, a blockage! I had teacher inservice classes to teach the first week of November, and I was determined to do this first!(STUPID). I had trouble walking around the school! I had trouble walking up steps!!! After my inservice, I tried to walk around the block of my house, and had to stop several times! It was time to call!
2 - Called my wife & told her! Called my doctor & he said see me right way! To make a long story short - family doctor, to cardiologist, a heart cath & 3 blockages - 50%, 60% & 99%!!!! WOW!
3 - Decided to pick a different doctor - my family doctor was affiliated with a certain hospital & I wanted another! Fortunately, it was no problem! I wanted the Heart Group with the MOST experience! BUT, had to wait 3 weeks! That meant, NO PHYSICAL activity!
4 - Heart Surgery! The mental prep was critical! My faith was critical! My family & friends were critical! And the day arrived, Monday, December 13th, 2010! Up early(5 AM), at hospital at 6 AM. Nurses prepped me, that put me under & I'm on my way!!! Plan was for 3 bypasses!
5 - Five - six hours later, I wake up! WOW! My back was killing me! My throat was DRY. And the breathing tube was still in my throat!!! I WAS ALIVE! THAT IS GOOD!
6 - Four days in the hospital, and each day was a journey. Like I said, the first PAIN was my back! My chest felt pretty good, except when sneezing or coughing! (GRAB THAT PILLOW) My pain meds made me a little goofy! Percocet!! NOT GOOD!
7 - Home - first shower - AMAZING! Getting dressed - WIFE HAD TO HELP! Visits from home nurse & physical therapist were great! Recovery was slow & steady!
8 - Cardiac Rehab! Great people, great experience, lot's of learning, and a few set backs!! Day 2 of rehab, kicked out! Had PVC's. Never had before, but no more rehab! More tests, nothing definite, back to rehab! Still have PVC's! Fooled with meds, had another heat cath, NOTHING! Make a long story short, STILL have them 4 years later!
9 - Bought a heart monitor for exercise, and it will show me when I have PVC's usually at a heart rate around 110-120!
10 - Four years later, feel pretty good! I really am doing anything I want, but no crazy physical things. Golfed 50 times this year, went to Scotland, played senior league softball, and walk regularly. Still have not jogged a lot!
So, if you are having heart issues - GET CHECKED! I was STUPID & LUCKY!
