Open Heart Surgery - The Mental Thing!

One year ago today I was coming to terms with Open Heart Surgery!  The results of the heart cath showed three blockages - 60%, 70% & 99%!  WOW!  I was a lucky guy!  First, it was not the left main coronary artery that was blocked 99%.  This is called the "widow maker"!  For more on the "Widow Maker" check ougt this You Tube Video: The Widow Maker Heart Attack

And for more info:  http://www.widowmakerheartattack.com/

75% of these people die quickly!  My main blockage was on the right side!  Second, I stopped ignoring it & had a check up!  Remember my symptoms I had for over 2 months:

1. Fatigue
2. Shortness of Breath
3. Tightness in the Chest

I noticed the "fatigue" factor earlier in the summer and thought it was just aging & doing too much!  Nope - it was a signal!  The deceiving thing was I had my total yearly physical in August & the doctor said nothing - I was "Good to Go" into my last year of education before retirement!

Today I get to do something with my wife that is another blessing - we travel to her 40th high school class reunion!  I had mine this summer!  So, another day to give a big thank you!  All my friends & family & for a faith that has kept to focused & grounded!

Another great wedding picture!

(Proud Parents - Newly Weds - Next Years Wedding Couple!)

The first mental thing!

Accepting & dealing with your medical problem!

What is a Heart Catheterization?

One year ago today I had my first Heart Catheterization!  I had tightness in my chest, could not walk without feeling it!  So the cardiologist sent me for this test.

Here is what the Mayo Clinic defines as a Heart Catheterization:

The procedure was not too bad.  You were awake during the entire procedure and home the same day!  What does it show - BLOCKAGES!

Here is a great video of what it looks like!  Remember, you can see the procedure as they are doing it and ask questions along the way!  I have had two now.  The second one I was more talkative, the first one I was like a "Deer in headlights!"

Cardiac Catheterization - Heart Video

And take a look at Lancaster General Hospital video on Heart Surgery!

Heart Issues - How Does it Feel When You Walk?

Warning signs are critical!  Last year at this time I could not even walk one lap around the school without the tightness in my chest!  Today, after quintuple bypass - 11 months later I walked about 10 miles.  Feet hurt, but felt good!  It was a great - FLAT - walk, on one of my favorite trails - Lebanon Vally Trail!

I walked the section from Cornwall to Lebanon.  It follows the old railroad bed of two rivaling rail lines - The Cornwall Railroad & The Cornwall - Lebanon Railroad.  Like I said it is flat & very scenic!

Brought back many great memories - as a kid we built a tree fort next to the rail line, we used to go hunting along the line, and many other great memories!  Again, without getting my heart checked & many great care givers - I WOULD NOT HAVE HAD THAT MEMORY TODAY!

So, enjoy the walks & memories & listen to your heart!!

Below is one of my favorite memories - The Root Beer Barrel that used to sit off of route 72, has been moved & renovated to the trail!!

More on Heart Attack Warning Signs

This week is my warning week.  Sharing the warning signs of a Heart Attack.  Last year I was having these signs, lucky for me I went to the doctor!!

Check out this website:

Heart Attack Symptoms and Warning Signs

Here are some of the list:

• Pressure, a feeling of fullness or a squeezing pain in the center of your chest that lasts for more than a few minutes
• Pain extending beyond your chest to your shoulder, arm, back, or even to your teeth and jaw
• Increasing episodes of chest pain
• Prolonged pain in the upper abdomen
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
• Impending sense of doom
• Fainting
• Nausea and vomiting

My last one is my favorite!  "Feeling of impending doom"!

Be save & get a check-up if you have issues or you may miss something like this!!!

Heart Attack Warning Signs

This week I am focusing on the warning signs of heart issues!  Since last year at this time I was not being HONEST and trying to "fix" myself, I am trying to help others that may be "crazy" me!

This website - Heart Attack Warning Signs gives some relative info!

Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts for more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back. The discomfort can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain.   Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.   Shortness of breath. Often comes along with chest discomfort. But it also can occur before chest discomfort.   Other symptoms. May include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or light-headedness. My problem was the first issue - "uncomfortable pressure" BE SMART  - if you are having any of these issues - SEE A DOCTOR!

Where was I Last Year?

Let's look back one year ago.  It was Sunday night, like tonight and I decided to go to my family doctor and see what this "tightness" was in my chest!  In my HEART I new it was my heart!  How bad was it?  Maybe I would only need stents!  Maybe I was just paranoid?  Here was the week last year at this time!

Monday - Family Doctor!
Tuesday - nothing
Wednesday - Cardiologist
Thursday - nothing
Friday - Heart Cath

Results - Blockages - Need Open Heart ByPass Surgery!

Again, the signs were gradual, but at the end the symptoms came on quickly!

Last summer was tired often.  Not much energy.  Was walking, playing golf, and did not seem to be to bad!  August - had my annual check-up and nothing out of the ordinary.  Family doctor was OK with my physical exam and nothing seemed out of the ordinary.

October, noticed mowing grass slight "tightness" in my chest.  Had trouble cutting the entire yard without stopping and catching my breath?  The "tightness" continued and now surfaced going up staircases.    Late October had trouble walking around the school, felt "winded"!   Was telling myself it would pass!

November, I new it was my heart & still did not tell anyone.  Thought I could make it till January, or even the end of the school year!  DUMB!  I had workshops at school - needed to finish the workshops.  Had Green Bay Packer tickets in December!  I could get to the game!  DUMB!  I kept telling myself I could make it!