Open Heart Surgery - The Mental Thing! Part III

One year ago I was trying to wrap my head around the fact that I was going to have open heart surgery! What steps do I need to take to prepare for this big step!

1 - Accepting & dealing with your medical problem!
2 - Understanding what is happening - RESEARCH!
3 - Finding the information I need & understanding it!

This is a great website & book pertaining to this subject!

Preparing for Open Heart Surgery

This book & site have some great advice.  Some of the subjects discussed?

1 - Open Heart Surgery Emotions
2 - Pre Open Heart Surgery Diet
3 - Pre Open Heart Surgery Exercise
4 - What do I do before Open Heart Surgery
5 - What to expect after Open Heart Surgery - first 4-5 days, after 6 weeks, ...

Open Heart Surgery - The Mental Thing! Part II

This week I started looking back on one year ago.  This was the week that reality set in and I found out I needed open heart surgery!  My first hurdle was the MENTAL THING!  OPEN HEART SURGERY!

Yesterday my first tip was:

1 - Accepting & dealing with your medical problem!

The fact was I needed open heart surgery.  I could not talk anyone out of it, I could not hide it anymore, I could not take a magic pill and make it go away!  So - Accept it & Deal with it!

Now what?  Get mentally ready to be prepared for what was to come.  Because I wanted on of the best doctors in my area - Dr. Burlingame, I need to wait!  So, it was November 19th and the operation was set for December 13th!  That is 24 DAYS!!!!!!

First, I was not allowed to do much of anything!  NO exercise, no work, nothing stupid!

Second, I prepared by talking to my future "zipper club" buddies! - Bill, Terry, Terry, & others.  What was I in for & how did they do it!

Third, plan for the future.  What would I be like after surgery - Day 1, Day 2, etc.

24 days was plenty of time to plan! - Maybe too much time!!

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!