Time for a Break

a few days ago, Andrew / Aka InTheShop, posted a great poem. One of the lines was " I wish to be normal again" . It hit me right between the eyes, I think I commented to that effect in that thread.

I got past the PC and got hit with Coronary Artery Disease. A punch in the stomach. My research in how to stop progression led me to a new Cardioogist who practices integrative medicine and he did advanced blood tests on me, one of which was off the charts and indicates very high risk for a cardiac event in the next one to six months, according to the research I've read.
Needless to say, I didn't take this well. The Dr wants me to retest and said if it comes back with the same result it may or may not be heart related, it could be something else. I have no knowledge of what he is thinking and I don't think I want to know. I am hoping it's just a lab error, and that I'm just predisposed to labs screwing with my head. Not counting on it though, since I'm such an "optimist"

Anyway, the point is, back to Andrews poem, I really just want to be normal again. I wake up each morning and go to my iPad to log on here, and to another PC forum, then to a heart health forum. I listen to Doctor Radio on Sirius XM in the car on my way to work. I think about my health 24/7.
I doubt I'll ever be normal again, but I gotta try. I know a lot of folks especially many here, have it way worse than I do. That's not lost on me. But I still ain't a happy camper these days, and I need to change it up.

So I'm gonna take a break from posting here for a while. And on the other cancer forum. Might be a week, might be a month, I dunno. Just a break with no plan. (But I'm sure I'll be back a few weeks before my next PSA test LOL )

Post Edited (Pratoman) : 2/26/2016 8:32:37 PM (GMT-7)

Completely understand, although we'll definitely miss you. And as I've said before, you are one of the truest posters here--we've got big shoes to fill.

By far the most important thing, I wish you all the best on the health front. I always feel like folks should only be dealt one bad health card per deck, but sadly life is much more complex than that. I hope all goes well and if it's okay, don't be surprised if you hear from me privately following up on your kind offer on cardiac-related health guidance.

PS Andrew can sure be poignant, can't he?

Yeah, enjoy your break, Prato! With you being the natural optimist you are, and your "glass 1/2 full" approach to life, you will probably be so totally relaxed after one week you will have to come back here just to get your blood pressure back up. Talk to you then, have fun!
Bill

Post Edited (BillyBob@388) : 2/27/2016 10:55:46 AM (GMT-7)

When the guys like you (and halbert) who did well with surgery after a very thoughtful process leave, all we are left with are the guys who have regrets. Although it's only anecdotal, people respond better to anecdotes than statistics. So to avoid skewed perceptions, I absolutely forbid you to leave. Just kidding - have a great vacation!

- Allen

I've wondered why it is that people feel the need to announce they are going aw
ay, especially when they reappear a couple of weeks or so later, as if they were junkies. Legitimacy?

A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do. Of course, you will be missed while away. All the best. We'll leave the porch light on.

Good luck in whatever you do.

I agree with Beth, some of you guys are like virtual brothers and always know the right thing to say. But I get what you're saying and have a great break! Just know that you will really be missed!

Enjoy your break, enjoy your life. Always good to take some time and clear your head.

Prato -

Do take that long walk along the beach or whatever you would like to do to get a handle on things. Sometimes stepping away a bit really is the best thing to do.

We always "leave a light on for ya" around here, anytime you feel like coming around and chatting.

In the meantime, take care.

good luck man. you and I are are so alike in many ways. when I first got here I was filled with so much dread and anxiety that I deleted the bookmark to HW and stayed away for a couple of month I guess until the anti depressants kicked in. I feel "normal again" most of the time but I stay addictively immersed into photography. I hope you had a bum lab test. happy trails man.

ed

Pratoman....you have shared your experience in such a clear and specific way that has helped others so much. Know that you are appreciated. Totally understand about wanting to be "normal" again. Take care and have faith that all this shall too pass.

Prato - I get this and wish you the best. Suz and I checked out for awhile too. We lived PCa 24/7 for 7 months and needed to find our "new normal".

Most important thing is to take care of you. Glad to see you are doing that.

Be well, brother.

Steve