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Posted 8/30/2016 9:37 PM (GMT 0)
Hi all,
This is off topic but you have all been so supportive over the last 16 months , I felt I needed to update you on my latest drama.
After just finishing a 32 km bike ride I returned home with some chest pain.
My wife drive me to hospital where they said I'd had a heart attack, although mild. It looks like I decided that was not dramatic enough and I went in to cardiac arrest. CPR and 3 jolts with the paddles got me going again all with my wife watching.
I then was helicopter for 40 minutes to a larger hospital. Towards the end of the flight I had another heart attack.
Anyhow, to cut the story short, it looks like extended period of rehab and trying to remain positive. I feel like I have had my quota of bad luck over the past 18 months.
Again I have appreciated your support and feel a real connection on this site.
By the way, I am very fit , in fact training for a bike, run kayak race( not now) so really did draw the short straw.
Posted 8/30/2016 9:57 PM (GMT 0)
Dang Greg!

Looks like you chose the right place to have a heart attack! Sorry to hear it, but hope you are recovering well now!

BTW, one of my friends is a very fit cyclist who also had a heart attach right outside our nurses office. Sometimes it's the plumbing, not the fitness.

Best Wishes-
Rob
Posted 8/30/2016 9:57 PM (GMT 0)
Glad to hear you are still with us!

The bike, run, kayak race sounds fun...except I couldn't do the run part (knee replacement)...but now you've got some recovering to do.

best wishes
Posted 8/30/2016 10:40 PM (GMT 0)
Wow, that's my definition of a bad day.

Here's hoping the rehab goes well,
Andrew
Posted 8/30/2016 10:58 PM (GMT 0)
We're all thankful the support needed was close at hand. On to a continued successful recovery -- now from two drama's.
Best wishes,
Jim
Posted 8/30/2016 11:08 PM (GMT 0)
Holy crap that sounds rough! Thanks for reporting in on that...I wish you a speedy recovery from all of that. Can I presume they know what caused this and they've done something about that?
Posted 8/30/2016 11:12 PM (GMT 0)
Prett well a complete block on the right side and a partial on the left. One stent, possibly more down the track.
Posted 8/31/2016 1:15 AM (GMT 0)
Hello Grege6,

When it RAINS, it POURS ... as they say ...

You've had more than your share of RAINSTORMS lately, from your post ...

There's an old proverb that I like that states ... "Always believe in the SUN, even on days when the sun is not shining."

Now that you've been through some storms of life, I hope that SUNNIER days are ahead of you ...

Keep facing forward ... one step at a time ... stay focused on attainable daily goals ...

Just wanted to send a message of hope, continued fortitude, encouragement, and my best wishes for continuing recovery ...

Handshake of support, from across the miles,
"Cyclone Fan" ~ Iowa State University
Posted 8/31/2016 1:24 AM (GMT 0)
Cheers Cyclone Fan. Will keep looking up and ahead.
Posted 8/31/2016 1:28 AM (GMT 0)
Grege,
Bloody hell, man! It sounds like you decided to try and prove that saying about most of us PC guys dying of something else! However, you cheated death by having the electric shock paddles and CPR guys close at hand, rather than being out on the bike trail, so hooray for that! Now for recovery! May that go superbly for you!
Bill in MS
Posted 8/31/2016 1:33 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Grege,
Forgot to ask: did you ever have any symptoms in the months before the cardiac arrest? I'm sure you never had one of those calcium score heart tests? Any way, I am so glad you drew the long straw of arresting with the CPR guys standing beside you, rather than out in a kayak or on a bike!
Posted 8/31/2016 2:01 AM (GMT 0)
Had some heart fluctuations about 10 weeks ago and wore a halter for 24 hours. Showed a minor problem??????
Also befor my prostatectomy last year I had a stress test and all was good . Have had plenty of ECGs as well.
I think in my case it must simply be genetics.
Cheers
Greg
Posted 8/31/2016 2:17 AM (GMT 0)
Greg, glad you are ok, and want you to know, I can relate.

6 months after my RALP, with ZERO symptoms, I had an abnormal stress test, leading to an Ct Angio, which showed a heavy plaque load, which led to cardiac Catheterization. The result was 85% blockage of the LAD, 80% blockage of the distal circumflex, and 50% blockage of the RCA. LAD and Distal Circ were stented.

I had a tough time with this mentally, and depression and fear lasted longer than my RALP fears. So I can only imagine how you feel, you've been through way more than me.

I changed my diet and lifestyle big time, and feel,physically better than I have ever felt in my adult life.
Take care of yourself, manage stress, and enjoy every day. Obviously, while it may seem like you have drawn the short straw, you are clearly a very lucky dude.
Posted 8/31/2016 4:05 AM (GMT 0)
As the man who pushed my trolley said " you died and now have a second chance at life. Not many get that chance"
Posted 8/31/2016 6:54 AM (GMT 0)
As my DH says "these are the good ole days" And as Todd would say "squeeze the he'll outta this second chance life" and celebrate living.
Thanks for the update and best wishes as you move into another "New normal"
Beth
Posted 8/31/2016 3:27 PM (GMT 0)
You have my personal sympathy and wishes that you can quickly put this behind you. I had some pretty serious cardiac issues, including open-heart surgery, some years ago, and the depression I felt after that is a lot like what I felt when I received news of my diagnosis.

As I'm sure you know, many of us can deal with the possible depression, but if it becomes too much, there is no shame in getting help. For now, just keep a close eye on your moods and mental state. Post cardiac event depression is not universal, but it is common.
Posted 8/31/2016 6:10 PM (GMT 0)
Hoorah for second chances! Seems you were in the right spot for the bad things to happen. Glad you are still with us. Take care! -JR
Posted 8/31/2016 8:38 PM (GMT 0)
Well,!looks like yiu got blindsided with that one but good to hear that you are okay. Maybe its time to start lightening up on the intense training. Me, i gotta get iff my ass and do something.
Posted 8/31/2016 8:41 PM (GMT 0)
Considered words: Holy crap Batman. That's a helluva a lot to handle. Stay strong my friend.
Posted 8/31/2016 8:46 PM (GMT 0)
Got blindsided well and truly. I guess it's "too the bat cave for more rehabilitation"
The dark forces have tried again and failed! 😃
Posted 9/1/2016 1:46 PM (GMT 0)

Grege6 said...
Got blindsided well and truly. I guess it's "too the bat cave for more rehabilitation"
The dark forces have tried again and failed! 😃

If cardiac rehab is in your future, embrace the program! I was in really good shape going into heart surgery, but afterward I lost all confidence in my body's ability to work and not physically fail. In rehab, that didn't last long, as they showed me just how much I could still do with no harm. They push you to your reasonable limits, but carefully monitor your heart to remain below any danger levels. I found it to be a highly rewarding program, and recommend it to any heart patient.
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