Surving a heart attack

[denmcdough]

Well, a week ago I was roller skiing a long work out, and at three miles, just getting warmed up, I was overcome with sever chest pain. Needless to say, I knew what was happening. Luckily, I made it to the ER and had a catheterization. I'm expected to make a full recover and in four weeks I can hop on my bike. Yahoo!!!!

With a lifetime of marathons, century bike rides, and 50K ski races, the exercise was not a guarantee, but it did save my life! My down fall was genetics. My HDL was very low, but all other blood stats were just fine. So, my suggestion to everyone: exercise, eat right, reduce stress, get blood work done, and keep an eye on the HDL level. My doc said that in his 17 years of being a cardiologist, he's seen folks in their 30's, 40's, and 50's with heart attacks mainly because their HDL was too low. And, obviously, no chest pain or discomfort should ever be overlooked! Get to the ER ASAP!!

I'm glad to be back..not ready to check out, yet!!!!! I'm too new to the kilt scene, and I have all these new kilts that I NEED to wear.

If any other X members have been in this situation, I'd love to hear how you got through this mentally. For me, the physical will be relatively easy. Mentally, I'm a mess.

Oh, life is good!!!!!!!!

[MrShoe]

Sorry to hear of the attack, but glad that you are alright.
Having blood tested is a good idea for everyone regardless of their current health.

[BobsYourUncle]

Best wishes for a full and speedy recovery.

[pdcorlis]

So glad to hear you had such a positive outcome. While your mental state may be shattered at the moment, try to remember that this too shall pass.

Be Well.

[sydnie7]

Life IS good and we are so happy to hear that you are still with us!

[cessna152towser]

You are in my thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery.

[Macman]

It's good to hear that you made it through! All the best to you in your recovery.

[Mike_Oettle]

Hi, Den – glad to know you got to hospital in time.
Two years ago I had chest pains, and got my wife to take me to the nearest clinic. I had cut my finger while gardening, and the nurse on duty thought I had come for treatment for that. But when I said I had chest pains, she rushed me off to an examination room and organised an ECG.
Fortunately the ECG showed no abnormal heartbeat, and the doctor said the pain was probably skeletal.
But we all need to keep an eye on this aspect of our health.
I should probably go for a general check-up again soon – ECG, blood work and so on.
Actually the doctor missed something last time I went for a general check-up. He forgot to check my prostate. Fortunately I had it checked about a month later, and just as well, as I was in the early stages of prostate cancer.
A radical prostatectomy did the job for me.
Take it very easy, and get well soon.
Regards,
Mike

[denmcdough]

Mike and everyone, thanks for the great words of encouragement. With all the positive phone calls, emails, visits and cards, how can I not get back to normal?

I'm feeling okay today, but the meds are a bit much, especially since I've never been into that sort of thing. I have no choice, though...gotta do it! I think I deserve a cheering up...will put on my kilt and do my evening walk (yes, I'm permitted to do 20 minutes).

Again, thanks all. Good to be back here!

Dennis (Donnchadha - I like my Gaelic name)

[O'Callaghan]

I'm so glad you made it and are still with us.

Strange that someone so fit should get a heart attack, but not entirely surprising, as I knew someone like that before. Everyone tends to think that only people of my sort of physique (overweight) are at risk.

Sadly this other fellow didn't make it. He was a security guard, and very well liked by those of us who used the building. He had run for a bus, missed it, turned around and went home, sat down in the kitchen and only then passed away of a heart attack. All this was related to us by his wife. He was a widower who had only just remarried after a number of years, and then left a newlywed widow.