Christmas Eve: home from a heart attack

[The Pontificator]

I suffered a heart attack Wednesday afternoon. :001_unsur

Cardiologist inserted two stents in to my right coronary artery.

this morning...less than 72 hours later....they sprung me. :001_smile

I guess that gravy is not on the menu tomorrow :angry:

Nice to be back here.

[noahpictures]

I suffered a heart attack Wednesday afternoon. :001_unsur

Cardiologist inserted two stents in to my right coronary artery.

this morning...less than 72 hours later....they sprung me. :001_smile

I guess that gravy is not on the menu tomorrow :angry:

Nice to be back here.

Yikes! Welcome back. Happy holidays!

[CSG]

Wow, welcome home. Hope you recover fully!

[Obsessed]

Wow, glad you seem to have come through so well.

[cb91710]

Yikes is an understatement!

Nice to have you still around!

[flycbyrd]

I guess that gravy is not on the menu tomorrow :angry:
:nono: You Sir must not eat the gravy. Im glad your okay and for what its worth to you I will pray for your health in the future. I hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas.

[The Pontificator]

I have to take Plavix for at least a year (Plavix keeps blood platelets from sticking to and clogging the arteries in the areas where the stents are located)

I'm also have to start taking Lipitor (lowers cholesterol) and had some minor changes to the T2 and hypertension meds I'm already taken.

Yeah, I'd say I dodged a MAJOR bullet.

[rajagra]

Good to have you back.
Wishing you a calm, relaxing Christmas.

[craig87c]

Great to have you back. Getting back home is probably the best gift you could ever get.

[bookwormwendy]

Glad you made it home safely, celebrate with your family, I suspect it shall feel a little sweeter this year.

[Af28newton]

Wow! Glad you are home for Christmas!

[Basil]

It could have been alot worse.

Do whatever the doctor says and take care of yourself!

My fiancé just burried her father today from similar health issues. Trust me it's not something you want your family to go through.

[Dennard]

Glad you're okay, man.

[Badger & Bengall]

I'm sorry to hear that, but I'm glad you've made it through. Take care of yourself!

[nickturbo]

great news.........welcome back.....!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Rylos]

You seriously need to check out www.paulingtherapy.com. Glad to hear your back in time for Christmas.

[demaro]

I am glad you are ok.

[Malakas1981]

Sorry to hear my dad had a triple bypass a few years ago . God has givin you a second chance here so please take care if your self .

[Skyrider55]

Sorry to hear about your heart attack. I'm glad you got to make it back home for Christmas. Best of health for you in the coming year.

[Argonaut]

No gravy!!! Go back and tell them to fix it better!:001_smile Glad to here you got out, Merry Christmas!

[djh]

You certainly have something extra to celebrate this Christmas! Welcome back, glad to hear that you are doing well and please take care of yourself.

[StripeyType]

Glad to hear that you made it through, znd wishing you a speedy recovery. Have a Merry Christmas@

[vitaman]

Welcome back! Wishing you a full recovery and a Happy Holiday!!

[DClassic]

I suffered a heart attack Wednesday afternoon. :001_unsur

Cardiologist inserted two stents in to my right coronary artery.

this morning...less than 72 hours later....they sprung me. :001_smile

I guess that gravy is not on the menu tomorrow :angry:

Nice to be back here.

Just 2 years ago on the 23rd, I too suffered like you. Although they were not so keen on the idea to let me go home. with only 1 stent. I came home after New Years, and for a time there, I thought I was not coming home at all. 2 Christmas's later, here I am. It's been quite a struggle for me. Congrats on your recover, and you are not the Lone ranger in this! Merry Christmas!

DR

[BigFoot]

Wow John, I am glad you are OK! Take care of yourself..........no red meat either. :lol:

[icedoverfire]

Glad you're OK!!

- ice

[The Nid Hog]

Glad to hear that you're doing well. Hang in there!

[Goober]

Glad youre OK and hope you continue to get better.

[JoshuaNY]

Few days last, but glad you're doin ok. And back home for Christmas

[The Count of Merkur Cristo]

I suffered a heart attack Wednesday afternoon. :001_unsur

Cardiologist inserted two stents in to my right coronary artery.

this morning...less than 72 hours later....they sprung me. :001_smile

I guess that gravy is not on the menu tomorrow :angry:

Nice to be back here.
The Pontificator:
Glad to see you're OK & had a great X-mas. I had a heart attack last May & also have 2 stents. When I got sprung from hospital, I went straight to my local cigar shop to 'celebrate' I'm still alive!!! :lol1:

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x105/GabyLycious/doctor.gif "Laughter is the best medicine". Unknown Author

[Obiwan]

Wow, glad you're ok. Merry Christmas for sure.

Be well!

[nemo]

Whoa! That sounds pretty darn scary, glad you're back and doing OK.

[Doog]

They let you in the hospital for a few days so you could get some rest.:wink2:
Seems like they are constantly waking you up about every 1/2 hour.
Glad you made it home!

[BZiel]

You and your family certainly had something to celebrate this Christmas.

Best of luck in your recovery.

[maxman]

Good to hear you are OK.
Take it easy. No shoveling snow for you!

[Senetsomed]

I am happy the everlasting razor above decided to keep you with us for the time being, now, you take care of yourself man, relax, eat healthy and cancel those naughty cable shows after midnight.

Glad to have you here brother.

[dpmtherrien]

Glad you've made it through. All the best on the rest of the recovery.

[Greglam]

Welcome back and glad you are on the mend!

Instead of a regimen of pharmaceuticals, do yourself a favor and consider a lifestyle change to include daily consumption of fresh fruit and vegetable juices, juiced at home, of course, and a diet of whole and raw foods.

Cheers to your good health!
-Greg

[DunEdinRanger]

Welcome back and take care of yourself!

[The Pontificator]

Welcome back and glad you are on the mend!

Instead of a regimen of pharmaceuticals, do yourself a favor and consider a lifestyle change to include daily consumption of fresh fruit and vegetable juices, juiced at home, of course, and a diet of whole and raw foods.

Cheers to your good health!
-Greg

I am already in the process of making some significant changes in my diet. It's not what I didn't know how...I just didn't care to. Well, all that has come to a screeching halt.

[rockviper]

Coming home is the best present!

[The Pontificator]

The Pontificator:
Glad to see you're OK & had a great X-mas. I had a heart attack last May & also have 2 stents. When I got sprung from hospital, I went straight to my local cigar shop to 'celebrate' I'm still alive!!! :lol1:

I was tempted to do that. A Padron, perhaps. Or maybe something from Rolando Reyes. If I did I may as well have had another M.I. as SWMBO would have killed me on the spot.

[franz]

Wow. Glad you made it through OK. Here's to a healthier 2012. :001_smile

[Moondancer]

Good luck in the future.
(Quadruple bypass surgery survivor here from '99, along with a stent and ICD in '05).
Do as I say, not as I do and watch your diet and exercise.

[echotron]

Glad to have you here with us! My 56 year old brother died from a heart attack ... it will be 2 years ago in February.

[The Pontificator]

Along with Plavix, Lipitor, and Carvadilol there's another medication I have to take: Alphagalactosidase

You know this as BEANO. With my new dietary direction I can knock over a charging elephant :nuke: :whistling:

[Intrigued]

Along with Plavix, Lipitor, and Carvadilol there's another medication I have to take: Alphagalactosidase

You know this as BEANO. With my new dietary direction I can knock over a charging elephant :nuke: :whistling:

I guess that could be a useful (if lonely) super power............... :001_unsur

[The Pontificator]

i guess that could be a useful (if lonely) super power............... :001_unsur lmao!

[Intrigued]

lmao!

Due to information contained in your recent update, are you sure that's how it came off. :blink:

[craig87c]

Due to information contained in your recent update, are you sure that's how it came off. :blink:

Hell of a 3000th post! :001_tt2:

[Intrigued]

Hell of a 3000th post! :001_tt2:

:lol::lol::lol:

Nah! My 3000th post was over here: http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/268167-*CONTEST*-Name-the-new-Stewards

.... and almost as equally profound....


Wait - YOU'RE a Steward? When did this happen????


I think his job is to oversee Bigfoot sightings. :yesnod:













..... and to think this is how I made use of my three thousandth post. :blink:

[craig87c]

Hell of a not 3000th post!

And I have to know....why do the docs make you take beano?

[The Pontificator]

Hell of a not 3000th post!

And I have to know....why do the docs make you take beano?

LOL they're not.

Personally, I think the culprit may be excessive consumption of sugar-free hard candy containing isomalt as an ingredient. I have not eaten any of that candy for nearly 24 hours and I am happy to report that all's quiet on the Western front. :biggrin:

[ackvil]

Welcome back and glad to hear of your recovery.

i remember what happens when you consume isomalt. :ohmy: A few years ago I tried to limit my carb intake and got on this kick of having no card bars that were loaded with it.

[_JP_]

LOL they're not.

Personally, I think the culprit may be excessive consumption of sugar-free hard candy containing isomalt as an ingredient. I have not eaten any of that candy for nearly 24 hours and I am happy to report that all's quiet on the Western front in the rear. :biggrin:

FTFY. Just wanted to clear the air.

Glad everything is OK.

[coyotewhisper]

Glad you are okay and welcome back. Praying for continued healing.

[The Pontificator]

I'd like to say that I appreciate all your kind thoughts, prayers and PM's.

I'm most grateful.:a46:

[craigruhl]

You are blessed to have come through okay. I had 3 code blues in the ER one night 5 years ago. 4 stents over a period of 3 days and I was home a week later. Diet and exercise will extend your life. Follow docs orders and get and keep your labs in proper range. Congratulations!

[The Pontificator]

30 days after being sprung from the hospital:

I'm walking nearly every day (got a new pair of good walking shoes) and have lost nearly 8 lbs. in a month.

My digestive system seems to have adjusted somewhat to getting more fiber, whole grains, and other healthy (gassy) foods.

I still have a very long way to go but I'm getting better. I actually look forward to walking at our local mall (there are hundreds of people who walk there).

[noahpictures]

Glad to hear. Thanks for the update.

[Intrigued]

It's great to hear you are doing so well. :thumbup:

[redrako]

Glad to hear that you're walk'n and adapting to more plant based foods. Keep doing what you're doing, everyone's pulling for you.

[StillShaving]

Good news about your progress. I hope will be you be taking laps around the mall soon.

[The Pontificator]

I made a blood pressure and pulse chart in excel so I could record my BP and pulse twice a day.

The average for January 2012 was 116/68 Pulse 64

Nice.

I recently viewed the documentary "Forks over Knives" and while I don't know if I'm ready...or able to commit to a vegan diet I will say that the film is very informative without being politicizing or preachy.

I can give up bacon, cheeseburgers, and pepperoni. Giving up olive oil is a bit hardcore for me.

[noahpictures]

I made a blood pressure and pulse chart in excel so I could record my BP and pulse twice a day.

The average for January 2012 was 116/68 Pulse 64

Nice.

I recently viewed the documentary "Forks over Knives" and while I don't know if I'm ready...or able to commit to a vegan diet I will say that the film is very informative without being politicizing or preachy.

I can give up bacon, cheeseburgers, and pepperoni. Giving up olive oil is a bit hardcore for me.

Another good documentary is "Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead".

[cb91710]

I can give up bacon, cheeseburgers, and pepperoni.
That would be very rough.
I've replaced maybe 50% of the bacon and sausage in my diet with turkey bacon/sausage and/or Morningstar Farms (I believe it's soy).
Pepperoni? Pizza isn't pizza without it... but I might have pizza once a month if that often. It's not a major staple.

Giving up olive oil is a bit hardcore for me.
Yikes. We've used olive and grapeseed oil to replace other vegetable and animal-based oils, as well as for salad dressing.
We replaced butter/margarine with Smart Balance and similar products years ago.

Just got news that dad had a pacemaker installed last Saturday. He's 89.
Apparently, he passed out a couple of months ago and doc said his pulse was only 30 (he's had HBP and been on meds since he was 35). They said he might need a pacemaker and were monitoring him.
Last week, he had bronchitis and complained that he couldn't take a deep breath, mom was afraid it had become pneumonia so she took him in. Turned out it was related to his heart and the bronchitis was pretty well cleared up.

I'm going to head out to visit next month. Haven't seen the folks since they moved to Texas in '06

[mharris127]

Last week, he had bronchitis and complained that he couldn't take a deep breath, mom was afraid it had become pneumonia so she took him in. Turned out it was related to his heart and the bronchitis was pretty well cleared up.

Sounds more like congestive heart failure caused the breathing problems (common for someone almost 90). My grandmother had CHF (causing fluid buildup in the lungs), the last few years of her life she was in the ER at least once a month with symptoms. I hope your father is doing well now.

Pontificator, I hope you are doing well too. Heart attacks are not fun by any means.

[The Pontificator]

That would be very rough.
I've replaced maybe 50% of the bacon and sausage in my diet with turkey bacon/sausage and/or Morningstar Farms (I believe it's soy).
Pepperoni? Pizza isn't pizza without it... but I might have pizza once a month if that often. It's not a major staple.

The problem with 'turkey bacon', ground turkey, and a lot of these meat analogs is that they are often very high in sodium.

I do eat them and like them, but they're on "short list" most of the time.

[The Pontificator]

Had a 7 week follow-up today.

Hepatic panel (liver function) is normal.

Total cholesterol is 138
LDL (bad) cholesterol is 86 (down 49 points)
Triglycerides are 83 (good)
HDL cholesterol is 35 (up about 3 points)

Cardiologist has cut my beta blocker dosage in half and when I finish the bottle I can stop taking it. My aspirin dosage has also been reduced from 325mg (full dose) to the low dose 81mg/day.

He also wants me to have a follow up with my general practitioner with the recommendation that I be taken off my T2 diabetes medication as exercise and diet are keeping my blood sugar under control.

And finally he has cleared me to start strength/resistance training of my choosing as long as I start slow and don't overdo it.

:001_smile

[StillShaving]

Great to hear, that all your numbers have been heading in the right direction. Especially good to hear that you have your blood sugar under control with exercise.

[rxonmymind]

Due to information contained in your recent update, are you sure that's how it came OUT. :blink:
There I fixed it for ya.

Op, glad to see you charging hard ahead on a healthy lifestyle. My wife is on me about that too. Good luck!

[redrako]

Had a 7 week follow-up today.

Hepatic panel (liver function) is normal.

Total cholesterol is 138
LDL (bad) cholesterol is 86 (down 49 points)
Triglycerides are 83 (good)
HDL cholesterol is 35 (up about 3 points)

Cardiologist has cut my beta blocker dosage in half and when I finish the bottle I can stop taking it. My aspirin dosage has also been reduced from 325mg (full dose) to the low dose 81mg/day.

He also wants me to have a follow up with my general practitioner with the recommendation that I be taken off my T2 diabetes medication as exercise and diet are keeping my blood sugar under control.

And finally he has cleared me to start strength/resistance training of my choosing as long as I start slow and don't overdo it.

:001_smile

That is magnificent!

Your hard work is paying off - very impressive.

Regarding strength/resistance training. Expect moderate muscle soreness as you begin. It's called Delayed muscle soreness, DOMS and is simply your muscles producing lactic acid as the various exercises concentrate muscle fiber use in ways that the muscles are unfamiliar with. Always be warmed up before you lift, 5-10 minutes of moderate activity to get the blood circulating (walking, light jog, cardio equipment will do fine.)

[The Pontificator]

And still more good news...

My primary care physician has taken me off Type 2 Diabetes medication with the understanding that I MUST continue to watch my diet and must continue to exercise. Up until today I was taking 5mg (lowest dosage) of Glucatrol/Glipizide.

At the same time he has increased my dosage of atorvastatin (Lipitor) and has also put me back on a slightly higher dosage of lisinopril because my blood pressure has been slightly elevated for the past 2 weeks and has not come down (stress from school, I'd wager).

[noahpictures]

Right on! Keep at it. I might be mistaken but reducing salt intake might help lower blood pressure.

[Kentos]

Sounds like you haven't been Healthier! Grats!!

[The Pontificator]

Sounds like you haven't been Healthier! Grats!!

Actually I have but given my age and circumstances it's all pretty good news.

[The Pontificator]

Right on! Keep at it. I might be mistaken but reducing salt intake might help lower blood pressure.

Reducing sodium intake is one of the cornerstones of controlling hypertension.

We need sodium to live. Sodium is an electrolyte that is crucial to muscle, heart, and nerve function but excessive amounts lead to trouble because when we eat too much sodium our bodies hold onto water in order to maintain the proper water to sodium ratio ("osmotic pressure").

In short, "water follows salt". When we hold onto water our blood volume increases and this puts a strain on the heart, blood vessels and organs esp. the kidneys.

It's not the salt shaker, either. Most of the sodium we consume comes from processed foods. The daily recommended amount of sodium for most "healthy" persons is about 2500mg. Persons with high blood pressure, heart disease or other health problems should limit their sodium intake to approximately 1500mg per day. In the UK, it's suggested that everyone limit their sodium intake to around 1100-1200mg of sodium daily.

Some of the worst offenders are snack foods, canned soup/broth and processed meats.

[Dalejr]

Reducing sodium intake is one of the cornerstones of controlling hypertension.

We need sodium to live. Sodium is an electrolyte that is crucial to muscle, heart, and nerve function but excessive amounts lead to trouble because when we eat too much sodium our bodies hold onto water in order to maintain the proper water to sodium ratio ("osmotic pressure").

In short, "water follows salt". When we hold onto water our blood volume increases and this puts a strain on the heart, blood vessels and organs esp. the kidneys.

It's not the salt shaker, either. Most of the sodium we consume comes from processed foods. The daily recommended amount of sodium for most "healthy" persons is about 2500mg. Persons with high blood pressure, heart disease or other health problems should limit their sodium intake to approximately 1500mg per day. In the UK, it's suggested that everyone limit their sodium intake to around 1100-1200mg of sodium daily.

Some of the worst offenders are snack foods, canned soup/broth and processed meats.

I'm 25, went to the doctors for an ear infection and was hit with the news I had a high heart rate and high blood pressure. I was a bit shocked but then thinking about it later wasn't surprising because I eat alot of frozen, processed foods.

[noahpictures]

Reducing sodium intake is one of the cornerstones of controlling hypertension.

We need sodium to live. Sodium is an electrolyte that is crucial to muscle, heart, and nerve function but excessive amounts lead to trouble because when we eat too much sodium our bodies hold onto water in order to maintain the proper water to sodium ratio ("osmotic pressure").

In short, "water follows salt". When we hold onto water our blood volume increases and this puts a strain on the heart, blood vessels and organs esp. the kidneys.

It's not the salt shaker, either. Most of the sodium we consume comes from processed foods. The daily recommended amount of sodium for most "healthy" persons is about 2500mg. Persons with high blood pressure, heart disease or other health problems should limit their sodium intake to approximately 1500mg per day. In the UK, it's suggested that everyone limit their sodium intake to around 1100-1200mg of sodium daily.

Some of the worst offenders are snack foods, canned soup/broth and processed meats.

Good info.