I don’t wish to sound dramatic, but I’ve recently had some health issues. I think the big stuff is behind me. I went in for a cardiac catheterization a week ago and they put two stents in my system. This whole experience started about six weeks ago. I was feeling short of breath, got lightheaded on the golf course a couple of times, and could hear myself breathing when I recorded some of my stories, so I had things checked out just in case. I’m heading back to Michigan shortly and wanted to be sure I was good to go. Good thing I checked because I wasn’t.
I’ve always considered myself healthy. I’ve never smoked. Not one puff. I’ve never taken any medication on a regular basis. Just the routine stuff when I got sick, but I seldom got sick.
I’ve been overweight for several years, but I changed my diet around Christmas time and have been losing weight just as I planned. I’ve been exercising more too. I’m trying to tighten up my loose parts. As a matter of fact, I took sixteen pair of shorts, five pair of slacks, and eight shirts to the Salvation Army store about ten days ago. I only took what I thought others could wear and completely ditched anything in disrepair.
When I first met with my cardiologist, I thought I might have to start taking blood pressure medication but didn’t fathom cardiac catheterization until my nuclear stress test and echo test didn’t go as planned. He told me that “statistically” I was in line for a stroke or heart attack within the next ten years. That’s not what I expected, but it’s what I got. The heart catheterization would find any abnormalities. It found two and I got both fixed. Now the guy who never took anything is taking five drugs a day. I take one of them twice.
My body appears to be responding well. I feel fine. I’ve never had any chest pain. I take my blood pressure a couple times a day. It’s running lower since the onslaught of drugs and free-flowing path that the stents provide.
I’ve got one more hurdle. I need to start cardiac rehab. There’ll be four pieces to that: diet, exercise, relaxation and relationships. Diet and exercise are always an issue, but I’ve already begun that work. Relaxation is mental health and learning to accept a new way of life. Relationships include your support group. You may not know it but you’re a part of mine. Sometimes I write to unload my feelings. Sometimes what I write connects with you and your thoughts. When that happens, we’ve established a relationship.
This is not something for the meek or weak of heart. We all need help from time to time. More importantly, we need an attitude that makes us accepting of such. I’m not superman so I’m not flying solo. Thanks for your help.
Hi Bob, You certainly are not flying solo. I am here and listening. You are welcome to reach out anytime. I am happy to hear you got things checked out and “fixed”. The world needs you around for many more years! Wishing you a wonderful summer on the beautiful state of Michigan. Summertime is best in that beautiful place. As they say, ” Happy trails til we meet again”.
If you ever need anything Bob, I’m always here to help! Glad to hear you are taking care of yourself!
Our pleasure.
I hope you kept that shirt you were wearing the first time you walked over to introduce yourself. You know, the one when we sat in the lanai and talked for an hour and got to know each other? You know, the one when you got back to your house, and Ruth had gotten home from running errands and asked if you had worn THAT shirt over to meet the neighbors for the first time? You know, the one you had on inside out?
I loved that shirt 😉
Jo
Geez Bob! But as we age, I am finding that all of us have issues. You are lucky yours could get better, unlike Parkinsons, strokes, etc.
But that doesn’t diminish the angst that goes with your medical adventures. But it’s fixed. Hopefully you can hold on to that. Not what you wanted, but what you got. Best of wishes for your travels north.
I am so happy for you Bob and glad to hear about all the positive changes you have made and continue to make. I look forward to another trip to Biloxi when you return to Florida, unless you plan on visiting while in Michigan! Continue to take extra special good care of yourself, Love you like a brother man!
Glad to hear that you have been working on your health so well. You must be looking slimmer. Taking some old clothes to Good Will because they are too big is wonderful.
The “relationship” part of your cardiac rehab puzzle is covered from Upstate New York. Reach out any time, Bob.
Our parallel lives continue. You’ve “one-upped” me on the stents (I only have one), but I think I trumped you (no, not THAT Trump) on the shoulder damage and subsequent surgery/rehab.
Enjoy the summer.