Author Topic: I went to Muncie to Judge at the 2013 NATS and I got... (Read 7504 times)

the original Steve Smith · « **on:** July 18, 2013, 07:51:32 PM »

Two cool polo shirts, a hat, a pin, and a Heart Attack!

Yep, I'm the judge that went home sick. Didn't know what was going on until I got to the ER back in St. Louis. I had a totally blocked artery, they put in two stents.

I'm home now and feeling fine. Wish I could come back for the finals and the banquet!

See you next year!

Steve Smith

Brett Buck · « **Reply #1 on:** July 18, 2013, 08:15:47 PM »

Quote from: wavyhill on July 18, 2013, 07:51:32 PM

Two cool polo shirts, a hat, a pin, and a Heart Attack!

Yep, I'm the judge that went home sick. Didn't know what was going on until I got to the ER back in St. Louis. I had a totally blocked artery, they put in two stents.

I'm home now and feeling fine. Wish I could come back for the finals and the banquet!

Geez! That's what we call a close call! Good to hear you got it taken care of in time.

Here there was a pre-existing condition, but I have been amazed over the years at how well the judges get through the week. Judging is much more difficult and strenuous than flying, and pilots are continually whining about how hot it is, there's too much wind, not enough wind, Sun is in the wrong place - and all they have to do is play with their toy for 16 minutes a day, and then sit in a lawn chair in the shade, go get something to eat, sit in front of the air conditioner, and generally act like prima donnas. I know I do! The judges are out in the Sun on the blacktop all day long, usually standing up, day after day and rarely is a complaint of any type heard.

Brett

Steve Helmick · « **Reply #2 on:** July 18, 2013, 08:18:16 PM »

Wow...that sort of thing happens to people of all ages. Take care of yourself and do what the Doctors say!

Steve

Crist Rigotti · « **Reply #3 on:** July 18, 2013, 08:22:37 PM »

Glad I'm going to be able to see you in September!

Randy Ryan · « **Reply #4 on:** July 18, 2013, 08:23:34 PM »

Man, sure glad this has a happy ending!!!

Mike Keville · « **Reply #5 on:** July 18, 2013, 08:30:54 PM »

Steve: We judged together at the Nats, 2006-07-08. (Remember those cold beers in my hotel room each night?) You were fun to be with, so I hope all is well now, and that your heart problem has been resolved.

Norm Faith Jr. · « **Reply #6 on:** July 18, 2013, 09:34:23 PM »

Quote from: Brett Buck on July 18, 2013, 08:15:47 PM

Geez! That's what we call a close call! Good to hear you got it taken care of in time.

Here there was a pre-existing condition, but I have been amazed over the years at how well the judges get through the week. Judging is much more difficult and strenuous than flying, and pilots are continually whining about how hot it is, there's too much wind, not enough wind, Sun is in the wrong place - and all they have to do is play with their toy for 16 minutes a day, and then sit in a lawn chair in the shade, go get something to eat, sit in front of the air conditioner, and generally act like prima donnas. I know I do! The judges are out in the Sun on the blacktop all day long, usually standing up, day after day and rarely is a complaint of any type heard.

Brett

Well said Brett.

Brett Buck · « **Reply #7 on:** July 18, 2013, 09:44:45 PM »

Quote from: Norm Faith Jr. on July 18, 2013, 09:34:23 PM

Quote
Geez! That's what we call a close call! Good to hear you got it taken care of in time.

Here there was a pre-existing condition, but I have been amazed over the years at how well the judges get through the week. Judging is much more difficult and strenuous than flying, and pilots are continually whining about how hot it is, there's too much wind, not enough wind, Sun is in the wrong place - and all they have to do is play with their toy for 16 minutes a day, and then sit in a lawn chair in the shade, go get something to eat, sit in front of the air conditioner, and generally act like prima donnas. I know I do! The judges are out in the Sun on the blacktop all day long, usually standing up, day after day and rarely is a complaint of any type heard.

Brett

Well said Brett.

It all boils down to this - we are likely to always be able to get people to show up and get a pretty trophy. We may not always be able to get people to show up and decide who deserves it.

Brett

Dan McEntee · « **Reply #8 on:** July 18, 2013, 10:26:48 PM »

Holy crap Steve! I thought you were too young and too good looking for that kind of stuff......... well at least too young! Shades of when Virgil Diekmann had a heart attack up at the Quincy, IL contest years ago. He was lucky that John Garret's wife was there (she's a cardiac nurse I believe) and a guy from the Peoria group (can't remember his name) who was an EMT was there to keep him going. I got to hear the whole story about this as soon as we can get together. Probably after the heat is off. Take care of your self and hope to see you soon!
Type at you later,
Dan McEntee

PS, Did you give the shirts and pins back?

Larry Fruits · « **Reply #9 on:** July 19, 2013, 12:18:48 AM »

Wow Steve.
When I saw and talked with you Sunday, all seemed great with you. This is shocking. Glad you had good treatment and are on the mend. Take care of yourself and hope to see you in September at the Broken Arrow contest.

Blessings;
Larry

john e. holliday · « **Reply #10 on:** July 19, 2013, 08:06:36 AM »

Steve glad you made out okay and now take care of yourself. I remember losing some people at past NATS and one I miss the most is Jerry Meyers(spelling). Came by and got me so I could go to club meeting with him in Chicago area. He was really known as Jerry Who in the racing circles. He had gone thru heart surgery sometime before that NATS.

But, I am surprised that you didn't wind up in the local hospital at Muncie. Maybe see you in St Louie this year.

John Stiles · « **Reply #11 on:** July 19, 2013, 08:10:50 AM »

Well I bet that was a trip....how do you feel now? Better? I was feeling pretty lousy recently and my doctor prescribed a heart pill...don't remember when i felt this good! Hope it goes well for ya!

Tom Niebuhr · « **Reply #12 on:** July 19, 2013, 08:57:48 AM »

Steve,
Glad to hear that you are on the mend.

Derek Barry · « **Reply #13 on:** July 19, 2013, 11:42:36 AM »

Steve,

I am glad that you were able to get home safely and in time to take care of the problem.

Take care
Derek Barry

Mike Griffin · « **Reply #14 on:** July 19, 2013, 11:46:31 AM »

Thank GOD you got it corrected before something worse happend. Glad you are on the mend now Steve and take it easy for a while. Allen Brickhaus encouraged me to be a judge several years ago and I did not pursue it because of the problems with my back and not being able to travel. I admire anyone who does the job because it can be a thankless task.

Mike

SteveMoon · « **Reply #15 on:** July 19, 2013, 11:47:32 AM »

Steve:

Glad to hear you're okay. We'll be happy to see you
again next year.

Bill Little · « **Reply #16 on:** July 19, 2013, 11:49:24 AM »

Hi Steve,

I am glad things worked out for the best. It's never "good" to have these things done, but I am glad they got to it in time.

BIG Bear
RNMM/AMM

the original Steve Smith · « **Reply #17 on:** July 19, 2013, 02:07:31 PM »

Thanks for all the encouragement! I am feeling good now. Am at home relaxing and enjoying the rest of my vacation (and a couple of sick days thrown in!).

Should be back flying and judging in a couple of weeks. Gotta get ready for Allen's contest in August in Paducah!

Steve

Bill Little · « **Reply #18 on:** July 19, 2013, 03:18:31 PM »

Quote from: wavyhill on July 19, 2013, 02:07:31 PM

Thanks for all the encouragement! I am feeling good now. Am at home relaxing and enjoying the rest of my vacation (and a couple of sick days thrown in!).

Should be back flying and judging in a couple of weeks. Gotta get ready for Allen's contest in August in Paducah!

Steve

That sounds great, Steve! Just don't rush what the Docs tell you to do.

BIG Bear
RNMM/AMM

James Mills · « **Reply #19 on:** July 19, 2013, 06:25:56 PM »

Wow Steve, glade to hear it all came out okay. We'll be praying for a quick recovery. See you in Paducah, do what the docs say.

James

Zuriel Armstrong · « **Reply #20 on:** July 19, 2013, 07:00:37 PM »

Wow Steve. I'll see you at Allen;s contest. I'll judge and you sit in the shade.

Les McDonald · « **Reply #21 on:** July 21, 2013, 10:19:56 AM »

Whoa Steve------When we were working together at the 2011 Nats and I asked "Have you seen the light?" this is not what I meant!
We are so glad you're doing well and now it looks like you owe Banjock a meal. In fact, next time I see Banjock I'll buy him lunch.

Jeff Traxler · « **Reply #22 on:** July 21, 2013, 12:54:32 PM »

Steve,We were having so much fun flying before you got sick I got kinda worried when you did not make it to judge OTS with me on Tuesday.I thought you had a belly ache.Found out later you went and had a heart attack.CUT THAT OUT

Bruce Hunt stepped in and we had a smooth OTS Nats.Take care of that ticker so we can do some more flyin' and judgin'.Hope to see ya soon,Trax

Dennis Vander Kuur · « **Reply #23 on:** July 21, 2013, 03:41:02 PM »

Steve,
We chatted briefly at the appearance judging Monday and I was looking forward to talking to you during the week. Just got back from the NATs and found out about your heart attack. So glad to hear you are doing better. Maybe you will now have some time to finish that Legacy

.
Have a speedy recovery. Hope to see you at the Broken Arrow in September.
Dennis

John Leidle · « **Reply #24 on:** July 24, 2013, 11:09:09 PM »

Steve, I wish you a speedy recovery. In Dec 2010 I was having fun & had a heart attack myself 1 stent later I was home. The Manager of the Seattle Baseball team had dizzy spells on Monday & he was having a stroke... I'm as good as new nothing to it they say. But now days I carry asprin with me & if I even feel light headed I pop 2 asprin it is written that if you are having a heart attack & pop 2 asprin you can reduce the damage by as much as 20% Just thought I'd mention it.
John Leidle

John Stiles · « **Reply #25 on:** July 25, 2013, 05:45:43 AM »

Quote from: John Leidle on July 24, 2013, 11:09:09 PM

I even feel light headed I pop 2 asprin it is written that if you are having a heart attack & pop 2 asprin you can reduce the damage by as much as 20% Just thought I'd mention it.
John Leidle

Good point, I also switched from taking an aspirin each day, to taking it at night instead....thinking; if I have a HA at night, who's gonna hand me an aspirin...LOL...all my bunch know to give me one during the daytime.

EddyR · « **Reply #26 on:** July 25, 2013, 06:20:22 AM »

This is not pointed at STEVE but a observation.I see a lot of pictures CL flyers on here and meet quite a few at contests and a very large portion of them are very much over weight. You can have health problems even if you are thin but over weight people are prime targets for health problems. Since a large portion of CL flyers are older people,I am 73, they could be taking care of them selves. One thing I run into at contest when I ask someone to hold my plane for starting is they ask me to start the plane standing up as they can't bend over. These people don't have bad knees that are just out of condition. At a recent Huntersville contest I had to take my chair and fold it up to get it away from a very overweight guy who was not going to let me have my chair back. He went so far as to tell me it was his chair. I guess his name is spelled the same as mine.
My wife had two stents a few years back and she was in pretty good shape as we had just done several very tough hikes in the Utah and Colorado mountains. Yearly physical showed up the problem. Start today and get in better condition so you can enjoy the hobby.
Ed NOTE now I feel guilty going out to breakfast most mornings.

Will Hinton · « **Reply #27 on:** July 25, 2013, 09:44:55 AM »

I'm with Ed on this. I work out three days a week and I'm 73. It not only helps my heart condition (a-fib) but also lowers my blood sugar. Yes, I am diabetic. I am 73" tall and weigh 169, so weight isn't really much of a problem, but the age thing still sneaks nasty conditions in if we let it.
So, please, follow Ed's advice. You'll actually feel a lot better besides maybe stalling off any nasty things that might occur otherwise.
Ed - I know a great little breakfast place here if you get my way!

Paul Walker · « **Reply #28 on:** July 26, 2013, 01:21:24 PM »

Steve,
Glad to hear you are doing better now. I saw you Sunday, and then didn't see you after that. Must have been an exciting drive home.

With regards to all the advice on physical conditioning, it doesn't mean squat to the arteries. My father was a marathon runner and after doing it for many years thought he was in perfect condition. That was until he had a heart attach while running a 20 mile training run. Three arteries were plugged. Yes, his very strong heart, from running, kept him alive, but the problems in the arteries didn't, and don't, care.

With the stents in there you should be feeling like new very soon.

Hope to see you at the Nat's next year.

John Leidle · « **Reply #29 on:** July 27, 2013, 08:30:37 AM »

Also the amount of cholestrial is important but more dageroues is your LPa number it's the sticky , fluffy component in your colestrial mine is pretty high .
John

Allen Brickhaus · « **Reply #30 on:** July 27, 2013, 10:51:58 AM »

I am so glad you are doing well.

I was very worried.

Allen Brickhaus

John Gluth · « **Reply #31 on:** July 27, 2013, 06:21:03 PM »

I’m also with ED. Unfortunately I have seen many flying buddies (you know who you are) progress to overweight and at risk for the top three health threats, needlessly. Diabetes, stroke and heart disease are FOOD BORNE ILLNESS, think about it.

Do yourselves a favor, partake of wisdom in this video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-Unn7LjFkI.

It is up to you! I have 7 Stents and cannot be on Statin drugs for Cholesterol. My total is now 201 with the HDL at 53, a huge improvement since 2010. 66 years old, 70 inches and 162 lbs. I walk 16 miles a week. Never had heart attack, looks like I won’t.

John

John Gluth · « **Reply #32 on:** July 27, 2013, 06:35:47 PM »

[quote "Start today and get in better condition so you can enjoy the hobby."]

John

john e. holliday · « **Reply #33 on:** July 28, 2013, 07:53:24 AM »

Well, you guys can get ready for the old DOC. All the doc does is have an assistant take blood out of me. Ask all kinds of questions. Has never looked at my knees with x-ray or even touched them. Now the leg muscles are getting tighter each time I stand or sit for any length of time. All he tells me is there is nothing he can do for them. Haven't been back to him for several years now and doing my own thing as far as keeping in shape. Working on the oak tree in the front yard now as most of the elm is gone. Do need to get out and get some flights in before the annual Topeka August contest.

the original Steve Smith · « **Reply #34 on:** August 21, 2013, 08:19:14 PM »

Update

Not only did I get the stents but a week later the Cardiologist said I had more blockages that needed attention and could not be stented. So, in I went for the full bypass routine. Had surgery the day after my birthday (July 29th) - triple bypass.

Now three weeks and a couple of days later I am feeling better but cannot drive, lift anything over 10lbs. or fly.

Looks like I will be at our contest - Broken Arrow - on September 21st and 22nd.

Thanks for all your encouragement.

Steve

Dan McEntee · « **Reply #35 on:** August 21, 2013, 09:03:41 PM »

Hey Steve!

Good to hear from you and glad you were able to make it out a couple of Sundays ago. Next time I go to Buder I'll try and give you a heads upin advance and you are welcome to ride along. Even if you can't fly, the nitro fumes may do you some good!
Hope you are back at a normal routime real soon.
Type at you later,
Dan McEntee

Crist Rigotti · « **Reply #36 on:** August 21, 2013, 09:34:07 PM »

Quote from: Dan McEntee on August 21, 2013, 09:03:41 PM

Hey Steve!
Good to hear from you and glad you were able to make it out a couple of Sundays ago. Next time I go to Buder I'll try and give you a heads upin advance and you are welcome to ride along. Even if you can't fly, the nitro fumes may do you some good!
Hope you are back at a normal routime real soon.
Type at you later,
Dan McEntee

In my case, the smell of ozone!

Jeff Traxler · « **Reply #37 on:** August 21, 2013, 09:47:10 PM »

Steve,GREAT to hear you are doing ok.Really stinks you can't even go flyin'.I would'nt sweat the 10lb thing.All the stuff you get to eat now is pretty light.Celery,carrots,rice cakes..........

Most Bacon Cheeseburgers weigh 11lbs or more,Sorry

KIdding aside REALLY GLAD YOU'RE OK

Larry Fruits · « **Reply #38 on:** August 22, 2013, 01:55:19 AM »

Hi Steve,
Glad to hear you are all fixed up and that things are improving. Take care and get well. We all need you around for a long time.

Blessings;
Larry

Derek Barry · « **Reply #39 on:** August 22, 2013, 06:11:00 AM »

Quote from: wavyhill on August 21, 2013, 08:19:14 PM

Update

Not only did I get the stents but a week later the Cardiologist said I had more blockages that needed attention and could not be stented. So, in I went for the full bypass routine. Had surgery the day after my birthday (July 29th) - triple bypass.

Now three weeks and a couple of days later I am feeling better but cannot drive, lift anything over 10lbs. or fly.

Looks like I will be at our contest - Broken Arrow - on September 21st and 22nd.

Thanks for all your encouragement.

Steve

Holly cow! I am glad that you are getting better now. Take care and I hope to see you next year in Muncie!

Derek

john e. holliday · « **Reply #40 on:** August 22, 2013, 08:03:07 AM »

Steve, glad you are getting mended. Hopefully will see you all this year. Haven't ben to St Louis for some time now.

Dennis Moritz · « **Reply #41 on:** August 22, 2013, 08:25:57 AM »

Welcome. You have joined the zipper club! I'm on my 16th year. Feel quite good. Meds, diet, exercise, and an optimistic view help. Going round and round, five flights and you've done a low impact work out. I found it works well to do healthy things and think of myself as well, in good shape.

Keep on trucking,
Dennis

James Mills · « **Reply #42 on:** August 22, 2013, 06:33:55 PM »

Steve,

It was good talking with you yesterday, glade to here your getting better. Look forward to seeing you next month.

James

Author Topic: I went to Muncie to Judge at the 2013 NATS and I got... (Read 7504 times)

Mike Griffin

John Leidle

John Leidle

John Gluth

John Gluth