BACK FROM THE "ALMOST DEAD"

[Guy B Jr]

I haven't been on the forum for a month and a half due to a heart problem. I have been in A-fib for several years due to a leaky mitral valve in my heart. We had been planning on going in through my ribs and repairing the valve. My cardiologist said that we had waited long enough. Even though my total cholesterol was 145 and LDL's were 89, he said we should do a heart cath just to make sure there were not any other problems. To my suprise, I had two blockages, 75% and 95%.  I asked how this could be with my cholesterol numbers. He said hereditary and that if I had not been eating fairly right and exercising, that I would have had this operation 20 years ago.

Now, they were going to have to do full open heart surgery. Now this was complicated by the fact that I have Pulmonary Fibrosis, a scaring on the lungs. This might give me trouble coming off the ventilator. Anyway, they opened me up and did two bypasses, a Maze procedure to try to eliminate the A-fib, and replaced the mitral valve. When they got in they said the valve was too far gone to repair. Spent 9 days in hospital, out for two days, and back in for 3 days to settle problems with some medications and reactions.

Now out. I couldn't drive for six weeks, couldn't climb the stairs to my office and computer for a month, and lost 20 pounds. I started Cardiac Rehab this past Monday. This exercise program will last for 12 weeks. Then they say I should be ready for anything. I can't wait to get my flight medical back and pick up a control line handle.

I am telling all this to warn some of you that you shouldn't be complacent about your perceived health and get it checked regularly.

God bless you all. Prayers have pulled my through so far. Have faith in Jesus Christ and He will recognize you.

[Paul Allen]

Guy
      Hang in there, do the rehab,12 months for me now after a heart attack.
I know what you are going through.
It get's better.
Paul
In OZ

[Jim Kraft]

Read my post above on Docs hearing.

I waited to long and had instant death cardiac arrest. But all went well after replacing my aortic valve and doing one bypass. My heart doctor says my heart looks great after my annual echo. She said just be carfull crossing the street. I told her I ride a Harley too. She said all bets are off.

They put in a doner valve and so I do not have to be on blood thinners or any medication at all. Our God is an awesome God.

One thing you aught to have checked is your carotid arteries in your neck. Those can sneak up on you also. I had one completely blocked and the other down to a pin hole.

[john e. holliday]

I'm glad the heart doctors have taken care of you gentlemen.  I told my doc that I have an enlarged heart with a strange beat.   They just tell me to get the blood pressure down.   

[Dane Martin]

God bless Guy!