Originally Posted By oc_dean >>oc_dean, I do have a question for you: how did your need for this surgery come to your attention?<< Hi .. sorry I'm late .. my time on a computer is spiradic (for obvious reasons)..... Anyway .... I began having pains in my very upper portions of my chest very early Feb .... but I thought it was acid reflux. The main doctor didn't quite notice anything .. so it took more test .. this time through a cardiologists. He took another electrocardiogram (as my primary doctor did, few days earlier) ... and noticed a "blip" he didn't like. Three days later ... back to the cardio's office .. this time for the Stress (Nuclear) Test .. and it was here when I got on the treadmill .. and the pain started coming back ... while I was rigged like a 29th Century Star Trek medical bay scene .... constant blood pressure checks .... wires rigged to my chests ... two doctors talking to me every second ... as the speed on the treadmill increased .......... and within 4 minutes .......... they determined I had to be wheeled over into the main hospital to be admitted .. and THAT NIGHT.... I had the angioplasty on one artery leading into the heart ... But in the same night .. it was determined they had to open me up for the other 3 arteries leading into my heart. Which was scheduled the next day. (Saturday Feb 24) So ... they took 2 extra arteries from my chest that are redundant (in all OUR bodies) ... AND one more from my left arm. (Another redundancy) ....... As it turns out .. the human body has redundancies in arteries that doctors can take .. for life saving situations.
Originally Posted By chickendumpling <<So ... they took 2 extra arteries from my chest that are redundant (in all OUR bodies) ... AND one more from my left arm. (Another redundancy) .......>> Thank goodness that we come with spare parts! Hope you are feeling stronger every day. Nice to see you posting again.
Originally Posted By oc_dean Thank you two. Very sweet. I'm feeling okay ... I have to stretch and do very light excersizes daily .. but it is a struggle .. and the feeling across my chest is something no words in the English language can describe. Thanks for your kind thoughts.
Originally Posted By Pixie Glitter Yes, I can't even imagine how it must feel. Hang in there. . . so glad you're following doctor's orders and taking care of yourself.
Originally Posted By Inspector 57 Since you're still recovering, Dean, it's probably only fair that I give you advance warning... I WILL be calling again!
Originally Posted By SuperDry <<< Anyway .... I began having pains in my very upper portions of my chest very early Feb .... but I thought it was acid reflux. ... back to the cardio's office .. this time for the Stress (Nuclear) Test .. and it was here when I got on the treadmill .. and the pain started coming back ... while I was rigged like a 29th Century Star Trek medical bay scene .... >>> Wow - that's quite a story. I've personally had the tests that you describe (the Nuclear treadmill test) under similar circumstances (unexplained chest pains), although I was at the time 10 years younger than you. Because of my age at the time, everyone involved seemed to agree that the test was just going through the motions and that it was extremely unlikely that any problems would be found. Still, it was a bit disconcerting that prior to the test, I had to sign a waiver that said that I agreed that should I have heart problems, the test itself could induce a heart attack, possibly resulting in death. Then after signing the waiver, to see the doctor pull the nuclear injectable out of the lead casing and then stick the needle into my arm, that's quite another experience. But my experience is only 1% of what you've been through. It sounds like you're doing fine, and that's great to hear. You have my best wishes and positive thoughts for a speedy and full recovery.
Originally Posted By Mr X **should I have heart problems, the test itself could induce a heart attack, possibly resulting in death** CYA for the lawyers file, I'd say. Honestly, if you DO have problems you're probably going to have a heart attack anyway without medical intervention. Better it happen in a hospital where they can take care of you quick.
Originally Posted By wonderingalice Scary stuff, indeed, OCDean... I hope it's getting better for you every minute of every day. *Hugs*
Originally Posted By Autopia Deb I happy to read you are doing well and starting your recovery process. Hang tough and take care Dean.
Originally Posted By TDLFAN Hey Dean... seems you will be in good company with Regis Philbin having heart surgery as well... Sure hope this doesn't become the "in" thing to do. I am a chicken when it comes to going under the knife.
Originally Posted By oc_dean >>Hey Dean... seems you will be in good company with Regis Philbin having heart surgery as well.<< Interesting thing about that ... the week I was in for my surgury ... My mom, and sis went to eat a restaurant on the same block as Cedars ... and they saw Regis. My mom could tell he had 'somewhat' a pensive look on his face. Regis said he went to have a "Second opinion" .. and went to the Oscars that weekend ... So, he apparently got his opinion .. could have even been my doctors.
Originally Posted By 4Disnee I am glad to hear that you are on the road to recovery. I hope that you heal quick. Lots of good thought and hugs are heading your way!
