It has been a while since I have placed an update on my cardiovascular situation. To be as simple as possible: stable, but unimproved. My doctor stated that it is still "weak," and recommended a visit to the cardiologist. The cardiologist, in turn, recommended further intervention via an ICD, or an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator. With my weakened, post-heart attack heart, I am more likely to develop sudden cardiac arrest or a sudden rapid heart beat or arrhythmia. Either would likely result in death.
Needless to say, faced with additional intervention or death, I chose invention. An ICD was placed on my left side, just next to my arm. Leads were extended via an artery to my left, damaged side of my heart. It does have pacemaking capabilities, but is basically on stand-by until either situation actually develops. Apparently my heart attack's location is really close to the area where the electrical charge is generated, hence the greater risk of an unexpected electrical fault.
I know it is there, and ready to respond, which has brought some peace of mind. But like many survivors, I still have anxious moments whenever "something" feels funny in the chest. I can be thankful that such technology is now available, making life-threatening conditions treatable and manageable. It is truly amazing that my heart, though enlarged as a result of injury, continues to function as best as it can. I am still making the changes necessary for best outcomes, and hope that this "new" normal is part of my life for a long time.
For more information about ICD: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/icd/
Showing posts with label lifestyle changes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lifestyle changes. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Sunday, July 15, 2012
After Heart Attack: One Year Later
Today is an odd sort of "anniversary" for me. It is one year since my heart attack. I've written about it before on this blog, so the details can be revisited, if needed. The basics of the story is that I was then a 35 year old who woke up that Friday morning not feeling "right," and ended up having one stent placed in the left side of my heart before sundown on July 15, 2011. I was also told that my quick action and response saved my life.
The last 365 days have been transformative. From no medications to four. From invincibility to mortality. From calm to panic. From shock to acceptance. My family history is riddled with stories of those who have died from heart attack and/or heart disease. These last 365 days have created a strange and new chapter in the family tree: a heart attack survivor.
Let's not go into the odd version of hell that is the US health care insurance industry that seems to willfully punish illness and is unwilling to pay for unexpected or unplanned treatment (like I could plan a heart attack?!). Thankfully, that chapter is also fading away.
As life moves on at its seemingly unstoppable one-day-at-a-time pace, I find myself seeing temptation of running once again fast and hard and as much as possible calling to me. Our "get it quick" and "get it now" society seems hell-bent on its own self destruction, leaving victims in its wake. Thankfully, I at least notice the warning signals of "too much" and find myself stopping before I'm once again do-it-all, be-it-all and on a fast track to another heart issue.
My healthy habits are improving once again, and I am willing to focus on that at the cost of other important (but not life-giving) matters or issues. Medications seem to be keeping things under control, although more healthy lifestyle changes cannot hurt (and perhaps can eliminate some medications altogether at some point).
One year later, it is an odd fraternity to be in as a heart attack survivor. I know many more survivors that I ever expected. I can truly say from experience that every little pain or odd sensation can send a terrifying panic into the mind. Many have said to me that you will never get completely rid of that from your psyche. I also know that much of life is how you embrace living, and if you have reason (or reasons) to live, will power is a powerful counter.
Sure, 2011 was a bit of a setback in my health and life. But it did not take either health or life fully away from me. I live with its consequences now and for the rest of my life. But there is life after life-threatening conditions. It can take one's life, and this past year is also filled with stories in which many loved ones have had that most precious gift taken from their lives and families.
In the midst of death, there is also life. In the midst of darkness, there is also light. Broken, yet whole. Hurt, yet healed.
Happy anniversary to Jason's heart. Let's keep moving together.
The last 365 days have been transformative. From no medications to four. From invincibility to mortality. From calm to panic. From shock to acceptance. My family history is riddled with stories of those who have died from heart attack and/or heart disease. These last 365 days have created a strange and new chapter in the family tree: a heart attack survivor.
Let's not go into the odd version of hell that is the US health care insurance industry that seems to willfully punish illness and is unwilling to pay for unexpected or unplanned treatment (like I could plan a heart attack?!). Thankfully, that chapter is also fading away.
As life moves on at its seemingly unstoppable one-day-at-a-time pace, I find myself seeing temptation of running once again fast and hard and as much as possible calling to me. Our "get it quick" and "get it now" society seems hell-bent on its own self destruction, leaving victims in its wake. Thankfully, I at least notice the warning signals of "too much" and find myself stopping before I'm once again do-it-all, be-it-all and on a fast track to another heart issue.
My healthy habits are improving once again, and I am willing to focus on that at the cost of other important (but not life-giving) matters or issues. Medications seem to be keeping things under control, although more healthy lifestyle changes cannot hurt (and perhaps can eliminate some medications altogether at some point).
One year later, it is an odd fraternity to be in as a heart attack survivor. I know many more survivors that I ever expected. I can truly say from experience that every little pain or odd sensation can send a terrifying panic into the mind. Many have said to me that you will never get completely rid of that from your psyche. I also know that much of life is how you embrace living, and if you have reason (or reasons) to live, will power is a powerful counter.
Sure, 2011 was a bit of a setback in my health and life. But it did not take either health or life fully away from me. I live with its consequences now and for the rest of my life. But there is life after life-threatening conditions. It can take one's life, and this past year is also filled with stories in which many loved ones have had that most precious gift taken from their lives and families.
In the midst of death, there is also life. In the midst of darkness, there is also light. Broken, yet whole. Hurt, yet healed.
Happy anniversary to Jason's heart. Let's keep moving together.
Monday, August 15, 2011
One month later...
Perhaps it is objectionable to call it a one month "anniversary," since anniversaries are generally associated with an annual date, rather than a mere thirty days. But it is a milestone I find myself contemplating.
Thirty days since heart attack. Besides my new medications, and my new constant companion of nitro-glycerin tablets for sudden chest pain, I feel normal. Fewer palpitations, less anxiety attacks, and fewer times I'm reaching towards my neck to take my "pulse." All rather good signs, actually.
There is a check-up on my lungs this week, as well as the Cardiac MRI to disclose next steps in treatment and/or therapy. I have been touched greatly by many acts of compassion and concern over the last four weeks. I have been encouraged by prayers, by cards, and by acts of kindness both great and small. Sometimes you wonder what difference you are making in your daily activities and your causes. I never fully realized or appreciated the larger community of colleagues and friends I have acquired through my life and its adventures!
I even have begun to regain my work duties at Prairie Avenue Christian Church, in small, careful steps.
I do get tired a little more quickly than before. Naps are my friends in the late afternoon. My night owl habits have faded away as I tend to turn in before 10 pm. I'm less insistent and demanding; more grace and forgiveness. I walk a little slower, which means I walk more closely to my wife than before.
Life has changed in so many ways, but thankfully, the good is greater than the bad.
Thirty days since heart attack. Besides my new medications, and my new constant companion of nitro-glycerin tablets for sudden chest pain, I feel normal. Fewer palpitations, less anxiety attacks, and fewer times I'm reaching towards my neck to take my "pulse." All rather good signs, actually.
There is a check-up on my lungs this week, as well as the Cardiac MRI to disclose next steps in treatment and/or therapy. I have been touched greatly by many acts of compassion and concern over the last four weeks. I have been encouraged by prayers, by cards, and by acts of kindness both great and small. Sometimes you wonder what difference you are making in your daily activities and your causes. I never fully realized or appreciated the larger community of colleagues and friends I have acquired through my life and its adventures!
I even have begun to regain my work duties at Prairie Avenue Christian Church, in small, careful steps.
I do get tired a little more quickly than before. Naps are my friends in the late afternoon. My night owl habits have faded away as I tend to turn in before 10 pm. I'm less insistent and demanding; more grace and forgiveness. I walk a little slower, which means I walk more closely to my wife than before.
Life has changed in so many ways, but thankfully, the good is greater than the bad.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Heart Attack, Part 1
Heart Attack. The word probably brings to mind some movie in which a man, clearly over doing it, clutches his chest with a pained face, pauses, and falls to the ground, and in moments, dead. I can't recall a movie involving a woman suffering from a heart attack, even though the number of women dying from cardiovascular disease has been more than men since 1984 (American Heart Association).
Mine was not movie-scripted. It was real. It could have been caught sooner. Thank God it was caught before it was too late. And I am 35 years old. It can happen anytime, any age.
My symptoms were typical, if not immediately identified: pain or pressure in chest, sweating, and a burning sensation above the stomach (hence my initial response of antiacids). But the pain/pressure would not go away.
Some things I did, of course, in hindsight, were really stupid. I mowed the yard in the cool of the morning, even though I did not feel fully up to it. I dropped Patrick off at Amanda's work and drove myself to the emergency room.
It did not take too long to diagnose a significant cardiac event being evident at the hospital. The EKG came back unusual, and I remember feeling relief when the doctor announced, "You are currently having a heart attack." A rush to the cardiac catherization lab followed, and in less than an hour, the persistent pain was gone and I was recovering in an intensive care room. It was only later on Friday evening (July 15) that I was told I would have been dead that evening if I had not brought myself to the hospital. The other news of the day? There was an older blockage that had happened earlier in my life, never treated.
I know beyond doubt that in my moment of desperate need, I was lifted up and placed safely to recover from this near-tragic experience. I had already changed my habits towards more healthy lifestyle with increased exercise and weight loss (20 pounds since January!). My path had only recently crossed another heart attack victim who described similar symptoms. I had regained individual health insurance after an allergic reaction earlier in the year sent me substantial medical bills. Since my own father died of heart disease at the age of 46, I knew I was highly likely to suffer from a heart condition. I knew when to go seek help and that is what I did. I also had a beyond natural experience of someone yelling my name clearly without being there. There are too many acts and events of intervention prior to my heart attack to simply say "coincidence."
I was released home on Sunday (an excellent day for pastors to be released from hospitals!), and I came home with a cholesterol-lowering medication, a heart-failure recovery medication, a angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor medication, and an anti-clot medication, plus aspirin. Prior to Friday, I was taking no medications. Now, I will be on some of these medications the rest of my life.
A lot of things have changed since Friday, July 15, 2011. I will probably refer to my life prior to Friday as Before Friday, and my life since as After Friday.
Before Friday, I was an aggressive over-achiever who could not say "no" to any passionate cause or activity. I was over scheduled (who isn't these days?) working on the next event, cause, or activity. I would rather be "busy" than "bored."
After Friday, I realize that I should have said "no" more often, neglected at times what truly was important, and spent too much time on some things that do not really matter as much. I do not have to be "busy" to be successful or effective. I should not feel guilty for slowing down. I know I have "natural" limits and must abide within them from now on. I have more tests and assessments (including treatment of the older blockage) in the near future. Some things must and will wait.
I am thankful for the many hands of prayer, help, and concern expressed and shared during my recent medical "event." It is truly humbling to realize how extensive my life has touched the lives of others. I am glad I am still around to read and listen to each one. God bless you All.
Mine was not movie-scripted. It was real. It could have been caught sooner. Thank God it was caught before it was too late. And I am 35 years old. It can happen anytime, any age.
My symptoms were typical, if not immediately identified: pain or pressure in chest, sweating, and a burning sensation above the stomach (hence my initial response of antiacids). But the pain/pressure would not go away.
Some things I did, of course, in hindsight, were really stupid. I mowed the yard in the cool of the morning, even though I did not feel fully up to it. I dropped Patrick off at Amanda's work and drove myself to the emergency room.
It did not take too long to diagnose a significant cardiac event being evident at the hospital. The EKG came back unusual, and I remember feeling relief when the doctor announced, "You are currently having a heart attack." A rush to the cardiac catherization lab followed, and in less than an hour, the persistent pain was gone and I was recovering in an intensive care room. It was only later on Friday evening (July 15) that I was told I would have been dead that evening if I had not brought myself to the hospital. The other news of the day? There was an older blockage that had happened earlier in my life, never treated.
I know beyond doubt that in my moment of desperate need, I was lifted up and placed safely to recover from this near-tragic experience. I had already changed my habits towards more healthy lifestyle with increased exercise and weight loss (20 pounds since January!). My path had only recently crossed another heart attack victim who described similar symptoms. I had regained individual health insurance after an allergic reaction earlier in the year sent me substantial medical bills. Since my own father died of heart disease at the age of 46, I knew I was highly likely to suffer from a heart condition. I knew when to go seek help and that is what I did. I also had a beyond natural experience of someone yelling my name clearly without being there. There are too many acts and events of intervention prior to my heart attack to simply say "coincidence."
I was released home on Sunday (an excellent day for pastors to be released from hospitals!), and I came home with a cholesterol-lowering medication, a heart-failure recovery medication, a angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor medication, and an anti-clot medication, plus aspirin. Prior to Friday, I was taking no medications. Now, I will be on some of these medications the rest of my life.
A lot of things have changed since Friday, July 15, 2011. I will probably refer to my life prior to Friday as Before Friday, and my life since as After Friday.
Before Friday, I was an aggressive over-achiever who could not say "no" to any passionate cause or activity. I was over scheduled (who isn't these days?) working on the next event, cause, or activity. I would rather be "busy" than "bored."
After Friday, I realize that I should have said "no" more often, neglected at times what truly was important, and spent too much time on some things that do not really matter as much. I do not have to be "busy" to be successful or effective. I should not feel guilty for slowing down. I know I have "natural" limits and must abide within them from now on. I have more tests and assessments (including treatment of the older blockage) in the near future. Some things must and will wait.
I am thankful for the many hands of prayer, help, and concern expressed and shared during my recent medical "event." It is truly humbling to realize how extensive my life has touched the lives of others. I am glad I am still around to read and listen to each one. God bless you All.
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