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Mr_Magoo's Wake Up Call
self | 11-23-2002 | Mr_Magoo

Posted on 11/23/2002 9:20:11 AM PST by Mr_Magoo

First off, let me explain something. I am writing this for a few reasons. Mainly, I am still trying to figure out what happened to me on 11-10-02. I hope that by putting it into words it will start to make sense to me. Also I want others to learn something from my mistakes. For those who don't know, during the overnight period between 11-10 and 11-11 I had a heart attack. I spent 8 days in the hospital recovering from the initial heart attack and quadruple bypass surgery.

November 10 was a decent fall day for Chicago. The weather was not bad, in fact warmer than the last few weeks. I had been putting off some fall yard work, so I blew the leaves, cut the grass, and watched the Bears lose . . . again . . . [some things never change!]. I was even able to mix it up a bit with a few FReepers, something I had not had time for in recent months.

Around 1:40am I shut down the computer, went outside and had a smoke. After all, I had to get up in the morning and go back to work. It was still warm enough outside that I did not need a coat. I love the late night hours. I went back in, got undressed, and went to bed.

1:55am:

WHAM!!! Where did that come from? I have had twinges of chest pain for the last few months, but nothing like this! It felt like when you take too big a gulp of soda, but stronger. Way stronger. I tried everything I could think of, deep breaths, slow deep breaths, put my legs up on pillows, more deep breaths, I even went to the John. Nothing helped. After around 15 minutes of this, I have run out of excuses. I am now soaked in a cold sweat. Starting to panic now. The last 3 deals I made with God I already broke . . . This is NOT cool.

I woke up Mother. She will know what to do. 4 years ago she went through a triple bypass. This sucks. I had to admit to her that I have had these pains for weeks now. I had been brushing them off because I did not want to admit to myself that I was no longer young and invincible. All those years that I mistreated this bod had come back to roost lately. The morning aches and pains were constant reminders of old injuries. I also had been putting it off because I recently started a new job. It was another 5 weeks before Medical Insurance started up. I can't afford to get sick for at least 5 weeks. I told Mother that I have had chest pain for around 15-20 minutes. She called the paramedics. I got dressed, and sat down in the living room. I think that half the damn Fire Dept. was out front. And that clenching pain . . . was . . . gone. I sat there in the living room feeling stupid. The living room is full of Police and Fire dudes. Mother is frantic. And I am sitting there feeling stupid for starting all this fuss. I tell the Paramedics that I did have chest pain a few minutes ago . . . Not now . . . This was all a mistake . . . Sorry to bother them . . .

The Paramedics don't buy it.

4 guys grabbed me and half drag me out the front door, onto the gurney, and in the ambulance. All one swift move. These guys mean business! None of this sitting around and getting info stuff. As soon as the doors were closed, we were moving. They sprayed nitroglycerine in my mouth and I chewed some asprin.5 minutes tops and we were at the Hospital. Everyone is dashing around me. I am now hooked up to O2, an EKG machine, BP monitor, Blood gas monitor, IV lines everywhere. And I feel fine. I feel very stupid for causing such a ruckus.

4:00am:

By now things are calming down a little. The Cardiologist [Dr. C] who treated Mother in '98 had come in to get an early start on his patients. Dr. C came over and checked me over. He wanted me set up for an angiogram ASAP. NO Stress Test, I was not to move or do anything. My heart rate is all over the place, ranging from 45 - 160 beats. For some reason, I am still a little short of breath. But no pain. None. Not sense the paramedics showed up.

6:00am:

Mother went home to try and get some sleep. And I was sent up to a room on the heart floor. A Nurse brought in a breakfast tray for me, and I settled in. About an hour or so later, the same Nurse was upset with me that I had not eaten anything. I have not eaten a Breakfast in over 20 years! Let's just do these tests and send me home. Around 11:00am, I was brought another food tray. They were very insistent that I eat at least a little something. Well, ok. I had about 7 or 8 bites. Just in time for the wheelchair to take me down to the Cath. Lab. Needless to say, the Cath. Lab. was now very upset with me because I ate something. I can't win today!!

3:00pm I was brought back down to the Cath. Lab. for the rescheduled angiogram. The procedure was explained while I was prepped. During the first half hour of the angiogram it was rather boring. All the sudden, Dr. C. asked me about my comment earlier in the day about wanting to get a heart test done in December. I said "Yes. Once my insurance started up I was planning to get it done."

Dr. C. said "You would not be here that long. . . Period.".

Then things went kinda nuts. I was told that for the rest of the test I would be sleeping. They did say that when I woke up, I would not be able to move. I had to remain flat.

When I woke up it was close to 5:30pm. I was now in the Coronary Intensive Care Unit. And, I could not move at all. I was really tied down. My Mother and Brother came in. A few minutes later Dr. C. joined us. Dr. C. explained that I had advanced coronary disease. I needed 4 bypasses done as soon as possible. The largest artery feeding the heart (going down the left front of the heart) was over 95% blocked. The next largest artery, the one that went down the right front part of the heart was 100% blocked. Completely closed. Dr. C. said that this artery was so blocked for so long that my heart had started to build new vessels to replace the blood flow with. That was the only reason I was still alive. The other 2 arteries were 65% blocked and went down the back side of the heart.

Around this time Mother asked me if I wanted my "FReeper Friends" to know what had happened. I gave Mother instructions on how to get an e-mail message to a FReeper who could post a Prayer thread.

Bypass Surgery was scheduled for 10:00am. that was the soonest they could get the room. The reason I was restrained is that after they knocked me out during the angiogram, they installed a balloon pump to assist my heart. Also installed a pacemaker, attached defib pads, and some other stuff I still don't understand. It would be easier to just say what I did understand . . .

I was in deep doo-doo.

From this point on, I was not in control. I was only along for the ride. One thing I did learn is that the #$%&#^$&#^& clock on the wall in that room moves reeeeaaaal s l o w. I remember when 2:30am hit, I thought "well that is one day". And I still had not slept.

9:30am Off to surgery. I met with the Surgeon [Dr. S.], and the rest of the team. As I drifted off I thought "NOW I will finally get some sleep".

Thankfully, I don't have any knowledge of this time period. I still can't figure out what time it ended. I think I remember someone saying it was after 7pm. They did keep me knocked out the whole time. Recovery was a different story.

Recovery

This was by far the worst time span of this whole ordeal. I woke up connected to a machine breathing for me. It does this by blowing a measured amount of air into your lungs. The problem is the machine neither knows or cares if you had already taken a breath. In the doped up state I was in from the operation, I now had to figure out how to breath with the machine. Also, because this machine included tubes down my throat, I could not communicate with anyone at all. I could not let them know I was close to choking from phlegm buildup.

The fluids, blood, phlegm, and whatever else builds up in your lungs. They have a way to clear this stuff out. A vacuum cleaner. Really. It is similar to the vacuum system that your dentist uses but bigger. They stick this tube down your throat into your lungs, and suck up all the crap. It does work. Problem is that the end of this tube also will touch your lung tissue in the process. When you have this done to you, it feels like a metal rod covered with fish hooks was jammed down your throat and is ripping out your lungs from the inside.

More than once, I found it was easier to pass out.

The last time they did this to me was when they disconnected me from the ventilator. I do remember some of that experience. While going through it, in my mind I begged to be let go. Anything to let it end. I am thankful that the people in that room that night did not hold my actions against me later. I do remember someone saying when it was over, "That went well". And I think I said something about them being full of something before passing out again.

CICU

Post-Op Coronary Intensive Care Unit. My time there was actually kinda nice. I was the only patient, so I had the attention of the whole unit for the day and a half there. Most of the time there I was still hooked up to all the support equipment. Meaning the balloon pump and the pacemakers, etc.. Every few hours they would gang up on me and remove another piece.

Around 10:00am one of the Nurses held a phone to my ear. It was Mother on the other end. Over the last day+ she had tried countless times to access my computer to send off the e-mail. She just could not figure out my system as it was so different from what she uses. It took about 10 minutes to talk her through sending an e-mail to that FReeper. I knew that Mother would not try that computer again, so any e-mails that were sent back to us would have to wait until I got home.

Heart Floor

Around 5:00pm on Wednesday, I was transferred to the post OP Heart Floor for the rest of my stay there. Each day was filled with challenges and a few setbacks. The biggest setbacks were getting my heartbeat to stabilize. Almost went back in surgery to install a permanent pacemaker. The other thing that developed was that my Blood Pressure would drop to dangerous levels when I stood up. Add to that, my having been a smoker for 32 years, my O2 saturation levels were a lot lower than the DR’s wanted.

Mr_Magoo's Wake Up Call

On Friday my Dr. sat down with me to go over everything. It went something like this:

Dr.= "What did you think your chances were when you first were admitted Sunday night?"

Me= "Probably about 50-50."

Dr.= "You were a lot more optimistic than we were. As a matter of fact, I just went over your reports and frankly, I can see no valid reason that you are even alive. I can think of 18 or 19 things that ALL had to happen just as they did for you to be here now."

Me= [Deer in headlights look]

He went on to explain that the bypass surgery I had should last 10-15 years, if, I change my lifestyle. If I don't make some changes, I won't last 2 years.


I am still learning what happened to me. I have been home for 5 days now. Still weak. Surgical pain is minimal. Each day I get a little bit stronger. Each day I am learning to listen to my body.

I still can't stay online for long periods because where the computer is, I can't find a comfortable position to sit. My PC is mounted next to the foot of the bed. Because of a bad disc in my back, I can't sit unsupported at the foot of the bed for more than 5 minutes. Now, because of the operation I can not lay down on my side and type with one hand like I have been doing for the last 4 years. I am in the process of adding a laptop to a wireless node on the Home LAN. When this is finished, I can post more often.

There is one more thing I need to say. Please think about this long and hard.

I urge every FReeper to go to their family Dr. and get a Cardiac Risk Screen done. It is nothing more than a set of questions. If a screen shows you have risk factors, get a Heart Scan done. It is like getting an x-ray, painless. Most Insurance will cover a scan. Most problems found can be helped with just a few lifestyle changes.

What you should not do is what I did. I had the risk factors. I also smoked. I also ignored the warning signs. As you can see from what I wrote above, what I went through sucks. It really sucks. I am now facing 3 or 4 months of rehab, just to get well enough to work again. I can't even begin to describe the financial burden this has become. I was stupid. now I am paying for it. Trust me, this is not fun.

Be smart. You owe it to yourself and to your families.

Magoo


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To: Mr_Magoo
So glad you're recovering well...thank you for posting this. My mother has had a triple bypass, and my 52 year old brother has a stent in an artery.

Keep your chin up...I know how difficult recovery can be, but you are in my prayers...and again, thank you for your words of truth. Blessings to you and your family.
101 posted on 11/23/2002 2:11:09 PM PST by EmmaPeel
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To: Mr_Magoo
I am happy you are back with us Mr._Magoo, but as serious as your situation is, I found myself laughing at your retelling of the tale. You're a fine story teller. Take care and let us know what ou do to keep a healthy heart. BTW, is "mother" mother, or wife? (Just curious.)
102 posted on 11/23/2002 2:17:42 PM PST by Libertina
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To: yall
Bump to come back and read the rest....Mr_Magoo's Wake Up Call
103 posted on 11/23/2002 2:21:52 PM PST by MeekOneGOP
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To: Mr_Magoo
God blessed you and I am so glad he did! Welcome back and stay back, please!

I'm recovering from a hospital stay and have put off getting back on the exercise bike, but your remarkable story has be back on it.

Also, Mr_Magoo, you're amazing account is very well writting for a reclining one-hander! Thanks for that and best wishes for many more birthdays.

104 posted on 11/23/2002 2:29:39 PM PST by Lady Jag
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To: All
When I was talking about a cardiac risk screen, I meant discussing with your Family Dr. how many factors you have that increase your risk of a heart attack. The more factors, the higher your risk of a cardiac event.

Here is what it looked like for me:

• High blood pressure [on high BP medication for 14 years]
• Diabetes [Not directly, one Grandfather had it]
• High cholesterol [YES. Last 3 years was treating it with medication]
• Family history of heart disease [YES On BOTH Sides of family]
• Smoker [YES for 32 years]
• Sedentary lifestyle [YES again]
• Overweight [only by about 25lbs.]
• Men over 45 years old and women over 55 years old [YES 46]


This list is by no means complete. The list your Doctor has would be. It can give you and your Dr. a good idea if heart disease might be in your future. If you have the risk factors, then follow up with additional testing. Discuss it with your DR.

As I said in the origional article, I was stupid. Look at the risk factors I had, PLUS I was ignoring chest pain.
105 posted on 11/23/2002 2:31:26 PM PST by Mr_Magoo
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To: sciencediet
writting = written, and to heck with all the other inept two-handed typing errors.
106 posted on 11/23/2002 2:32:14 PM PST by Lady Jag
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To: Libertina
Mother is Mother. I moved back to where I grew up to care for her after Father died.
107 posted on 11/23/2002 2:32:45 PM PST by Mr_Magoo
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To: Mr_Magoo
Welcome back to the world MM. It would seem our prayers were answered. Narrow escapes have a way of heightening our awareness of life. Have you heard that my husband had congestive heart failure on the 14th? He nearly checked out on me. It was only by God's grace that we got him to the hospital in time. So he will be on the same diet you are on and the same exercise program. They could not do by-pass on him because his blocked arteries are too small. His heart is enlarged and will tend to collect fluid. He will have to take meds, diet, and exercise. He is very weak now. I pray that both of you will gain strength quickly. God bless.
108 posted on 11/23/2002 2:35:51 PM PST by WVNan
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To: Mr_Magoo
I was on that prayer thread, Mr_Magoo, and am grateful that you made it. I'll now say a prayer that you can stay strong and stick to your new lifestyle changes.

I had a similar experience with the smoking thing. Lots of bronchitis, bad chest colds, etc. Found out Oct. 1999 that I have severe emphysema.

I find myself on the fence because of defending smokers' rights, yet sad that so many friends are unable to walk away from that killer habit. Thankfully, I've been able to maintain my non-smoking status and I SWEAR I'll never ever become a Nazi! ;-)

Anyway, best to you and 'Mother.' It's people like you who make FR such a grand place to play.
109 posted on 11/23/2002 2:44:50 PM PST by Humidston
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To: Mr_Magoo
Mr. _Magoo, Great post. Glad you're alive! God bless you. summer :)
110 posted on 11/23/2002 2:46:48 PM PST by summer
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To: Mr_Magoo
Please add my prayers to everyone else's. Just found out through this thread. I agree you were obviously "spared" by God. I will keep you in my prayers for a speedy recovery. Our life here is a precious gift. When you do finally stand in judgement you'll be able to stand tall and thank God for his wake up call and tell Him you got the message. Please keep us all posted.
111 posted on 11/23/2002 2:48:31 PM PST by MomwithHope
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To: Mr_Magoo
Copied and sent to everybody I know via e-mail.

Get well soon, Mr_Magoo!
112 posted on 11/23/2002 2:50:03 PM PST by hattend
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To: Mr_Magoo
My father had a major stroke at the age of 37. He was a CEO,2 new kids, wife...his entire life ahead of him. Social drinker...since he was in the banking business...social drinking was a lot...especially closing deals. Ate red meat constantly, limited excercise, smoked, put pepper on food...etc. He was 6'4 190 lbs. Sounds like a solid weight and height ratio right?

He fell asleep in his chair the night before we were scheduled to go to Disney World. He also was using the nasal spray for his sinuses. He had his physical at work 4 days prior and had gone to the hospital for it. They said it was an irritation of the esophagus and gave him mallox and sent him home. Little did he know..but he was having a heart attack then.

Back to the night he had his stroke. My mother went to pull him out of the chair thinking he was just being lazy and not waking up. He stared at her and then closed his eyes. This led into no responses or anything. My mother called 9-11 and called my neighbor. Sure enough my dad was having a major stroke and time was of the essence.

Paramedics came and NEVER administered oxygen..saying since he had been drinking J&B on the rocks that he was probably just passed out. He got to the hospital and by this time E.R. docs ran some tests etc...and then administered oxygen...but my dad had lost half of his brain by this point.

My mother was told he had the arteries of an 80 yr old man and that he would not last 24 hrs. Well he wound up paralyzed on his right side and lost his speech. He lived his life as best as he could learning everything over again and walking with a quad cane. Never regaining his speech. He died of another massive stroke 8 yrs later at the age of 45 while brushing his teeth.

This is indeed your wake up call. God has given you a 2nd chance. Don't screw it up. God Bless You for what you have been through but it is time to look around you and realize what you have to do for yourself and family now.I wish you much luck and prayers...it could have been a lot worse.

113 posted on 11/23/2002 3:03:51 PM PST by My Favorite Headache
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To: Mr_Magoo
BUMP!!!
114 posted on 11/23/2002 3:13:06 PM PST by upchuck
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To: Mr_Magoo
**I owe all of you so much for the Prayer support. As you can see above, if not for those prayers, I would not be here.**

I know this may sound trite, but it was just not your time to go. Having lost a husband to lung cancer, I urge all to follow what Mr. Magoo suggests above. You might also think about stopping the smoking.

God bless you and your family.
115 posted on 11/23/2002 3:14:57 PM PST by Salvation
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To: Mr_Magoo
Thank-you so much for your inspiration. I have neen putting off a physical now for both hubby and I.

Thank-you so much for taking the time to tell us all your story and for the kind warning. Much appreciated. Many prayers to you Magoo. A cartoon is on the way!

116 posted on 11/23/2002 3:31:56 PM PST by TaRaRaBoomDeAyGoreLostToday!
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To: Mr_Magoo
Ugh! Heart problems at that age are very bad news...you were indeed fortunate.

As we age, the heart develops "collateral circulation", meaning other ways to move the blood around to feed the heart. People below 50 or so really haven't developed this so much, and so if a major vessel blocks, they're in deep doo-doo. Heart attacks a 65 year old could live through would kill a 35 year old...and very little affects me more than "coding" a 35 year old in front of his family, knowing what his chances are.

Rest easy...gain your strength, and start anew.
117 posted on 11/23/2002 3:32:56 PM PST by FreeperinRATcage
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To: Mr_Magoo
I am glad to see you are back. Wow.....what a miracle that you are alive.

My mom recently had surgery on a blocked neck artery and she is getting ready to have her heart checked again due to some concern she has there. I hope she gets that done soon.

I am only 19 but a few times when I mowed the yard this summer I felt a little discomfort in the chest area (like where the heart just jumps out of your chest). I think it may be wise for me to mention that to the doc the next time I am in (it will be next month for a bunch of growth hormone deficiency testing). I can't imagine it being a heart blockage or something, but it may be something wrong with the heart in some other way, so I had better get that checked out.....

I definitely plan on getting plenty of heart screenings when I get older.....though not too old. If I wait till I am 40 it proably will be too late.

I hope everything goes well for you.....as much as it can in this terrible situation. It is just a miracle that you are alive and a wonderful working of God.


118 posted on 11/23/2002 3:33:30 PM PST by rwfromkansas
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To: Mr_Magoo
46!!

I have to say, both my mom and I worry about my brother, who is in his 40's as well (big spread between me being 19 and him already in his early 40's!). Anyway, he is one big boy and he has not lived a healthy life. I am not real great either....5'5", 175 pounds, would rather shoot myself than run a mile. But, I do have my limits and I won't let myself get over 180 pounds.... I will starve myself if I have to. Luckily, I think my brother has begun to at least try to eat a little more sensibly. I just hope he stays okay, but I almost know his heart is already in bad shape.
119 posted on 11/23/2002 3:38:47 PM PST by rwfromkansas
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To: FreeperinRATcage
collateral circulation!!!

That is the term he used. He said it had developed because the vessel was restricted for such a long time. He did say that there was some damage to the heart at that location, but termed it "minor".
120 posted on 11/23/2002 3:39:43 PM PST by Mr_Magoo
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