Heart Attack

[Didache]

Hi all

Some regulars will note that I haven't been around for quite some time. A word of explanation is in order. For some little time I was not feeling at all myself, nor was I really aware of why. I was tired, lethargic, and generally out of sorts.

Anyway, at the beginning of this month I had a heart attack. Fortunately not a serious one, but enough to perhaps explain what was going on inside me. I wound up in hospital for 12 days. Initially the doctors considered that by-pass surgery was necessary, but concluded that putting some stents in would probably do the trick. So, five stents across three coronary arteries later, they released me to go home, which is where I am now, being looked after by my wife who is really excellent when it comes to a crisis.

I am feeling a lot better now although I tire easily. The officers at the church where I work have been excellent too in arranging cover for me. I will go back to work, although lightly, mid-December, and be careful until after Christmas. Hopefully I will be firing on all cylinders by January.

It is positive though that a little red wine is encouraged

Cheers
Mike

[Grandpaw]

I have been wondering where you have been hiding. I am very happy to hear that you are doing well and have a wife that can and will help you out. Take it easy and I pray that you and your family will have a great Christmas and holiday season, Jeff

[Old Timer]

You have been missed by many of us. Very sorry to hear of your health problems but excited that you seem to be on the mend. I look forward to your next round of images they are always innovative and interesting.

[jetrim]

Like the others who've already commented, I've missed you Mike. Your post is very encouraging, though health problems are never any fun. My dad has had stints in place for 10+ yrs. now, so hopefully they'll work as well for you as they have for him Very glad to hear the news wasn't worse!

[Frog]

Glad to hear you are on the road to recovery, Mike.
Yes, I too wondered what was happening with you.
Take it as easy as you need to and we will look forward to seeing some of your fabulous work again soon.

[readingr]

Mike,

Glad your recovering - will call you tomorrow.

Roger R.

[SmartWombat]

It's good it was caught early, before a bypass was needed.
Glad to hear it could be fixed with stents.
Not too invasive considering the bypass alternative, and I hope your recovery is smooth.
Great to see you here, and thanks for letting us know you're in good hands.

Perhaps some precautionary, and celebratory, red wine is in order here


My Brother-in-law thought he had 'flu and was luck that his company was large enough to have a company nurse who had had the experience to send him off for a check-up. He ended up in PApworth for a bypass operation.

A close friend had a triple bypass a few months ago, and his legs haven't healed yet.
His chest has stopped grinding when he coughs, but not until two months after the operation could he sleep.

I'm glad you were spared that.

[Shebang]

Glad you are getting better. Sounds like you have much to be thankful for!

[megan]

Wow - I'm glad you're on the mend. I hope the holidays are nice and mellow for you!

[Greg McCary]

My prayers are with you Mike. I hope you have a speedy recovery. Thanks for letting us know.

[Liz]

Mike,

I'm really happy to hear that you didn't need surgery - and so grateful that your problem was caught in time before you had a major heart attack.

Those symptoms certainly wouldn't seem to warrant checking for a heart problem. And you had no pain or shortness of breath? That's a lesson for all of us "tired" folks!

God bless you.

Liz

[OldClicker]

Welcome back! I'm looking forward to seeing your images again. – TF

[CaraRose]

Yikes, I'm glad you're doing okay now, Mike.

[Ballen Photo]

WOW MIKE! Glad to hear that you will be alright.

It is positive though that a little red wine is encouraged

You might consider the occasional aspirin as well. :thumbsup:
-Bruce

[freygr]

Glad to hear you are getting better. My prayers go to you. Get better and take more photos.

[Alison]

Oh my goodness Mike. I am so pleased you are doing well now.

[Tyson L. Sparks]

Hang in there buddy, it will get better soon. Follow your doctors orders.

[Jimmy B]

Glad to hear you are on the road to recovery Mike.
Regards, Jimmy B

[hminx]

Hope its not too long before you are out and about , and life returns to normal.
All the best Mike

[Canyon Hiker]

Mike. Good to hear that you are ok. My dad had a scare two years ago. He thought he was haveing a heart attack and it turned out to be nothing, after 3 days in the hospital and hundreds of tests. He was a changed man after that and now lives life to its fullest. Has your aspect of life changed since your surgery? just curious.
Now that you are up and about lets see some more shots. I'm looking forward to them. One more thing..Your a lucky man to have a wife that will stand by you..I'm sure you already know that though. Take care.

Darin

[Franglais]

Another Baby-Boomer learning to slow down...

I suppose you do have to limit your activities as you get older - at least that's what people say to me whenever I have something wrong. But after a while I come back having learnt how to master the thing.

My latest escapade = dizzy spells when driving on certain freeways = I need new glasses. It took three months to figure that one out.

It's Christmas. Take it easy this time and see how you feel it the New Year.

[draymorton]

Wow, Mike... I was wondering where you were. To say that I'm relieved that you're okay would be a serious understatement. Fatigue is a tricky thing, as it could mean any number of things, and generally has you guessing in a million different directions.

Wishing you the very best on your road to recovery. Take good care.

[CaptainPenguin]

Welcome to the Coronary club Mike had mine in 2001 and ticking along nicely now,dont overdo things but if you have the chance as I did to take some gentle strolls complete with camera its a great way of vrecuperating

[Didache]

Many, many thanks for all your good wishes, prayers and kind thoughts. It is much appreciated.

I know it will take a little while before I am firing on all cyclinders again, but I feel pretty good really provided I restrict myself to gentle walks, and not too much worry. Still, the kind thoughts of people here and in the other parts of my life have been a huge encouragement.

I am working on a couple of little still lifes, which is something I am able to do. Possibly tomorrow I will post one or two.

Cheers
Mike

[Shebang]

As you know, I'm not a long-timer here, but I remember you because of your Seven Deadly Sin series. I was pretty new then and I was (and am) SO impressed with what you did. It (and so many others here) have kept me going through this painful learning curve. Many happy clicks (and ticks!) to you!