Hey All. . .
I'm just going to come out and say it without any sugar coating. . .Wednesday, October 4th I had a major heart attack. One major artery was 99% blocked and another major artery was 80% blocked. I was told that I was very lucky to have survived it. I had been having chest pains for two weeks prior but they would only last 2 - 3 minutes so I attributed them to stress and anxiety. But they continued and I was having more "episodes" every day. I went to see my doctor on Tuesday October 3rd and he set up a stress test for Friday. Obviously I didn't make that appointment. The chest pain woke me on the morning of the 4th, and never went away. After two hours I decided I better go to the emergency room.
I drove myself to the hospital (a heart hospital is 5 minutes from our house thankfully) walked in and told them I was having chest pain and felt as if I was going to pass out. Within 7 minutes, I was in the operating room. My blocked arteries were angioplastied and stints were put in place. They estimate that because of the severity of the heart attack, my heart has about 15 - 20% damage.
But, believe it or not, I'm now sitting here at home updating my blog 3 days after suffering a serious heart attack. I just can't believe the technology of today's medicine and the level of care I received at the Indiana Heart Hospital. Now I face a whole new lifestyle change that must be permanent.
My sister and mom did an amazing job of stepping up and doing what needed to be done when it came to the care of Jay and my boys. I was worried sick about Jay getting his medicines and the boys getting fed and let out. My sister and mom took care of everything so that I could just focus on getting better and getting home. I honestly don't know what I would have done without them. I will never be able to repay them for all they did to make sure Jay and the boys were well cared for. On a side note, this was the first time I had ever been away from the boys, not even one night. I was so worried how they would do in my absence. Jay said that Gunther propped himself up on a chair in the TV room and for hours watched out the window for me. I love them so much. . .
OK, that's it. I just wanted you to know what was happening and why their was no post last Wednesday.
And for those of you out there that are letting your health slide for whatever reason, let this be a lesson to take better care of yourself. I never thought this would happen to me. . .
Love you guys,
Curt
"God, please let me be the person that my dogs think I am."
Saturday, October 6, 2012
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82 comments:
Oh my goodness, so glad your o.k. take it easy!!!! Hugs! Leah Ann
OMG!!! I am SO very glad that you are ok, but that was a really close call!! You are definitely one of the lucky ones. You take the lifestyle change to heart (no pun intended) and know that your work here is not finished. You are needed and loved by many. ***HUGS***
Hi Curt,
I'm so glad that you are doing OK!! All the best with your recovery.
Take care,
Kevin
You are so very lucky! Glad to hear that things have worked out OK for you now. I've heard that Heart Institute is great. Good to know. Now work on those healthy changes we all need to make and keep trying til you get it!
Oh Curt! I think my heart stopped when I read the first sentence! How horrific of an experience for you! Please know that you'll be in my prayers and that God will heal your heart 100%! Please take it easy and eat well. And if you can...please keep us updated (even if it's not a Wednesday!)
Okay...the Mom in me says if anything like that ever happens again, call an ambulance, DO NOT drive yourself. Alright, enough of the hand slapping, I am so happy you are alright and fixed up good as new. It really is amazing what technology can do! Take care and stay rested my friend!
I know I stopped breathing when I read this post.
Oh my word this is my worst nightmare.
I am sending you lots of hugs, good wishes and lots of prayers that you heal really fast.
You are so lucky and glad you got to help.Take care of yourself sweetie
Oh Curt, how dreadful. I'm sitting here with tears in my eyes, reading your post. Please, please take care.
Ohh Curt, you gave me a shock!! I am so relieved to hear that you are home again with the boys and that your arteries are now running freely again thanks to technology. You are indeed very lucky to have had that warning and the damage was caught and fixed.
I almost cried when I read where Gunther sat and looked out the window waiting for you. Your boys love you to bits! Take care Curt, you are much needed and loved!
Hugss
Curt, your mom and sis did what my daughter did for me about 13 years ago. We always think we can take care of our kids and sometimes forget to take care of ourselves. My daughter gave up a medical career to help me for almost two years. I can never repay her either. Stay warm and calm and listen to your heart!
Curt, thank goodnss you are OK, please take it easy and take care. hugs, Ursula
Oh Goodness, I can't believe you are updating your blog after just having all this happen. So glad everything worked out and you are home with your loved ones, both human and furry!! Aw, poor Gunther, waiting for his Master. Please don't rush right back into your routine, take care of yourself and get well. So glad you shared this with all of us, we would have been so worried.
Big Hug
Sue
Curtis O'Brien - you know that was really dumb, right? You know that you will report your chest pain much, much faster if this ever happens again, right? Oh my God, Curt! I am so thankful that you survived the drive (you drove yourself? hello?!) and will recover. It's a blessing that you can't take for granted - you must still have work to do here.
Forgive me for being so blunt - but I love you and is really serious stuff! 'nuff said.
Hugs.
Ohhhh, I was waiting for a post!
We take things for granted, and very seldom think about how fast things can change!
Glad you're going to be 'normal', and that Jay & the boys were looked after, and GAWD I'd miss you!
Love ya, take care of yourself!
You almost gave "me" a heart attack reading the post...wow...I guess you never know, and I agree, that you never think it will happen to "you"!! I can imagine the extra stress you had worrying about the "boys" and "Jay"...I would be the same..but sounds like your wonderful family was there for you! Well, take care of yourself my friend, and I am very thankful you are still here with us...and when you get a chance could you email me your new home address...you are in my thoughts!!
Oh my goodness Curt, you certainly gave me a scare. I think I was in shock reading your blog. My prayers are with you as you complete the healing process. May your heart be totally and completely healed back to 100%. I am so very glad to know you were so close to the best hospital in the world and that the technology is so fantastic in this day and age. The boys must have missed you something terribly, I cried to hear about Gunther. They are the best 'children' in the world. Please take care of yourself so you can continue to care for Jay and the boys! We all love you and your beautiful creations.
So sorry to hear about your heart attack, but so glad you are able to tell us about it! With everything you have had going on this year, I can see how you could have dismissed some minor symptoms...Just dont ignore it again please :) You have many online friends who enjoy your blog and keep up with you, Jay and the boys. We dont just visit for the gorgeous cards :) Those are just an added bonus!
Please make the necessary lifestyle changes and know that you have support out here to encourage you if you need it.
How sweet that the boys missed you, I would expect nothing less. They know when something isnt right.
Please take good care of yourself!
*Hugs*
~Andrea
oh my goodness, what an ordeal and so pleased you were able to get the help you needed so quick. Also that you have fabulous support for your family so pleased you are now at home and recovering well, now thinking hope the move was not too stressful for you, take care hun
Hugs Kate xx
So pleased and relived that you are so much better, it is amazing what can be done these days,,, and to be blogging just 3 days later is incredible!
Take care and make sure you change your ways, you have been given another chance at life lol.....Well done Mum and Sis and love to you all
Tilly x
Hi Curt
OMG im so pleased you are home & getting better, what a shock for you all, thankfully you were so near the hospital. We are all guilty of ignoring aches & pains & putting it down to other things,lesson learnt here hun. So pleased you are here with us, take care now, slow down, pleased you have settled in your new home, now enjoy it, missed you. hugs to you all, sue,xxxx
Oh my goodness Curt, thank god you're OK and on the mend xxxx I can imagine how much of a worry it must have been for you to be away from home but you're home now and you can recouperate with Jay and your lovely boys by your side :-)
Take things easy and am sure you will be feeling 100% better in no time :-)
luv n HUGE HUGS
Lols x x x
I'm so glad you are OK! Please take care of yourself!
Curt,
So glad you're okay and @ home. You were truly blessed. Take it easy and I pray God will continue to restore your health.
Wow Curt what a frightening experience you have had..I think lots of us take their health for granted & you have so much to live for..God willing you'll be around for a loooooooong time to come.. thanks also you have a wonderful mom & sister to help out.. I did send you a new home card & I know its not the time but was wondering if the blog post with your new house deets was your new address? take care dear friend & get some of your much loved HM inked up to help pass the time while your recuperating..
smiles Christine x
OK...so that explains why you didn't post any Halloween stuff on Wednesday ... and to think I was actually looking forward to seeing what you posted.
So , you were very lucky in one way that you have been given a second chance to take better care of yourself. You know that Peter was also given a second chance but life does change after a serious heart attack. You MUST take care of yourself in order to be able to still care for Jay and The Boys and to ensure that YOU will have many quality years left of life too.
Hugs ~B~
I know what a scary experience you have gone through, my dad had a massive heart attack, the doctors couldn't believe he survived and he had to have a quadruple bypass.
So I am so pleased you are OK and well enough to have returned home to your boys.
Do take care
Happy crafting
Tracy x
Curt! Oh my GOSH!! I'm so very thanksful to read that you did FINALLY (note finger wagging at you) went to the doctor and not a moment too soon and that you are home and with Jay and the boys! Please, please take good care, rest and let your family and friends surround you with love and help and care. Get better soon and as you feel up to it, let us know how you are doing. There are many of us out here in the blog-o-sphere that may not comment all of the time but DO keep up withyou and care for you!
Hugs!
Jennifer
Hello there , well I am shocked to read this, but not surprised...I am ever so thankful that were smart enough and not too stubborn : ) Yes a life style change, but one you can live with , And your mom and sister love you and you are so lucky to have them...
My prayers will be said daily, more if you need them...Please follow what the doctors say, and take care of your self as well as Jay and the boys... maybe some pictures of the boys and hose and mom and sis for an east post up coming...you know we all love you, so just stay in touch... From my mouth to Gods hands ...
Sonja
OH Curt! My reaction is much like the others who have commented. I'm really glad you were close to a heart hospital and are doing much better now. I think today I will finish that app for risk health ins. Us caregivers often forget ourselves since we are busy taking care of others. I'm so happy that your mom and sis were able to fill in for you. God Bless them and you! Hugs!
Hugs and prayers are headed your way for your continued recovery, Curt! And throw in some Boxer kisses, too! Please take care and make those lifestyle changes, my friend...
Hi Curt! I am so happy to hear things turned out well for you. What a scare, right? Thank God for modern technology that you are able to get right back into life so shortly after a MAJOR heart attack. Take care of yourself because all your boys and all of us need you to stick around. (((hug)))
Curt....you made my already weak hear stop. I don't know whether to hug or scream at you. Grr....to have chest pains for all that time and brush them off...you should have gotten to your doctor at once. Then I read you drove yourself...are you crazy. lol! Well we all are but that's another story. You could have had an episode while driving and harmed yourself and others. Grr.
Okay...now that my heart has going back to beating, I am beyond happy to read that you got care and everything went fantastic thanks to a great group of doctors and nurses. That your home so quickly is truly amazing. Now...don't over do it and focus on you. Let anybody that offers help...to do so.
Over the last 3 years I've had to make many adjustments in life because of health reason. I'm not going to say it's easy but you have to do it for yourself. It will all fall into place once you start.
I will light a candle of healing for you today and keep it burning until you say your feeling super.
Rest. Take care...and don't worry about what needs to be done.
Curt, I am so glad you are still with us. I would certainly miss the hell out of your posts! Please take care of yourself! I read the part about Gunther with interest. We used to have a cat that would sit in a chair by the window about 15 minutes before my boyfriend was due home. He would rest his head on his paws and pop his head up whenever a car went by. If he saw lights in the driveway he would jump down and go to the door. Aren't animals amazing? God Bless your Mom and Sis, and of course, you!
Curt, I am so glad you are home and doing better. Do follow the doctors orders and take care of your self.
Oh my goodness, Curt! I'm so glad that you got to the hospital in time. You must have been so worried about everyone else, because that's just how you are, my friend! Please take care, follow the good doc's instructions, and keep in touch with us. I have no idea how I missed your last post, but love seeing the photos of you, your boys, and your wonderful new yard. Slow down, sir, and take care of yourself :)
Oh my goodness! So glad that you made it too the hospital in time! Yes, caregivers need to remember that it is just as important to take care of themselves too. So glad that you had the help you needed so close by and that of your family too. May you continue with your healing and remember you need to take care of you too! But the best medicine is, of course, the love of those around you whether it be from your friends/family but your fur-babies too! Blessings...
#1 priority is to take care of yourself - so happy you are doing well - sometimes it takes a wakeup call for us to decide to make a lifestyle change. Good luck and sending blessing.
I am happy for you that you went for help and that you seem to be recovering pretty quickly. Be sure to take care and continue your recovery! :)
WHAT,that's what I am saying time after time as I look at your post.OMG Curt I have got goose bumps.Don't you ever ignore anything again ya hear me,or I will be on a plane (and I HATE flying lol) to you.
I am so so glad you are ok,can well imagine how you must have been STRESSING about Jay and those boys of yours.
As you may remember,Glyn has had 3 heart attacks and has a stent in.So listen up and DO AS YOU ARE TOLD lol.Thinking of you all.Sending Huge hugs to all of you.xx
Oh my Curt!!! I too along with everyone else will echo the chorus that we are SO glad you are here!
PLEASE make yourself a priority!
As much as we love to play with paper.... we can't if we don't have our health!!!
Yay for Mom and Sis that they could step in!!! You've got great people around you Curt...relax and recover!
Everything will roll along and we shall await your full recovery and return to paper play! However long that takes....
:)
Love you Curt! And Jay...and Mom...and Sis...and the boys!!!
Prayers for everyone to keep doing what needs doing...recovery, upkeep, hanging out....relaxing.... enjoying life!
:)
Oh my sweet friend I'm so thankful that you're able to be at home again with your boys and Jay. Would you mind sharing your new address with us - I have your old but not the new one. Be good to yourself and let your heart heal. We all love you so much!!!
DUDE! I am SOOOOO thankful you are ok and that you let US know. WOW. Make sure and take care of yourself. I think of you all the time and wonder how everything is. I agree...don't let your health slide. That reminds me I'm due for my yearly physical...I better make my appointment and GIT-R-DONE! ;) Love and Prayers.
So very sorry to hear about this. What a blessing you a so near such a good hospital. Your mom and sister are probably just giving back to you what you give to them - love. Take care of yourself so we can continue to get your wonderful posts.
Wow amazing that you are home and blogging. It is so hard when the caregiver needs care. So glad you got there in time. I guess we always think the pain should be worst and yes it won't happen to me.
TAKE it easy and get some help when you need it. You are so blessed to have your Mom and sister that was wonderful to read.
Take care my friend, sending blessings and hugs,
Linda
Oh Curt, I missed the previous post and opened on this one. I am so sorry to hear of all the medical issues! But, thank Heaven you were able to overcome and be back in your lovely home with your family. A big thanks to Mom and Sis who of course came through for you in a crisis! Actually I have been very worried about not hearing from you for so long, so thank you for taking the time to let us all know how you all are doing. PLEASE, PLEASE take care of yourself!! Big Hugs!!
Curt
I have been away from the computer for awhile but when I read your blog today I was flabergasted. Thank goodness you survived and that mom and sis stepped up to the plate and took care of the home front.
We will be rooting for you. Now no more rich puddings or cakes for you m'boy!!!
Hugs
Myrna
Of my goodness, I'm so glad you survived the attack. I just lost a cousin to a heart attack in August, very unexpectedly. He was in perfect health, was a runner and just boom, he was gone. Please take care of yourself...your boys would be distraught without you. We would too!
OMG Curt I am sooooooo glad that you are ok. My heart went up in my mouth when I read your post!!!. I know I do not pop by enough but seeing this made me come straight by to see what was going on. There was certainly an angel with you that day hun. What a blessing that you live right by the heart hospital as well. It really is amazing what they can do these days hun, my Dad suffered exactly the same thing and that was about 10 years ago and now he's as strong as an ox!!!. A lifestyle change is so needed for your recovery and this will certainly make you want to change. Your family will never need repaying Curt because that is what the people who love you do. If all of your friends and followers lived nearby we would all have come to help you too!!!. Your beautiful boys will indeed have been pining for you hun. They are so well cared for and loved. My two furbabies get so upset when I am unwell and all they want to do is curl up with their Mum. When I go out my beautiful girl usually sits up at the craft room window waiting for me (don't go out very often!). You just make sure that you keep us posted on you as we all love you to bits and want to make sure you are behaving. Do hope that Jay is ok and things have not been too traumatic for him as he would have been beside himself. Maybe the move was indeed a blessing too Curt being so close to the hospital? who knows, fate???. You take care and big hugs Clare, Bert & Simone xxx
Curtis...You bounced back so fast because....your heart is pure GOLD.
Must have gotten it from your Mom and Sis!!!
Your Boys will heal you fast. Fur Kids seem to do that.
Hugs for the whole famn damily - You, Jay, Boy, Mom and Sis.
Geez...I come to check on you and find about your heart attack! Glad that you are "OK"...been missing your cards and photography and musings.
I imagine your babies have been staying close and Jay too. Make the changes you need to in your lifestyle so that you can be around another 50-60 years!
Oh my goodness Curt what a shock!
You take more care of yourself now you are a very precious and wonderful person.
We don't want to lose you!!!!
Sending healing, loving thoughts.
BIG HUGS
Elaine xoxoxoxo
Curt,
How scary. I am so glad you got to the hospital when you did. Please do not ignore pains again. I bet there was a big welcoming committee when you got home. I wish you a full and speedy recovery.
Hugs, Lisa
OMG Curt, how awful, but I am so grateful you survived and have your family support system. Last year when I had my physical (6 years overdue) I ended up finding out the my aorta valve is leaking in addition to my existing mitrovalve prolapse, hense I started excercising everyday since my cardiologist compared exercise to brushing your teeth everyday to why don't I exercise. Well, you are quite right about technology and already being home after such an ordeal. Take care and if there is anything I can do for you long distance just say the word and you got it!
Hugs,
Gina
xoxxo
OMGoodness, I am so happy that you are okay. I will keep you in my prayers! Take care my friend!
Miranda
Oh Curt!!! I am so glad that you are okay - WOW. How scary for you. It's good that you have a hospital so close and that they were so on the ball to get you treated right away. Please take care of yourself!!!! Huge hugs and lots of positive thoughts heading your way. Feel better soon! ~chris
Oh my goodness you are so lucky my friend. Your guardian angel was looking out for you. I am so glad that you are on the road to recovery. May you be blessed for now on. My Father has had a heartattack and had quad by pass.surgery. so know what you went thru. Good luck and get better soon.
I am so glad you are okay Curt! We really need to listen to our bodies! A very scary wake up call! I am very happy that you are blessed to have the family that you do! It makes a world of difference. I had a wake up call this month too and am still waiting to find out whether it is good or bad news. I am relieved to hear that you went to the hospital. Please take care of yourself!
hugs,
Ellen
Thank God you did pay attention finally. You know they say you are not supposed to drive. I will not say,"next time call an ambulance," cause you are going to take such good care of yourself...diet, exercise, etc., that I'm certain you will die of nothing of old age.
And you must trust that your sister and mom will be there for you as they did this time.
Blessings and hugs.
Erica
Oh, Curt! So very sorry to hear about this frightening experience, but so glad that you are ok. Take care of yourself!! Hugs... gentle hugs...
Take care my friend. Wishing you a speedy recovery.
So glad to hear your ok and on the road to recovery, take good care of yourself. Donna x
MY heart literally drove to my feet reading this post!!! Oh my gosh Curt I am sooooooo glad you are okay. You have been under so much stress for so long that I am not surprised. Please sweetie take things easier!! Big hugs
Whoa! That is unbelievable. I'm glad you got the surgery you needed. Take care of yourself.
So, wait.... You've been home 3 days and you couldn't even post a card? Good grief!
I'm seeing oatmeal in your future.... and packaging with the words "heart healthy" whatever that means.
And remember that 15 - 20% damage means 80 - 85% functional which is a B or a B+!
Get busy, slacker!
So glad your okay! Now make sure to take care of yourself...you are always doing for others! That is great you have family to help out too! Hugs!
I was shocked when I read your post Curt-sending get well prayers from PA to IN-take care of yourself
Oh my goodness, Curt! So glad to know that you are ok - how very scary! Take care of yourself! You're in my thoughts and prayers!
Blessings in your relax, recover, reconsideration at each offer of assistance; even if it seems a small task, let the offeree do the task as you walk alongside! Adding one more step each day is quality as long as the exercise is small bits several times a day these first two weeks. That healing incision is a given/ biggie let alone overdrive on the liver's process. This household is in year three and will have stint checks again soon. Clear the last two checks! Wonderful blessings in the suggested ten year stint lifetime. Oatmeal, one ounce white wine, cranberry juice with no corn syrup additives, etc. have been mainsteam here. Diversions do come, just have to get back to basics sooner than soon to avoid later.
Such card fame you have worked that your being missed from Gunther on to your DNA fam and your blog fam showers a sizeable crowd! Thank you for sharing with us all. Those woodlands and park walks will entice us all the more as you build strength and heal. Joyful blessing as you Keep Looking UP! mt23stamperatyahoo HappyFallYa'all!
Oh my goodness, I am so grateful that you are alright.
Aloha! Soooo glad you are OK! What were you thinking??? Driving yourself to the hospital. . . So glad all went OK though. As others have said, you had your guardian angel on your shoulder. Isn't family the best! You Mom and Sis wouldn't have had it any other way, don't try to repay as it is impossible AND not necessary. They love you and would do anything for you. . . Do the best you can with your lifestyle changes is all they will want so you can be around for a very long time.
I'm sure Jay and "the boys" missed you terribly and are super happy to have you home.
Take care of yourself my blogging friend. . .Remember the prayer at the end of your blog, "God, please let me be the person that my dogs think I am." All will be good!
Lots of hugs and prayers coming your way from HI!
Goodly Creations
Wow what a shock Curt thank God you are okay, just take care of yourself from now on. Love the cards and great to have you back.
Hugs Jersey U.K. XXX
Good grief, I recommend lots of giant schnauzer kisses. I bet they knew something was up with you. So in the future listen to your furry kids, okay?
Cece in florida headed to alabama.
Tried to leave a comment and got an error message from Blogger so will try again.....
Oh my gosh Curt! I was so shocked to read your post! I am so glad that you went to hospital when you did! Take good care of yourself and give yourself time to recover. Sending lots of {{hugs}} and wishes and prayers to you and Jay.
Jocelyn XO
Thanks for commenting on my cards! And how are you doing? Hopefully getting a little better every day!
I was in shock reading your post, I am so happy that all went well for you and that your wonderful family did all they did for you, Jay and your boys what a wonderful bunch of people you all are its inspiring. Heres hoping that you continue your road to recovery chrissie b UK
Curt - I am so glad that you are okay - what an unexpected and scary experience to go through - so glad that you have such a wonderful hospital nearby (i am in awe that you drove there!!) Wishing you a speedy recovery and perfect health!!
Much love and big hugs,
Sankari :)
So very glad to hear that you are recovering from your heart attack. I hope that you'll be taking better care of yourself from now on and watching that diet.
You new home looks so beautiful. Glad that the boys have adjusted well and everyone is happy.
I am so glad you are ok, hugs xx
love to you , Jay and your boys. Fantastic pic of them enjoying the pool.
Love Teen xxx
Dearest Curt, I am so glad you knew what to do and should have done it soonerrrrr! What would the people who love you do without you! Not surprised your sis and mom stepped up. Why not when they have you as a son and bro. I can't get over how you were able to do exactly what you should in time. Next time you wonder don't take a chance. It is wonderful what they can do today, huh, and luck for you they were close by. Lucky for Jay and your family too. Hugs your way and take care. I am so behind and caught your post in my sidebar while I was passing by. Duh Me!!!
Curt: Just checking in and checking up on you. Making sure that you are following doctors' orders, and hope that you are getting some creative therapy. You are so special to so many of us out here, and we worry about you. So glad that you are okay, but a little mad that you let your "episodes" go for two weeks. Big hugs and lots of prayers to a special friend and his beautiful family. Sue from KS
Just saw you are back on blogging.
What a shock! I am happy all went well and you are back on track and healing up.
Big Hugs, Heide
Curt, Just checked my friend Gina's blog, then check yours and what a surprise! So glad things are going well for you now and hope you continue doing well from now on. My youngest brother had 5 by-passes at age 48 and quit "cold turkey" his previous lifestyle and changed everything---am glad to say he is still doing good!
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