I’m publishing this on my blog hoping that this story might resonate with someone who might have a concern about a health issue and is hesitant about bringing it to the attention of their physician. Have it checked out.
Where, oh where do I begin. I’m still in shock, never believing this would ever happen to me. Okay, I guess I should start at the beginning. I’m sure most, if not all, of you know that I recently underwent a quadruple bypass surgical procedure. Let me state up front, if something in your gut tells you something is wrong-listen to your gut.
To begin with, I felt healthy. I wasn’t on any pharmaceuticals. No blood pressure medications, my HDL was high, a good thing, my LDL was low, another good thing, and my cholesterol ratios according to my PCP were outstanding, in a good way. I walked between 80-90 minutes five times a week. I had been running until I hit 73. My pulse rate was in the mid to high fifties, all good. My risk, according to statistics, of having a heart attack was extremely low. I practiced Tai Chi twice a week. I felt healthy.
My only issue was, when walking up a steep grade, I would feel a slight tightness in my chest. Once I hit a level area the tightness disappeared. Because of family history, both parents died of heart disease, my PCP suggested I undergo a stress test. She believed it was just precautionary and never believed I would have an issue with my heart. I almost said, “I feel good, let’s wait until next year.” Even though I told myself, nothing is wrong I reluctantly agreed to take a couple of hours out of my day to take the test. I fully believed I would pass the stress test with flying colors.
Twelve minutes into the test the cardiologist yelled, “Stop, you have a blockage and you need a catheterization.” Needless to say, I was in a state of shock. I went home and made phone calls to identify the best cardiologist I could find. I called my PCP to have her set up a meeting with the cardiologist. He reviewed my test and directed me to go to the nearest Emergency Room. The following morning I underwent the catheterization and was told I had four blockages and required bypass surgery. I was transported to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Brighton. After undergoing a night and a day of testing I was scheduled on the following afternoon to undergo bypass surgery.
To shorten this story a bit, the surgery was successful and I am currently at home recovering from the operation.
Again, I want to get this important message out, that if something is bothering you, don’t ignore it, have it checked out. It may be nothing, but don’t ignore any early warning signs. I fully believed that I was okay, but something within me, said, check it out. If I had ignored my inner self and my PCP’s recommendation and continued with my regimen I might never have survived a heart attack that I never believed would happen to me.
I certainly hope this helps someone.
Ron Penczak 