There's been a change of plans.

[skeetbum]

A couple of months back, I started getting short of breath when I had something strenuous to do when I was at work. Very out of character for me as I've done some kind of hard or heavy work for a long time. Even when I drove the roads I kept a pretty demanding pace. Visited my primary doc and she didn't like the sounds of it and made some appointments for me to follow up with. First was a cardiologist, one of the best around. He scheduled a stress test, both resting and treadmill, and some follow up appts after those. Did the resting test and was told by the tech he saw a healthy heart, so my hopes were still high. A week later on June 27 I had the treadmill portion of the test. Talked with the tech from the week before and visited, having a pretty good time of it. Little did I know how my life would change in the following hour or so.

When he was done I was told that he had some computer work to do and he would get with me when he was done. He came back as he had said and told me that the Doc would be there in a few minutes and that he and I needed to talk. I knew I was for more than I had planned. When he arrived there was a pow-wow with the tech and he came to sit with Joan and I. He got right to it telling me that I had blockages just as soon as the girls could arrange the times with the other office, I would be going in for a catheter in the morning. What I had might be able to be fixed with a stent and the test would tell the story. Now I was winding up into full on apprehension. We ate light and made our plans for the next day. Started rolling about 7 and about 9:30 he went to work. When he was done he came out and had my wife sit next to him, I might have been just coming out of the anesthesia. He said that I was a mess. 3 blockages that formed into a widowmaker and created a total of over 95%. Had I had a heart attack I would not have survived. Bypass surgery would be scheduled for asap, the next day at the latest. The plus was that as the tech had said, the heart itself was good with no damage from previous attacks. This would be a big help in the days to come.

Scheduled for pre op at ten and in at one thirty, and turned to two thirty. Beard shaved off, rather most everything shaved, They came and finally got busy and we moved down the hall. As long as I live I will never forget the feeling I got, as I prayed and we traveled down the hall with my eyes full of tears, that I might never seen those that meant so much to me ever again. I asked for whatever was his will and that if he had more for me to do, then I would once again walk these halls, and that his will be done. It was a very weak moment for me. Into the OR and the crew began their procedures that they have done so many times, and the lights went out.

The next thing I remember was the tube in my throat. Never had one before when I was conscious and don't care for a repeat performance. Absolutely helpless.

Woke up on the recovery table and was as happy as a man could be. There was more for me to do. Over the next few hours, many things came and went through my mind. I had a major league amount of support there for both Joan and I. Most all of my friends were either present or had checked in and were standing by for news or to be told what needed to be done. My brother was here from Atlanta and my Daughter in from Jacksonville, NC. My wife's phone and face book were blowing up. All the local relatives had also come front and center. Right about that time I must have gone out again because I heard my name spoken, and my 3 girls and my brother were looking at me, telling me they loved me, and I was back out.

It went like this for a while as the drugs turned my head into mush. Checking vitals and giving meds got me into somewhat of a rhythm and now my head was beginning to clear. Pain was there but manageable and the staff was the best that has ever treated me. The food was even good and plenty of it. Bandages came off and shower on Tuesday brought me back to feeling human. The improvement came along quickly, partially due to titanium plate put in front to stabilize where the wire tied me back together

I'm sure there is much more that I will remember as time goes by but this gives you the idea of the confusion that was my life these past few days. My wife was overcome with anxiety and her blood pressure went high and she was admitted, getting a room on the other side of the hospital, same floor on Monday. She was cleared and settled down on Tuesday and feeling more like normal. Wednesday was our 36th Anniversary and we celebrated it with a floral arrangement the kids had brought by and a regular sized Kit Kat bar. She got one section, I got two, and the nurse on the floor got the last one. My wife gave me a card that I will never forget. It began"My world stopped for a moment today......

Mine did too. Thanks you all for following the thread that Slab started about an anonymous member, they helped me through a very difficult time. I'm a very blessed man surrounded by some very special people........Skeet

[FurFlyin]

Wow. That's quite the ordeal. Very glad they caught it in time.

["D"]

WOW. I am so glad for you and yours that our God is not finished with your earthly mission. God bless you Skeet. I pray for your healthful healing and for your wife and family as well. Looking forward to many more posts by you in the future. You are an important member to our Crappie.com family. "D"

[jbird68]

Glad you were taken care of and recovering. Take it easy for a while and worry about fishing later. Praying for easy recovery and calming for your wife. These things are never easy. But having someone by your side is a plus.

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[ET Fish]

You have been through the ringer, and I am glad you came out the other side! God has plans for you, and I look forward to hearing what those are. You are in my prayers. Happy anniversary!

[Eagle 1]

PRAYING FOR A SPEEDY RECOVERY AND CONTINUED BLESSINGS .

[broharrell]

Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

[Redge]

Prayers sent for you and yours.


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[Glenn54]

Glad to hear you're doing better. I know they did the cath but have they done the bypass yet?

["G"]

Recover quickly and well my friend.....Continued prayers