Metal Heart Society was born the day I went to sleep 20 and woke up in a 80 year old body! Then I realized the days of reckless living without relaxation are a thing of the past. This sums up how it feels to have a heart attack at 45. At the time I was not overweight, had not consumed alcohol in eighteen months, eaten red meat or poultry in fifteen months, and genetics of heart disease was absent. I did not do drugs anyone would associate with heart attacks, actually I did not do any drugs. The basic risk factors did not identify the problem or hint at a heart problem. My lifestyle was the deciding factor in the impending doom referred to by my cardiologist as a heart attack. Low blood pressure determined the course of action upon arrival at the Heart Hospital. The cardiologist and team lost the luxury of time due to the low level of my blood pressure. Prior to this, high blood pressure was the concern, I assumed low blood pressure was a good sign.
I was rushed into a surgery in attempt to restore a heart malfunction. After the surgery the doctors informed me I received two stents in the lower left quadrant of my heart, most commonly known as the "widow maker". The right side of my heart remained damaged and although the team tried, the heart was beyond repair, resulting in 40% loss. Over the days that followed every doctor that entered my room reminded me how lucky I was to be alive. They reiterated several times, "We lost you twice" and "you entered the hospital a wildcard, it is a miracle you are alive!"
All these confirmations reminded me of a new chance at life. A new life full of different choices and new restrictions lay ahead of me. One morning as I shook the sleepiness out of my head a nurse strolled in and informed me of such restrictions. With the casual manner one uses in ordering dinner at a favorite dining spot, she spouted off the new lifestyle. The restrictions included, several rules I balked at immediately to include no smoking, no exercise outside when temperatures were above 85 degrees or below 45 degrees. I gasped at the thought of restrictions from the weather! I could not imagine what my life would be like, this seemed to be the worst possible restriction!! I love to ride my bicycle, especially on hot days. Several times last summer I was riding the trails beside the river when the temperature on my bike read 104 degrees. The nurse continued reading the menu, even though I heard enough, she would not stop! Next she told me smoky bars and places where second hand smoke was out of the question. My life revolves around live music. At that moment, I felt as though life as I knew it was over completely, two activities I loved were ripped out of my life. I believe this woman loved torturing me! I am not kidding at all,because she kept talking. Every part of my being wanted to yell bad words at her and make her stop. Next I heard coffee and cheese were no longer an option. As if this stranger looked deep into my soul and found my true loves she also ripped them from me as yesterday's garbage. Yes, life was going to be very new for me! I didn't have to do much, just change everything. Every single thing near and dear to me suddenly stolen by a heart attack.
I was rushed into a surgery in attempt to restore a heart malfunction. After the surgery the doctors informed me I received two stents in the lower left quadrant of my heart, most commonly known as the "widow maker". The right side of my heart remained damaged and although the team tried, the heart was beyond repair, resulting in 40% loss. Over the days that followed every doctor that entered my room reminded me how lucky I was to be alive. They reiterated several times, "We lost you twice" and "you entered the hospital a wildcard, it is a miracle you are alive!"
All these confirmations reminded me of a new chance at life. A new life full of different choices and new restrictions lay ahead of me. One morning as I shook the sleepiness out of my head a nurse strolled in and informed me of such restrictions. With the casual manner one uses in ordering dinner at a favorite dining spot, she spouted off the new lifestyle. The restrictions included, several rules I balked at immediately to include no smoking, no exercise outside when temperatures were above 85 degrees or below 45 degrees. I gasped at the thought of restrictions from the weather! I could not imagine what my life would be like, this seemed to be the worst possible restriction!! I love to ride my bicycle, especially on hot days. Several times last summer I was riding the trails beside the river when the temperature on my bike read 104 degrees. The nurse continued reading the menu, even though I heard enough, she would not stop! Next she told me smoky bars and places where second hand smoke was out of the question. My life revolves around live music. At that moment, I felt as though life as I knew it was over completely, two activities I loved were ripped out of my life. I believe this woman loved torturing me! I am not kidding at all,because she kept talking. Every part of my being wanted to yell bad words at her and make her stop. Next I heard coffee and cheese were no longer an option. As if this stranger looked deep into my soul and found my true loves she also ripped them from me as yesterday's garbage. Yes, life was going to be very new for me! I didn't have to do much, just change everything. Every single thing near and dear to me suddenly stolen by a heart attack.
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