My Story
A little about myself I have a degree own my own business, served in the Navy for 8 years. I worked for the Department of Defense for 31 years as a technical adviser. I was in the first Gulf War, Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). I am a veteran of Vietnam era war.
I trained military personnel on weapon systems. I have seen death first hand never had any health issues. Could count on one hand how many times I had been sick. Never been to a hospital only went to the Doctors for my annual check up.
Everything was fine my numbers were not bad...no real issues to be alarmed about. I was walking around on a false hope.
Only two months before I was told WOW your heart is healthy as an OX. Your vitals good, Blood pressure fine so on and so forth.
Did I find out differently on October 1, 2016 when I had my massive heart attack.
Family History plays a role....
Diet plays a role of (years of eating badly)....
Years of not really exercising......
Eating seafood especially shellfish.....
Signs I did pay any particular attention too....
Sure I was overweight not huge though....
I had little signs that I did not pay attention too....
Sleeping /Snoring is a sign,,,
Gout is a sign.....
Shortness of Breath is a sign....
Many things guys just don't pay attention too...
If something is out of the ordinary
DO NOT TAKE IT FOR OLD AGE, OVERWEIGHT, ETC.
DIZZINESS, COLD SWEATS, TINGLING IN YOUR ARMS OR A NUMBNESS IN YOUR ARMS, LEGS OR BACK, PRESSURE IN YOUR CHEST, JAW PAIN, HAVE A RAPID HEART BEAT, A PERSISTENT COUGH, SHORTNESS OF BREATH, PAIN MIDDLE OF THE BACK, EVEN SKIN DISCOLORATION LIKE GRAY OR BLUEISH ARE ALL SIGNS OF A HEART ATTACK AND POSSIBLE HEART FAILURE.
CALL 911
YOU ONLY HAVE 90 MINUTES FROM THE FIRST SIGN TO SURVIVE A HEART ATTACK AND ONLY ABOUT 50% SURVIVE ONE.
The day my world came to an end and a real wake-up call
I was 58 the day of my massive heart attack was just about to turn 59 at the end of the month. It was a normal morning. I was just about to take the wife to breakfast. Let me give a little insight the day before I waxed my car once done I went inside my home walked up stairs felt out of breath Not normal! but hey I am out of shape, overweight and getting old all good reasons and excuses.
But this was a sign and being a guy... I just ignored it.
Two months prior I went and had a checkup everything was OK my cholesterol was a little high I felt great, overweight, but no issues.
Heart sounded great, no indications of any issues whatsoever.
Well let me say next morning "GAME ON ".... as I got up, took a shower, got dressed I walked down the stairs as I approached my living room my left arm felt like I slept on it wrong. I went to put an ice pack on and then it hit me.
All the signs - Pressure in the chest, left arm nub, then right arm nub, shortness of breath, cold sweats it was looking bleak I had the wife fetch me an aspirin and I chewed it.
A little about myself I have a degree own my own business, served in the Navy for 8 years. I worked for the Department of Defense for 31 years as a technical adviser. I was in the first Gulf War, Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). I am a veteran of Vietnam era war.
I trained military personnel on weapon systems. I have seen death first hand never had any health issues. Could count on one hand how many times I had been sick. Never been to a hospital only went to the Doctors for my annual check up.
Everything was fine my numbers were not bad...no real issues to be alarmed about. I was walking around on a false hope.
Only two months before I was told WOW your heart is healthy as an OX. Your vitals good, Blood pressure fine so on and so forth.
Did I find out differently on October 1, 2016 when I had my massive heart attack.
Family History plays a role....
Diet plays a role of (years of eating badly)....
Years of not really exercising......
Eating seafood especially shellfish.....
Signs I did pay any particular attention too....
Sure I was overweight not huge though....
I had little signs that I did not pay attention too....
Sleeping /Snoring is a sign,,,
Gout is a sign.....
Shortness of Breath is a sign....
Many things guys just don't pay attention too...
If something is out of the ordinary
DO NOT TAKE IT FOR OLD AGE, OVERWEIGHT, ETC.
DIZZINESS, COLD SWEATS, TINGLING IN YOUR ARMS OR A NUMBNESS IN YOUR ARMS, LEGS OR BACK, PRESSURE IN YOUR CHEST, JAW PAIN, HAVE A RAPID HEART BEAT, A PERSISTENT COUGH, SHORTNESS OF BREATH, PAIN MIDDLE OF THE BACK, EVEN SKIN DISCOLORATION LIKE GRAY OR BLUEISH ARE ALL SIGNS OF A HEART ATTACK AND POSSIBLE HEART FAILURE.
CALL 911
YOU ONLY HAVE 90 MINUTES FROM THE FIRST SIGN TO SURVIVE A HEART ATTACK AND ONLY ABOUT 50% SURVIVE ONE.
The day my world came to an end and a real wake-up call
I was 58 the day of my massive heart attack was just about to turn 59 at the end of the month. It was a normal morning. I was just about to take the wife to breakfast. Let me give a little insight the day before I waxed my car once done I went inside my home walked up stairs felt out of breath Not normal! but hey I am out of shape, overweight and getting old all good reasons and excuses.
But this was a sign and being a guy... I just ignored it.
Two months prior I went and had a checkup everything was OK my cholesterol was a little high I felt great, overweight, but no issues.
Heart sounded great, no indications of any issues whatsoever.
Well let me say next morning "GAME ON ".... as I got up, took a shower, got dressed I walked down the stairs as I approached my living room my left arm felt like I slept on it wrong. I went to put an ice pack on and then it hit me.
All the signs - Pressure in the chest, left arm nub, then right arm nub, shortness of breath, cold sweats it was looking bleak I had the wife fetch me an aspirin and I chewed it.
My Ambulance ride to the Hospital
While in the ambulance my vitals were crashing had to take 2 nitro pills I felt my life fading they had the paddles standings by. They keep saying Stay with us.... Stay with us.
We pulled into the emergency entrance the Cardiologist and her team were standing by. Lucky for me they just finished with another heart-attack patient and they were already in place if not it would have been another 15 plus minutes to wait for a team to arrive. If that would have happened I probably wouldn't be here today.
My time in the Cath Lab
They wheeled me into the Cath Lab as they slide me form the gurney to the table with a minute I flatlined
(my heart stopped) I was no longer alive) for the first time.
How do I know this ? Because I saw the brightest , Whitest light ever and welcoming warm open feeling came over me. I began to have a conversation with the presences and ask if I was crossing over and if I was I was not ready to go yet. I need to stay for my wife and family. I still have much to do I then said let me live and I will share this story and help those in the same fate. I came back! so, let me try to give your a picture of this and that is imagine a football field and you are in one end zone of the field looking at the other end of the field .
That was me with the light keep this in your mind as I begin to tell you the following so flat once came back heard the cardio team talking could see everyone. A relief I am back thank you.... However, I spoke too soon BAMB I flatlined again! now for a second time I was no longer alive and now this time I was on the 50 yard line and closer to the light and had a conversations again but this time I said I thought we had this conversation already and I began to plea my case once again.
And I came back once again! WOW, I thought that was close and I heard everyone talking and
I began talking with everyone as they keep working on me.
BUT it wasn't over yet I flatlined again for a third time, Joule's were at 360 the last zap you can receive. NOW, I found myself at the other end of the field right at the goal line I was now kinda in a panic mode pleading my case. Death do not fear if it wasn't for my wife I would have given in but I kept fighting the light is warm, loving beyond words. I was there the brink of no return as I kept on with our conversation. Then I was back eyes open and talking with everyone. They thought they lost me was about to call it.
They said I was a MIRACLE to be alive.
My time while ICU and recovery in the Hospital
Now I am out of the Cath Lab my wife waiting in the hallway. The Cardiologist says it was a miracle but he has a really weak heart, she looked at me and said I needed to loose weight, change my diet and exercise. I would have to wear a portable defibrillator a life-vest for 90 days and if my heart function did not get to at least 35% I would need an ICD put in my chest.
However, we have to get out of the woods still I was in ICU for 5 days. I did begin to walk around the hospital floor once they transferred me to another floor when they thought I was stable enough to do so. I stayed another three days while they were trying to get the right Meds tweaked in.
Before my release I had to be fitted for the external defibrillator vest that had to be worn 24/7 .
I have been discharged and am on my way home. My color was grayish many concerns, many thoughts a very very scary time.
My time at Home Recovering
Now the real recovery starts a scary time its hard to even get out of a chair very weak, not much of an appetite never been sick, never been to a hospital, never took meds was never a fan of Meds so this was a new and scary time for me. A life-vest to wear 24/7 that seems to go off all the time ready to shock me. I was pale weak but I wanted to get better I did not want to have an ICD put into my chest.
So, my journey begins to losing weight, getting healthy, exercising but only cardio at first and that was walking I was referred to Cardio Rehab a 90 day program. I read 17 books from the leading cardiologist around the world, I read 3 Medical books for cardiology as if I was going to become a cardiologist and go to John Hopkins University. I read every study, research paper I could find and I wanted to know if I could reverse plaque in my arteries since I was told I still had a 50% blockage on the right side of my heart .
I began to walk 10 minutes a day then, 20 minutes a day to then 30 minutes a day and then up to 60 minutes a day. I changed my eating and lost 55 lbs. Researched what herbs and food could make my heart healthy I needed to get that 15 % Ejection Fraction (EF) to at least a 35%.
So, meds do have a place in playing a role in your recovery but you can also do a lot with proper diet and herbs and nutrients.
I would do positive affirmations - My heart is whole healthy and stronger than ever- I see my Ejection fraction above 50% I would repeat these over and over during my walks. I would also give thanks for every step I took and every breath I took for being here. I graduated from cardio rehab in 30 days ... 60 days ahead of time.
I conferred with many Pharmacist on drug interactions with medications, I spoke with the other cardiologist on staff while in cardio rehab about what I was planning to do when it came to Herbs. I showed documentation of such claims of the benefits of using such. They often times did research with me or while I was doing my rehab and had their findings ready for me of what I was saying. I will say they concurred with my findings I even taught the nutritionist a thing.
So, meds have a place they don't cure you. They will help improve your health and recovery so they play a role. So, do not ever not take your medications. They play an important part in keeping you alive. But if you compliment them with a proper diet and exercise those dosages can be given to much lower dosages. Thus, alleviating side effects, and kidney issues in the future.
I did just that and made a full recovery and was better than I was before my Heart Attack. I am thankful for my Massive Heart Attack and my cardiologist together it truly did save my life. It opened my eyes to a new life style the importance of knowing your numbers.
And
"NUMBERS DON'T LIE"
My mission now is to share my story and help those who wish to have someone who has been there. I can share the stories of those individuals that I have work with and are now living and healthier then ever or on Meds because they didn't know they had high blood pressure. The list goes on. I will more then happy to listen and share my insights. I read people's blood work from all over the nation and discuss those findings and find natural ways to help.
My First Follow-up with my Cardiologist after
(a Scary day of reckoning)
Here we are the day if I must go get an ICD put in I was very nervous. The wife and I left for the the Doctors Office for that Echocardiogram very nervous. We arrived waited in the lobby my name is called I felt it would be good because when I first started walking it took me forever to get around my block then I was walking 14 minute miles so I figured I had been getting stronger and stronger.
The test was performed and I was at 52% EF. The vest came off and as of the today my EF is even higher
my labs even better, my meds are as low as low can be. It has been now 96 months or so. I am a work in progress but I now read people's blood work and help them with their diet, exercise , proper nutrition, knowing your numbers because numbers don't lie.
Update: I have now worked with people in Greece, Italy, Canada and throughout the United States.
I will read Blood pressures, look at your CT heart Scan, I will go over your Meds and explain what they do. I will listen to your concerns and coach you through your recovery process. Today I have helped countless number of people have been and have bee thanked for changing their life.
Remember, I asked if I could just save one life due to my story if i were to come back. I would and now I have made it my life goal to help anyone who wishes or seeks some insight. I find myself talking to everyone everyday about what I have mentioned here.
I have just touched base to give a little insight without trying to be long winded. I will be GLAD to speak with anyone if you are interested. There are no fees, no hidden agendas ... I do this because I want to change as many life's as possible .
Why to Connect with Me
Preventative CareI will share the importance of all standard routine health exams. Will discuss your current issues or concerns and plan a course of action to help you achieve optimal health.
Additional test to ask for: Two Types of Plaque Soft plaque is like say pouring bacon fat down your sink and begins to narrow the arteries no test current to check for this except if you do your CRP test and Lp2a test these are inflammation markers and if they are out of range the odds are you have soft plaque. Monitor you BP and pulse rates. Calcified Plaque: will be picked up on a CT Scan soft will not. The CRP and Lp2a will help determine if you have soft plaque. Inflammation Our biggest issues are inflammation. Oxidized cells, meaning. Are you pre-diabetic, have Metabolic Syndrome, are you insulin resistant, Obese, or a Smoker? All of these are prime indicators of developing heart disease. CARBS and SUGARS are the main problem that starts all off this inflammation in the body. The process foods, fast food chains, bad fats, fried food fired in bad oils. CRP Test Anything below 1.0 Low Risk 1.0-3.0 Moderate Risk Above 3.0 High Risk Greater than 10 mg/L is a sign of serious infection, trauma or chronic disease, i.e. such as CVD Cardiovascular Disease especially if you have other indicators such High Blood Pressure, High Pulse rate have been symptomatic; such as shortness of breath, pressure in the chest, pain in middle of back or down your arm. The signs of a heart attack as an example. Stroke signs are similar tingling in face, slurred speech one side of the face is droopy. Check your your lipid panels (bloodwork) is it high. Total Cholesterol needs to be less than 200 HDL for men above 40 (Really would like at least 50) HDL for women above 50 (Really would like at least 60) LDL for both below 100 Triglycerides below 130 (Really would like the at 70) Triglycerides ratio to HDL < 3 , 2 optimal, <2 excellent Ratio 2.5 is a good target Refer to Know your Numbers tab on this website Please be familiar with the signs of a Heart Attack or Stroke. So, you may know the difference between the two symptoms. So, if you fit into this category please see your doctor which likely will require further testing to determine the exact cause. PLAC Test or Lp-PLA2 Anything below 200 low risk These test show inflammation in your arteries which means basically a plaque build up on the walls. You will have to ask for these test your doctor will not normally request them. Visit the herbs page that have been shown to help build a strong heart and strengthen your arteries which will make them pliable and not stiff and help with blood pressure etc. Always remember to check on interactions when taking a supplement or eating certain foods when taking any Medications confer with your doctor. I am still a work in progress striving to always being the best I can be. It is a lifestyle change. |
BP Readings
Normal less than 120/80 This is your goal to be normal or less than the above Elevated 120-129 and less than 80 High BP-stage 1 130-139/80-89 I would advise if your blood pressure is at stage 1 and especially increasing you need to get on blood pressure Medication at first until you can possibly get it under control naturally by definitely watching your diet and eating habits. WATCH the SALT and get this under control because it will usually just get worse over time . So, the sooner you get this under control the better you will be. High BP-stage 2 140 and higher/90 or higher I suggest contacting your primary care doctor now Hypertensive Crisis 180/110 (consult your doctor now) I would even go as far as 180 over 100 seek attention! NOW! go to an ER or a walk-in clinic so they can give you BP Meds to get it down. If you are in the 220/120 or higher this is considered hypertensive urgency and needs attention NOW Blood Pressure is one thing that Meds can control fairly easily. If you don't get those numbers under control it will be one of the first things that will end your life. So, as you can see way back in stage 1 is the time to get a handle on this. Take your BP often once a day at least, if not several times throughout the day wake-up mid day, bedtime. Begin a baseline of your readings. |
Health Consultations
I will be more than happy to look at current blood work, discuss current issues, be supportive in your recovery efforts. Discuss diet, exercise and lifestyle changes that must occur if you are to be successful.
I will work with you through one-on-one consultations to prioritize health goals no hidden agenda here. My gift to everyone and anyone who wants to recover from a Heart Attack and prevent one in the first place. If you wish to have a better understanding I will help with that. I am a survivor and want to share any concerns or fears one has. The unknowing what the signs of an onset Heart Attack may feel like. Your body may have been given you little signs but you haven't been paying real attention to them. Jus know I am here to help you. I have lived it! I have beat the ODDs and have changed my life around.
There is no monetary gain here. I do this at no charge it is my way of given back and hoping to playing a small role in saving one's life. From what I have learnt and have experienced.
I will work with you through one-on-one consultations to prioritize health goals no hidden agenda here. My gift to everyone and anyone who wants to recover from a Heart Attack and prevent one in the first place. If you wish to have a better understanding I will help with that. I am a survivor and want to share any concerns or fears one has. The unknowing what the signs of an onset Heart Attack may feel like. Your body may have been given you little signs but you haven't been paying real attention to them. Jus know I am here to help you. I have lived it! I have beat the ODDs and have changed my life around.
There is no monetary gain here. I do this at no charge it is my way of given back and hoping to playing a small role in saving one's life. From what I have learnt and have experienced.
Your Health is my top priority
Your health and being a positive role model from someone who has experienced first hand a life changing event. I will share my experience, my research and I will listen and try to answer all your questions and concerns.