Wednesday, December 5, 2012

A note from our sponsor...

 Dear Readers,

    Last Tuesday, November 27th, 2012, I suffered a major attack.  I am here today, still writing this blog, because both my husband and I knew the warning signs, and took them seriously.  I am only 53, and have no markers indicating I was at risk.  I have never smoked, do not have diabetes, always had normal cholesterol levels, and do not have a serous family history of heart disease.  There was no warning signs.  I felt fine all day, went to bed, and woke up shortly after feeling queasy.  Within minutes, I was vomiting, sweating, and had tremendous back and chest pain, as well as shortness of breath.
   My husband gave me an aspirin to chew, and called 911.  In less than an hour, I was being prepped for emergency angioplasty.  There was a 100% blockage in a main artery.  A stent was put in, and I'm home recovering.  Of course, this means serious life changes in diet and exercise, as well as a myriad of daily prescription drugs.  And I will need to return for additional angioplasty sometime after the 1st of the year for two other arteries with blockage.  But I consider myself lucky.  If I had questioned my symptoms, fearing ridicule, I would surely have gone into cardiac arrest, and things might be different today.

     This blog receives nearly 2000 page views a month from all over the world.  In gratitude for my life, I am posting this chart of heart attack symptoms.  If it saves at least one life, it will have been worth it.

Thank you for your kindness and support,

Vicki  aka "madame Mystery"

SymptomDescription
Chest discomfort or painThis discomfort or pain can feel like a tight ache, pressure, fullness or squeezing in the center of your chest lasting more than a few minutes. This discomfort may come and go.
Upper body painPain or discomfort may spread beyond your chest to your shoulders, arms, back, neck, teeth or jaw. You may have upper body pain with no chest discomfort.
Stomach painPain may extend downward into your abdominal area and may feel like heartburn.
Shortness of breathYou may pant for breath or try to take in deep breaths. This often occurs before you develop chest discomfort or you may not experience any chest discomfort.
AnxietyYou may feel a sense of doom or feel as if you're having a panic attack for no apparent reason.
LightheadednessIn addition to chest pressure, you may feel dizzy or feel like you might pass out.
SweatingYou may suddenly break into a sweat with cold, clammy skin.
Nausea and vomitingYou may feel sick to your stomach or vomit.





HEARTBEAT

11 comments:

  1. Oh wow Vicki...take care! Thank goodness your husband was there to help and take it seriously...rest up and may you improve greatly xx

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    1. Thanks Jazzi! I am determined to get better, and not let this slow me down.

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  2. Vicki I am so sorry to hear of your troubles. Thank God you got help in time. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Take care of yourself. Thank you for letting us know and for the information. Keep us posted ok :)
    Big Hugs for you
    Maria

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    1. Thanks Maria! I feel blessed to be among the living!

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  3. vicki, so glad you got help so quickly, yes you will have to look to your life stlye, but do not let it take over your life, be aware, be understanding but still go on living, I speak from experience, I had a heart attack and both lungs full of clots, died but they got me back, now on loads of tabs to keep me going, but in the begining i di not move through fear of some thing happening, it didn't and I am still here, so now every day is a blessing, so enjoy your life and stay well, bless you x

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    1. Thank you Debbie for your kind support. I know what you mean. Feeling a bit apprehensive about my limits, but determined not to make this unfortunate incident the center of my life. Hoping to get back to my classroom very soon. Miss my kids and the ladies I work with. And of course, writing about Fr. Kevin and the gang keeps my mind busy. Appreciate the advice from someone who knows...thanks! Hope you are doing well too!

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  4. V --
    Thank God for your husband and for having a clear head. Keep improving.

    Pat in Annapolis

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    1. Thanks Pat! Consider myself truly blessed. Everything fell into place.

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  5. Oh my goodness Vicki! Thank God you and your husband knew what to do. And thank you for posting all that helpful information.

    Keep well,
    Maureen in St. Albert AB

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    1. Thanks Maureen! Posting the info can't hurt. It saved my life.

      Vicki

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  6. Siento mucho tu enfermedad, espero que este mes superes todo y nunca más vuelva a aparecer.
    Eres una gran persona, indicas lo sucedido para que otras personas no les pase nada y sepan acudir al medico a tiempo, solo conque alqguien pueda serle de ayuda te sientes felíz, te mereces todo lo mejor y te admiro.
    Que el 2013 te traiga, SALUD, FELICIDAD Y AMOR, son tres cosas importantes en la vida, el amor puede ser de pareja, amistades o familiar, el AMOR mueve el mundo, es el mejor motor.
    Relajate y escucha a tu cuerpo porque siempre nos dice lo que hacemos mal y nos llama la atención, muchas veces no es el tabaco ni malas costumbres, pero si vivimos conb stress, si nos obsesionamos con algo de la vida o nos centramos en problemas del pasado o futuro nos afecta negativamente.
    Te voy a poner una oración que me parece sabia:
    ORACION DE LA SERENIDAD
    Señor dame SERENIDAD para aceptar las cosas que no puedo cambiar.
    VALOR para cambiar las cosas que puedo
    Y SABIDURIA para conocer la diferencia.
    Un fortisimo abrazo lleno de energia positiva y deseandote lo mejor.
    Maite

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