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dpgllg's avatar
dpgllg
Explorer
Aug 13, 2013

Somewhat scared and concerned

I had 5 vessel open heart done last year at the end of October. I was under a great deal of stress having lost my job of 30+ years and no real prospects were available. I recovered ok took longer than I thought it would and started working as an independent consultant in information systems in June. Needless to say my wife was a trooper worked full time got us health insurance and kept our heads barely above water financially.

What it very troubling now is that my legs are weak and I can't walk long or fast any significant distance. I do not get short of breath but just feel like my legs are all done in.

Yesterday while this happened I felt some very very minor chest discomfort but it did not feel anything like my chest pain from the 3 previous heart attacks. It also did not last but a few seconds.

I am trying to get on as a regular employee at this company and I've been told that if you call off as a consultant they will not hire you.

I really need to keep this job and I know if I go the doctor I will be admitted for observation at a minimum. I don't want to do anything to jeopardize my life either.

I can't discuss this with my wife right now as this would push her over the edge. As much as I have been through physically she has had to suffer mentality. I took to this forum to 1 vent and 2 hopefully get reassurance and guidance that will make my future decisions more thought out and easier.

Thanks for taking the time to read and hear me out.
RV Lifestyle

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  • raindove's avatar
    raindove
    Explorer
    Aug 13, 2013
    Talk to your wife and get checked out. Even if it's stressful, it's better to know what's going on than to be blind-sided with something. I'm a worrier, but I'd rather know than be kept in the dark. Having something happen and losing you would be worse stress.... especially if it can be prevented.

    My DH is end stage renal disease. On dialysis and waiting for a transplant. So I totally understand where you are coming from.

    Best wishes and good luck to you both.
  • TucsonJim's avatar
    TucsonJim
    Explorer II
    Aug 13, 2013
    I'm not a doctor, but I've experienced quite a bit of heart issues myself. I've had nine heart procedures done in the last 10 years. After several visits to the hospital, my doctor and I agreed to follow the following protocol. 1. If discomfort starts in the chest, take one 325gr aspirin, followed by 1 nitro pill. If the discomfort goes away, keep an eye on things, but no need to go to the hospital. If the pain subsides, but comes back again in a minute or two, take another nitro. If it goes away and comes back again, take a third nitro and call 911. If the discomfort is constant, you are not short of breath or dizzy and the nitro doesn't help, then make an appointment with your doc.

    That's my plan, but you have a different health history and you know what's best for you. I too have decided to not tell my wife when I had a twinge or two. But an hour later she found out when I was unconscious and the paramedics were treating me. This happened on a RV trip to Utah. Needless to say, she was madder than you can imagine that I failed to tell her things weren't going well. My decision to not worry her could have easily resulted in my demise.

    Listen to your body, and do what you feel is the right thing, but for goodness sake, keep your wife in the loop when you're concerned.
  • ReneeG's avatar
    ReneeG
    Explorer
    Aug 13, 2013
    I agree with Eycom - get to your doctor, be honest with your wife. Don't worry yet about your employer. Your health comes first. Good employees are hard to find and if they are a good employer they will understand. I know you need the job, but you need your health and life more. Not one employer is worth it.
  • Eycom's avatar
    Eycom
    Explorer
    Aug 13, 2013
    Sounds like a typical guy. We flat refuse to go to the doctor until the last minute... if that! While I'm guilty myself, at some point we have to realize that machoism isn't going to cut it anymore. Congestive heart failure was my wake-up call. It's good you are listening to your body. See your doctor with your concerns and place the mental stress on him/her. You'll live to fight another day. As stressed as momma is, I'm sure she'd rather you'd be around. Keep your eye on the donut, not the hole.
  • I_am_still_wayn's avatar
    I_am_still_wayn
    Explorer
    Aug 13, 2013
    Maybe I am different, but I would think your life would be more important than anything else. From what you said, there is something going on that needs to be checked. As far as the company you are consulting for, if they ditch you because of an illness, how would they treat you as an employee? Saying good by to them will be a blessing. Release your stress. If you are under such great financial burdens, then get rid of your obligations. Sell the house, cars, tell the kids they are on their own, whatever it takes. Otherwise..............:(

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