Heart attack,

Congrats on recognizing your symptoms in time, and doing something about it quickly.

From another member of the "Zipper Club" (the stitches from opening one's chest for surgery), get up and moving as quickly as you can tolerate -- then participate fully in your Cardiac Rehab program.

But, don't let this incident turn you into a "Cardiac Cripple". You've still got plenty of life ahead; keep RV'ing.

Times 2 on the above. I am also a member of the "Zipper Club". I too was one of the "lucky" ones. I was amazed at how many in my cardiac rehab group didn't get the religion and returned to their old, bad ways only weeks after their event. My recovery was much tougher because I also ruptured my heart between the chambers and still have a damaged heart but I am up and walking every day 7 years later. I still can hold my Grandkids and care for my Quadriplegic wife. Life is good, especially when you consider the alternative. Good luck in your recovery!

Just my two cents. I would consider carrying an AED on board if you have heart issues. They're not very expensive nowadays and readily available. And when help is many minutes away, an AED (automatic external defibrillator) could save your life.

Good luck with your recovery!

Me, too! I won when the Doc told my wife, as I was going into surgery, that I probably wouldn't make it. But I got religion in rehab and will never go back to my old ways of eating. I'm no purist but I sure watch by weight, after losing 30 # because I want to keep RVing at every opportunity.

You were smart to ACT when you had symptoms! Most people who die, die within the first 6 hours while denying they are ill.

I don't have a zipper but I sure have cleaned a lot of new ones!

Weight is the cause for so much sickness and inability to enjoy life, Earl.

Yes, been there done that. I was smart enough, or lucky enough to go to the hospital when the little man inside me told me something bad was happening. There a trauma nurse saved my life, I have no history of cholesterol, high blood pressure, nothing, but a clot big enough to kill me made it's way to my heart, and just about did, an experience I don't wish to repeat.

Had my WidowMaker the end of march 2012! The hospital did two stents in the left coronary artery and one in the right. I do have infarct damage to the lower left ventricle! Follow the Drs. advice. Meds, low salt and sugar use! exercise as soon as possible!
Was a candidate for the zipper but the hospital I went to only had stents available and no time to send me elsewhere as i had about 10 minutes before permanent lights out!
I grateful to my Maker every morning I open my eyes and no shortness of breath! Get a slight pain every now and then. Was prescribed Nitro for emergencies!

Lexx wrote:
Just my two cents. I would consider carrying an AED on board if you have heart issues. They're not very expensive nowadays and readily available. And when help is many minutes away, an AED (automatic external defibrillator) could save your life.

Good luck with your recovery!

Neither DW nor I have any known heart issues, but we carry an AED. I figure we could have an event, and if we don't, some other geezer out camping near us could have. Statistically, survival rates with AED are about 10 times greater than with CPR alone.

Sorry to hear about your health Kent. Follow the doctors advise. Good luck on your recovery