Life Changing Event

This past Monday was the scheduled echocardiogram and cardiac stress test. I arrive at the doctors office a few minutes early. I fill out the few necessary forms and wait patiently for the test to begin. I get some of the pictures taken and the customary electrocardiogram and get some disturbing news. I am told the doctor wants to have the echo done before the stress test then he wants to speak to me after the echo..

I follow the nurse into the room where the echo is done. The echo was completed and the tape is given to the doctor immediately. I then follow the nurse into an empty examination room. The doctor comes in and sits down in front of me. I get a funny feeling. He tells me that with all the information he has now I do not need to have a stress test. There definitely is a blockage and reduced capacity in my heart muscle. He just can’t be specific as to how much of a blockage and what would be the next step to remediate the situation.

He schedules an immediate appointment this the cath lab at CMC Mercy Hospital in Charlotte. He suggests that if there is a blockage of some kind CMC can take care of it. He hands me a letter to give to admissions and tells me to go directly to the hospital, not to pass go and not to collect my $200.

I pick my wife up on the way and we drive to the hospital together. I am writing this post from my hospital room right now. There were two blockages, both at 95%. Monday afternoon the first stent was placed on the left side. On Tuesday morning the second stent was placed on the right side.

As if that wasn’t bad enough, apparently sometime over the past two weeks I suffered a mild heart attack. There is some damage but it seems to be recoverable. I have to stay off the bike for a few weeks, it that is at all possible.

The prognosis is good, I should actually have an increase in heart capacity. when everything heals up. That mean watch out, because I am going to have to up the intensity for my remaining training before this June.

This is just a minor setback, I am on the road to recovery and will be back on the roads of Union County riding my single and our tandem with my stoker Nicole. If anyone should take anything away from my account, it should be to not take for granted any pains you might have during any type of ride. Go to your doctor immediately. You just never know, it could save your life.