I'm Back, On The Mend, With A Cautionary Tale

[vegassalute]

Hey Gang,
It's been a while and I wanted to let you know I'm back in action. Two weeks ago I suffered a heart attack. I'm recovering well at home after a three day hospital stay and a stent installation to repair a 90% blockage.

I also wanted to share this as a cautionary tale, please my fellow pyros, never ignore a chest pain of any kind. I'm only 42 years old and had I tried to treat myself with pepto for multiple days and the likelihood is high that it would have been lights out for me. I was kidding myself, I was telling myself it was merely reflux but I knew deep down it wasn't and that I was in trouble.

No matter your age or physical condition, if it doesn't feel right assume it isn't right. Anyway, I thank God to be back in action and intend to fire a celebratory show on my ranch in a couple weeks. Take care gang and be safe.

Best,
Peter

[Northern Sky]

Damn man. Glad you caught it. If you lived a little closer, I'd be out to help with the celebration.

[Mattp]

Wow, thats pretty crazy!!!! especially at 42.. Glad to hear your ok.. A celebratory show is definitely called for!! Enjoy.. be safe

[Rick_In_Tampa]

OMG... That is just unreal. You are way too young to be having those issues my friend!! I hope and pray that this is the last episode of this sort for you. Very glad to hear you pulled through, and I hope the experience makes you even stronger. Life is too precious to take for granted. Set the world on fire and celebrate it with your family and friends!!!

[BillRoss]

Wow. You will be in my prayers asking for a rapid recovery. And your advice is appropriate, never ignore warning signs.
I'll be doing some simple daytime stuff on Thanksgiving day (now that it is legal here in PA) and will light a couple for you!

[flatlander]

I have a Resting Echocardiogram and a Stress Test scheduled for tomorrow, I have had a heavy feeling in my chest and some swelling in my right leg lately. My Primary sent me to see a specialist and he has ordered the tests. Some good advice from Peter "if it doesn't feel right assume it isn't right".

[displayfireworks1]

Wow Peter terrible news at your age. I'm glad it turned out well for you. 90 % blockage at age 42, let it be a wake up call for all of us. Denial of the symptoms is very common for men. I'm sure your doctor recommended some lifestyle changes. Glad you back on the forums .

[Rick_In_Tampa]

I have a Resting Echocardiogram and a Stress Test scheduled for tomorrow, I have had a heavy feeling in my chest and some swelling in my right leg lately. My Primary sent me to see a specialist and he has ordered the tests. Some good advice from Peter "if it doesn't feel right assume it isn't right".

Glad you're following through flatlander!! I'll include you in my prayers with Vegas. Hope everything works out well for you both.

[Rick_In_Tampa]

We took our dog to the vet a few weeks ago. Our vet is young and she told us this will be the last visit with her because she's quitting. Short version is, her 41 year old husband has both carotid arteries blocked 100%. Apparently there are three "minor arteries" along the back of the neck that also feed the brain. Two of his three are also 100% blocked. So the only blood his brain is getting is from 1 "minor artery" in the back of his neck. The doctors told him there's nothing they can do for him, so go out and enjoy the time you have left. That's what they plan on doing together. Only 41 years old! Just insane. So besides our pyro habit and families I think we all have a great deal to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. The fact that we're HERE!

[cherrybomb1]

Glad to hear your better Vegas.Went thru the same thing with my mother about 2 months ago.They had to replace a valve.I had a stress test and a Colonscopy this year myself.Have to admit the Colonscopy was pretty Shitty!(lol)

[MtnViewPyro]

I’m glad to hear you’re on the mend Vegas. 14 years ago, my father thought he was indigestion and just kept taking Zantac for several days. Got a phone call from mom around 8pm that he had collapsed in the floor. He had a massive heart attack and required open heart surgery. He is doing well now but like you said, if something doesn’t feel right, get it checked out. If my father would have went to the doctor he would have only needed a few stents and wouldn’t have had damage the muscle in his heart.

[Icooclast]

i'm glad you're doing better and i look forward to seeing your show's pics and vids.

[chriskrc]

Damn brother good thing you caught it, glad to see your on rthe mend and shoot it up for the recovery show.

[PyroJoeNEPA]

Wow--certainly a wake up call at your age. So glad to hear you got thru it and are on the mend. As so many others mentioned above, life is too short--we DO have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. As you get older [I'm 68 now] you wonder how long the road in front of you is and cherish every day. God Bless You! Live your life to the fullest and cherish those around you and the times you have together. Make lots of good memories. Life is a journey.

[vegassalute]

Thanks gang, all your heartfelt comments literally brought a tear to my eye. I thank God for every minute, and will take nothing for granted ever again. And PyroJoe - at 68, you're just getting warmed up brother! Thanks again everyone. God bless you and Happy Thanksgiving to all of you and your families!

Peter

[PYRODAN]

Glad every thing worked out for you Vegassalute! My dad had a heart attack @ 47. Triple by-pass. @ 57, Dead from another. So when @ 48 I started having chest pains, I wasted no time getting to the Dr. So it took 20k and a heart cath to find out I have heart burn! All kidding aside, it was worth it for the peace of mind! Or as my Dr. said, " I can't guaranty you wont drop dead tomorrow, but if you do, it won't be because of your heart!"

[Rick_In_Tampa]

Woke up this morning and got a call from mom to let me know her cousin passed away this past Sunday. Awesome guy. Vietnam vet. Served three tours. Shot twice and still went back. Turns out the U.S. Government did what the VC couldn't. The agent orange finally won. They're going to lay him to rest Saturday and I'm going to send up a 21 mortar salute to him on that day since I can't be up there for the services. Along with the rest of the people I'm thankful to know and to have known, Vegas I'm going to include you in that salute too my friend. Get well quick!!

[vegassalute]

Rick, I'm speechless brother, thank you so much. And I'll pray for you, your cousin and your family. May he rest in peace, and thank God for his courage & service.

[Wholesale Fireworks]

Peter
Wow what a shock to hear about your heart attack. We are glad to hear you are doing well and recovering. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family and we look forward to hearing how well the recovery is going. Take care sir.

[Kenny East]

Glad to hear that you are recovering well from such a bad cardiac event, the silent killer gotta watch that cholesterol. Lost both of my parents to heart issues, so i don't play when it comes down to any odd feelings, or abnormal blood pressure checks. Very sound advice.