I returned home yesterday around noon from the Heart Hospital in Indy. As most of you know by now, Carol drove me St. John’s hospital at about 3:30 Sunday morning. I had been experiencing chest pains for several hours which I initially thought was indigestion but later concluded may be something else. After initial tests (EKG, blood tests etc) were performed it was determined that I was experiencing heart problems and the decision was made to transport me to the Heart Hospital by Community North in Indy for a heart catheterization procedure. This procedure is also known as balloon angioplasty.
During the procedure the doctor determined that I had 2 blockages in one of my coronary arteries. One of them was a 100% blockage. They used the balloon to open the artery and then inserted 2 medicated stints to keep it open. The amazing thing to me was that I was awake and talking to the doctor during the entire procedure, and I was feeling no pain as there are no nerve endings inside the arteries.
My long term prognosis is good. The doctors did say I had a heart attack, From my perspective, I knew I was having pain in my chest though I wouldn’t have said I was having a heart attack (denial is a more than a river in Egypt). I didn’t feel like I was on the verge of dying at any time during this process because the Lord gave me His peace in a remarkable way. While there was damage to the heart muscle the doctor said he felt it was minimal and he felt I would make a good recovery over the next few months. His advice is to take it easy, don’t drive for a week, get in a cardiac rehab program, take daily walks and don’t shovel snow ever again (hallelujah!).
I want to thank you all for your prayers and acts of kindness for Carol and me. They are greatly appreciated and I know the Lord has heard them. Please continue to pray that my rehab goes well and that I will listen and heed the doctors advice instead of just charging back into things as if nothing has happened (this is my tendency).
Blessings to you all,
Ray