I almost died

[Macgyver1968]

I haven't been around for the last week, because I had a heart attack a week ago, and spent 4 days in the hospital. I have no memory of the event or the first 3 days I was in the hospital. It's good to be alive.

The paramedics gave me CPR...saved my life, but broke the hell out of a bunch of my ribs...I haven't been able to sleep, because no position I tried to sleep in bed didn't cause me pain. I actually tried sleeping my desk chair last night. That didn't work

Fortunately, I saw my primary care doctor today and he prescibed me some pain meds, and they are working well...so I can sneeze without almost blacking out from the pain. Looking forward to a good night sleep tonight.

Mitch

 

[Cooking Goddess]

OMG Mitch, that's horrible! Sure am glad you're still around with us. Guess the worry and stress of the feared drama with your sister at Christmas dinner finally caught up with you. Sorry about your ribs but they will heal, so I suppose that's a small price to pay for living. Hope your recovery and rehab go smoothly for you In the meantime I'm sure you'll be getting plenty of advice from the heart attack survivors here at DC.

 

[Macgyver1968]

My sister actually started CPR until the paramedics got there. Guess I'm going to have to kiss her butt for a while.

 

[Addie]

What they don't show you on TV is that EMS personnel usually start with a hard punch right to the middle of the chest. And if that doesn't work, they do compressions with all their strength. Most CPR patients end up alive, but with broken ribs. Your heart is protected behind those ribs.

Sorry, no advice here from a heart patient. I am sure you got your instructions from the hospital.

 

[bakechef]

Holy crap that's scary. Glad you are OK. Here's to a healthier future!

 

[Andy M.]

Mac, you're a lucky dude. I'm glad someone was there to call for help and keep things going. That happened to me too and any other day I would have been home alone. The rib pain is awful but goes away. Hang in there things will get better.

 

[GotGarlic]

I'm so sorry to hear about that but glad you'll be okay. And I hope you finally got a good night's sleep.

 

[CarolPa]

Wow! That's scary! I am surprised that you are out of the hospital already. Around here, after they got you stablized they would be doing tests to see what caused the heart attack and what they were going to do about it.

Hope your rib heal quickly.

 

[vitauta]

mitch, we are so glad that you survived a life-threatening heart attack, sorry that your ribs were broken, and are causing you pain and discomfort. ribs are notoriously slow to heal, so you'll be needing both patience and pain meds to see you through.... did you have a history of a heart condition that you were aware of, mitch? be sure to include a heart-healthy diet and a sensible exercise plan to follow during your recovery, and going forward. take good care of yourself, it's great to be alive and have friends who care about you.

 

[Steve Kroll]

Can't offer any advice on the heart attack, but I can sympathize with broken ribs. I had several ribs broken in a car accident years ago when the air bag deployed, and I have to say it's one of the most painful things I've ever been through. Every deep breath is excruciating, and forget trying to laugh.

Take care of yourself. Hope you have a complete recovery, and you're up and around soon.

 

[LPBeier]

Wow, Mac, that is quite an ordeal! Glad you are doing okay, if still in pain from the ribs. Take good care of yourself and allow the time to heal properly (both heart and ribs).

 

[taxlady]

Glad to read that you survived it. Here's to healing quickly and as little pain as possible from the ribs.

 

[Josie1945]

Hi Mitch,
Sorry to hear about your Heart attack, I have never had one but I have had broken ribs ,that is horrible!!! Ever breath you take is Painfull, We will be praying for you.
So glad you made it thru this horrible problem.

Josie

 

[Dawgluver]

Oh geez, Mac! Glad you came back alive! DH recently had a couple broken ribs from a fall, not fun. Here's hoping for a speedy recovery.

 

[Rocket_J_Dawg]

Glad to hear you are ok. As for the ribs, stay away from comedy movies.

 

[PrincessFiona60]

Use a small pillow to splint your ribs when you have to cough, just hug it tight, sound counterproductive, but it does help. Ask for Cardiac Rehab...they can get you moving at a slow pace and teach you the best way to come back from this.

I didn't need CPR with my heart attack, but I do empathize with needing the time and pace to recover.

 

[pacanis]

Wow. Good thing someone was around.
Looks like it's time to give up smoking then. That what the heartattack people I know do.

 

[Rocket_J_Dawg]

You know, you may have just saved another heart attack Pac. I've had it in the back of my mind that I should quit smoking and Mac appears to be quite a bit younger than me from his "Post a Picture of Yourself thread" and I just noticed the smoke in his avatar. I showed Mrs D this thread and we agreed we are off tomorrow to pick up a couple of ecigs. No time like the present.
Thanks Pac.

 

[Kayelle]

What a terrible scare Mac !! Your ribs will heal and I hope your heart does too. I have the impression you're quite young (young being my kids age). Do you have a family history of heart problems? I worry about my sons as there's a history on their father's side.

 

[Kayelle]

You know, you may have just saved another heart attack Pac. I've had it in the back of my mind that I should quit smoking and Mac appears to be quite a bit younger than me from his "Post a Picture of Yourself thread" and I just noticed the smoke in his avatar. I showed Mrs D this thread and we agreed we are off tomorrow to pick up a couple of ecigs. No time like the present.
Thanks Pac.

Ecigs are the best thing that ever happened to me RD....Feel free to pm me if you need any support.