What a Heart Attack Taught Me About Balance

Take it to heart before it’s too late

So I had a heart attack last month. No. Literally. And I’m using the word “literally” correctly here.

I was just sitting there when out of nowhere I had a sharp pain in the right side of my chest (weird, right?). That pain started radiating out my back, down the backs of my arms and legs, and over the back of my skull. Breathing became a little difficult. This wasn’t just heartburn. Trust me; I know heartburn because I get it after every trip I make to Taco Bell for their delicious XXL Grilled Stuft Beef Burrito. Wait, causality? Hm.

I drove over to the ER at Dublin Methodist Hospital, an OhioHealth facility. (Yes, I know; I’ve already been chewed out for the decision to drive vs. calling 911, but I’m approaching the limit on my cell phone minutes for this month, and I didn’t want to go over by making another call.) Before I knew it, a wheelchair was under my butt speeding me back to a room.

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Comments

Thanks!

Thanks for the great article about balance - I recently went through a similar experience, only I needed bypass instead of stents. (I also drove to the hospital - I was already in the car for the heart attack...)

Afterwards, I got the same looks of incredulity from my medical providers. Them: "Were you on any meds?" Me: "No" Them: "Any family history?" Me: "Plenty! Every male in my family has cardiac issues, and I have high cholesterol."

I've now changed my behavior to what I always knew was the right thing to do, and my adventure inspired a symptom-free friend to get checked - he now has 4 stents. (And yes, those sticky EKG leads do hurt coming off!)

Good News

Mike,

What a nice story. I'm so glad that you were fortunate. I'm trying to live a healthier lifestyle. It's tough giving up bad habits.

Sounds like you received an early Christmas present.