I don’t usually write about personal issues, but this is serious enough that I want you all to know what is going on.
About three weeks ago I began to have some serious chest and back pain. At first, I thought it was digestive, then I thought perhaps it was muscular. My wonderful primary care provider at Providence saw me very quickly. Blood pressure: normal; pulse: normal; EKG: normal. So she referred me for a heart stress test.
About two days later, the pain was excruciating and I went to the Legacy ER which is closest to us in Gresham. Once again, the usual measurements didn’t show anything. They did blood tests and then ordered an ultrasound and chest X-ray. I was admitted to the hospital. Chest X-ray: fine. Ultrasound showed a strong heart. The cardiologist said she could order a stress test but it might not find the cause.
She ordered an angiogram (look up how they do it if you don’t know!) Finally answers. I have four blocked arteries leading to my heart. After two days on IV heparin and other treatments I was cleared to go home.
I got a referral to a cardiothoracic surgeon and I will have quad bypass surgery on August 27.
Please use my experience as a cautionary tale. I had no other obvious symptoms and my basic vitals and blood tests were fine other than a higher than normal cholesterol. Although I spend too much time at my computer, I am not sedentary and walk frequently.
I made it to my 72nd birthday on Saturday and I plan to have many more! Go see your doctor especially if you are close to my age.
Projects
I will not be online for a while. If you are a website client, we will have to delay any work until October or November.
And if you are familiar with my two publishing projects, they will be delayed. I have a graphic history comic book which I created with extraordinary artist Summer McClinton. I was all set to do a Kickstarter in August but this will have to wait until October perhaps. And I am writing the final chapters of my book Hungarian-American Heroes. This will also be delayed.
Assistance
While I am in recovery, which will take 6-8 weeks, Amethyst could use some help since I will not be doing my usual chores. If you are in the local Gresham-Portland-Vancouver area and have an hour or two, here are some things that we need help with:
- watering
- garden cleanup as Fall approaches
- shopping (we are investigating local delivery)
- making salads (fruits or veggie salads) We do almost all organic. Protein, cheese, dressings are not needed.
If you are interested, please send Amethyst a message via Facebook Messenger or, if you have her phone, via text.
Our nearby friends have been amazing in helping us, but several are traveling in the next few weeks, so additional help would be appreciated.
Thanks for reading this far and for your support. I will keep a diary and will make some posts about the journey later this year.
Sander
Here is the cover of the book written by me and illustrated by amazing artist Summer McClinton. You can order at the Shop link.
