Saturday, May 19, 2012

The Heart of The Matter..........

I've gotten several e-mails and FaceBook messages wondering why I'm so "elusive" lately?
Truth is....I'm recouping from life having thrown me a few health curves that hit their mark!
As most of you know, I spent 5 days in the hospital after tripping over my computer modem which I had set out on the floor "like an idiot" and then forgot it was sitting there. It made 2 cuts in my left leg on the shin bone, one of which got infected. The infection went into Cellulitis which was advancing into Septicemia. NOT GOOD! It can kill you! So I spent 5 days receiving IV antibiotics to cure that. I was blessed that no bacteria was found in my blood after they grew 6 cultures for 5 days. I left the hospital on Monday April 30th. I was having a fit to get out of there as my daughter Melanie was graduating college in Nashville on Tuesday May 8th and I needed to prepare for my trip. So on Sunday May 6th we left for Nashville. We arrived at my daughters home around 3:30 PM. She cooked a wonderful dinner and all was well......
At around 7 PM I went and lay down on this bed to read my book while she did laundry and our Hubby's watched TV. Shortly thereafter, my Hubby Eric came back to the adjoining bath to brush his teeth. Almost immediately I began to feel a strange pain my chest, a feeling I had never felt before.The conversation for the next few minutes went like this.....

Me: Somethings wrong....
Eric: What do you mean?
Me: I feel a strange pain in my chest, I think I'm having a Heart Attack.......
Eric: Nawwwwwww!
Me: get me a cold wet rag I'm sweating bad!
Eric hands me the wet rag.....
Me: get me the trash can, I need to throw up!
Me: Call 911 !!!!!

So......here comes the EMT's and then the Ambulance and I spend the next 38 hours in the Cardiac Unit at Saint Thomas/Baptist Hospital in Nashville after having a Heart Attack due to a coronary spasm that collapsed and artery in my heart. Now they have NO IDEA why this happened to me.This is a huge heart unit and they claim this is so rare they only see it about twice a year and that is in patients with a history of heart murmur or irregular heart beat. I had No blockages whatsoever and very little plaque. Leave it to me to stump a group of Cardiologist!
I left the hospital at 10:30 AM on Tuesday and I was sitting right there at 7: PM when my Baby Girl took the walk!
I feel like I've had my own Angel hanging out with me to get through this ordeal....
So I've been resting and doing a great deal of reading about heart problems in women as it is the #1 killer of women in America. I have to get myself in good shape fast because in July my oldest son Todd and his wife Lori are taking Eric and I on a 7 day Alaskan Cruise !!
So......Now you know why I've been so reclusive lately. Let me add this for you women, I had severe "crushing" chest pain,cold clammy sweating and vomiting with my attack so I KNEW what was happening. I had NO left arm pain, jaw pain or indigestion. I'm told that most women don't have these symptoms and often think it is indigestion so please be aware of your body speaking to you!
Have a fun,safe and healthy weekend !!!!!!

12 comments:

A Brit in Tennessee said...

Ooh, dear Carol what a scary ordeal !
I check here often, and just think you are busy with life and farm, but always love to read your updates.
I hope they have you sorted out now, I know you love to travel and having health problems puts a damper on that, believe me after my year of knee and foot problems, I have become a hermit...
Congratulations on your daughters graduation, she is such a beautiful young lady !
Sending you healing wishes and continued good health.
Hugs,
~Jo

Glynis Peters said...

Hugs and thrilled you made it through, Carol. It has been a horrid time for you. So pleased you made it to see your daughter graduate. Take care and another hug X

Kat said...

Oh my goodness! I had no idea you had been thru all this! Glad you are still around to tell us! Love ya and get well soon.

Rosaria Williams said...

Oh Lord! So glad you survived this attack, and even made it to your daughter's graduation. Yes, indeed, all must heed these warning signs. Thank you Carol.

NCmountainwoman said...

What a nightmare! I'm glad it is passed and that you are better. You are indeed fortunate to have escaped two very frightening incidents that could have turned even worse. Take care.

Thistle Cove Farm said...

So glad you're feeling better; have a wonderful time in Alaska!

T. Powell Coltrin said...

Oh my word. Get well soon and stay that way. I'm sure you're a bit exhausted as I feel so just reading your words.

PS you're daughter is adorable!

Teresa

Kat said...

I forgot to tell you how lovely your daughter looks with that big smile.

Pat in east TN said...

I was SO surprised to read your post! I also thought you were just busy with yard work and gardening. I'm thankful you are doing better. Who'd a thought?!?!?!

Vicki Lane said...

Good grief -- you HAVE had a time! So glad you're on the other side and that you got to Melanie's graduation. Did the docs think that the sever infection you had could have in any way triggered the attack?

Hoping things settle down and you have a great cruise! xox ~Vicki

Becca's Dirt said...

Carol so glad you are OK. What a scary experience. I fear this and that I would be home alone (since I live alone). I've been ill too and going to the doc today. I'm so tired of years of digestive problems with eating. I sure do hope you take care of yourself. How exciting to be going on an Alaskan cruise. Keep us informed on whats going on.

NitWit1 said...

You are lucky, if you can call it luck, you had classic symptoms. I have A-Fib, am taking a very dangerous, but effective medicine, which will eventually fade, and I will need surgery, that my perception is less than 50% effective in older persons, seemingly effective in those below 60.

But it is what I have to deal with, all I can do is lose weight. I am but like a snail. 40 pounds.......om FOUR years, and only 5 so far this year. But exercise is the key and I am so short of breath that is not done regularly.

Enjoy ALASKA!