BajaNomad - Get That Checkup!

Get That Checkup!

KurtG - 7-31-2013 at 02:29 PM

This is a follow up to my post in the thread about the American angler who died in East Cape. EnsenadaDr urged us to get cardiac checkups and this is my tale. Kathy and I had stepped up our exercise routine and I had some shortness of breath. Went to my Dr. and things happened really quickly. Had a stress test with ultrasound which showed some arterial blockage. On 7/19 went in for an angiogram which showed too much blockage for stents and was held in the hospital over the weekend and had 4 way bypass surgery on Monday 7/22. Good news is that I had not had a heart attack and my heart is strong. My cardiologists tells me to expect a normal life span. I was a heart attack waiting to happen. It is easy to ignore the symptoms but if you feel short of breath or have chest tightness get to a doctor. You can save your own life. Kathy and I will be back in Baja in Oct. and I will be back on my motorcycles after a couple of months. I only spent 4 days post surgery in the hospital and am up and around and feeling better every day. Sternum is sore but with caution it will be better soon. We are continuing our efforts toward a good lifestyle but will work in a few tacos from time to time. Can't say enough about the quality of care I got and the staff at French Hospital in San Luis Obispo.

DianaT - 7-31-2013 at 02:33 PM

Really glad you are OK and followed the Doc's very good advice!

Udo - 7-31-2013 at 05:57 PM

We all have ticker problems one way or the other.

Glad you got checked out, and got the by-pass.

David K - 7-31-2013 at 05:58 PM

Thank goodness Kurt!

DENNIS - 7-31-2013 at 06:14 PM

You dodged a bullet, Kurt. Stay on top of things....especially the dirt.

woody with a view - 7-31-2013 at 06:49 PM

when i went to the doc for my San Nicolas Island physical i found out i had a resting blodd pressure of 185/134.

getting old is a biatch.

BajaBlanca - 7-31-2013 at 07:03 PM

What a story ....

jbcoug - 8-1-2013 at 12:25 AM

Kurt, congratulations on catching this in time. I also caught mine before having a heart attack a dozen years ago. Couldn't believe how much energy I had once the old blood could start flowing again. A little advice, stay active once you can. I did great for a couple years and then got back into bad habits. Now I'm fighting to get back in shape. It's a whole lot easier and enjoyable to just stay in better shape. glad that little suggestion reached you in time!
John

Skipjack Joe - 8-1-2013 at 12:55 AM

Kudos to EnsenadaDr! It's always good to listen to a professional.

EnsenadaDr - 8-1-2013 at 01:39 AM

Kurt,

This is wonderful news!! So glad you'll be back in Baja soon enjoying life. I urge all of you to get your stress test, especially those with diabetes and high blood pressure. It is so sad to know that many of the deaths that occur could be prevented by controlling blood pressure and having a complete physical exam that includes a stress test and ultrasound to look for blockage in the arteries. Hopefully Kurt this story will encourage others to take steps to improve the quality of their life and avoid ending it prematurely.

Quote:

Originally posted by KurtG
This is a follow up to my post in the thread about the American angler who died in East Cape. EnsenadaDr urged us to get cardiac checkups and this is my tale. Kathy and I had stepped up our exercise routine and I had some shortness of breath. Went to my Dr. and things happened really quickly. Had a stress test with ultrasound which showed some arterial blockage. On 7/19 went in for an angiogram which showed too much blockage for stents and was held in the hospital over the weekend and had 4 way bypass surgery on Monday 7/22. Good news is that I had not had a heart attack and my heart is strong. My cardiologists tells me to expect a normal life span. I was a heart attack waiting to happen. It is easy to ignore the symptoms but if you feel short of breath or have chest tightness get to a doctor. You can save your own life. Kathy and I will be back in Baja in Oct. and I will be back on my motorcycles after a couple of months. I only spent 4 days post surgery in the hospital and am up and around and feeling better every day. Sternum is sore but with caution it will be better soon. We are continuing our efforts toward a good lifestyle but will work in a few tacos from time to time. Can't say enough about the quality of care I got and the staff at French Hospital in San Luis Obispo.

DianaT - 8-1-2013 at 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by woody with a view
when i went to the doc for my San Nicolas Island physical i found out i had a resting blodd pressure of 185/134.

getting old is a biatch.

You are under a doctor's care for this, I hope????? Get it DOWN.

EnsenadaDr - 8-1-2013 at 07:27 AM

Woody, I started a thread where I would like all Nomads to take their resting blood pressure after 15 minutes and post it online. If they would prefer to U2U me privately that would be fine. I want to start with you. That blood pressure is a ticking time bomb waiting to happen.

SFandH - 8-1-2013 at 07:29 AM

Glad all is well, major surgery, that's for sure.

I walk (march) several miles daily and whenever I come across a hill or staircase I hustle and take note of my breathing. A personal stress test. Of course a professional exam is better.

I think everyone knows how important diet is. Credible evidence exists that certain diets can actually decrease arterial plaque.

Again Kurt, glad you're on the mend. Skip the tacos, why not?

KurtG - 8-1-2013 at 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Skipjack Joe
Kudos to EnsenadaDr! It's always good to listen to a professional.

I had already had the stress test and was scheduled for the angiogram when EnsenadaDr posted about stress tests. My posting then and now was to confirm her suggestion and show the positive benefits. Seems to me that stress tests should be part of overall health screening when we reach a "certain age."

David K - 8-1-2013 at 09:04 AM

... and Kurt, drink your orange juice!

Lee - 8-1-2013 at 09:38 AM

Had a heart scan last Summer and carotid ultrasound. The risk factor was sobering. Immediately dropped some poundage, cut the crrap from my diet, back to working out everyday, cardio with heart monitor. Don't see a lot of overweight gringoes in Baja. Lots of drinkers though. Eat right stay fit die anyway.

Woody are you not taking your doc's advice? BP today?

vandenberg - 8-1-2013 at 10:07 AM

Last year was feeling extremely tired. Got an EKG at the GP's office and was sent to a Cardiologist. Another EKG, an echocardiogram and the nuclear test, where they inject dye and put you through continuous x rays for an hour. Nothing unusual found. Then a good friend told me to insist on an angiogram , which I did. They found a blocked artery and stented it.
Then a few months ago, back in Sacramento, had some uncomfy feeling in my chest. Again saw my GP, who send me again to the Cardiologist. They just took an EKG, called for a wheelchair and within an hour was deposited in a hospital bed, and after extensive test had another angiogram and another stent installed.
Had trouble controlling my blood pressure for the last few years, but now, after that latest procedure, it is pretty much perfect, 120/72. They did adjust my medication somewhat, but I have the feeling that the latest stent made the difference.

The point I'm making is, that if you have a problem, insist on a angiogram. Even my GP told me that often all the other test don't show any problems.

DavidE - 8-1-2013 at 10:40 AM

Lee, Kudos X2!

A FULL HEART STUDY is the only way to go. Found some pretty astute cardiologists in the USA who strongly believe the chemical stress test beats a exercise treadmill hands down - ridiculously more accurate. The radioactive injection and images PROVE beyond a doubt that a person has not suffered a silent heart attack and there is no dead muscle in the heart. Then a sonogram to confirm blood flow, plus X-ray and bloods labs to pile insurance on top off it all.

BUT in my most humble opinion, meds to control BP are not enough. Most meds do little to protect the kidneys, and high BP is a major cause of late term kidney failure. Check with your MD about this. There are specific medications aimed at helping the kidneys to survive. Again ask your personal MD.

Yeah, a complete "tune-up" is inconvenient, but ho boy it beats the hell out of a valve job or engine swap. Endure the several hours and be rewarded with one hell of a better quality of life in Baja California.

I was tutored for my EMT 2 by one heck of a gifted ER trauma doctor. He scared the living bejesus out of me and I was only in my late 30's at the time.

BTW, inexpensive

PULSE OXIMETERS

Should be added to the list of things that would be surely appreciated in your Baja California community. They are simple, easy to read and understand, and quite inexpensive on eBay and Amazon.com

I've seen more Chinese JUNK BP machines down here for sale at ridiculous prices. I trust OMRON or a well tended mechanical BP test at a clinica. I have NEVER encountered ANY clinica, insured or not, that did not enthusiastically offer to take my BP if their patient load was low at the time.

MORE OPINION: Pressure your personal MD to include basic tests in your general exam in the states. Tests for electrolyte balance, anemia, etc. Sometimes even the most talented MD's overlook the trees because of the forest. If your BP stays high, after your exam and dosing with Rx, call your MD and re-schedule. There are no warranties amigos, only recalls...

BajaLuna - 8-1-2013 at 10:59 AM

so glad you are ok! Whewww you got in just in time!

Apparently women have some other symptoms too, my cousin at 54 years old just had a heart attack and she all of a sudden had excruciating pain in her jaw, along with shortness of breath, next thing ya know she was in the hospital having surgery. So glad you were proactive, thanks for reminding us that we too need to be proactive. I need to take note!

continued healing and good health to you!

KurtG - 8-1-2013 at 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
... and Kurt, drink your orange juice!

Ice cold OJ has never tasted better than what you and Elizabeth shared with me when I was ill on the Mission SM trip!

DENNIS - 8-1-2013 at 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by KurtG

Ice cold OJ has never tasted better than what you and Elizabeth shared with me when I was ill on the Mission SM trip!

Must have been a Screwdriver. :yes:

KurtG - 8-1-2013 at 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by KurtG

Ice cold OJ has never tasted better than what you and Elizabeth shared with me when I was ill on the Mission SM trip!

Must have been a Screwdriver. :yes:

Nope, I last tasted alcohol in 1986.

vgabndo - 8-1-2013 at 04:35 PM

Good job Kurt! I'm glad you'll still be around if I ever get to the point of inviting you to take a bucket list ride in Baja!!!!

EnsenadaDr...My BP just now was 127/60. That is about average. I'm 70, 170, 5'-6" and Stage III chronic renal failure after an RCC and radical nephrectomy in '08.

Woody, my younger than me friend, what you are doing is part of what got me the life I'm living.

I now have to keep my BP just high enough so I don't pass out when I stand up!!! :lol:

Bajahowodd - 8-1-2013 at 04:56 PM

Too bad Woody didn't come back to share what he has done for that threatening pressure.

The biggest problem for folks that can't lower high BP though diet and exercise is that virtually all available pharmaceuticals have undesirable side effects.

M - 8-3-2013 at 10:08 PM

The day I took my folks to LAX for an African tour, I got home (I'm house sitting Moms in Dana Point, Ca.) and at 8PM got a call from my Uncle Dons Dr. He resides in the board and care home that Don lives at. Luckily, he was there to call me and say,...."HEY, your Uncle needs to go to ER". I took him right away and he was indeed, suffering a heart attack. This was last Monday. It's been a roller coaster worrying about Don who also has severe Parkinson's disease. Bad timing, My cousin John died 10 days ago from Parkinson's. Don is pretty frightened, as am I, but luckily, doctors were all on board, put in stents and I took him back home today.
Being a stupid gringa, a long time smoker, I am pretty on top of my cardiac care. (Yes, I am a non-smoker now)
There is a group called 'Life-Line'. (You can find them on line and I recommend it.)
They are a group that holds clinics certain times of year, and all they do is important health tests. Tests, that usually involve a lot of pain and fuss to obtain from regular Dr's. Sometimes too late. I have an appt. on 8/12 to get a full cardiac stress test, artery tests for blockage and other tests I can't remember, to measure my arteries and risk of stroke. It costs $129 out of pocket and for the last 11 years, I think it's best money spent. Better to find a problem before it's 'killing you, I think.
Anyway, look up 'Life-Line' medical testing, they have kept me informed, safe and a little bit more secure.
Hugs,
M

Neal Johns - 8-4-2013 at 03:18 PM

Three or four decades ago (am I that old?) my mother died of a gunshot wound in the heart during a robbery and I thought I was taking it pretty well - old Navy Chiefs are tough, uh huh. I started getting headaches all of a sudden. Had insurance so went to the doctor to see whatever. Whatever was BP of 165. Been on magic pills ever since.
Hang in there, Kurt, and mind EnsenadaDr :bounce:

Neal

DENNIS - 8-4-2013 at 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by M
The day I took my folks to LAX for an African tour,

They probably didn't even have to get on a plane to do that in Inglewood.

Jes kiddin'.
Nice to see you, Michelle.

EnsenadaDr - 8-4-2013 at 03:46 PM

Neal,

Thanks for posting the story, that is horrible what happened to your mother, just that experience alone could cause high blood pressure. However, anyone that has high blood pressure and anyone that checks their blood pressure needs to know about the two numbers, the upper one, which is known as systolic, and the lower one which is known as diastolic. 165 is meaningless unless you specify which number it is, the upper number, or the lower number. I assume it is the upper number, because you wouldn't be alive too long if it was the bottom number. There were many cases that I have seen of patients coming in with low blood pressure, so if your upper number goes below 90 you need to call your doctor. It is essential, as Dennis does, to check your blood pressure daily and write the time of day you took it, the date, and it should be taken 2 hours after your medication was taken, at rest for at least 10-15 minutes.

Quote:

Originally posted by Neal Johns
Three or four decades ago (am I that old?) my mother died of a gunshot wound in the heart during a robbery and I thought I was taking it pretty well - old Navy Chiefs are tough, uh huh. I started getting headaches all of a sudden. Had insurance so went to the doctor to see whatever. Whatever was BP of 165. Been on magic pills ever since.
Hang in there, Kurt, and mind EnsenadaDr :bounce:

Neal

EnsenadaDr - 8-4-2013 at 03:49 PM

I was wondering what happened to you so glad you have a place to live and are doing well. By the way. anyone is healthcare knows that if there is a suspicion of a serious health problem, call 911. Ambulances can start treatment way before the patient gets to the hospital. I am shocked that your Uncle's board and care would call you and not the ambulance, especially to go to the ER.

Quote:

Originally posted by M
The day I took my folks to LAX for an African tour, I got home (I'm house sitting Moms in Dana Point, Ca.) and at 8PM got a call from my Uncle Dons Dr. He resides in the board and care home that Don lives at. Luckily, he was there to call me and say,...."HEY, your Uncle needs to go to ER". I took him right away and he was indeed, suffering a heart attack. This was last Monday. It's been a roller coaster worrying about Don who also has severe Parkinson's disease. Bad timing, My cousin John died 10 days ago from Parkinson's. Don is pretty frightened, as am I, but luckily, doctors were all on board, put in stents and I took him back home today.
Being a stupid gringa, a long time smoker, I am pretty on top of my cardiac care. (Yes, I am a non-smoker now)
There is a group called 'Life-Line'. (You can find them on line and I recommend it.)
They are a group that holds clinics certain times of year, and all they do is important health tests. Tests, that usually involve a lot of pain and fuss to obtain from regular Dr's. Sometimes too late. I have an appt. on 8/12 to get a full cardiac stress test, artery tests for blockage and other tests I can't remember, to measure my arteries and risk of stroke. It costs $129 out of pocket and for the last 11 years, I think it's best money spent. Better to find a problem before it's 'killing you, I think.
Anyway, look up 'Life-Line' medical testing, they have kept me informed, safe and a little bit more secure.
Hugs,
M