I started having some noticeable, but not severe chest pains 4-5 weeks ago and decided to see what was up. Started the medical process and the pains also started to ramp up.

Long story short, but imagine my surprise when the quest ended up with a stent being placed in my main heart artery last Tuesday morning to alleviate a 95% blockage.

If you gotta have this experience, I was lucky to be able to do it perfectly. Notice the pain, check it out, find the problem, fix it and no heart attack, damage or major surgery. No other blockages (they looked around in there) and a good positive prognosis. And BTW - I have more energy and feel terrific.

I wanted to share this for others to think about, but also because I had a great friend make this all easier for me. It's also a bit of a catharsis for me. That friend's input would be beneficial for others who may face this same issue, So here it is.

On a Thursday afternoon at 4:30, following a stress test, a doc I never met showed up with a model of a heart, pointed to the 3 major arteries, pointed at on and said - "You have a blockage here that needs to be fixed". My immediate response was "Ummm, whaaat", followed by terror and confusion. I was NOT doing my clearest thinking just then.

His response was, "Really, this needs to be done. Simple placement of a stent should fix it. How about tomorrow morning"? I said full stop - need to deal with this mentally and talk to my doc. Scheduled it for the following Tuesday morning (a week ago today).

Talked to my doc who explained this cardio pulmonary group was excellent and we should move forward without concern. Of course, concern is all I had. This was my freaking HEART for God's sake!

Then my friend (who found out what was going on) called. Over the next 5 minutes, he explained 1) he had 3 stents that these guys put in 3 yrs earlier, 2) it is an incredibly non-invasive procedure, 3) they give you some happy juice to relax you and 4) the ONLY minor discomfort is the entry point where they insert the catheter in the groin (not close to your package BTW) because of the size of the opening and the minor pain is after the procedure - not during it. He said, except for the entry wound, it was essentially like having a colonoscopy. WAAAYYYY better than bypass surgery. He went on to tell me that the entry wound hurts a little for a couple of days, but you almost instantly feel better and have more energy.

His phone call was a gift and settled me right down. Folks need to know this simple information to remove fear/dread from the equation.


That's the net of it. It is simple, easy and non-invasive. The entry wound pain is just annoying, kind of like a paper cut with a bit of an attitude. I share this so that you have something to calm you down if you are suddenly faced with this choice. It's simple and it works and MUCH better than the alternatives of heart attack, surgery or a dirt blanket. If you even THINK there is something going on - get proactive and get a stress test. Huge dividends from that investment.

I DID have a serious episode during the procedure, but it is a very limited thing. While I was on the table and enjoying the happy juice, my heart rate spiked in a manner that indicated a sudden surge of terror. Since I was conscious on the table, the doc stopped and asked if I was experiencing discomfort. I apologized and told him I had experienced a flash of memory of chesserooo dancing on Ian's deck after he had consumed 5 liters of white lightning, but I was able to fight the image off and everything was able to move forward.

Anyhow, I have a stent and I'm kind of anxious to take my new energy level out and start to do some exercising again. I hope this info is helpful to someone. If it is, pay it forward.

Fantastic news, Ray! Glad to hear from you and that you're in such high spirits. Bullet? Dodged. Now, how about coming down for a visit to do some pint curls in Virginia?

Very glad to hear that you're doing well.

I'm glad to hear that you nipped the problem in the bud before it turned into a major issue for you Ray and I'm also glad to hear that everything went well for you. Thanks for sharing!

Awesome news, Ray!

And thanks for sharing a story that might help someone else, though nowhere in there did you state "Sell the Wife!"

Thanks for sharing and here's to many more good years!

That's great news, Ray, and thanks for sharing. I have wondered where you've been lately.

Wait, I'm confused. What kind of remote was it?

I'm so grateful for your health, and for your story.

I'll bet you had to scrape Mrs. Ray off the ceiling. Enough about you, how did this affect HER?

I think I'll just sit here and reflect a while, now.

Cheers, my friend.

I raise my drink, and its tiny umbrella, in your honor.

Very good news. We men seem to avoid some of the preventive measures that are available to us. I have had an annual physical for the past 20 years or so and will continue. Had a stress test and some other heart tests 2 years ago (all good results) and this year is the ole colonoscopy......

Glad you're doing well....

Well, since you asked....

It seems that the increased flow of blood to my lower extremities has had several positive impacts. The most noticeable was the immediate recognition of strength in my legs and general energy improvement.

I was also surprised to find that a lil friend that used to greet me when I awoke has made something of a return in the morning just to say a bit of a hello. I thought this might be a positive bit of news for my wife, but that has not, thus far, been the case. I am hopeful that persistence will win the day (morning, actually).

Guys, I am surprised and gratified by your comments.

I guess I was so intent on sharing some information that this type of thing was not to be dreaded that I didn't consider the fact that it might generate well wishes.

So , thank you for that, but the key message is that it's out there, it's not bad and it's easy to do without trepidation.

Are we still talking about your "lil friend"?

We might as well. My wife doesn't want to talk about it.

Best reply to Mark. Ever.

+1

JP's drink has a tiny umbrella.

It's to keep the olive from getting sunburnt.

Scary but good to hear that the outcome was great. Been getting a lot of reminders lately about being thankful for good health.

Very good news Ray, it's great to hear everything went well. It was nearly 5 years ago I went through recovery from a severe heart attack. Thank God you didn't get this far. I too had a stent and have been free of any events since then.

Ray, so good to hear from you and glad all went well! Here is a toast for Ray! Cheers!

ps: Rick, glad to hear your still kicken.

Ray, great news that you're feeling better now! We're looking forward to continue to poke a bit of good-natured fun at you(and Jack)on occasion for many more years.

With the added strength in your legs you should probably be at least 10 yards longer off the tee. God Bless.

That is awesome news, Ray! And, thank you for sharing. Your message is very important and I'm glad you stopped by to reinforce it.

And on top of all that, I'm glad to see your sense of humor back on the board.

Really good stuff, you guys!

Ray, your story reminded of my Father's adventure that was similar to yours, only when the doctors checked his heart, they couldn't find anything wrong, all tests came back negative and he hasn't had an episode since. We are all a little concerened something was missed but that was 3 years ago and he is still doing great.

It was nice to hear of the positive effects this has had on your life, thanks for sharing and I wish you all the best. CHEERS!