Feb 16
eichardthestentman
eichardthestentman , Posted on SUPPORT NETWORK Blog

So what's the Story

Well, this is my story. I've been posted a couple times on Support Network and I am a survivor and Ambassador for the American Heart Association. I am giving a speech next Tuesday for the US Courts in D.C. and gave one last week at a Senior Wellness Center. I've lost 50 lbs and walk about 7-10 miles a day, play full court basketball with the young ones, do spinning class. I teach as a Wellness Coach at the Y and am in the best shape of my life. I feel great. I got a quintuple bypass a year and a half ago and previous to that I had 13 stents. I was going for the record. I figured, if I could get 2 stents every four years, by the time I was 94, I would have 36 and break the world record. I could be the Barry Bonds of Stents. Without the steroids.

But I've completely turned around my diet and exercise regimen and am supposed to be some kind of poster boy. Unitl this week. I was exercising on the bike for just a couple of minutes and my pulse started jumping from 90 to 150 back to 139 back to 150, even hit 160. At my height and weight, 160 is very high. I'm scared. I've been through so much and have come out so well and now I'm wondering if I have Arhythmias. They checked me for 24 hours with a Halter Monitor and I will find out the results soon. But after all I've been through it sucks to face the possibility of yet another heart problem I may have to face

Richard
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8 Comments
  • Kiahlera
    Kiahlera,
    Dear Richard, I can't even begin to tell you how much I respect your courage and your utter determination and will to take charge of your health doing all you can to help yourself as well as others. Sharing your story is a great inspiration and will continue to be helpful to so many. The question we all ask ourselves after having heart related challenges is why and what lies ahead. Even if we are fortunate enough to learn the reason(s) why, none of us are ever certain what lies down the road as we continue our journey through life. You are right to say and feel it sucks to face the possibility of more heart related issues. I would think something was wrong with you if you didn't. as it's natural to be apprehensive and scared of the unknown. I hope you will find comfort knowing people like me and I am sure many many others are in your corner saying prayers and wishing you success. I also believe the care and strength you have given your body will be one of your greatest assets moving forward. I pray for your health and wish you the best always. Sincerely, Kiahlera
  • purple heart
    purple heart,
    Stay strong and positive!!! Take one day at a time! You are a good role model and sometime we get hit with far more than what is fair! I won't even go into my story about having a cardiac arrest at age 34! You might be surprised and it could be a simple fix! I have arrhythmia and on the right medicine it is under control With no problems. Keep working hard on you And take care of yourself each day! I wish you the very best!
  • steedo
    steedo,
    Hang in there Stent Man, maybe slow down a bit. You have done amazingly but you have nothing to prove! Just do the norm for age and your heart might appreciate it. Hope all goes well you are obviously a tough customer. My heart just hates emotional stress and lets me know it too! Stroke Bloke
  • AHA/ASA Sarah Ismail
    AHA/ASA Sarah Ismail,
    Dear Richard, I am so proud of all that you have accomplished for yourself and turning your life around! I know this must not be easy to hear but until you know for certain and even after, you have to keep you spirits up high and stay positive. Wishing you all the best, Sarah
  • yarn007
    yarn007,
    Keep your head up and now that we are here for you and prayers are headed your way!
  • Angie66048
    Angie66048,
    Richard, They say sometimes it's not the good diet or exercise... sometimes it's the cards we're dealt. Regardless, we have to live each day and hopefully. with God by our side. I'm just as active as you and try to watch all fat and sodium content in all ingested but again, it doesn't always work. I know we don't all believe in the same entity in life but all my life, God helps me succeed. The life he has given me is beyond belief and it never stops there. I pray for your health and that he heals you. You may want to trim back on the spin class .. with heart issues, spin class can make your heart rate go insane....Best Wishes and Be Blessed.
  • Sownman
    Sownman,
    Will keep you in my prayers. I turned everything around when diagnosed with cardiomyopathy at 34. I lasted 30 more good years then at age 64 arrhythmia started. I would get up in he morning and while sitting on the couch get up to 140. It got a lot worse from there till a transplant at age 65. I've come through that just fine. Never give up and never give in, but because there was a heart disease #1 is no reason to believe there will not be a #2. If #1 was fixed there is no reason to believe #2 won't also be fixed. Every day is a blessing.
  • shirleymom
    shirleymom,
    You are doing great! I have six bypasses and 3 stents.I think you cornered the market on stents! That was 12 years ago, and I have had a few ups and downs but mostly ups. I do have heart failure which will only get worse with time, but I am dealing with it. That is the key: dealing with it. I have found my pace and listen to my body. I also have a wonderful medical team at Kaiser Permanente; no one could have any better! You are so lucky that you can walk! I have an unstable artificial knee along with back problems which prevent me from walking long distances. And public speaking is fabulous!
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