July 10, 2021

Another day, another heart attack.  On Tues morning July 6, I was putting things in order after a fun filled July 4^th weekend.  Got done, sat down in a chair in the garage and even started to doze off.  Then the pain in the center of my chest began.  Soon thereafter, I called 911 and was rushed to the hospital, directly into the Cath Lab.  The blockage was cleared and another stent was placed (I have 6 now) and I was then moved to my hospital room.  All this occurred over a 3 hour time period.  Amazing!  However, this event was different than past episodes.  Prior to Tuesday, blockage was due to typical plaque buildup associated with high cholesterol.  This blockage had my LAD (Left anterior descending artery) 100% blocked and was from blood clots caused by the cancer tumor or past stents or other possibilities.  I am home now recovering but not without implications this time.  The heart muscle was damaged to some degree as measured by the EF (ejection fraction – The percentage of blood leaving your heart each time it squeezes).  60-65 is normal.  Mine is now 30-35.  However, that should improve as my heart heals over time.  I know all this sounds disturbing but don’t fret.  My planned Alaska fishing trip in August is still a “GO”!     2 Corinthians 12:9    But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.