Mortality scare

[Tman]

I'm old and out of shape. I'm 54

 

I have a problem with the old part. I'm 54. I don't think you're old, that would mean I'm old. I prefer middle, middle age.

 

 

What I do know is that bad things can happen, if you are light headed at 54, check it out. Look at Charlie Trotter or James Gandolfini. Charlie was our age, James was younger.

[Marshall Paul]

Sorry I confused you. I wasn't actually telling him to take off in a dead run right this second...

Sorry, I was just trying to get him to get to medical help and fast that's all.

Normal recovery time from what he was doing is 3 minutes. He was feeling the effects 45 minutes after (warning). Time is the essence where this is concerned. Because dead is dead. I know. I've been there. 3X.

[ksdaddy]

He was feeling the effects 45 minutes after (warning).

 

Which is something I would never have known. I figured it was normal for someone as out of shape as me.

 

It's sad that I get taken more seriously and there is more concern for my well being on a guitar forum than there is from those around me, medical professionals OR family. I'd like to be taken seriously when I go to a doctor. I don't see that happening.

[Marshall Paul]

Thanks all. I'm feeling okay now other than stressed right to F out from doing the groceries with my wife and stepdaughter at WalMart on a Saturday morning. I could smoke a cigarette about 3 feet long right now. I won't, but I could.

 

In 2003 I went on the Atkins diet, and that's when I quit drinking. I joke about me being drunk all the time 'back in the day' but that's just self effacing humor. I simply quit drinking because of the carbs in malt liquor and once I hit milestones like a month, 6 months, a year, I decided to just never drink again. I don't look down my nose on it, it's just not something I do anymore.

 

I did lose 58 pounds on Atkins in about 10 months. I went from 42 jeans to a baggy 36. Never did quite get comfortable in 34s. Once I started eating real food again I gained back every pound.

 

My wife and I are both trying to eat better without going on some crazy diet that we won't stick with. I mean just lifestyle choices where we substitute the horrific fattening junk food with something a little less deadly. We don't really know what we're doing and we're not about to snack on rice cakes. There's got to be a middle ground. We do have a treadmill and a weight machine. Both currently are dusty.

 

In 1983 I went to the ER because of a weird racing heartbeat that happened on occasion, like a sudden attempt to lift something or even a sudden outburst of laughter. The doctor really didn't have a clue and dignosed me with Wolfe Parkinson White Syndrome. I went on beta blockers and have eaten various ones over the years, Atenolol and Metoprolol mostly. Other doctors have called it Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrulation. A couple years ago I saw a specialist, I did the stress test (thought I would DIE right then and there) and he said he would go in and do an ablation of some sort. I went in a couple weeks later and when I was seeing nurse after nurse, one said something about them doing some kind of ablation in the ventricles. I said no, it's supposed to be in the atriums. Nooo, they said, it says right here ventricular something or other. So I shrugged, I figured they know more than I do.

 

Well as it turns out, they got IN there via my groin, got up to the heart and realized they were wrong. It was too late to just back out and take another route so they just bailed. My heart DID kick out of rhythm while I was 'under' and they had to shock it back into place, so at least they see the problem now.

 

So that 2 days was a waste. We opted (for now) to increase my metoprolol and add flecainide to the mix. Sometimes I wish I was brave and patient enough to just set it up where they go in and fix it right this time.

 

My local doctor... God love her, she's a sweetheart, but I don't think she takes me seriously. If I were to describe the events of this morning she would simply tell me I was out of shape. I don't seem to get many offers of a 'fix' from her, it's usually a roll of the eyes like "don't be such a wimp". I'd switch doctors but it's almost impossible to find one who's taking new patients. I had tried to get hooked up with a heart specialist (175 miles away) through them for at least six months and heard nothing, so I called them myself and got right in. My docotr almost acted a little pissy that I did it on my own. Not sure, but the vibe was there.

 

I will be closely monitoring the way I feel for the rest of the weekend and if I am the slightest bit alarmed I will get to the ER.

The weird racing heartbeat symptom you are describing is called 'tachycardia arrythmia'. Usually caused by a slightly enlarged, partially blocked artery pressing up against a chamber nerve. Go back to your (dumb) doctor and tell them this. It should hopefully kick there ar$e$ into gear. The fact that you vapour locked on the slab and had to be kicked started again is proof. Thats called atrial fibrillation. You seem to be serious about this, good. Now go get your doctors to take you seriously, please.

[Marshall Paul]

Well...

 

Once upon a time I'd train 4-8 hours daily, depending on the circumstances and overall schedule. Then again, at the time it was a more significant part of who I was.

 

Now I'm doing a 70-80 hour weekly desk job and I'm flabby. But at just some months to hitting 70, I'm still at 165 plus or minus such as where I've been since I was in my mid to late 20s. Right now I'm still with a chest cold on the edge of flu because I let a cupla workweeks go overboard and way too run down. So I'm following my own advice below...

 

Here's what I learned, and luckily managed to get across to a few folks, but not as many.

 

First, you can change your head. It won't be like training X hours a day or going on this or that diet. But usually problems arise from inside, not outside, regardless of your genetics. There's no reason in the world you can't see some immediate results by even deciding to check your blood pressure, then tell the body to relax internally and in the limbs, and drop the BP by 10 percent or more. Do you really feel your physical side?

 

Second, get rid of "guilt." It'll kill you. Be you. But be the you you expect yourself to be. If food is a day's high point every day, all day, that's feeding a mental hole, not one in the tummy. OTOH, expect that if the body has become accustomed to 2-3 pounds of food a day or more, it's going to expect that. Feel it. If you ain't tasting ketones, you probably aren't burning fat. Read up on that and consider the potential cons as well as pros.

 

(This web ref does a decent job of explaining it: http://diet.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Ketosis_Symptoms )

 

Third, don't expect to live forever. I think we only really are alive if we recognize deep down it may end in 10 minutes. Don't stress about it or that'll help kill you. A zenlike time of the mind itself truly reaching out to feel every part of our bodies, inside and out, and relaxing will make a huge difference to physical and mental well being. It's my observation that most folks don't have a clue what the inside of their left knee or the fourth toe on their right foot feels like.

 

Fourth, on the other hand, some of us have various body parts that are gonna wear out and may need maintenance. It may be overtly our fault or it may be genetics - or more likely, a combination of the above. Some of those body parts may be obvious like knees or hips, others less obvious like internal organs. Nothing wrong with physicians, but it helps to have one who sees a whole person. The question is, are you seeing the physician as a whole person too or just a specific complaint?

 

Fifth, in physical exertion, whether in or outa shape, even if you're an Olympic athlete, be careful training at more than 80-90 percent of potential. If you break something it ain't gonna win a medal or help encourage one's training. If you're old and outa shape, it won't encourage exercise if you hurt beyond a given point inside or muscles or joints.

 

Finally, yeah, current wisdom loves to blame smoking and weight gains for 90 percent of our ills. But nobody gets into the head of the individual who has let him or herself become a brain on a platform that moves instead of a whole person, mind and body, that is what we truly are. We ain't gonna live forever, but we can live while we're here - most of the time. Plenty of overweight smokers live to 90+ and still get around. How do they and not others? Genetics? Or are they at one inside?

 

m

"we only really are alive if we recognize deep down it may end in 10 minutes"

believe me, it ends a lot quicker than that.

[Marshall Paul]

Which is something I would never have known. I figured it was normal for someone as out of shape as me.

 

It's sad that I get taken more seriously and there is more concern for my well being on a guitar forum than there is from those around me, medical professionals OR family. I'd like to be taken seriously when I go to a doctor. I don't see that happening.

I'm sorry ks but it's never normal, for anyone. May be sad that you get more concern here as you say, but on the other hand, it's nice to know plenty of people take your concern seriously eh, nice to know you have friends.

Today's medical system is a sad state of affairs, eh mate.

[Marshall Paul]

Good to post back on today and see your still here, you worried us all mate.

[EVOL!]

If you want to get started on some easy exercise, I recommend walking. It is probably the most under recognized form of exercise. With my long days which leave me little to no time to workout, walking is the only thing that keeps me from a complete sedentary life. And it is easy to get started. All you need is a comfortable pair of shoes and a clear path.

 

In regards to diet, the biggest thing to get started on eating right is to cook at home. Try making simple meals from scratch and avoid pre-made and prepackaged foods.

[Marshall Paul]

If you want to get started on some easy exercise, I recommend walking. It is probably the most under recognized form of exercise. With my long days which leave me little to no time to workout, walking is the only thing that keeps me from a complete sedentary life. And it is easy to get started. All you need is a comfortable pair of shoes and a clear path.

 

In regards to diet, the biggest thing to get started on eating right is to cook at home. Try making simple meals from scratch and avoid pre-made and prepackaged foods.

Spot on advice. Nicely put mate.

[PingPongBob]

If you want to get started on some easy exercise, I recommend walking. It is probably the most under recognized form of exercise. With my long days which leave me little to no time to workout, walking is the only thing that keeps me from a complete sedentary life. And it is easy to get started. All you need is a comfortable pair of shoes and a clear path.

 

In regards to diet, the biggest thing to get started on eating right is to cook at home. Try making simple meals from scratch and avoid pre-made and prepackaged foods.

 

I couldn't agree more. It was only after my dog was diagnosed with an early sign of arthritis. I started walking her about a quarter mile then half mile, now we head home when she starts slowing down. Usually about an hour or so. Who knows how far we go, it doesn't matter. It's done wonders for her and me both. Been cooking at home for over 10 years now. Once in a while I'll go to In-N-Out burger. That's it.

[Bender 4 Life]

You need to do more than that. Get to your doctor ks and now. doesn't matter what you've got going. Just drop it and get there, and I mean now. Don't screw around with this, there's rarely ever any second chances. If this post sounds harsh and alarmist so be it, I'll wear the barbs after your there. Like I said, no second chances.

I know.

 

Listen to this KSD !!!

 

the Drs still aren't sure how I survived my attack on 8/10........they say I shouldn't have.

I was fine one minute, next thing I know I have 5 stents in my heart, light brain damage from the attack leaving half my fret hand numb, and needing a bypass in my leg on the main artery.

 

Get to a Cardio....soon!

[retrosurfer1959]

yep to cold for too old and were all subject to the cold it's dry freezing air and your lungs can't use the oxygen and can actually feel burned and that even happens if your healthy and young, learned that climbing mountains as a kid. and yep a dr visit is always a good ice but if you haven't done any exercise in years start out with a medical check up and hen talking not running but walking burned almost as many calories as a run at a bris pace of walking with a much lower danger of damage to knees and feet all which take a pounding especially if you over weigh. I'm also 55 weigh damn near 300 pounds but am 6'4" and wear size 38 pants o get to 200 you'd have to boil me. I can't run or do a lot but I walk 3 miles every night and my BP is 118/70 and my cholesterol and blood sugar are all well under the numbers they want, I don't smoke Tobacco and haven't in 30 years but i do smoke :-) . my diet is average to bad but my issue is injures I lost a Leg and a Eye to injury and part of a lung to a high speed crash all as a police officer so it's tough that's why i preach walking. I's amazing how little we walk anymore. Although where your at you might need a tread mill and a fit bit or any of the step counting Gizmos will tell you just how little you actually walk in our modern life.

 

feel better K S you've got family that still need you at 55

[LarryUK]

I'm 55 and the past few years have been dreadful for me. My knees are shot. I have a slipped disc I'm my lower back with sciatica down both legs. I've hurt my neck so when I lookup my left arm goes dead. Every day is a struggle. I've put 4 stone on over this period because of all of the sitting about and a thyroid problem. It's amazing how things can change in such a short period.

[badbluesplayer]

I've had heart trouble and bypass surgery and it sounds to me like heart symptoms, KS.

 

You need to go either straight to a cardio doctor or an ER at a hospital with decent cardio services. If they need to do that ablation thing, it's not really that big a deal. My bro in law had one and it was a piece of cake. Just unsettling thinking about it.

[ksdaddy]

So if my arms go to sleep when I change a light bulb, that's probably not a good thing either.

 

Just kidding. Not by much though. Seems like my arms have been going to sleep a lot lately.

 

Unfortunately I know all about sciatica as well. In 2007 I quit smoking (I lasted until 2009) and I started putting on weight. I opted to walk it off. I was doing 3 miles a day and I tried ramping it up by taking longer quicker strides. The next morning when my right foot hit the floor getting out of bed I thought my leg would explode. This got worse over the next week and it ended up with ER visits, time off from work, an MRI.... and I got the stock answer, slight bulging between L4 and L5, not enough to operate on, may cause slight discomfort.

 

Slight discomfort.

 

I saw my father telling me to come towards the light.

 

Too late for "long story short" but after a month with a cane and not moving well at all (and very much under the influence of any over the counter AND under the counter drugs I could ingest), one ER doctor gave me methylprednisolone and after 3 or 4 days I was back to 60% or so. A blessing! After 8-10 months of confusion, unanswered questions and a ton of googling, I drew my OWN conclusion that I, in fact, was NOT suffering the effects of a bulging L4/5 disc at ALL, but in my foolish attempt to take longer faster strides, I had done some damage to the piriformis muscle, which is deep under the butt cheek. The sciatic nerve runs adjacent to it and in some people the nerve runs right through the muscle! So ANY inflammation, even minor, has the potential to drop anyone to their knees. Imagine having the same sensation of a horrific toothache, like if the dentist his the nerve while drilling...now picture that same pain going from your butt cheek to the tip of your toes. The piriformis was inflamed but it is situated so deeply in the butt cheek that it wouldn't be obvious like a swollen ankle or such. The steroids dropped the swelling of the piriformis muscle and I was able to walk again. I also learned some stretching excercises, the first few times I did them felt like I was ripping a head of lettuce apart. It took several years of occasional "bad days" before I healed as much as I'm going to. I rarely have them now but on occasion if I lose my footing walking on rough terrain I get a gentle reminder via a shooting pain and it makes me gasp and hold my breath for a few seconds wondering if this sh** is going to hit me again.

 

I know in the grand scheme of things, that whole episode is minor but it just goes to show that some doctors have a paradigm when it comes to certain things.... sciatic pain? Must be bulging discs!

[Murph]

Man, scary stuff. I smoked and drank and lived the rock life for too many years. God bless ya man, but always remember.........

 

[L8_4thesh0w]

ks you may have been given the chance to make changes before it is too late. I think I have heard somewhere that most fatal heart attacks in men occur between 9 and 10 am.

My best friend died somewhere near that time frame on my oldest son's birthday in 2012. He was quite overweight, had a large appetite, drank coffee all day long and smoked 2 packs a day.

His loss affected me deeply, and still does, so I have tried to make changes in my own lifestyle while there is still hope for improvement.

 

No doubt you have done the greatest service to your health by quitting the cigs. Tried to myself and failed but I have gone from a pack and a half a day to about 1 pouch a week.

Not a complete change but a notable one after smoking for 41 of my 55 years. I still have a very fast pulse and get winded easily so getting back on a bike for x number of miles a day is a goal.

 

The most radical change has been to my diet. After looking scientifically and spiritually at many things I decided I would no longer eat the flesh of animals whose readily evident purpose is to clean the environment.

Crustaceans, mollusks and the like are now off limits as are catfish and any other thing that eats carrion and waste from the bottoms of lakes and oceans. Pork has also been forsaken in favor of health.

Pigs have only three sweat glands, all in their noses, and traces of everything they have ever eaten, from toxins to antibiotics, are retained in their fat until the day they die.

Bacon and country ham are among the tastiest things and pork chops used to be my favorite but when I think about the sticky, gooey, greasy fat that no longer taxes my system I don't miss it so much.

Imagine that stuff sticking to the inside of your arteries. It won't make much difference in what already ails you but it seems to have benefitted me to a great extent.

Even the smell of my sweat has changed: though still strong, not quite as offensive. I am no health nut so please don't interpret this as my being on a soap box. Just offering food for thought.

 

Σß

['Scales]

Sincerely hope all is improving KSD - scary I'm sure.

 

Interested to read the piece on Sugar Impact - might try that myself and see if has a noticeable impact. Thanks for sharing Lazarus

 

I've tended to look at it in the simplistic view that if you don't burn at least the amount of calories you ingest then the balance is going to be stored as fat, and fat ain't good (stress on frame/joints, lungs, muscles etc.. let alone heart). As I understand it, the best way to burn calories is to move the arms and legs. Therefore if you aren't moving much you'd ought not be eating and drinking much calories. (I said it was a simplistic view )

 

Personally I walk (say 30km/wk.) and swim (5km/wk.) in hot months and just do more walking and no swimming in cool months. My weight is 10-20 lb more than it should be, but its been stable for many years - hence interest in ideas like sugar impact, if simple changes like that could see the extra weight dropped then I'm confident my simple and almost free program noted above will keep it so.

 

Again - best wishes to all who have highlighted the challenges they and their loved ones are facing.

[milod]

Marshall...

 

I'm more than aware that life can end in far less than one second. I've often taken photos of the aftermath.

 

My point was rather than aside from illness, one never knows what may happen in the next minutes, and should live always with that recognition.

 

As for KS... and others...

 

54 to me is pretty young. At 50 I was still training quite a bit and still could do lots of stuff physically I couldn't have done at 25. But it's the mind that controls a lot more than we tend to give it credit for.

 

KS - Stretching: Never go past the point of feeling the tension; never bounce; hit tension and relax everything as much as possible. You can even do that at a desk.

 

m

[Marshall Paul]

Marshall...

I'm more than aware that life can end in far less than one second. I've often taken photos of the aftermath.

 

 

When I was in, I didn't stand around taking photo's of the aftermath, I was dealing with it, along with the rest of my team. Many times, we were the instigaters of it. I don't have to be told.

So don't.

[zigzag]

Some people are dealt bad DNA cards. Others willingly take long walks off of short piers. Sad in any event, but people who don't take care of themselves get no sympathy from me.