The Cardiac Kid!

Ok, so over a period of five years, five trips to the ER, two cardioversions (one performed while conscious), and diagnosis' of atrial flutter, supra ventricular tachicardia, and currently atrial fibrillation, a partial leak in my mitral valve, one catheter ablation, and another Afib ablation being scheduled, and countless medications to monitor my heart rhythm, I've decided to start documenting my cardiac journey on my blog for educational and awareness purposes. Sympathies not allowed here! LOL

As I approach the half a century mark in age, I'm finally coming to terms with myself that our bodies are starting to slow and break down. Maintaining functional fitness becomes more of a challenge with our busy schedules especially if you have young ones like me. Bottom line is they are my motivation to stay as healthy as my body allows me to and minimize all external stressors that can contribute to developing a faulty heart.

So I applaud you for taking the time out to read this. The more i share my experiences, the more I find out about others who are suffering from similar conditions. At this time, I can only suggest that everyone my age start getting your physicals done and colonoscopies done. I've been asked on numerous occasions about how it feels when my heart episodes come on. All I can say is that it's a feeling that's out of the ordinary and you will know. You've lived all of your lives with normal functioning hearts so if anything happens, you'll know. You know your body the best. Trust it! And if the time ever comes, please get immediate medical attention. From what I learned, prolonged attention to these conditions can result in blood clots which can lead to possible strokes/heart attack, and even death.

Our local EMS services have been fabulous in tending to me as well my parents. So have our staffing at Hilo Medical Center, for which I am very grateful, in all areas of the hospital from the ER, the cardiac unit, and the ICU. So for me to avoid seeing them, I've been eating better, cutting down on the alcohol consumption, and gave up the smokeless tobacco. Gotta start exercising more and get the family involved! for your mental health, surround yourself with positive people and don't dwell on bullshit in your lives. And don't try to think you can please everyone, cause it's mighty difficult! All we can do in our lifetimes is to minimize any risks that could cut it short. Otherwise, pray like heck for a long and prosperous and healthy life. In the meantime, trust and listen to your doctors. Plenty guys grumble not enough doctors on this island. You chose to live here...deal with it. Lucky we do have good ones!

Until my next post, please all take care of yourselves while I try to do the same. If you must, re-evaluate your current levels of health and lifestyles and take any necessary actions for the better...MY FRIENDS!!! Don't procrastinate when it comes to your health!