Getting to the Heart of it.

I watched my dad fight heart disease for many years. He was one of the pioneer patients for bypass surgery at Greenlane hospital.
I would hardly say it was a recovery case history to be proud of he was often in pain and never looked right after that first hear attack. He died years later in my arms at the side of the road during a day visit to Gisborne. Not a good day for either of us. With this in mind my life (and Robyn's) took a big change over the past 25 years. Daily exercise (some of it vigorous), weights, mostly a very healthy diet, weight under control and drugs (Statins and Aspirin) and supplements (Fish oil and god knows what else).
Over the past month "things" have been happening in my chest! In addition to my known GERD (comes from a reflux history) that has gone out of control again.....darned generic Losec is rubbish! Anyway back to the story about happenings in my chest. I have had exercise induced chest pain, been taken by ambulance to A&E had xrays, blood tests, ECG's, stress tests etc and released only to end up back there a few days later with pain they could not stop. That lead on to a Barium meal to check out the esophagus where a small problem was found.
My GP thought what was found was likely the cause of my current problems. But the gastro Dr thought otherwise. We agreed to leave it and monitor the situation (on increased drugs). That was ok for a few days until the pain came again (on my bike) and I thought screw this and got in touch with a Waikato Cardiologist.
He scheduled an urgent CT angiogram yesterday and last night he called and wants to do a full blown angiogram (catheter inserted into the heart). At the same time he intends to do an angioplasty if its needed.
That all starts in about 12 hours time....fun!
Bloody arm is already a pin cushion.
All I want to do is ride my bike, have fun with the kids, for Robyn and I to enjoy life and for me to keep focused and forging on with my job. So I have to muster for this exercise and I need to be in good shape for the year ahead. Great support from family today. Appreciated.
Lesson? When it comes to your health, consult the professionals, do your own research and take charge don't just be a bystander to your own existence. If you don't care no one else will either. AND have medical insurance...... LINK FOR MORE INFO HERE