Heart Attack
On August 22 I walked into the Emergency Room with shortness of breath and chest oains. I was in acute heart failure with my heart working at only 20 percent...congestive heart failure!! I was so scared. I had no idea I had heart problems.. I am 58 years old. It took them 6 days to get my heart strong enough to do a catherization..Doctor had to stop. My main artery (LAD) was 80 percent blocked...all from smoking cigarettes!! The only hope I had was for a bypass. I was beyond terrified..my children are 12 and 15..the future wasn't looking good at all. Through lots of prayers and God on the 7th day my heart was up to 53 percent and they were anle to put one stent in...I smoked for 44 years. I always thought about lung cancer but never heart disease. I am on day 17 of no smoking. I didn't notice physical withdraws as I was in hospital the first 9 days. Now it is just the physiological parts of quitting. I have even dreamed that I smoked one..I onow that wanting one will more than likely always be there but as ling as I don't touch them I will be okay. I will be on heart meds for the rest of my life and that's okay. Had I not gone to the emergency room I wouldn't be here to write this.
Not the best way to get that wake up call Mysharona not at all, but you have survived to live long and well for your beautiful family. We all need to think of other health problems which could influence our decision to stop smoking.
We are lucky to have such wonderful medical people around to help us through when its a matter of life and death. You are especially lucky to have been given a 2nd chance of finding out how to live well and pace yourself, with healthy eating, fun times, and physical exercise, within the guidelines that are given to you.
Yes our mental outlook is so vitally important too, you have your children as a good reason to develop your own happiness agenda. Reading some of the posts are informative, along with reading Allan Carrs book "Easy Way to stop smoking" which you can download free from the internet.
My favorite Video is "How to grow to be a happy non smoker Delivered by NASIA DAVOS from -TEDxUniversityofPiraeus This gives you insights into your reasons why you need to change your mental attitude in respect of non smoking and acts as a catalyst to develop your own strategies after identifying your own strengths and weaknesses.
The main thing is to try to keep it in your mind that no cigarette or puff is worth this angst. Keep well