Monday, January 26, 2009

Many things to cover!!!

Well, if you know me, you already know that on January 11th I suffered a heart attack. Around 9:30 or so that Sunday evening (an hour or so after 2 hours worth of full court basketball!!) I began to hurt in the center of my chest and a vice-like pressure over my whole chest. I'm 37, so a lot of stuff entered my mind (indegestion, bronchitis, etc.) but not a heart attack!! After 30 or 45 minutes of not being able to get comfortable, I finally accepted the notion that I could be having a heart attack. Well, of course that scared me even worse than the mounting pressure and pain, which continued to worsen!! I began to cry and apologize to Donna as we waited on the paramedics.
I don't mind telling you that I was more than "freaked" out!! On the LONG ride (that is another story) to the ER in Cville, I began to think about is this my last day here? Is it possible I could die? I'm not trying to be overly dramatic, but these were the thoughts going through my mind, during the "event". At the ER, they confirmed that I was indeed having a heart attack. This news sent my mind out of control!! I gathered myself, as best I could, and I prayed.
I confessed to God that I was scared to leave Donna, Bailey, and Grif, but if he was coming to get me tonight, I am ready. I asked him to bless my babies, and take care of them. Doug came in after that and he prayed with/ for me. I was at peace, finally. Just in time for the doctor to put morphiene (SP?) in my I.V. and then all was right with the world!! haha. I'm not going to lie, that is a GOOD drug!!
The heart cath was over around 1am, and 2 stints were put in my right coronary artery to clear a 100% blockage. The recovery has been slower than I would like, but faster than most patients (considering most of these surgeries are performed on patients 50 and older!!).
My church family has sent cards, brought food, prayed, and visited!! They have been awesome!!
Our prayer now is for stopping smoking. Two weeks as of last night and so far it hasn't been diffucult!! Thank you God.
Travis Cottrell did a live recording at Woodstock first Baptist last night that we would have loved to go to, but none of our friends could make it, and I was a little afraid to get in that large of a crowd with just Donna and I. I have heard it was incredible, and I can't wait to worship with him again.
I have a lot of follow-up doctor visits. I have 5 medications that I am currently taking, stop smoking, and in another week or so, start walking etc etc... It has been and will continue to be a new lifestyle for me/us, but worth it in the long run!!
Thank you for your prayers and I still covet your prayers!!

1 comment:

Steph said...

Craig,

I found your blog through a comment on Andrea's. It was wonderful seeing you in church on Sunday.

Steph