Emily has just reminded me - a day late here, but on time on the Pacific Coast of the United States - that I have reached another milestone personally. The 19th November is of course my Re-Birthday.
It's the date when, 11 years ago, I had a massive heart attack, was hospitalised in an induced coma, and then flown by air-ambulance to Newcastle (the Aussie version) where I eventually had a defibrillator installed and was discharged home.
Eleven years on I'm in great shape! I can still run, walk for a couple of hours, climb mountain trails and ride my bike up to 100 km a week. Moreover, the defibrillator has never been actioned as far as I know and my regular medical check-ups show nothing serious other than a slight decline my hearing.
So I count myself very lucky indeed. But this may have something to do with the circumstances behind the attack. Basically, I was running late for an appointment and cycled home furiously. Somewhere en route a bit of plaque broke off in my blood circulation system and ended up jamming my heart - or part of it. Yet when the doctors opened me up surgically the most any vein was blocked was only c. 40% and many were apparently pretty clear. My subsequent lifestyle improvements (mostly food and exercise) have wound back most adverse readings even to the extent about being warned that my cholesterol level is too low.
So I'm a happy chappy and intend going full bore for the next 29 years. By then I'll be 102 and possibly celebrating my 40th re-birthday. Put the date in your diaries.
AS
It's the date when, 11 years ago, I had a massive heart attack, was hospitalised in an induced coma, and then flown by air-ambulance to Newcastle (the Aussie version) where I eventually had a defibrillator installed and was discharged home.
Eleven years on I'm in great shape! I can still run, walk for a couple of hours, climb mountain trails and ride my bike up to 100 km a week. Moreover, the defibrillator has never been actioned as far as I know and my regular medical check-ups show nothing serious other than a slight decline my hearing.
So I count myself very lucky indeed. But this may have something to do with the circumstances behind the attack. Basically, I was running late for an appointment and cycled home furiously. Somewhere en route a bit of plaque broke off in my blood circulation system and ended up jamming my heart - or part of it. Yet when the doctors opened me up surgically the most any vein was blocked was only c. 40% and many were apparently pretty clear. My subsequent lifestyle improvements (mostly food and exercise) have wound back most adverse readings even to the extent about being warned that my cholesterol level is too low.
So I'm a happy chappy and intend going full bore for the next 29 years. By then I'll be 102 and possibly celebrating my 40th re-birthday. Put the date in your diaries.
AS
1 comment:
Belated Happy re-birthday!
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