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She's still afloat - and so am I!

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Fantasy II
1st Mate

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USA
80 Posts

Initially Posted - 12/15/2006 : 18:52:08

I finally got down to the sailing club and my boat after a six week absence, and there she was, all warm and dry inside, battery fully charged, no rain leaks detected, and just begging to get out of her slip.

The reason for my long absence, however, still prevents me from taking her out.
It started Oct 10 with a heart catherization, which revealed two fully-blocked and one partially-blocked coronary arteries. Of course I was scheduled for Coronary Bypass surgery, which took place Nov 11. After only three days in hospital with very little pain or discomfort, my doc discharged me and I went home to heal.

Thursday, December 14 was my post-op check with the doc, and he gave me a full green light to resume all of my activities, IF I felt OK to do them. That's what got me down to the boat yesterday, immediately after leaving the doctor's office.

The boat looks to be in fine order, but I think I'll give myself a few more weeks before hoisting the sails

Even here in California the weather has turned rainy and cold (for here), so it's probably a good idea to wait.

What I would like to tell everyone is this: IF you have experienced any chest pain or shortness of breath, do NOT be afraid of the consequences! I thought it was going to be a terrific ordeal, but the whole procedure was easy to get through. And now, with a fresh, reliable blood supply to my heart, I should have years more to enjoy sailing.

Bill
Stockton CA
'81 Cat 25 TR FK
"Fantasy II"
'88 Cat 27 SR FK "Deja Vu

Edited by - Fantasy II on 12/15/2006 18:56:02

Chris Z
Captain

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452 Posts

Response Posted - 12/15/2006 : 19:16:18

Bill,
I am glad to hear how well you are doing after going through it. My dad had a quad bypass a few years back and is in better shape today then our neighbor of 28. I have to say hearing these type o things help you realize to not put things off till tomorrow.

Edited by - on

britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 12/15/2006 : 19:23:51

Glad the Draino worked ok, if you didn't do it before, then like the rest of us should be doing, do it now!

Work out!

Enjoy that first Sail Bill!

Paul.

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Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 12/15/2006 : 22:59:22

I am sure the love and support of those around you were as important as the doctors. Now to the boat and therapy!

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sweetcraft
Admiral

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USA
816 Posts

Response Posted - 12/16/2006 : 00:31:33

Yes, I too will start my therapy soon as I just today got my results of a headache that is from a spinal disk in the neck, not all those other things that can happen in your head. Got home today, made a lot of calls and went out to look at the boat and will have to get that heater in it so I can winter cruise.

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PZell
Admiral

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USA
548 Posts

Response Posted - 12/16/2006 : 10:28:34

I went thru similar experience in 2002. Lucky for me I checked out the pain I was having when I exercised vigorously. I had what was called the widowmaker blockage and you only get one heart attack with that one. Same experience with hospital. Wife sez I was a better patient after heart surgery than I am when whining because I have a cold. LOL. Now do lots of exercise. Walking/swimming/clogging and free weight training. I'm in some of the best shape ever even tho I'm over the 65 hump. Diet and exercise is the key. My first few sails after I was allowed was with my buddy Jim on Hey Jude. He was a brick while I was recovering. Good luck.

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Captain Bill
Navigator

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USA
148 Posts

Response Posted - 12/18/2006 : 21:13:06

Like Bill said, "What I would like to tell everyone is this: IF you have experienced any chest pain or shortness of breath, do NOT be afraid of the consequences!" I agree 100% but I'll also suggest that if you have any pain in chest or arms or are short of breath or both that you have it thoroughtly checked by a coronary specialist. After all, we didn't have these pains when we were 20 or 30. Our body is trying to tell us something.

I was lucky to have survived a heart attack and 5 by-pass surgery when I was 58. Eight years later I feel great and am thankful for the skills of the physicians and advances in medicine. So again, please don't ignore the symptoms like I did. I was very fortunate.

Happy sailing to all,

Bill

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.