How I spent my Summer Vacation, parts 1 and 2

Ironmaster Oddities · August 4, 2015

Back in the day, it seemed like we all had to rehash our summer exploits to either prove our writing skills or appeal to the vicarious interest of our newest English teacher. How was/is your summer "vacation"?

So, in honor of 2 of my favorite teachers,Mrs. Losure and Mrs McCall, here is a recap of 2015 to date:

Part 1. Memorial Day through the 4th of July weekend>

Terrific Fishing trip to Manitoba for a week or so. Lots of big, toothy fish.

Some golf. Major signs of improvement. Seem to be feeling the swinging motion for the first time in years.

Gonna play a lot of golf this year. Look out, July Invitationals; here I come....

We plan and God laughs.

Part 2, July 7th. 1:20 AM.

I Can't seem to get comfortable and fall asleep. Kind of a stiff neck... Better change pillows. No help.

Left arm aches. Just can't get comfortable. Mention to my wife that I am experiencing a slight amount of discomfort. She suggests that I might consider some medical attention. nah.

Add in a little chest pain and some nausea.

all the classic indicators. Now, I am a great salesman. but, Try as I might, I cannot sell myself on the idea that I am not having a heart attack.

"Honey, why don't you drive me to the ER?"

"Shouldn't we call an ambulance?

"No, it would wake up the neighbors. Besides we can get to the hospital by the time the ambulance gets here. Let's roll."

Now, at 2:00 AM in a small, midwestern town, you can make pretty good time on the roads. Under the circumstances, running a stop light or 2 shouldn't be a problem. Unless the only other vehicle on the road happens to be a city police car. Slight delay as they meticulously run our plate. But after convincing the local gendarmes that we are not out for a joy ride, they let us continue to the hospital. I thought that the least they would do was escort us there, sirens blaring and lightbars flashing. But, instead, they headed off ( for the nearest all night donut shop?) and we cruised on our own. A lot less paperwork that way.

needless to say, my golf has been curtailed... but at least I don't have a gopher for a mailman.

TimV · August 4, 2015

Glad you're still with us!

oldschoolrocker · August 4, 2015

In my prayers Bob. Lost a childhood friend a few days ago from a heart attack, and one of my cousins is having open heart surgery next week. At our ages we must pay attention to the signs.

scomac2002 · August 4, 2015

Wow! Your experience is almost a carbon copy of how I spent my first few days in Florida this winter. We headed down for a golf holiday and to take in a bit of spring training. I spent my first three days there in hospital with chest pain and various other classic symptoms that you described.

I came out the other side just fine with an adjustment in medication and even managed to get a round in while we were in Florida. I hope that you will also reach a successful conclusion to your ordeal. Wishing you the best IO. :good:

Ironmaster Oddities · August 4, 2015

[quote name='oldschoolrocker' timestamp='1438735497' post='12079846']
In my prayers Bob. Lost a childhood friend a few days ago from a heart attack, and one of my cousins is having open heart surgery next week. At our ages we must pay attention to the signs.
[/quote]
Sorry about your old friend. We never really know how vulnerable we are
. Is your cousin having bypass or valve surgery? I wish him all the best.

We are really fortunate to have a world-class cardiac/thoracic
facility here in town. It is amazing to me that they do bypass procedures like mine daily.
To quote the late, great Louis Grizzard, "they tore out my heart and stomped that sucker flat". But after a quadruple bypass, they had me on my feet the same day!
Home in 5 days. From day 1, my only pain has been when I cough. Well, removing the staples was a bit uncomfortable.
I hope to be driving in a couple weeks and playing a little golf before Labor Day. I probably have a little different perspective on the quality of my game.
At our age we need to remember that we are all on the back nine. The kicker is that we don't know how long ago we made the turn.
So savor each day like we stole it.

Kathy Marie · August 5, 2015

Very, [i]very, [/i][color=#ff0000][b]VERY [/b][/color]happy you're still with us, Uncle Bob!!!

And TY for the Excellent Advice,

:wave:

KM

HoldenCornfield · August 5, 2015

Bob, so glad to hear you're doing better. As you said, we all have to face our mortality sooner or later, some of us much sooner than we expected. It definitely changes our perspective on life and the things in it that really count. I concentrate on doing more of the things I enjoy, and with people I like, while furiously avoiding the things and people that bring me down...except for work, that is. Still haven't figured out a way around that!

As for my summer vacation...well, we didn't take one. I was too busy covering at the office for everyone who [i]did[/i] go on vacation. D@#!, maybe I didn't learn anything after all.

But, I still have vacation time coming, and plan to take advantage of it this November for a trip to Mid Pines and the hickory tournament there.

Wishing you a speedy recovery, Bob!

oldschoolrocker · August 5, 2015

I believe he is having a valve job Bob. Right side of his heart is the issue. Heart rate jumps up more than double what it should be.
Tried to walk 18 this morning will a pull cart instead of carrying. Lasted 8 holes before the sciatica kicked in. Very frustrated at the moment.

Ironmaster Oddities · August 24, 2015

update from the Injured reserve list:

Thank you to everyone for your kind words.
I have been paroled, somewhat. I've been driving for 10 days...cars, not golf balls.
However, last week the Dr. said I could chip and putt, which I took to mean shots up to 50 yards, or so.

Maybe I will become a better wedge player. So far, there is no indication of that taking place.
Rex 235 may be coming to see me tomorrow. So we might take a bunch of wedges to the practice facility and give it a go.

walking a couple times every day. Not far, maybe 3/4 mile. no longer out of breath after a walk. But climbing a couple flights of stairs
still kicks my butt.

I've lost 35 pounds...probably another 35-40 or so to go. Progress, not perfection. Low sodium and low carb dining. Fish and Chicken are my standard fare of late.
Although I do lust after a nice slab of red meat. Prime Rib would be just fine. Give me the end cut, please, with all the salt and other verboten stuff rubbed into it.

It is hard to believe that less than 7 weeks ago I was being carved up like a Thanksgiving Turkey. But they had me up walking the same day.
I have had virtually no pain throughout this ordeal. The quality of care was exceptional.

I'm getting stronger every day. ( I think I remember a song..) Still no heavy lifting for at least another month. By heavy lifting, they mean 10 pounds.
10 #? Whiskey Tango Foxtrot. I have bowel movements way larger than that. Sorry...TMI,.

But it has been a wake-up call. Now, when someone says it is good to see me, I tell them "it is better to be seen... than viewed"

Golf your ball
Uncle Bob

oldschoolrocker · August 24, 2015

In our thoughts and prayers Bob. You hang in there and do what the doc tells you to do.

scomac2002 · August 24, 2015

Glad to hear that your recovery is going so well, Uncle Bob!

Upwards and onwards! :good:

freddiec · August 24, 2015

Glad your ok Bob. Take care buddy..

TimV · August 25, 2015

It's good to hear of your recovery Uncle Bob and I enjoy your perspective of it and sense of humor.
Be Well.

Blade Junkie · August 26, 2015

OMG Uncle Bob! So Glad you are still with us ..... your thread about the Niles Hoard is still one of my all time favourites!

Plenty of time left I hope for more great posts, and to perfect that wedge game

Take it easy ... !