A quick update:
Yesterday I was discharged from the hospital. Thanks to Martin MacDonald who picked me up and drove me home. #Brotherhood #Strong.
For those with a medical background or interest: I was diagnosed with: St Elevation Myocardial Infarction (Stemi) (Cms-Hcc). My diagnosis also included: Cardiogenic Shock (Cms-Hcc), Bradycardia, Mixed Hyperlipidemia, Coronary Artery Disease.
All people in the ICU were super surprised by my age. Having this at 43 is not common, so the most likely cause is genetics & stress. In the past days, I’ve had several conversations with my parents, and we urged my brother to get checked up as well to make sure he doesn’t have similar issues.
From the moment I walked my dog, around 6:30 am, to the time I checked into the hospital, 7:15, to the end of the operation, there was just 90 minutes in between. The doctor told me they have a standard to have a patient helped within 60 minutes between check-in and end of the procedure. 90 minutes is critical. It took the staff of Valley Care Hospital just under 44 minutes to have me fixed up from check in to end of the operation.
The doctor went into my right arm Radial Artery at the wrist with a catheter to open the blockage and place a stent in the vessel which was blocked, which was the Circumflex Coronary Artery. Angioplasty performed from the radial artery is also called
So the fact I understood that I was having a heart attack probably must have saved my life! I knew the symptoms, which saved my life. I could easily have been one of those stories you hear that everything was fine, up to the day I dropped dead on the street.
Luckily this was not the case. I’m not done yet!
Today is the first day of the rest of my life. Although we were already living as a healthy family, we will continue to live more healthy. The doctor didn’t give me certain diet restrictions only moderation, but I will self-restrict. See my healthy breakfast (Oatmeal with raspberries & blueberries and some nuts), the book I started this morning; How not to Die (which I bought weeks ago already) and my daily doses of pill cocktail.
It’s going to be a long way in recovery. I feel tired easily, and I’m out of breath just after a couple of meters of walking. I’m getting Cardiac Physiotherapy, where I will work with professionals to regain my confidence in exercise.
I’m really blown away by all your support messages from everybody. From all over the world I received well wishes. People standing in line to help me out, and come to visit me. From my family & friends in The Netherlands to my SEO community, to my current- & former colleagues at Fanatics, Airbnb & eBay. The care package was so attentive, and knowing my team at work having my back, makes all the difference!
But what is more special, is that my
I’m taking it easy, I’m probably healthier than last week as the blood is flowing into my heart.
Next few weeks will be focused on recovery and check-ups. After that, we will see, but you ain’t seen nothing yet what I’m about to do!
I’ve got big plans, big plans I say!