AskMenOver30

If something seems wrong for more than 24 hours, get to a doctor, urgent care, or ER.

Thanksgiving, 2018. I was 49 years old. A good time was had by all. Met the girl who would become my daughter-in-law.

3 days later I developed really bad heartburn. Yes, I did have that extra plate of sweet potatoes. "Take some pepto, you'll be fine."

Monday - heartburn all day. "Eh, it's the holidays, you're already working from home, don't be a wuss."

Tuesday - "Man, I wish I could have got to sleep last night, oh well, work isn't going to do itself."

Wednesday - Massive nausea and vomiting. "OK, now I'm taking a day off."

Thursday - Heartburn moved into my upper arms. "That's a thing??!?!?" Center of my chest feels like there's a chunk of granite, pulling down on all my innards.

Advice nurse: "Yeah, go to the ER, get checked out. Don't drive yourself."

ER: "Blood test confirms the heart attack, come with us."

Thursday: Cardiac ward.

Friday: Cardiac ward doctor: "That heavy feeling is your heart, every time it beats, it's only pumping out 30% of what it's supposed to. That's the line between 'walking around, talking to people', and 'no longer walking around, talking to people.' You have to have open heart surgery."

Saturday-Sunday: Cardiac ward.

Monday: Open heart surgery, ICU.

Tuesday: ICU "OK, let's get you up and walking around!" Really? Are you sure? "Yup! Come with us! Let's see you walk!"

Wed-Thur: Cardiac ward.

Fri: Back home on a 6 week recovery clock.