.

[This message has been edited by JazzMan (edited 12-04-2008).]

James,
Why would you even consider not following your doctors orders?
Though we've had our philosophical disagreements, it will become much more serious if you don't follow the docs orders.
I'll track you down and take you in myself.

Get the damn procedure done! My God Man, this is gonna kill you! Do it and do it now!

Tried calling, apparently, someone else is chewing you out about this.
Seriously, go get the procedure done.

Ron

[This message has been edited by blackrams (edited 06-07-2008).]

quote Originally posted by JazzMan: Anyway, I honestly don't know if I'll live to Monday, live to the procedure, or even wake up tomorrow morning. I'm not scared per se, more mad than anything since I have things I want to do still, and haven't got my will done.

Wow, what can a person say after a post like that...

JazzMan, I realize you won't be able to see my response at this time, but I certainly hope you'll be around in the future to access this post (and the other posts sure to follow).

Best of luck with the procedure. Here's hoping there's improvement in your health on the horizon.

Good luck with your procedure!! Don't wait!!

Most health insurance has a maximum out of pocket year expense... like about $3500 or $5000 for a family just so that you aren't saddled by hospital debt... and there are programs through the hospital itself to deal with the huge financial debt which you can look into after you're well again if yours doesn't.

I seriously hope they can just do a stent and that you will be good as new after the procedure... it is much better to do the procedure than to have to do it while you're having or have just had a heart attack.. Don't wait!!

My stepmother had to go through this, and while waiting on surgery started into another heart attack after the cath procedure, they had to go back in and place a balloon into her heart to ease the pain and keep them from doing emergency surgery that night... she was scheduled for 7 am the next morning... they went in, did a 6 bypass and everything went well.. Don't wait!!

If she hadn't went to the dr. on my dad's insistence where they did blood work and determined she had a mild heart attack, the next one would have killed her and there wouldn't of been a thing we could have done... Don't wait!!

Did I mention not waiting? Good luck!! We'll send prayers... again, Don't Wait!!

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quote Originally posted by Patrick: Wow, what can a person say after a post like that... JazzMan, I realize you won't be able to see my response at this time, but I certainly hope you'll be around in the future to access this post (and the other posts sure to follow). Best of luck with the procedure. Here's hoping there's improvement in your health on the horizon.

i second that, best of luck even tho by the time you read this it will have been done.

Don't worry about the cost or insurance right now, Jazz. Just get yourself taken care of.

I wouldn't cash in retirement or anything like that. Just work with the hospital to pay after the fact. As long as you make an "effort" to pay, they usually leave you alone. So you send them $20 a month for the rest of your life, or until it's paid off. No biggie, and don't worry about it.

I wouldn't worry too much about the procedure. If you're gonna have a heart attack - what better place to have one? Seriously.

BTW, nice job on camouflaging your phone number.
Reminded me of this:


Best wishes for a full and speedy recovery. Take care of yourself.

[This message has been edited by Formula88 (edited 06-07-2008).]

The good news is these procedures are pretty much routine and they happen in the controlled environment of a hospital. My father had this procedure done several times to have stents put in and eventually had to have bypass surgery. He has several blockages that were at 90%. He hasn't had any more p[roblems since the bypass and it's been about ten years now.
The doctors have to make you aware of any complications that can occur during any procedure. This is how they cover their rear if something happens, but even if it does, they will be able to take action right away to prevent any damage.
Your medical insurance should cover most of this except for your deductable. Hopefully it isn't high. You could choose to not have anything done, but you could also not wake up one morning or ever again if you do.

[This message has been edited by avengador1 (edited 06-07-2008).]

Try to remember what you have isn't a condition in it's own right, it's a *symptom*. There is a greater issue at hand and needs to be taken care or it will happen again. Simply removing/unclogging you isn't a cure and is not something you want to do ever, let alone repeatedly.

Ask for a CRP test (C-Reacitive Protein) if this test is high you have blood vessel inflammation. You are young from what I remember in one of your posts, which indicates a different problem other than a poor diet with high carbs, hydrogenerated oils, margarines etc.. . If you have high CRP your body is fighting it with a layer of fat, it layers the fat over the inflammation in the vessels which causes this problem.

I know everyone is trying to help you and it can become aggravating so I won't post a whole slew of things you could/should do. If you do want suggestions or outside help do pm me.

Good luck and keep us updated.

My wife's granddad (Papaw) has had several stents put in. It's a pretty common procedure these days. My mom works as case manager for the floor of the local hospital that does these things as well. If the doc says NOW, he means it and you really ought to be going in for it.

Very rarely do they have any of the problems the doctors warned you about. They are required to warn you though, since there is a chance for all of the above.

Get the procedure done. You will feel much better afterwards. Much faster than you will expect.

Typically stents are good for a couple of years (YMMV). Papaw is going to go in for bypass the next time he has problems.

I spoke with him on the phone a few minutes ago.
He is aware of the seriousness of the symptoms, and of the underlying cause(s). He intends to have this done, as soon as the details can be hammered out, regarding which medical facility and exactly when.

Get it done. I work in IT in a large Healthcare system. Risk are lower than the doctors make it seem. So many lawsuits they have to give you ALL the risk even if its less than 1% chance because someone was sue happy. On large expesnsive surgeries like this your local hospital should have options for payments. I can't say for sure but payment options normally exist and its your LIFE don't mess with it.

Best wishes from Kerrville Jazz. Prayers and vibes sent, .

Another voice telling you to go for it.
This has become a commonplace procedure. I know several folks who have had it done.
(One of them is a guy I work with. Non-smoker. Thin as a rail. Except that he had the bad fortune to have the heart attack, before he got treated.)

Don't wait.
I don't believe that you're in any imminent danger since you survived the stress test (to paraphrase your comments) but don't take any chances.

The others are right about all of the gloom and doom warnings.
The doctors have to give you the "worst case" scenario. It's a CYA measure, so that you can't say that you weren't advised.

what the hell Jazzy
man, stop being cheap! Eat right! get the procedure done soon! What you gonna go out for a 2nd opion and spend more $$ to hear the same thing AGAIN?!?!? come on James.
Stop being so depressed!! stop feeling so bad on yourself! I bet some of that is from you worring about everything. What happened to rebuilding the tranny? that should be GREAT therapy!!
If it is your job...get a better one!! If you are struggling with the one job, get a 2nd job or a better paying one. hell go help out Loyde! haha
It is sad that I have to hear this. And what is with those crazy test?? NEVER heard of any of them. The doc ( see the postasium thread) should have told you something was wrong from the blood pressure check they give you at the start of every visit!! I bet a cloged vessal will show high pressure.

Now go pull up your boots on and kick your azz in gear!!The RIGHT GEAR!


Oh and take pics

Good luck with the procedure JazzMan. Think positive. Everything will be fine.

They do the same thing as an out patient at our clinic. Its not even close to what it was just a few years ago.
James I will say a prayer for you and send some good thoughts your way.

As for paying for it, our clinic is in business for the money (who isn't) but they will work with people. My wifes x owed over a million dollars to doctors and he just made his payment each month. What else can you do?

I was superman for years and didn't go to the doctor, but its time. We are both about the same age and have to realize that there is no reason to save or build things if we are not around to enjoy them.
Good luck to you brother.
Jake

James, as others have said, this is a relatively common procedure now, and the doctor is giving you ALL of the possible outcomes, most of which never happen. My wife suffered a mild heart attack when she was 45, and she had two stents put in. No problems since then, other than having some atrial fib problems, but those are attributed to the heart attack, not the stents. Also, again as others have said, as long as you're making payments to the hospital/doctors, etc., there's not a whole lot they can say about it. I'm hoping you get another chance to get on the Internet, and see what others have said about having the procedure done. Yes, it will cost a lot. Yes, there can be complications. But what is the alternative? I know that you feel that you have no friends....I've read some of your writings on this subject. But I think you'll find that you do, in fact, have many friends. They might not live near you....they might be Internet friends. But in a community such as Pennock's, those Internet friends are very real, and they really do care about what happens to you. So please...go have the procedure done, and worry about all the other stuff later....you ARE worth it.

Good luck to you Jazzman!

Best wishes for your recovery. Get well soon.

Well wish everything is gonna go real fine for you men .
I've been through 3 bypasses 3 years ago , not a chance to have a stent . 3 arterys blocked at 90%
I was playing hockey at 57 with guys of 30 and over twice a week and sometimes 3 times.
Noticed that i was out of breath while walking in the parking lot going to work tought i was getting allergic to work LOL, said to myself it can't be such a thing like heart problem .
But i went to consult and the results were there .
Got the operation 3 weeks later .
Now i'm retired and enjoying the life the most i can .
But due to diabetes it's a little bit hard but that's another story .
So don't worry they have to tell you what can happen .
Good luck and i appreciate every bit of the topics you are writing here on PFF one of the best if not the best .
Regard Robert
BTW i just turned 61 and i love my Fiero so hope you will be here for a while need you to fix it .

[This message has been edited by Robert 2 (edited 06-07-2008).]

Wow, what a post!
Sorry about your troubles. Finds me thinking about destiny and no matter how much we try, we can only nudge it one way
of another. My Dad has always made a point of taking care of himself and entering retirement looking 10+ years younger than he
was at the time. 5 years later, he found out he has pancreatic cancer that runs in his family. He has spent years giving my
mom heck about being heavy and eating "junk" and then finds out he is the one that gets sick.

You can do a hand written will and it will be enforced, just make sure it gets to someone you trust.
http://lentillem.com/practice.html?bpid=100

Although I don't know you that well, your post it touching man and I hope the Lord Jesus will protect you. St. Anthony is the saint of Miracles so St. Anthony, pray for James"Jazzman".

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1986 GT Fiero Owner & Enthusiast
For Fiero updates, visit my site and don't forget to click on the ads!
http://educatorstop15.we.bs/fieropage.htm

Gave you a call. Good luck man...

Good gravy man! Money's money. But this forum only has one Jazzman. Well wishes sent your way. Doctors are doctors for a reason. Listen to them. How many people have you heard utter the words "I wish he/she'd listened to their doctor."

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Whade' "The Duck Formerly Known As Wade" Duck
'87 GT Auto
'88 Ferrario
'84 Indy

Sorry to hear about that man. Good luck with everything jazzman, hope everything turns out ok.

Zach

I just got off of the phone with Jazz, he was on the way to the hospital. He stress level was really high. I explained to him about my experiences along these same exact lines from 1994's Christmas Eve night. He has some one to keep us all updated.
Joe Crawford
Texas

Praying for PFF's MVP (Most Valuable Poster)... Also changing the wish from when I blew out my birthday candles the other day...

Pull through buddy.

Best Wishes in your procedure. You never know about these things. You could have another 40 years ahead of you. So take care of yourself.

quote Originally posted by litespd: But I think you'll find that you do, in fact, have many friends. They might not live near you....they might be Internet friends. But in a community such as Pennock's, those Internet friends are very real, and they really do care about what happens to you. So please...go have the procedure done, and worry about all the other stuff later....you ARE worth it.

If it wasn't for your clear, pictured, 'how to' threads, my Fiero would be in a junk yard, and would have been there a few years ago too. You've 'saved' more Fiero's than you might be aware of. I'm thinking the Pope would like to see a few more "miraculous" cures before you are up for 'Patron Saint of Fiero's'. We need you, who's going to help 'Teach the Children'?

Outside of this thread, staying away from OT can only aid your recovery. I'm willing to put NSFJ, 'Not safe for JazzMan' in the title of any new threads.

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Ol' Paint, 88 Base coupe auto.
Turning white on top, like owner.
Leaks a little, like owner.
Doesn't smoke....... OK, we're trying to quit.

To start, let go with the important: "You are in my prayers"

To finish, let me say thank you for all the help you have given to everyone of us when we were stuck. In your time of need, I hope that our prayers and well wishes serve you well as you take your next step. I hope no one minds me talking for the group, but we all wish you the best and a speedy recovery.

If you do not mind, could you keep us informed? I understand this is a bit personal, but I would like to know how you are doing... if you don't mind.

Get well, my friend.
Myke

P.s. Thank you "maryjane", I never would have know if you were not such a good friend... The msg. in "tech" was brilliant. Thank you.

The pamphlet I received earlier this year was called “Understanding Angioplasty and Stenting” and it’s a scary thing to face. But you and I are the lucky ones who discovered a heart problem before damage or death occurred. Wishing you all the best with the procedure and in recovery.

Having battled my own fair share of problems over the years Jazzman all I can add that hasn't been said is think positive at all times and may things get fixed soon. Well maybe it has been said but I am saying it anyway.

Only just sat down and read this, James. All I can add is this..I hope the Lord watches over you, and gives you the desire to get better. It has to come from within, my Friend. And hope is the best medicine WE can give ourselves. A bleak outlook is not the best, and the sadness in many of your OT posts shines through.Just remind yourself, by reading these affectionate and caring posts from your PFF world, and realise you are an exceptionally valuable member of this Community, and no matter how hard the words some have used against you in certain aspects of your beliefs, they pale in comparison to the importance of your wellbeing to us.
God Bless and help you to get better. Not only in this ailment, but also in your general sadness and despair....I sure am asking it of Him.
Nick

[This message has been edited by fierofetish (edited 06-08-2008).]

James you will be in my thoughts. I would not worry about the money if I were you. There are plenty of programs to help with medical expenses out there. Besides, you can't put a price on your own personal health.

Nothing is more stressful than placing your life in the hands of strangers to whom you are nothing more than a statistic and a paycheck. But Jazz, You have to do it. I went through the same grief years ago when I had to get a tumor removed. The cost of doing nothing was too great to trying something.

We'll be sending good vibes your way.

quote Originally posted by whadeduck: Good gravy man! Money's money. But this forum only has one Jazzman. Well wishes sent your way.

Hell, this world only has one Jazzman. Dude, it wouldn't be the same around here without you. Get well, okay??

Ed

James, I too will keep you in my prayers.
Please keep us posted!!!

Sending you all the luck in the world!!! (well I would if I had that power)

*HUGS*

Dar

Best wishes Jazz, you can get through this.

quote Originally posted by DtheC: 'Patron Saint of Fiero's'.

I second that lol! well said

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1986 GT Fiero Owner & Enthusiast
For Fiero updates, visit my site and don't forget to click on the ads!
http://educatorstop15.we.bs/fieropage.htm

Wow, I was lucky enough to run into Jazzman at Wheatstock a few years back. Not only is he extremely helpful on the forums, but I think I remember him wishing he brought his tools to repair my steering column while he was there. Jazz, you helped me learn a lot about how things work on a car, and your help on the forums has been something that I probably couldn't have done without. If it wasn't for you my first fiero would be in a junk yard and I wouldn't own three now and be planning to put a s/c 3800 in one. You've made an impact on my life whether you knew it or not, and I wish you the best to get through these hard times. My thoughts will be with you .