Living and fishing
Had a pain in the center of my chest and a fairly severe headache on the right side this evening. It was nearly identical to the pain I felt nearly four years ago, when my body first told me I had heart disease requiring triple-bypass heart surgery, which I had six weeks later. It’s probably nothing to worry about. But I’ll call my doctor tomorrow and get a few tests, just in case I’m being given the chance once again to make a preemptive strike against death.
Funny how we perceive things as we grow older. I’m 65, in good shape except for my heart disease, and I’ve got a good outlook on life with a lot of work left to do. A pain in the center of my chest, for me, is just a reality check. I’ve already had a good life, founded BHM, and have a great family. I’m on “extra” time.”
That’s compared to many measures: My father’s lifetime was 57 years; he was born in 1907. The average life expectancy of people born in the U.S. 100 years ago was about 50 years. (It’s 76 to 81, depending on gender, today.) In 1900, the world life expectancy was only about 30 years (today, it’s about 64). During the Roman Empire, Romans had an approximate life expectancy of 22 to 25 years. So I feel fortunate to have lived in the modern era. I’ve already lived three times longer than the Romans.
The wind here is expected to die down (what a pun!) Wednesday, so Silveira and I will go out on the Pacific Ocean and try to catch a ling cod, or at least a big black rock fish.
July 28th, 2009 at 3:11 pm
Good job on not the least hesitation to see your doctor on the least suspicion of a problem… you owe it to your grandchildren to do so.
When you go out on the ocean to fish be sure to have everything needed to survive the most unexpected emergency… you owe it to your grandchildren to be around as long as you can.
Meantime, Cheers!
July 28th, 2009 at 6:26 pm
Hey, Dave, glad to hear that you are heading in to the doctor tomorrow. I hope that he finds you in good health and that there is nothing serious going on. Keep your readers in touch, will you? Thank you for always putting out an incredibly informative, sensible, and well thought out magazine. We look forward to many more issues and your continued input.
July 30th, 2009 at 12:18 pm
keep us posted on your doctor visit…..a lot of readers out here care about you all!!!
August 3rd, 2009 at 3:29 pm
I’m going to be very surprised if you have any heart problems. Think they will find something much simpler or maybe nothing at all! Take care, and keep us all posted!
August 3rd, 2009 at 9:27 pm
It could have been a spasm in the blood vessel, the cardiologist guessed. He thought it significant that it happened while I was relaxing, but that I had no symptoms the previous three days when mixing concrete to build my daughter’s fence. He ordered a new lipid panel, gave me a new Nitro prescription, and told me to call him if it happens while I’m exercising. I think I’m in the clear, and I’ve been playing B-ball with youngest son, Sam, the last several days. Exercise is important if you’ve got ticker troubles.
August 4th, 2009 at 12:26 pm
Dave, my hubby had a quad bypass fifteen years ago at age 46. Blood pressure always fine and no pain the first 10-12 years but the last 2-3 years he has chest pain upon exertion like swimming or too much exercise. He is an RN and takes a nitro before hitting the pool. So, while we are disappointed things aren’t quite a good a before, he still has an active life and takes good care of things. We are sure hoping all will turn out well for you! Please keep your fans posted. We all want to know!!!