Lisa, this is heartbreaking. And I also know first-hand what it's like to lose a relative this way. My father smoked for decades and about three years ago, he caught a cold around the holidays. He wasn't up for eating or taking medication. A visit to the doctor would only confirm something we suspect he had known for some time -- that he had some problems with his heart.
In the February following the holidays, his body had weakened and he suffered a massive heart attack, which he survived but with complications. In addition to his heart attack, he had lost oxygen to his brain and couldn't communicate in his 'normal' way. We did understand enough to bring him his favorite music -- Oldies -- during his hospital stay. In addition to his heart and brain problems, his arteries showed extreme (90 percent) blockage and he had terrible emphysema. But like many, he gambled with the risks, tried to stop smoking and couldn't quite do it. It would only be five weeks before another heart attack (despite a pacemaker) would take his life. And like you, I'm angry. On the other side, Lisa, my husband smoked for 12 years and quit when he turned 30. He used a prescription medication that he says he would do testimonials for (and he's quite the cynic). If you're interested, PM me and I'll share the details.
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Lisa, this is heartbreaking. And I also know first-hand what it's like to lose a relative this way. My father smoked for decades and about three years ago, he caught a cold around the holidays. He wasn't up for eating or taking medication. A visit to the doctor would only confirm something we suspect he had known for some time -- that he had some problems with his heart.
In the February following the holidays, his body had weakened and he suffered a massive heart attack, which he survived but with complications. In addition to his heart attack, he had lost oxygen to his brain and couldn't communicate in his 'normal' way. We did understand enough to bring him his favorite music -- Oldies -- during his hospital stay. In addition to his heart and brain problems, his arteries showed extreme (90 percent) blockage and he had terrible emphysema. But like many, he gambled with the risks, tried to stop smoking and couldn't quite do it. It would only be five weeks before another heart attack (despite a pacemaker) would take his life. And like you, I'm angry. On the other side, Lisa, my husband smoked for 12 years and quit when he turned 30. He used a prescription medication that he says he would do testimonials for (and he's quite the cynic). If you're interested, PM me and I'll share the details.
Thank you for sharing your story.
Tina T
January 12, 2009 - 4:31pmThis Comment
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