My ‘Alive’ Day...February 22

Today marks the 20th anniversary of my heart attack. A strange thing to celebrate perhaps but the event had a significant impact on my family, especially the kids.

My folks attended the Scout ceremony since I was laid up in the hospital.

That Saturday night, we had been in the hot tub before going to bed. I was restless and went downstairs to experience classic symptoms of wrist, left arm, shoulder and then jaw pain. I had been working in the Cath Lab for 20 years by then and my current position at Immanuel was particularly stressful and I managed a very difficult staff. Being on call was taking its toll on me as well as the late hours and everyday struggles. 

I went upstairs to awaken Brenda and ask her to take me to the ER. She smartly refused and called the squad instead who showed up to find me writhing on the floor in the family room. Brenda was making arrangements for the kids and the neighbors were awoken to the squad parked in the circle where we lived. One of our neighbors was the EMT on duty that night. The started an IV and applied patches and a BP cuff. I have been in enough of these situation to realize the ECG was not good and my pressure was through the roof.  Everyone was trying to calm me down but I knew this wasn’t good. I just wanted to get moving.

When the squad asked where we wanted to go, Brenda said Immanuel though Methodist was much closer. So we went to Immanuel which later proved to be somewhat of a mistake to have my own staff work on me. As it was the moment we arrived, I coded and required resuscitation, being shocked several times back into rhythm. Procedures these days are much different as squads are trained now to respond in more expeditious ways to these emergencies. 

I was cathed that night after being administered tPa and being intubated to find the clot in my left anterior descending was resolving but a blockage persisted. I was brought back on Sunday to place a stent. Today, tPa is rarely used and most stents are deployed during the initial Cath. In the world of cardiology, the last 40 years have been very fluid in terms of treatments and studies for what preserves the most heart muscle. I was dismissed from the ICU to home  on Monday. 

On the following Friday, I suffered a second heart attack and was recathed and stented yet again due to acute closure of the original vessel. I did not code this time but extended the damage to my injured heart. I attended rehab faithfully, quit smoking and joined the YMCA. I went 5 days a week for years. I felt reborn somewhat, alive again. 

Valentine's Dinner

This year, as in years past, Mackenzie came over for our traditional Valentine's Day feast. We had our usual dinner of filet, lobster tail and asparagus with bearnaise sauce for the steak. I ate very little because I over estimated my stamina and wore myself out. I really ate only bites but the dinner was delicious and the leftovers made a delicious pasta with Alfredo on Saturday night.  The rest of the week has been better and my appetite has been much better since. We have made frequent short trips out to shop for groceries and smaller clothes. Each outing gets a nap afterwards but I'm really doing better everyday.

Milk Bread Rolls

https://cleobuttera.com/breads-and-rolls/ultra-fluffy-milk-bread-rolls/

Rather write out the recipe for these amazing rolls I made I thought I would simply give you the link. Not sure why but this worked like charm. Tender, perfect texture and flavor.

Fresh out if the oven...they look commercial.

After the last rise and brushed with egg wash.

Special Requests

Meatloaf. Who knew? I have had several requests for the recipe of this meatloaf I made.




So, normally I don’t make meatloaf except on Brenda’s birthday but I wanted an easy, high protein snack for my recovery and my tastes since surgery have been rather unusual to say the least.

I generally make meatloaf stuffed with something and free form so the grease drains away.  This time I had leftover ricotta, provolone and an open jar of Rao’s pasta sauce.

3 pounds ground beef at least 80/20.
1 pound ground pork
5 slices white bread soaked in milk
2 eggs
1/2 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
Medium onion finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic minced
1-2 tbls Italian seasonings
1 teaspoon ground fennel seeds
Salt and pepper
I used the Kitchen Aid paddle attachment to mix this into a cohesive mass.
I lined a rimmed baking sheet with plastic wrap and spread the meat in an even layer.
Apply the toppings which  could have included a bit of leftover charcuterie I had on hand but forgot about it.
Use the wrap to tightly roll the whole thing into a tight spiral. Line the pan now with parchment and position the meat in the center. Shape and compact. Remove all the plastic wrap.
Bake at 350 to an internal temp of 165 degrees. Towards the end I like to glaze the loaf with a 3 T ketchup, 2t Dijon, 2 T brown sugar mixture and bake it on till shiny. Enjoy.

Two Steps Foward, One Step Back

We gave it our best shot and tried to remain home but the nausea got the best of me despite doses of Zofran. I pretty much brought forth three days of home living and attempts to eat. So muchso that Brenda became alarmed and called the surgery team on call and was instructed to come directly to the ER. Ben was awoken and headed over to package me up and take us to the ER.

Once there, a quick NG was inserted followed by more vomiting, a cold tip to the CT scanner and the admitted back to Werner for therapy, more contrast studies and IV nutrition. No food, no water and a great hunger. i am now empty, really empty.  
I am not sure I have ever desired food or drink more in my life but fear the result if I take it in.
Meanwhile everyone has been kind, coming to visit or texting me. I have been able to get some rest, pray privately for relief and be bored to tears. I hope the worst is over. I feel everyone pulling for me. Nothing left to do but get better.