Warning Signs...

[Keith May]

Hello everyone. I've been a member of POG for several years. Though I don't make posts very often I do log on almost every day to stay up on what's going on. My story seems to be very common with many of you, rode and raced back in the 60's and 70's. I bought a '72 Six Days and started winning at the local level! That puts my age in the mid 50's.
I'm home right now recuperating from open-heart surgery. I'm one of the lucky ones! Please don't take this the wrong way, this isn't about me. I'm hoping to get this message out to those who may not be paying attention to the warning signs. My symptoms started with slight shortness of breath and an indigestion type feeling, not what I would consider "chest pains". I scheduled a physical with my doctor and she set me up with a stress-echo test just to rule out heart problems as I had told her I was having acid-reflux issues. The end result is triple bypass surgery.
The anethesiologist for my surgery is a fellow dirt biker and we belong to the same club. He tells me, along with my surgeon, that I should be able to return to dirt biking after rehab and enough time to work up to it.
Again, this isn't about me. Listen to what your body is telling you. If not you, then maybe a family member or riding buddy. Don't allow them to just "walk it off". Some aches and pains may be normal, especially the older we get. Don't take that chance, check it out.

[firstturn]

Thanks and Great Advice.

Ron Carbaugh

[tomale]

Thanks, several years ago I was hauled off to the hospital and they did a battery of test... I was sure that I had heart problems but at least in my case it was not... but since then I have made a lot of changes to the way I eat... blood pressure is back in the normal range, resting heart rate again normal even if i was 20 years younger and the cholesterol is a bit high but my doctor is not worried about it anymore... I quess I am saying don't wait till you have warning signs to make the changes you know you need to make.. I do not like doing Memorial services. I attended one last summer for a Hodaka rider that died at a races, He felt weak and pulled off the track and that was it...  that day is coming, no need to speed up the inevitable.

Thom Green,Still crazy after all these years!
76' 250 MC5 (orginal owner)74'
250 hare scrambler (project bike)

[joe novak]

Thanks for the wake up call and a reality check.  Hope your recuperation goes well.  Keep us up to date.

[VICTOR MONZ]

I was racing hot and heavy in 2005 and at our CALVMX Annual Year end Banquest, had a major heart attack (MI) and by the Grace of God was 4 blocks from Polomar Hospital and was in surgey within 45 minutes...no heart damage and a couple stents. God had a plan for me.

What I didn't realize and subsequently learned I had been having symptons for about a year before.  Figured it was the racing, being out of shape and smoking cig's.....I know now what a few symptons are to be awarse of...yet I do not always follow directions.

Anyway...I am Blessed to be alive and sharing this information.

If anyone would like to discuss syptoms..  [email protected]  I would be happy and honored to share my experience with you.

Glad to be alive and ok.  I say ok but not well (mental issues still plagued me...I think I am bulletproof and indestructible)

Thanks to you all over the years for the prayers and calls.

Victor

[Britt Boyette]

quote:Originally posted by tomale

Thanks, several years ago I was hauled off to the hospital and they did a battery of test... I was sure that I had heart problems but at least in my case it was not... but since then I have made a lot of changes to the way I eat... blood pressure is back in the normal range, resting heart rate again normal even if i was 20 years younger and the cholesterol is a bit high but my doctor is not worried about it anymore... I quess I am saying don't wait till you have warning signs to make the changes you know you need to make.. I do not like doing Memorial services. I attended one last summer for a Hodaka rider that died at a races, He felt weak and pulled off the track and that was it...  that day is coming, no need to speed up the inevitable.

Thom Green,Still crazy after all these years!
76' 250 MC5 (orginal owner)74'
250 hare scrambler (project bike)

I saw John the night before he passed on and he looked and seemed to feel just fine. The Memorial service was like a wake up call for me to enjoy life and not worry about things that are beyond my control. John Patterson will won't soon be forgoten by me.

Britt Boyette
1976 125 MC5
1975 250 HS

[firstturn]

Victor,
  Great post and I think a lot of suffer from:

"I say ok but not well (mental issues still plagued me...I think I am bulletproof and indestructible)"

You are in our Prayers.  You and Mark really turn out some nice Pentons with Great results on the track, but take care of yourself...we need you around for the good stories.[]

Ron Carbaugh

[tomale]

Thanks Britt, I am terrible with names...I was so impressed with the turn out for his Memorial. A tribute to his life.   In my line of work, (pastor)I go to alot of Memorials and such... It is hard to know what to say to people who have lost someone close to them... much I could say is way beyond the scope of this site, but I will say this, make love the most important virtue, make everday count, Don't put off what could be done today... Take care of yourself... your family and friends depend on you...find time to enjoy life at least a little..

Thom Green,Still crazy after all these years!
76' 250 MC5 (orginal owner)74'
250 hare scrambler (project bike)