2ManyCurves's Journal, 16 March 2014

My husband had a massive heart attack yesterday morning. I've been at the hospital ever since. Accordingly it has been difficult to eat well and I haven't been able to run, with exception to a brief half mile jog I took around the parking lot at 5 am while he was asleep. My husband is 39 and within normal weight range. He had lost some weight in the past year but had been at his goal weight for a few months now. He ate right and was active. No family history of early heart disease. He had developed a blood clot in his main heart valve which resulted in 100 percent blockage. According to the surgeon it was related to smoking. I've never smoked but I've watched him struggle to quit over the last few years. I never wanted to nag him as I reasoned that he would have to make up his mind to stop smoking himself and no amount of nagging would push him to do it just like if he nagged me about my weight I would just learn to resent him. So I stayed quiet. I stood by silently and let him kill himself. If you love someone, nag them. Even if they resent you, they can do so alive. Knowing that his heart stopped five times makes me realize that I should have never stood by and done nothing. I should have thrown all out tantrums. I don't know his prognosis. I just know that I never want to experience receiving the phone call, not knowing if he was going to die or not, and seeing him on a ventilator ever again. I think people see the commercials on television and think it won't happen to them. But it does. I know this site is for becoming healthy as far as food intake, but if you smoke please stop. It can happen to you. You can be 39 and die leaving behind a family that tiptoed around, not wanting to offend you. It just isn't worth it.

2MC

Diet Calendar Entries for 16 March 2014:
1781 kcal Fat: 67.60g | Prot: 90.88g | Carb: 202.04g.   Breakfast: McDonald's Egg McMuffin. Lunch: Lasagna with Meat. Dinner: Soft Pretzels, Buffalo Wild Wings Fried Pickle Chips, Buffalo Wild Wings Boneless Wings. more...
1829 kcal Activities & Exercise: Sleeping - 24 hours. more...

21 Supporters    Support   

1 to 20 of 35
Comments 
thank you for this valuable lesson, i will take it to heart. I never smoked in my life and neither does my husband, but i never nag my hubbie to loose weight. Maybe i should... 
16 Mar 14 by member: puhpine
Have his cholesterol levels checked too. That plays a large roll in heart health as well.  
16 Mar 14 by member: 2ManyCurves
This is a familiar story and I agree completely. I can back this story up with my own experience. Eight years ago I had to visit my doctor due to a terrible chest infection and I could hardly breath. After a series of tests I was diagnosed with Emphysema and was told that if I failed to stop smoking immediately I would be dead in 2 years. I gave up that day and never ever smoked again. I survived the two years and hope to continue although my lungs will never be cured. I, like the OP urge all to think about what you are doing. Everybody wants to lose weight but many still smoke and have no fear of losing their life which is a lot easier than losing weight. If you think about it the latter would achieve both aims, lose your life then you do not have a weight problem. Your kids will survive somehow there is always foster care and your family will get over you dying in time. No big deal is it ? 
16 Mar 14 by member: Bwy39
Nagging may not be the answer the first time I quit for five years it wasn't nagging, it was realizing the example I set for my children and the fact that I had started cycling again. I quickly realized I wouldn't improve if I kept smoking. The last time I quit it was because I had my present wife and I knew she didn't want to loose me, and I didn't want to wait in heaven without her. So I asked Jesus and I've been smoke free for more than 3 years. God, our families, and our competitive nature is what drives men. At least the ones I know. Good luck and may God's love guide and instruct you on this journey. 
16 Mar 14 by member: Billy1957
I don't know what to say 2MC except I'm sorry your going through this. I'll pray for you and your family.  
16 Mar 14 by member: Tim Huffman
So sorry, hoping for you he pulls through and then stops smoking. So frightening for you and your family. I wish on this tablet I could send your post to my oldest daughter who smokes and will be 39 this year, her DH is a few years older also smokes. Will try from work , have been trying to get them to quit for years. Another daughter and husband used to smoke, same week his mom died of lung cancer she was still smoking after having one lung removed the previous year. (early 40's) he ended up in the ER with a major asthma attack. First one ever, doc told him if he kept smoking he would be dead within the year. They both quit that day. Encourage your children, your friends everyone. Second hand smoke is also a killer. I have asthma and scars on my lungs because my parents were chain smokers. I have never smoked.  
16 Mar 14 by member: wholefoodnut
I am so very sorry; my prayers are going out to you as I respond. I don't know what to say about the nagging because it would only drive a wedge between you and him; the best *I* was able to do was not enable ((I would NOT buy cigarettes or let him smoke around me)). I've been in your shoes so many times I feel your pain and anger and frustration and more. And guilt. Your husband is a grown up and he knows the risks and makes his choices, just as you did. Not all people who smoke have heart attacks. More prayers for you as you sit beside him and reflect. This is not your fault. Take care of you and let them at the hospital do their job; you'll have plenty on your plate when he returns home. Go eat healthy; take a run and clear your head and emotions. You deserve it. 
16 Mar 14 by member: FullaBella
All of my love and prayers to you and your husband.  
16 Mar 14 by member: Annabelle3117
I really hope he recovers and is able to quit smoking. My thoughts are with you and your husband, 2MC. 
16 Mar 14 by member: ChristyLA
((((2mc)))) 
16 Mar 14 by member: ClassicRocker
Please take care of yourself too... sorry to hear that... Jesus loves all of us.. may the lord protect all of u...  
16 Mar 14 by member: darrylt33
Stopping in to say good morning and hope you are both on the mend. Still sending prayers. 
17 Mar 14 by member: FullaBella
Hugs...Praying for you and your DH...:O) 
17 Mar 14 by member: BHA
Hugs...Praying for you and your DH...:O) 
17 Mar 14 by member: BHA
2MC, I am so sorry to hear this sad news. Blaming yourself is a natural reaction, but this is NOT , & blaming yourself won't help your husband or you. He needs you to be strong to help him, & blaming yourself will only weaken your ability to be there for him. I don't know why the Dr's say this was from smoking, since it was a blood clot that caused it, but I'm not a Dr. Whatever the cause, the main thing is to try to stay calm & take things as they come. I & many others are praying for you both. May you feel wrapped in God's love & blessed with His peace that passes our understanding, & may you look to Him for the strength & help you need to get through this difficult time. Hugs, Glammer 
17 Mar 14 by member: GLAMMER
Love works better than tantrums. Be strong. 
17 Mar 14 by member: jparlett
Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry. I didn't check in on FS yesterday and missed this. Sending prayers to you and your family. 
17 Mar 14 by member: kkd1125
So sorry to hear this. Keep the faith!  
17 Mar 14 by member: Aman_da
So sorry =(  
17 Mar 14 by member: FitOKay
Thoughts and prayers are going out to you and your husband. 
17 Mar 14 by member: M.H.

     
 

Submit a Comment


You must  sign in to submit a comment
 

Other Related Links

Members



2ManyCurves's weight history


Get the app
    
© 2024 FatSecret. All rights reserved.