Life-changing Heart Attack

Year ago I had what they call the widowmaker heart attack. I was in the best shape of my life at 60, working out and running six days a week and eating heathy everyday.

How could this happen to me?

I had just got home from working out at Orange Theory. I was with my wife and daughter outside, and the heart attack happened. I was rushed to the hospital and had 100% blockage. They put a stent in and a pump.

Two days later I had another heart attack, and they put in another stent. My ejection fraction was 30%. I was told with walking and time it would get back to normal, but it never did. Three months later they did an EKG, and it was still 30%.

I needed a heart transplant

That’s when I heard the scariest words ever mentioned: heart transplant. I couldn’t believe what I was being told. I was referred to Cedar Sinai, one of the best transplant hospitals in the country. The first thing I had was an MRI of my heart.

My ejection fraction was now 16%. I could hardly breathe at this time. I had a constant cough because of fluid in my lungs. I went for two more tests, and after the last test, the doctor said I was not leaving the hospital until I got a transplant.

New heart, new start

That was May 16th, and on June 16th I received my new heart. It has been four months, and I am back to walking six miles a day and again lifting weights. I still struggle walking up mountains, but I am getting better every day. I feel very blessed that I was able to get a new heart.

I look back to when I was barely alive and functioning after my heart attack. I was depressed thinking this was my life: two years, then death. But I got a second chance, and I am making every day count!

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