Not me...

This wasn’t supposed to happen to me…
Two weeks ago tonight I went into the hospital because I was having chest pains – it turns out I had a heart attack. Let me back up a minute before I go on…

All my life I have struggled with my weight – it is truly has a yo-yo effect. People find comfort in many things, I find comfort in food. Being single, cooking has never been a fun thing to do, so eating out has been a common practice for me – often drive thru food. I have been on every diet you can think of and am even a Lifetime Weight Watchers member (you wouldn’t believe this looking at me).

The next thing that has been a struggle for me is exercising. While many people love to exercise, I can think of many other things I would rather do than exercise. I have tried many different forms of exercise, and really haven’t found my niche. I joined #temt with the hope it would inspire me to workout more. It did in the start, but like in the past, it worked for a bit and then there were many things “ that got in the way” of me having the time to exercise.

All of this has not made me the most healthy person. Looking back there were many warning signs that I wasn’t feeling well, but ignored them or really didn’t notice them because feeling crappy was my norm. I never thought at 43 yr. old I would be having a heart attack.

Like I said, I went in 2 weeks ago today, I think I actually had the heart attack on Monday. I didn’t feel well, had chest pains – but I knew I had a lot going on that week and I needed to push through and keep going (BIG MISTAKE). So I continued to work, presented at a school board mtg., traveled 5 hrs. south to a site visit to Van Meter, Iowa. When we got back from Iowa, I was still having pains, but I didn’t go in until I opened this picture from my niece thanking me for taking to Berenstain Bears the Musical(picture above) – it was then that I knew I needed to go in because there were 7 children (my nieces and nephews) who I want to be there for in the future. So I called my sister…

To make a long story short – I had 3 blocked arteries – one 100% blocked and two 70% blocked. I had 2 stents put in, a three night hospital stay and some big lifestyle changes ahead. The result: I am feeling awesome, but have a long road ahead. I have a new heart healthy diet, am going to cardio rehab two days a week and have many dr. appointments ahead.

What do I want from the #temt?
1. Get an annual physical – I had not been to the dr. in years, this could have been prevented.
2. Please share any heart healthy (low fat, low sodium) recipes and/or websites – especially small portion recipes.
3. Continue to share and support each other in exercise – I really don’t want this to happen to anyone else:)

This has been a bump in the road for me, but nothing I can’t handle – especially with the support of others.