Hello Guys

[micmac]

Last Friday I was minding my own business and felt pretty good. I had worn a monitor per my doctors orders for a week and hadn't heard anything from her so I thought no more of it. My cell rang and it was my Doctor who was changing planes in Detroit, she said "Go to the emergency room now". It seems my heart was giving out. I drove down to Bangor and went in the ER. They kept me all day, then stuck me in an Ambulance to the Maine Medical Center Cardiac Unit in Portland a nice two hour ambulance ride. I spent the weekend there hooked up to all kinds of stuff, long story short-I got a pacemaker put in yesterday. I was released today at lunch. I don't feel to bad but it was close to over Friday they say. I have a new appreciation for life. This getting old stuff ain't easy,
Pete

[Peter Cooke]

That's a good outcome. Don't forget the flowers for the doc!

[exeric]

Nothing like a trip to the hospital to give a person some perspective. I'm so glad to hear you are feeling better, Pete and I have heard that a pacemaker will make a positive difference in how a person feels day to day. Thank God there are people who want to be in the medical profession, but there is no way I could be useful in that environment. Again, glad you're doing okay and got the help of talented care givers.

[JoJo357]

Hallelujah Pete. You're a living testament as to how amazing technology is today. Did you have the 'Holter Monitor? All in all, elated you lived to tell the tale. *Good Luck.

*M.A.D.*

[micmac]

Yes JoJo it was the Holter Moniter. thank you guys. I'm glad I'm going to get to meet my 6th Grandkid. Hopefully I will get to drive my '63 Chevy C-10 I'm doing a frame off on soon.My wife who is solid as a rock, was really upset. That was the worse part of the whole ordeal. She just retired the end of February. Something like this sure puts stuff into perspective. Exeric, the people at Maine Medical Center in Portland are very dedicated professionals and go out of the way to make you recover. The even let my 'ol Wolf Dog come visit me twice. I was/am awed by their dedication and could never repay their kindness.

[PaulCDF]

This getting old stuff ain't easy,

But it beats the alternative. Glad you are doing well. Cardiac rehab on the calendar? Work that kicking leg. Riding season is here!

[DEEBS47Chief1991]

Hi Pete, as a throat cancer survivor of 5 years I can can only say no matter how heinous I felt during medical treatments it was my wife and my motorcycles that got me through. I rode my bike to work and then to my radiation treatments every day rain or shine for 30 days (I got weekends off). The nurses would gather at the window on a rainy day just to see if I would show up on my bike and I never let them down (or myself). I would apologize for coming in with all my wet rain gear and they would graciously lay a blanket over the "slab" to soak up the water. Then they would strap my head to the table with a horrible restraint and proceeded to cook my throat and mouth with radiation. It was hell. I could not eat or drink for 7 weeks. The pain was excruciating. I came close to death but I kept riding my bike and working when I could. I wish you the best in your fight to stay around for the people that need you.

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[1939wl]

Hello Pete,
So glad this all went as it did. I totally agree "This getting old stuff ain't easy," I have been in a similar situation, and came out on the other end with another chance but have friends who did not pull through. Appreciate your post, and wishing you the very best. Heck of a thing to go through DEEBS, really glad you are with us, always enjoy your posts. Yes, the people we love and our passions work miracles. This getting older thing really does put things in perspective.

[micmac]

Boy Deeb, I feel embarrassed even bring up my ordeal compared to what you have been through. My older brother died from cancer in '23. my little brother is battling it right now. Tank you everyone for your words of encouragement, it means a lot more than you realize. Paul I have an appointment in two weeks for something, it's all kind of a blur right now. I can't kick anything right now! I may have to ride one of my "Pretendians" this spring. I want to ride the Cabot's trail again this summer in Nova Scotia. I'm wanting to ride the '47 with sidecar for that trip. I'm not sure I can handle the bike right now. Time will tell. Even if I can't ride I will keep my bikes until the end.