Chris C

by Chris C
(Sydney, Australia)

First sign was a severe tightening in my chest that would not give up.
Previously had been diagnosed with extremely high cholesterol (9.5-10)and of course, high blood pressure.
I was a heavy smoker and had given up 7 months prior to the onset of the un-ignorable angina episode. My diet was standard for a single male professional but I had always had an issue with fat. I was on occasion and could not resist garlic metwurst. I was also quite fit, played competition level squash and was a regular state level sailing competition team member.
I did not have a heart attack but had had a mild infarct a few years earlier.
I ended up in emergency and had the luck to have an excellent Cardiologist inspect me and recommend (and secure) bypass surgery for me with in two weeks.
I went into hospital in early December and was back at work toward the end of the following February - a fabulous Christmas present to me and my wife of just one year.
I never took up smoking again ( the most stupid thing I had ever, unwittingly, done to myself). I have never missed prescribed medication. My diet has become very no fat but I could not extend to being a vegan. I used to drink a lot of alcohol but have managed to modify that to the point where I abstain 4 days a week.
For context,I had all of the possible blue collar health issues in a body that was trying to be a proper white collar professional.
I have overcome a lot of issues that were contributing to my ill health. Stressors are still a problem. However, my surgery at age 42 was a complete success.
I have had the last 14.5 years with relatively few worries about the state of my well being. I think I am due for a stress test this year to see haw I am doing inside. My latest blood test indicated a - admittedly medically induced - overall Cholesterol level of 3.5. The bad cholesterol is still hovering around 2.

The numbers you find on the net indicate that I am at the end of the quadruple bypass solution. I have no indication that there is anything untoward that I should focusing on but I am extremely concerned about what might or might not be my next option.