Bernie Sanders's Health Scare: Been There, Done That

Above, Sen. Bernie Sanders.

Senator Bernie Sanders, age 78, had a health scare this week, similar to what I went through a year ago.

The Associated Press reported:

WASHINGTON (AP) — Bernie Sanders’ campaign said Wednesday that the Democratic presidential candidate had a heart procedure for a blocked artery and was canceling events and appearances “until further notice.” 

The 78-year-old Vermont senator experienced chest discomfort during a campaign event Tuesday and sought medical evaluation. Two stents were “successfully inserted,” and Sanders “is conversing and in good spirits,” according to the campaign. He’s recovering at a Las Vegas hospital. 

Sanders tweeted on Wednesday afternoon that he was “feeling good. I’m fortunate to have good health care and great doctors and nurses helping me to recover.”

I had two stents inserted in a coronary artery in July 2018. It started with a lot more than "chest discomfort" that was more akin to an elephant sitting on my chest and my pulse rate dropped to 24.

Did Bernie Sanders have a heart attack?  This is discussed at Slate.com.

Although I came out fine after the procedure, it still took me a little over two months to feel more like normal. I suspect that Sanders will experience pretty much the same, or it may take him longer to fully bounce back given his age. Since I experienced the same thing, I can empathize and sympathize with Sanders and wish him a full recovery (he'll probably have to take similar medications for the rest of his life like I do).

To read more, go here.

I'm An ECV Nitropacker!

A package from XSNGH Glenn Thornhill arrived in today's mail.

Inside, was a copy of the booklet about the 1928 St. Francis Dam Disaster that took place in the northern area of Los Angeles County, a 2019 "WOLF" button, a copy of the Fall 2007 Platrix Picayune and, surprisingly, a patch for something I hadn't heard of before (or if I did, I forgot all about it).

It is a "Nitropacker" patch:

What's a "Nitropacker", you may ask?

According to the Platrix Picayune that was enclosed:

I apparently "earned" the "Nitropacker" patch last July when I had my heart attack in Wells, Nevada and survived it with a stent implantation after a 40-minute air ambulance ride to Twin Falls, Idaho. True to the patch and all, I do "pack" a bottle of nitroglycerin with me at all times (uh, just in case).

I also don't remember seeing the patch displayed at the Platrix store. But, anyway, it is a nice addition to the collection that I am still around to enjoy.

A big THANK YOU! to XSNGH Glenn Thornhill for the goodies!

Mick Jagger To Get Stent

Mick Jagger, frontman for the rock group the Rolling Geezers, oops, I mean Rolling Stones, made international news when word came out that the group's North American tour has been postponed until after Jagger recovers from a procedure to put in a heart stent.

According to the Japan Times:

LONDON - Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger will undergo heart surgery this week following the postponement of the band’s North American tour for medical reasons, according to a published report. 

The U.S. website Drudge Report, citing unidentified sources, said Jagger, 75, would undergo surgery this week in New York to replace a heart valve. New York Post’s Page Six website, citing unidentified sources, said the surgery would involve placing a stent in the singer’s heart. 

Representatives for Jagger in the United States did not return requests for comment. A spokesman for the British band in London declined to comment on the Drudge Report article. 

Stents are typically used to prop open arteries that have been cleared of a blockage.

Jagger's recovery, provided that his procedure only involves placing a stent, shouldn't take too long. I had two stents put into a heart artery last summer and it took me about two months to feel back to normal. The procedure itself was surprisingly painless.

To read more, go here.