First of all, it would be hard to put into words what all of you mean to me, but I thank you immensely for the kinds words and expressions of concern that you have shown to me over the past few days. Mike kept me up to date with messages of those that had called and posted here.
Your prayers were felt and very comforting. At no time did I have any fears because I knew that whether I stayed here or God called me home it was going to just fine.
I'm a little embarrased that so many have given this much attention to me when there are folks on this BB with much more severe problems....but I do thank you.
This morning I am feeling fine except for a sore leg where they entered and I am back at the studio ready to get going again.
Jeanne was really excited when the doctors told her that she would be getting a new man, until she realized that they were talking about me.
My diet will not have to change that drastically other than cutting out Blue Bell ice cream, which here in Texas in almost sacred. Exercise will be the major change in my life style and Jeanne has assured me that typing on a keyboard does not count.
You don't have to read all of this, but I like telling the story, so you can quit at any time.
Sunday morning I was sitting in the Bible class that I normally teach, but Mike's father-in-law, Bill Bunting, was directing the class that day. Without warning I got this severe pain in my chest and I felt very warm, so I got up and went out into the foyer area to walk around for a few minutes but the pain continued to increase so I went back into the classroom to get Jeanne to take me to the hospital.
I had thought of calling 911 there at the church but they send an ambulance and a fire truck to each call and it would have been a major disturbance to the folks at church that morning (we have a membership of about 1,000), so the satellite clinic of the major hospital in our area was just a few blocks away. Jeanne drove me there within just a few minutes and it just so happened that our primary doctor was on call that morning and he immediatley called 911 and started oxygen and all the the other stuff. Within just minutes I was in the ambulance on my way to the hospital
And the story is true...while in route I was talking to one of the attendants and sold him a sign for his brother's business. Well, I had all that time on my hands and there was nothing else to talk about.
From there it was just test after test and finally some pictures of my heart and then the angiogram which indicated the places of blockage. There were three main arteries blocked - one 98%, one 88% and one 75%...plus some smaller areas.
The angioplasty corrected all of them and this morning everything is flowing nicely. It will take a few days for the incision to heal and for me to quit walking funny but that shouldn't take long.
There was no damage to my heart and I already feel better. The angioplasty is a little painful because you are awake during the whole process, but it was not unbearable.
This was my first stay in a hospital, so it was all new and very interesting.
Some observations:
1.You don't sleep in a hospital. There is always someone needing something or checking something. 2.I never had anyone that was grumpy or less than professional attending to my every need. It was very reassuring to know that there are so many nice people in the world. 3.Whoever invented the hospital gown should be hunted down and stomped.
Again, thanks to all of you for so many kind gestures. It was great appreciated. Now...it's time to get back to work.
Posted by Joey Madden (Member # 1192) on :
well I am glad HE saved you Ray and gave you strength to further your activities here on earth.
bless you my friend Posted by Kelly Thorson (Member # 2958) on :
Hey, glad to see you back. Posted by Dave Draper (Member # 102) on :
Good to see you back, Ray.
We do have a Letterville Health Club you need to join. Its good support. Posted by Rene Giroux (Member # 4980) on :
Take good care of yourself man, the signs can wait!
Posted by William DeBekker (Member # 3848) on :
Real Glad Everything work our alright
Posted by Dan Sawatzky (Member # 88) on :
So is ROUTER WARS back on??
Welcome back Raymond!
-grampa dan
Posted by Todd Gill (Member # 2569) on :
God's power shined down on you....great testimony. Great attitude too...may I borrow some?
Continue to heal - your work is not done.
Posted by Bob Kaschak (Member # 3146) on :
Good to hear it is going to work-out well for you.
Sorry to hear about having to cut-back on the ice cream.
Come on over and join the Healthclub, Janette said she would waive the membership dues this month. ha ha
Start walking,...the bluebonnets will be out in a couple months.
Peace out, Bob
Posted by Jillbeans (Member # 1912) on :
And you managed to retain your sense of humor! Glad you're back Raymond. Love....Jill
Posted by Barb. Shortreed (Member # 1730) on :
Great to have you back Ray and I'm really pleased to hear there was no damage to the heart. Now take good care of yourself...PLEASE
Posted by Nevman (Member # 332) on :
Happy to hear you're okay Ray. Musta been some big stents if your heart is as big as most people say it is.
That's some good news today!!!
Posted by Joe Cieslowski (Member # 2429) on :
WB Ray!
Joe,
Makin Chips and Havin Fun!
Posted by Si Allen (Member # 420) on :
Ray...glad to see all went well and welcome to the club! good to see that you did delay thinking it was just heartburn!
Now ...ice cream is only an occasional treat. No more butter...oilive oil instead. Lean cut of meat and lots of veggies!
Now start taking care of yourself!
Posted by William Holohan (Member # 2514) on :
Ray, I hear Dan was on the phone to the doctors for hours. He demanded that they do everything possible to make you whole. If my information is correct his statement was: "You cannot let that man go before he has experienced the joys of an automatic tool changer...YOU CAN NOT!!!"
Posted by Dan Sawatzky (Member # 88) on :
I spoke with Raymond this morning and he sounded like himself. Cheeky as ever.
From the sound of it he isn't doing much today as far as work as he is too busy fielding calls from good friends who truly care. He'll probably use his little hospital visit as an excuse to take an extra long nap today too.
He also BEGGED me for mercy in the ROUTER WARS as he is restricted from crouching down to change bits on his pea shooter. Now it seems he is GENUINELY wishing he had a MultiCam with an AUTOMATIC TOOL CHANGER.
But don't worry folks... I'll only show as much mercy as he demonstrates to me. Not much chance of that.
-grampa dan
[ February 15, 2007, 01:36 PM: Message edited by: Dan Sawatzky ]
Posted by Joe Crumley (Member # 2307) on :
Thanks for telling how and where it all came about. It's also good news that you caught the problem far enough in advance you didn't end up perminent damage.
Due to this event I, came to realize how influential you are in our lives. Your posts and encouragement are allways a welcome read and have taken them for granted. We've known each other for years and have profesionally grown up together and look forward to continueing that growth.
Stay well.
Posted by Dave Sherby (Member # 698) on :
Glad to hear you came out of it in fine shape. Looks like my visit is still on.
Posted by Raymond Chapman (Member # 361) on :
I had thought of taking the day off and just coming back to the shop on Friday, but then I heard that Sawhatshisname was getting out of control and trying to take over everything, so I felt it necessary to risk my health and possibly my entire life to get back here and lend some normalcy to the BB.
Dan called this morning and tried to stress me out to see if everything that had been done to me was working properly.
It's true that I am not supposed to do some things for awhile and crouching down to change bits it one of them. Dan has assured me that he will give some slack to me for a few days but that he will continue to press on building those wild contraptions of his.
At home I have been trying to get some extra attention now that I am "so sick" but Jeanne doesn't seem to be buying the story and now here I have to deal with Dan. Life is certainly a mystery.
All in all, it's been a great day. No work has been accomplished but I've had some great conversations with friends on the phone. The work will be there tomorrow and the day after, but the voice and emails of friends are priceless. For a long time I have been preaching about giving "Flowers to the Living"...and you all have certainly been listening.
Our little group of craftsmen look rather strange when viewed by those on the outside but I feel very fortunate to be a part of some tremendous talent as well as a group that cares for "family". Don let priorities get in the way of what's important.
Posted by Wayne Webb (Member # 1124) on :
quote:Originally posted by Raymond Chapman: .........Whoever invented the hospital gown should be hunted down and stomped.
Been hospitalized five times and I agree with ya wholeheartedly there! Glad you're OK Ray. Hope to meet you one day.
Posted by Neil D. Butler (Member # 661) on :
Well I all I can say is, that is great news!
Posted by old paint (Member # 549) on :
i think you will need more diet change other then stop EATING BLUE BELL(my favorite)...........i would love to sit down with a half gal right now.....but know better.........)))))))))))))))i changed mine so i dont have to take LIPITOR.... i got to put on that gown tue, out paient surgury more small tumors in my bladder.....this will be an easy one....
[ February 15, 2007, 02:54 PM: Message edited by: old paint ]
Posted by bill riedel (Member # 607) on :
Welcome back Raymond, after a nice rest you can get back to doing what your are so well liked for.
Posted by Janette Balogh (Member # 192) on :
Raymond, enough already!, there is mdo waiting to be coated out for crying out loud!
~nettie
Posted by Doug Allan (Member # 2247) on :
quote:Originally posted by old paint: i think you will need more diet change other then stop EATING BLUE BELL
my thoughts exactly... Ray took me to lunch when I visited last fall, & they start cooking his regular meal before he gets to his table... & then his regular drink show up (ice tea I believe) ...& while I forget exactly what "the usual" was... I remember it being far to good to be good for you. Hoping you can still have the usual... but also hoping it's not one of those things you have to worry about having too much of.
Posted by Dusty Campbell (Member # 4601) on :
Glad to hear it wasn't too serious and you're on the mend.
You have to get some kind of sales award for that one. Best sales story I've heard in a while.
Posted by Judy Pate (Member # 237) on :
Thanks for telling us your story. Glad to see that you're on the mend and doing so well. God bless you, Ray! Judy
Posted by J & N Signs (Member # 901) on :
Yeah!!!!!!
Posted by Bobbie Rochow (Member # 3341) on :
Hooray from me too!!!!!!! I am so happy you are back Raymond!!!!!
Posted by Duncan Wilkie (Member # 132) on :
Good story and great ending. Welcome back Raymond.
Posted by Doug Downey (Member # 829) on :
Good to see you back old man!
Take care!
Posted by Dan Antonelli (Member # 86) on :
Good to see you on the mend, old timer.
You want less stress, I've got some advice. Buy a Mac.
Feel better buddy-
Posted by jack wills (Member # 521) on :
No days off for a tough Texan. Glad to see you back on the board Ray, It's gotta feel good after all that weight they put on that leg area where they ran the the cable. I watched it on the monitors for a while until they figgerd' out that I didn't have enough dope in me. Drove myself home the next day and slept for a day.
Jack
Posted by Frank Magoo (Member # 3950) on :
Way cool!!! Welcome back Ray, close call, heed warnings, I tried to warn you those Canadians would stoop to any level to keep your Bot down... Posted by Ian Stewart-Koster (Member # 3500) on :
Hi Ray,
I'm amazed, the picture of you doesn't look any different from before you went in- what a medical marvel!
Posted by Steve Racz (Member # 4376) on :
Welcome back Raymond - you are one classy guy. I hope i get to meet you in person some day!
Posted by Alicia B. Jennings (Member # 1272) on :
I'm glad to hear that they wasn't any damage to your heart. It's to beautiful to be damaged.
Posted by Jed Pedersen (Member # 2344) on :
Ray,
Glad to hear you're still with us. as far as..
quote:Whoever invented the hospital gown should be hunted down and stomped
Accidently put your gown on backwards a couple of times and they will find a way to get you a few less drafts. Posted by Miles Cullinane (Member # 980) on :
Ray Glad to hear things are going well again.
But does your church know that you do business on a Sunday and on your death Bed! they might reconsider your position of teaching that class, who knows, you might be slipping in some subliminal adverts in among the bible picture show!
now get going on some routing ammunition.
All the best.
Posted by Deri Russell (Member # 119) on :
Glad to hear you caught everything in time.
Maybe some Tai Chi on the agenda?
Welcome back Raymond.
Posted by Don Hulsey (Member # 128) on :
I'm glad to hear it went well also.
As for the gown thing... A LOT of years ago, after injuring my back, they put me in one of those things, then layed me on a gurney on my side, then rolled me out into the hallway... facing the wall. I couldn't even roll over, just laid there and listened to everybody walking by for about an hour.
Wishing you a swift and complete recovery, and hoping you never have the need to wear the gown again.
Posted by Donald Thompson (Member # 3726) on :
Glad to see that it is you letting us know what is going on Mr. Raymond. It is good to know that you were going to be fine either way.
Posted by Pete Payne (Member # 344) on :
Hey Ray, glad all those tests and stuff went well and you're doin fine, ditto on the hospital gown thing, they're just like our government health insurance up here,YOU ONLY THINK YOU'RE COVERED!
Posted by Pete Payne (Member # 344) on :
By the way, I think Antonelli means you should eat an apple a day to keep the doctor away, not own one
Posted by Raymond Chapman (Member # 361) on :
No Pete, I'm pretty sure he meant the computer, not the fruit....allthough it is hard to tell the difference between the two.
Posted by Keith Myers (Member # 5051) on :
Hey Raymond, Haven't check in on the board in a while, but I'm glad that you are well again.
See ya' at Fred's!!
Posted by Sam Sanfilippo (Member # 425) on :
Good to see you are back up and in good shape...Glad everything is well.
Posted by Nancie W. Phillips (Member # 3484) on :
Glad U R back, Raymond!
Posted by Barb Schilling (Member # 13) on :
Ray, We're so glad the proceedure went well. Can we come and see you next month when we are in Texas?
Posted by Ricky Jackson (Member # 5082) on :
Yeah, you gotta give up the Blue Bell Ice Cream. But what about just giving that up and adding Haagen Daz? Good to see you up and well again, better than before.
Posted by Peter Normington (Member # 7232) on :
Ray, I dont Know you.. yet But looks like you are a lucky fellow,
best wishes
Peter
Posted by Raymond Chapman (Member # 361) on :
Barb...now, that's a silly question - of course you can. Just let me know when and we will toss out the welcome mat.
It's always nice to have folks drop by as they travel through.
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