Joined
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157 Posts
I just wanted to drop a message because I’ve gotten so much enjoyment from this site, even though I haven’t posted nearly as much over the past year or so.
I went to the doctor several months back with some chest pain and shortness of breath. If figured it might be stress related, as I had been going through a long, difficult divorce (is that redundant?) and some job struggles. Even though I’d been trying to manage my stress, I knew it might have not been enough.
Turned out that was it, but they sent me to the hospital to have a few tests just in case. After a couple months of tests and follow up, I was told I need to have open heart surgery next week. My aorta is dilated and the valve is leaking. So I have to have a graft done for the aorta and may have to have the associated valve replaced, which is even more risky. It’s pretty serious stuff, although the odds are still pretty good that I’ll survive it and be okay. I’m 41 and in pretty good shape, so hopefully that helps some.
My doctor told me after the tests that “your divorce might have saved your life. People with this issue generally don’t know they have it. It just bursts and they die.” So, needless to say, I feel very fortunate, especially after remembering how I’ve pushed myself on my singlespeed recently.
Sure does put things in perspective. I spent this week trying to wrap up a lot of loose ends, seeing some people I want to be sure to see, etc. I have two kids and they’re obviously concerned, as is everyone else I care about.
I have a lot of faith and I know that there is a purpose in this, and I feel I’ve been very blessed in life. And I feel confident that things will work out fine, although of course it’s still a little scary. Either way it goes, I know that God can be trusted and He’s ultimately the one who I’ve given my life to. So it’s not really a matter or chance anyway. He’s never let me down, and He won’t now. However it turns out. (Please don’t make this aspect the point of this message. Just sharing my beliefs because of how they affect this. Not trying to convert anybody.
)
Anyway, I’m going to try to get in one ride over the weekend. Isn’t it funny how something like riding a mountain bike is still something that I felt I wanted to try to fit in? There’s something about it that almost feels spiritual to me, so it will be great to spend an hour or two appreciating it. I sure appreciate all that God has done for me.
If any of you are the praying type, I’d appreciate any thoughts and prayers. Hopefully in a few months I’ll be back in action, although my chest modeling days are probably over.
Here’s a pic of me from AZ Spring Fling a few years back. Hopefully I’ll be back here in a month or so, assuming all goes well.
With the holiday madness upon us, I hope that you all are reminded how blessed you are too.
Joel
I went to the doctor several months back with some chest pain and shortness of breath. If figured it might be stress related, as I had been going through a long, difficult divorce (is that redundant?) and some job struggles. Even though I’d been trying to manage my stress, I knew it might have not been enough.
Turned out that was it, but they sent me to the hospital to have a few tests just in case. After a couple months of tests and follow up, I was told I need to have open heart surgery next week. My aorta is dilated and the valve is leaking. So I have to have a graft done for the aorta and may have to have the associated valve replaced, which is even more risky. It’s pretty serious stuff, although the odds are still pretty good that I’ll survive it and be okay. I’m 41 and in pretty good shape, so hopefully that helps some.
My doctor told me after the tests that “your divorce might have saved your life. People with this issue generally don’t know they have it. It just bursts and they die.” So, needless to say, I feel very fortunate, especially after remembering how I’ve pushed myself on my singlespeed recently.
Sure does put things in perspective. I spent this week trying to wrap up a lot of loose ends, seeing some people I want to be sure to see, etc. I have two kids and they’re obviously concerned, as is everyone else I care about.
I have a lot of faith and I know that there is a purpose in this, and I feel I’ve been very blessed in life. And I feel confident that things will work out fine, although of course it’s still a little scary. Either way it goes, I know that God can be trusted and He’s ultimately the one who I’ve given my life to. So it’s not really a matter or chance anyway. He’s never let me down, and He won’t now. However it turns out. (Please don’t make this aspect the point of this message. Just sharing my beliefs because of how they affect this. Not trying to convert anybody.
)Anyway, I’m going to try to get in one ride over the weekend. Isn’t it funny how something like riding a mountain bike is still something that I felt I wanted to try to fit in? There’s something about it that almost feels spiritual to me, so it will be great to spend an hour or two appreciating it. I sure appreciate all that God has done for me.
If any of you are the praying type, I’d appreciate any thoughts and prayers. Hopefully in a few months I’ll be back in action, although my chest modeling days are probably over.
Here’s a pic of me from AZ Spring Fling a few years back. Hopefully I’ll be back here in a month or so, assuming all goes well.
With the holiday madness upon us, I hope that you all are reminded how blessed you are too.
Joel
