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13 January 2004
I am a 74 year old retired airline pilot who has always been in excellent health except for a high blood pressure condition. I must admit that I didn't always take my medication on a regular basis. On December 11, 2003 while completing a magic show for the Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization I experienced some chest and back pain. I went home and then I experienced incredible back cramping for about two hours and decided that I had to go to the emergency room of our local hospital. On the way to the hospital I had my wife stop the car so I could throw up from the intense back pain. I was given a cat scan and the doctor had me airlifted to a hospital in downtown Jacksonville when he diagnosed an aortic disection.
I was given a catheterization and it was determined that my problem could be treated with blood pressure medication. The heart surgeon told me that I was very lucky not to need an operation. I was in ICU for four days and then moved to another room for one day before discharge.
It is now January 13, 2004 and am slowly recovering. I take Norvasc, Clonidine and Lopressor to control my blood pressure. I take short walks every day and tire easily. My doctor wants to give me another cat scan in three months. I still have ocassional chest and back pain and have no idea about the future prognosis of my condition.
Discussion, comments, or questions: Richard Murray
© Copyright 2004 Richard Murray
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