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Keith Outten
05-04-2014, 7:23 PM
Last Thursday morning I suffered a major heart attack. I am currently in the ICU at a local hospital and I am recovering. I am hopeful that I might be able to leave the hospital this Thursday but it's too early to predict how fast my recovery will be.

Aaron and Jackie will be taking care of things here until I am back home. Some services such as shipping DVDs will have to wait until I am back home.

Keith

Scott Shepherd
05-04-2014, 7:32 PM
Wow Keith, very sorry to hear that. Must have been minutes after talking to you on the phone. Get well soon! If you need anything, I'm just down the road, don't hesitate to ask. Hopefully they'll get you all sorted out and you'll be good to go in no time.

paul cottingham
05-04-2014, 7:32 PM
All the best Keith. I will be praying for your speedy and complete recovery.

John Conklin
05-04-2014, 7:41 PM
Take care of yourself and do what the doctors tell you. Hope you have the quickest recovery.

Bruce Page
05-04-2014, 7:54 PM
I am thankful we are having this conversation. Take care of yourself and get well, we will take care of things here.

George Bokros
05-04-2014, 7:57 PM
All the best to you Keith. Wishing you a fuill and speedy recovery.

George

Mel Fulks
05-04-2014, 7:58 PM
Take care , get well . Will be looking forward to your speedy return.

Phil Thien
05-04-2014, 8:01 PM
Get well soon, Keith!

Jay Jolliffe
05-04-2014, 8:12 PM
Sorry to hear this...Get well soon..

Larry Frank
05-04-2014, 8:23 PM
I wish you the best and take your time and make a full recovery.

Jim Koepke
05-04-2014, 8:25 PM
God speed at your recovery.

jtk

Frederick Skelly
05-04-2014, 8:29 PM
We're all glad you made it through ok Keith. Get well soon.
Fred

Lee Schierer
05-04-2014, 8:30 PM
Wow, what a shocker. I hope you heal quickly and get back on your feet soon. Listen to the doctors.

Best wishes
Lee

Mike Henderson
05-04-2014, 8:31 PM
Wow, that's a shock. I hope you're better soon.

Mike

Raymond Fries
05-04-2014, 8:40 PM
Life always seems to turn on a dime and when we least expect it. Hope you recover soon and get back to what you enjoy.

Take Care...

Shawn Pixley
05-04-2014, 8:41 PM
Get well soon Keith. I hope you have a smooth recovery.

Michael Weber
05-04-2014, 8:44 PM
Wish you a speedy recovery Keith.

Keith Westfall
05-04-2014, 9:03 PM
I worry that a few of us are staring the phase of life in the face where this could happen to any of us. Hoping for a speedy recovery and a return to 'normal' life again. Follow dr's orders...

Keith

Paul Saffold
05-04-2014, 9:12 PM
Best wishes to you and Jackie for a speedy recovery.
Paul

Steve Schlumpf
05-04-2014, 9:18 PM
Keith... thoughts and prayers with you and Jackie! Hope all goes well and you can get back home soon!

John Coloccia
05-04-2014, 9:51 PM
Smart move to get the "big one" out of the way.

My thoughts a prayers are with you, Keith. Take it easy, rest up, and then come back strong when you're ready.

Bill Huber
05-04-2014, 9:52 PM
Get out of there and get to work, that is no way to get out of work.

Now if you don't make it can I have your new Cobra?

I hope for all the best for you, take it easy and get well and back on your feet.
Wishing you all the best....

John Keeton
05-04-2014, 9:57 PM
Keith, a lot of positive changes can come of this. I count my heart attack as one of my greatest blessings. I reassessed everything - my spiritual life, and my earthly priorities. You have already jumped the largest hurdle by surviving this thing. Rest, follow orders, and live each day to the fullest. I will pray that you have a full and speedy recovery.

Ken Fitzgerald
05-04-2014, 10:11 PM
Keith,

Here's wishing a fast recovery! As John said, rest, and follow orders!

Don't worry about the Creek! It will survive!

Bruce Volden
05-04-2014, 10:16 PM
Keith,

I wish you a speedy recovery. Knowing you just retired awhile back, I'm sure your mind is on many things. Take one day at a time. I'm thinking you have many years left to enjoy so STAY POSITIVE!

Bruce

Charlie Velasquez
05-04-2014, 10:21 PM
Wow! Wishing you a speedy recovery. Prayers and thoughts for you, your family and your care providers.

Alan Gan
05-04-2014, 10:22 PM
Just a new guy here, wishing you a speedy and full recovery. The treatments these days are amazing, just do what the doctors tell ya...

Judson Green
05-04-2014, 10:55 PM
Wishing you a quick recovery.

Lori Kleinberg
05-04-2014, 11:13 PM
Sorry to hear about your heart attack. Wishing you a speedy and full recovery.

David Weaver
05-04-2014, 11:23 PM
Glad to hear you've made it through this far, hopefully everything is 10 steps forward and 0 steps back from here on out.

Ken Toupin
05-04-2014, 11:38 PM
Keith,Sorry to hear about your med.problem, If there is any thing I can do for you ,Please just call Ken Toupin

Shawn Pixley
05-05-2014, 1:04 AM
Keith, I am sure I speak for many here. Ken said it well, if there is some way we can help, please let us know.

Harvey M. Taylor
05-05-2014, 1:39 AM
and to think, just last week you were instrumental in straightening out my account with SMC. Hopes and prayers are "full speed ahead"for your safe recovery. Harvey M. Taylor

Jim Tobias
05-05-2014, 2:32 AM
Keith,
Wishing you a speedy recovery. Listen to all advice from the Doctors....the Creek can wait.

Jim

Mike Cozad
05-05-2014, 3:00 AM
Wow. Glad you're doing ok. Take care and wish you an easy & speedy recovery.

Jason Roehl
05-05-2014, 3:01 AM
Wow, Keith! Take care of yourself! We'll be praying you have a quick and full recovery. Did you get some stents or a bypass?

Brian W Smith
05-05-2014, 5:45 AM
Prayers sent.....and a big,GET WELL SOON.

Harold Burrell
05-05-2014, 7:25 AM
Wow, Keith...I will certainly be praying for you.

Get well soon, my friend.

Pat Barry
05-05-2014, 7:52 AM
The fact that you are able to send us an Email about your situation says a lot. Glad to see that you are thinking about getting home soon.

Mike Null
05-05-2014, 7:56 AM
Keith

Glad to hear from you! My best wishes for a speedy recovery.

If I can help, just say the word.

Sean Troy
05-05-2014, 8:19 AM
Praying for a full recovery and lots of comfort.

Mike Wilkins
05-05-2014, 8:21 AM
Trusting and praying for a speedy recovery.

Joe Bradshaw
05-05-2014, 8:50 AM
Keith, been there, done that. As others have said, follow your doctors orders. Wishing you a speedy and uneventful recovery. Joe

Eric DeSilva
05-05-2014, 9:34 AM
Sorry to hear about it--best wishes for a fast and full recovery.

Patrick McCarthy
05-05-2014, 9:47 AM
Keith, like everyone else here, wishing you well and hoping/praying for your speedy recovery. Hope Jackie is holding up well with the stress this must have created. Focus on yourself, we will still be here when you are ready. Patrick

Augusto Orosco
05-05-2014, 9:55 AM
Glad you made it, Keith. Prayers for you and Jackie. Now rest, get well and come back stronger!

Rich Engelhardt
05-05-2014, 10:32 AM
Get well quick!!

Andrew Kertesz
05-05-2014, 10:37 AM
Can only add to what many others have already said; Follow doctor's orders and don't come back until you are ready.. Prayers are with you.

Thomas Hotchkin
05-05-2014, 10:59 AM
Get well soon, Keith

Todd Burch
05-05-2014, 11:15 AM
Wow Keith, very sorry to hear that. Must have been minutes after talking to you on the phone. Get well soon! If you need anything, I'm just down the road, don't hesitate to ask. Hopefully they'll get you all sorted out and you'll be good to go in no time.

Wow Scott!! Hope you didn't stress him too much!

Get well soon Keith! Praying for a full recovery for you.

Todd

Scott Shepherd
05-05-2014, 11:18 AM
Wow Scott!! Hope you didn't stress him too much!

Get well soon Keith! Praying for a full recovery for you.

Todd

No kidding :) Honestly, he told me he hadn't been feeling well. Hopefully they'll get him fixed up better than new and he'll feel like a new man soon.

Jerome Stanek
05-05-2014, 11:20 AM
Get well soon Keith

Erik Loza
05-05-2014, 11:57 AM
Wow, Keith. Have not logged in for a few days and this is the first thing I saw. My dad went through a similar ordeal about fifteen years ago and has made a excellent recovery. Best to you through all of this.

Erik Loza
Minimax USA

Dave Anderson NH
05-05-2014, 12:10 PM
Get well at your own pace though I'm sure the doctors will have plenty of say. We'll take care of the Creek for you.

Kev Williams
05-05-2014, 12:34 PM
Add one to what everyone else said---

Ryan Mooney
05-05-2014, 1:15 PM
Get well Keith! Stay relaxed and get well.

ray hampton
05-05-2014, 1:24 PM
get well soon Keith

Jim Creech
05-05-2014, 3:06 PM
What everyone else said!
Hurry up and get out of there. You got no business chasing nurses anyway! Let me know if you need anything.

Gordon Eyre
05-05-2014, 4:04 PM
So sorry to hear this Keith, my best wishes and prayers are with you.

Richard Wolf
05-05-2014, 4:54 PM
Wow, get well soon.

Ted Calver
05-05-2014, 5:20 PM
I'm glad you are a survivor. Let folks wait on you and get back on your feet soon.

Dave Sheldrake
05-05-2014, 5:44 PM
Good luck for a speedy recover Keith

cheers

Dave

Brian Kent
05-05-2014, 5:47 PM
Sure didn't expect to hear that one, and I'm sure neither did you. God bless you and give you all the care and rest and changes you need!

Jim Matthews
05-05-2014, 6:20 PM
Best regards.

Swift recovery.

Marty Gulseth
05-05-2014, 6:33 PM
Prayers and best wishes for quick and thorough recovery!

Regards, Marty

Joe Tilson
05-05-2014, 8:07 PM
Hope you get well very soon. Praying for you and your family.
Sincerely,
Joe

Walter Plummer
05-05-2014, 8:28 PM
Glad to hear you are recovering. My thoughts are with you.

Dave Ray
05-05-2014, 10:11 PM
Prayimg for your full and fast recovery, Keith

Harry Hagan
05-06-2014, 6:56 PM
Good luck Keith, I know what you’re going through and I’m glad to hear that you’re still with us. I hope that your area has a good cardiac rehab program and that you’ll take advantage of it.

Don Corbeil
05-07-2014, 10:14 AM
Keith, I hadn't seen any posts from you in a while and when I did a check on recent posts I just now saw this... So sorry, and I send my wishes to you for a speedy recovery. Take your time, take good care of yourself, and listen to the doctor! Get well soon...

Myk Rian
05-07-2014, 10:43 AM
Last Thursday morning I suffered a major heart attack. I am currently in the ICU at a local hospital and I am recovering. I am hopeful that I might be able to leave the hospital this Thursday but it's too early to predict how fast my recovery will be.
Been there, back in 05. OH surgery, then got a pacemaker in 09. Just last week I got the PM replaced with a defib unit. I now have one really nice pec on the left. Gonna take some work to get the right to match it.

Get, and stay well.

Scott Shepherd
05-07-2014, 12:20 PM
Any updates? Jackie? Aaron? Keith?

Jackie Outten
05-07-2014, 2:36 PM
I would like to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers for Keith's recovery. It has meant a lot to our family.

He is out of ICU and is in a regular room. They are trying to get his medication adjusted so that he will be able to go home. He is in good spirits but so ready to leave the hospital. I am hoping I will be able to take him home either Friday or Saturday.

Jackie

Bruce Page
05-07-2014, 2:49 PM
That is great news Jackie, thank you!

Paul McGaha
05-07-2014, 3:44 PM
Keith,

I hope you get to go home soon and heal well.

Take care of yourself.

PHM

Ken Fitzgerald
05-07-2014, 3:48 PM
Thanks for the update Jackie!

Steve Schlumpf
05-07-2014, 4:36 PM
Thanks for the good news Jackie!

Chris Padilla
05-07-2014, 4:57 PM
Sweet news!! I didn't think a "little ole" heart attack would keep Keith down for long!! But do get yourself fixed up...you still have a long way to go, Fella!! :)

Art Mann
05-07-2014, 7:02 PM
I pray that God will heal you quickly and completely and bring you back to your many, many friends here on the Creek and elsewhere very soon.

John Coloccia
05-07-2014, 8:54 PM
I would like to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers for Keith's recovery. It has meant a lot to our family.

He is out of ICU and is in a regular room. They are trying to get his medication adjusted so that he will be able to go home. He is in good spirits but so ready to leave the hospital. I am hoping I will be able to take him home either Friday or Saturday.

Jackie

Sounds like he's ornery and grumpy, and ready to stop getting poked and prodded. Great news :)

Shawn Pixley
05-07-2014, 9:06 PM
Great news, Jackie. Thanks. Now tell him to stop lollygagging around and get home! :)

Raymond Fries
05-07-2014, 10:51 PM
Excellent news!!

Enjoy Life with the family back together...

Mike Heidrick
05-08-2014, 1:06 AM
Hoping you get better soon Keith!

Rob Cunningham
05-08-2014, 9:07 AM
Keith,
Sorry to hear about your heart attack but am glad to hear that you are out of ICU and improving. Take care and listen to your doctors.

Gary Muto
05-08-2014, 1:02 PM
Keith,

Best wishes for a quick and full recovery.

Jim Creech
05-08-2014, 3:55 PM
I spoke with Keith about 6:00 pm yesterday and he sounded really great, very upbeat and positive. He's really looking forward to getting all of the auxiliary plumbing removed, going home, propping his feet up and enjoying the fresh air. He said he feels better than he has for a long time, just tired and still a little weak but that is to be expected considering what he just experienced. I suspect he will be back on line after a few days rest. He's not going to stay down any longer than Jackie and Doctors make him. They're still getting his meds calibrated and balanced out but as Jackie said earlier, he should be home Fri or Sat.
Looking forward to seeing you back in the saddle Comrade!

Jackie Outten
05-08-2014, 4:08 PM
Good news. We should be on our way home in an hour or so. Just waiting on discharge instructions.

Jackie

Jim Creech
05-08-2014, 4:13 PM
That is good news! Better than hoped for!

Bruce Page
05-08-2014, 5:22 PM
Keep an eye on him Jackie, you know how he is! :)

Dave Anderson NH
05-08-2014, 7:39 PM
Great news Jackie!!!!!!!!

Ken Fitzgerald
05-08-2014, 8:08 PM
Glad to hear things are going better Jackie! Keep an eye on him!

Jackie Outten
05-08-2014, 8:18 PM
We made it home at 5:30 pm. Things are looking up!!!!!

Jackie

Steve Schlumpf
05-08-2014, 8:20 PM
Excellent news Jackie! Hope everyone can relax a bit and enjoy being home!!

Randy Moore
05-08-2014, 8:21 PM
GRRRRREAT news. Both of you, Jackie and Keith, take care of yourselves and each other. GOD BLESS both of you.

Harold Burrell
05-08-2014, 10:12 PM
Wow! Wonderful news! Now maybe he can get some sleep (since it is absolutely IMPOSSIBLE to sleep in a hospital).

Chris Walls
05-08-2014, 10:17 PM
Keith and Jackie
Good to hear your going home, take it easy and listen to the Dr. Your on our prayer list.
Chris

Charles Taylor
05-09-2014, 9:26 AM
Take it easy and get well soon!

Don Orr
05-09-2014, 10:54 AM
Man I missed this thread the other day. Sorry for the trouble you are going through but very happy to hear things are looking up. Take it easy and do what the Drs. tell you and you'll be back in action before you know it. Scary stuff for sure.

Keith Outten
05-10-2014, 6:31 AM
I was fortunate to return home from the hospital late Thursday afternoon. I had not expected to be so fortunate and was trying to prepare mentally for the Doctor to make me stay until Saturday morning (Today).

After four days in ICU and three days in a general ward my patience had warn pretty thin in spite of how serious my situation had become. My Doctor decided that when the levels of my medication had reached a certain point he would release me so I asked him to schedule another blood test early in the afternoon on Thursday rather than me have to wait until the next morning. The numbers were very close but I passed the test and was released a day earlier than expected.

Now I'm out of the hospital but far from out of the woods. The next 90 days will provide the necessary time for the medications I am taking to continue the repair that was started in the hospital. At the end of the 90 day period and after another round of tests my situation will be reviewed and the next course of action will be decided. What we are hoping for is that the drugs will do some magic, my heart efficiency will improve and I will be able to stop taking all the medications.... particularly the blood thinner which will keep me out of my workshop due to the increase in risk of bleeding problems.

I'm still very weak and I don't know where I am as far as my ability to walk any particular distance. I'm limited at this point to a ten pound lifting ban so the restrictions pretty much keep me from doing anything other than sitting in the seat of my lawn mower or in my computer chair. I don't expect my energy level to improve quickly at this point because the drugs have to do a lot of work before my heart efficiency can improve.

The good news!

I now have a new level of respect for the simple things in life like the ability to get a shower, shave and take care of simple body functions again. Being connected to machines for several days and relying on hospital personnel to take care of my every need was more difficult that I had ever imagined. I hope that my arms will heal up real quick as I look like a drug addict with holes in every inch of both arms from wrist to the area above my elbows and both arms are black and blue. This morning I am blessed to be an active Member of this Community once again.....I missed all of you and I appreciate the prayers and your wishes for my health to return.

Thanks again for your support,
Keith

Ole Anderson
05-10-2014, 8:11 AM
Keith, welcome back man. It looks like the Big Guy was looking out for our big guy. I visit the off-topic forum every day and I don't know how I ever missed this thread until this morning. Take it easy, follow Jackie's orders and you will be up and at 'em before you know it. My wife had a triple bypass over 17 years ago and she has been fine since. We expect the same from you. Don't know what we would do without you at the helm. God bless you Keith.

Richard Wolf
05-10-2014, 9:47 AM
Glad you're back!

Don Corbeil
05-10-2014, 10:25 AM
Keith,

Glad to hear you are home... much better for recovery and support. I went through this with my father, and the meds were a hugely complicated but necessary situation. It will work itself out, and you'll get through it. The silver lining as you already are starting to see is a renewed appreciation for those little things in life that are so very important. Take care and my thoughts are with you.

ray hampton
05-10-2014, 10:25 PM
you mention sitting on your lawn mower, WILL the sun affect the time limit that you spent outdoors ?

Ken Fitzgerald
05-10-2014, 10:43 PM
Glad to know you are back Keith! It's amazing how those types of situations can make a guy appreciate the simple things in life! Follow the doctors orders!

Steve Schlumpf
05-10-2014, 10:59 PM
Welcome back Keith! Hope the meds do their job and you can get back to doing the things you love! Like Ken stated... follow the doctors orders! Good to have you back on the Creek!!

Shawn Pixley
05-11-2014, 12:10 AM
Excellent!

John Fabre
05-11-2014, 2:22 AM
Welcome back!!

John Keeton
05-11-2014, 6:12 AM
Keith, I had no idea you would be up to posting, so I hadn't checked this thread in a few days. So glad you are recovering. Just don't overdo it!!

Ron Barnes
05-11-2014, 8:58 AM
Hope you continue to do well. Modern medicine is amazing. Good luck.

Keith Outten
05-11-2014, 9:10 AM
John,

I have to admit that I run out of steam reading and answering posts a bit to quick so my time here is short bursts over the day.

Thanks,
Keith

Raymond Fries
05-11-2014, 9:30 AM
Welcome back and take extra care to help heal yourself. So glad you are back in your haome and with your family.

Ardan Huck
05-11-2014, 10:56 AM
Wow Keith,
That is some serious business. I am glad you are home and hope that the medication works for you. Take good care of yourself. Will keep you in thoughts.

Roy Nielsen
05-11-2014, 1:49 PM
Keith,

I've been sporadic about being able to get to the 'Creek for the past couple months, so missed this thread until today. I'm so glad that you're back at home and am hoping you have a speedy and full recovery.

Roy

Bill Cunningham
05-11-2014, 2:35 PM
Wow.. The key words here are "I'm recovering".. You're a lucky man, many are not. Listen to your doctors, nothing is more important right now.

Dee Gallo
05-11-2014, 6:39 PM
I have been out of town for a little while and reading through all these posts was a roller coaster ride. I'm thrilled you are home and recovering, Keith, you must be a tough guy to make it back so fast.

Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you. Meanwhile, take it easy and concentrate on getting back to 100%. The entire SMC community is pulling for you!

cheers, dee

Jim Becker
05-11-2014, 8:49 PM
Keith, take whatever time you need to recover fully and properly.

David C. Roseman
05-12-2014, 7:31 AM
Late to this thread. Wow. Keith, the number of posts so far alone is a small indicator of how much you are thought of and appreciated. Here's to your continuing progress!

David

Matt Meiser
05-12-2014, 8:05 AM
Keith, glad to hear you are on the mend! Take it easy and listen to doctors' (and maybe more importantly Jackie's) orders.

Chuck Saunders
05-12-2014, 9:27 AM
Sounds like you are getting better. Glad to hear it Kieth.
Take Care
Chuck

Sotos Patistas
05-12-2014, 12:54 PM
Wow Keith, just ran across this thread. Good to know you are back home and recovering. If there's anything I can do, I'm happy to make the drive over, just say the word and take care of yourself!

Sotos

Pat Barry
05-12-2014, 12:56 PM
Glad to hear you are home Keith.

What exactly did they find to be the problem, and what did they do to correct it besides medication?

Steve Voigt
05-12-2014, 1:12 PM
Keith, I was shocked to read just now about your heart attack. Very happy to hear you are out of the hospital. Best wishes for a full, speedy recovery!

Mary Geitz
05-12-2014, 1:42 PM
I'm so sorry Keith! Please take care and best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Alex Woods
05-12-2014, 2:48 PM
Get well soon

Dennis Peacock
05-12-2014, 3:27 PM
Speedy recovery my friend.!!!!! Prayers sent your way for the recovery.

Keith Outten
05-12-2014, 5:07 PM
Glad to hear you are home Keith.

What exactly did they find to be the problem, and what did they do to correct it besides medication?

Pat,

I doubt that I can explain everything they did and I don't mind admitting my knowledge is very limited but they installed a stint. I was almost totally out of it the first two days before the drugs started wearing off and my attitude got bad quick :) Now I have some plaque buildup that they are concerned might cause blood clots.
.

Dave Sheldrake
05-12-2014, 7:42 PM
My Father had one fitted Keith after they found narrowing of the artery in his heart (Stent) on the upside, you are supporting the laser industry as the Stents are made with lasers :)

Did they give you Deltaparin or Warfarin? (I'm on Warfarin for life after 3 PE's)

get well soon :)

cheers

Dave

Frederick Skelly
05-12-2014, 9:06 PM
Keith,
Glad to hear you're back home and doing ok. Go slowly. Do what the medics tell you. We're all pulling (and praying) for you.
Fred

John Schumer
05-12-2014, 10:44 PM
Keith,
I hope you have a speedy recovery!

Bert Kemp
05-12-2014, 11:32 PM
Wow Keith I just learned of this today, guess I should read the other forums more, well glad your home and hopefully the worst is over and you can work on recovery. Take it slow and easy. Remember your not in a hurry.:)

Michael Mezalick
05-13-2014, 4:37 AM
Best wishes Keith...Speedy recovery..
I have something for you that I was bring to Jims this weekend.
If you email me an address, I can ship it off to you.
Best regards
Michael
mezalick@nni.com

David Nelson1
05-13-2014, 6:03 AM
Get well soon ya goldbricker LOL

Frank Martin
05-15-2014, 11:54 PM
Just saw this now. I wish you a speedy and full recovery.

All the best!

Myk Rian
05-16-2014, 7:50 AM
Did they give you Deltaparin or Warfarin? (I'm on Warfarin for life after 3 PE's)
I was on that after my OH surgery. Finally got off it. Hated the weekly blood checks.
There are new drugs out that don't require those blood checks. I'm taking Xarelto for 3 months. Trouble is, it costs $820 for those 3 months. Isn't it nice drugs are getting cheaper?
Glad you're home, Keith.

Dave Sheldrake
05-16-2014, 8:16 AM
I'm on 3 monthly checks these days :) INR sits nice and stable at 2.9 ;)

Keith's a fighter and will be back with us all very soon (if not sooner) :)

cheers

Dave

thomas prusak
05-18-2014, 12:43 AM
Last Thursday morning I suffered a major heart attack. I am currently in the ICU at a local hospital and I am recovering. I am hopeful that I might be able to leave the hospital this Thursday but it's too early to predict how fast my recovery will be.

Aaron and Jackie will be taking care of things here until I am back home. Some services such as shipping DVDs will have to wait until I am back home.

Keith

sending prayers for you Keith

Phil Thien
05-18-2014, 9:40 AM
My Father had one fitted Keith after they found narrowing of the artery in his heart (Stent) on the upside, you are supporting the laser industry as the Stents are made with lasers :)



These are truly a marvel when you look at them. I was working on a network issue in a surgeon's office and he had a bunch of stents sitting around. An IT guy from the hospital started showing them to me, he said he had forgotten a lot of what he was told about the various types he showed me, so there is really no hope for me. But they're very amazing to hold in your hand and appreciate their detail and their life-saving abilities.

Modern medicine amazes me. Seeing it from the IT side as I do, it constantly amazes me.

Keith Outten
05-18-2014, 6:08 PM
Once again I need to thank everyone for the prayers and encouragement. I have received so many Private Messages with information from some very knowledgeable people that helps me understand my situation better.

Just being ay home is a blessing even with an activity limit that prevents me from woodworking. I've been doing all I can to keep my mind busy and of course plenty of rest.
.

Paul McGaha
05-18-2014, 7:17 PM
Thanks for taking the time to let us know Keith.

Good to hear you're back home.

I hope your recovery goes well.

PHM

Leigh Betsch
05-18-2014, 11:29 PM
Sorry, I had not seen this thread until now. And I've not read all of it yet. Get well soon and listen to your doctors.

Mick A Martin
05-20-2014, 10:03 AM
Keith,

Take care of yourself,I wish you a speedy recovery.

John Bion
05-21-2014, 8:21 AM
Keith, I missed this too, I do hope you continue to recover quickly.
Blessings, John

Matt McCoy
05-21-2014, 12:09 PM
Keith,

Wishing you the best and good health.

-Matt

David Somers
05-21-2014, 1:48 PM
Holy Bovines! I don't know how I missed this! Didn't clue in until you showed up on another thread and mentioned recovering! Then I did a search on you and found this thread!

I am on the wrong coast to offer any physical help to you, but my thoughts are sure with you!!! Holler if I can help with something short of "popping" over there!

I had open heart a few years ago for a valve repair and a related Afib. The Afib was treated with warfarin and I will be on that for life. along with various other drugs to keep the Afib rhythm itself at a dull roar. The valve repair worked fine. And I was lucky in that my veins and arteries were clean as a whistle with no plaque in them at all. The doc let me watch the Angiogram which was cool to see. The Afib has been good. I followed the docs orders but pushed them to the edge and though it seemed slow, recovery was pretty quick overall. I was back up and on my bike commuting realllllly slowly in 6 weeks after the breast bone healed and they would let me put pressure on it. Until then though, the most annoying thing was my back and arms, shoulders and neck. Sounds like you are on the same movement restrictions; sternum precautions, that I was on. The inability to stretch and move drove me crazy, and the stress on ribs and spine and what not from being spread open like that made muscles and joints wicked sore. It may sound wimpy....but push for massages and heating pads, anything to help relax the muscles during this time frame. Everything else was manageable but that drove me crazy. And if they offer any kind of physical rehab, PT, post op exercise, take them up on it even if insurance won't cover it. Once you are past the sternum precautions it reallllllllly helps get you moving more quickly, and in a supervised fashion. Another thing that was difficult, but helped a bunch too was right away my wife started hauling me out of the house to go explore Seattle. We were thinking of moving there altogether and needed to check out neighborhoods and this seemed like a perfect time. So every day, for a few hours each day, she drove me around all the neighborhoods. I was "hopping" in and out of the truck gathering up Real Estate Fliers to see what was going on. That was tough to do physically without abusing those sternum precautions. And by the time we were done each day I would take a nap in a chair and be out like a light. But each day was better so it helped. And it got me out and about and thinking about anything but the heart for a while. If you can manage something similar it is worth it. And lots of short walks to start, lengthening each day by just a bit, which the docs pushed for and encouraged almost as soon as I was conscious again after the op.

Hang in there Keith!! And seriously...holler if there is anything I can do from this coast to help!!

Dave

Scott T Smith
05-21-2014, 7:13 PM
I just saw this thread; thoughts and prayers headed you way.

sarah beck
05-22-2014, 7:22 AM
I just saw this myself. I hope your recovery goes as quickly and smoothly as possible!

Jason Roehl
05-22-2014, 7:45 AM
Hey, Dave...Keith said earlier he got a stent, so I'm guessing he didn't have his chest cracked open. However, they likely went in through his femoral artery in his leg, so that comes with its own set of restrictions and precautions. We're coming up on the two year anniversary of my wife getting two stents due to a dissection and resulting clot in her circumflex artery. She was in the best shape of her life at 37--low resting heart rate (40), low blood pressure (110/60), low cholesterol and no plaque. It took them two days to diagnose it, then two more to get her out of the hospital. You wouldn't know it ever happened today.

David Somers
05-24-2014, 2:55 PM
Hey Jason!

Thanks! Glad to hear your wife is doing great! It will be wonderful to hear Keith experience the same results!!! <grin> And if he didn't have to have his chest opened....so much the better. It wasn't bad actually, but not something I would choose to do on a recreational basis either. <grin>

Dave

Keith Outten
05-24-2014, 4:05 PM
I actually had two heart attacks. The first one on May 1st they installed the stint via the artery in my right leg. After 4 days in ICU and 3 days in a regular room I was released on Thursday. The following Wednesday I had a second heart attack and they had to adjust the stint they had already installed via the artery in my right arm. I spent 2 days in ICU then 2 more days in a hospital room.

I am recovering but its a very slow complex process. I am on a serious drug therapy that is designed to take care of clotting issues over the next 90 days and hopefully will allow me to return to work.

Art Mann
05-24-2014, 5:20 PM
Thanks Ken for keeping us advised of your progress. I'm still praying for a speedy and complete recovery. It is just amazing what medical technology can do today. After my Dad had his heart attack, he had bypass surgery and a valve replacement. He lived an additional 29 years (age 94) and most of that time he was quite vigorous and strong. His mind started slipping about 2 weeks before he passed away.

Rich Fennessey
05-27-2014, 4:19 AM
I just checked in for the first time in a month (I think it is the longest I've ever not checked in here) and someone had posted about your health on the CNC forum. I hadn't heard. Our prayers are with you Keith.

Keith Outten
05-27-2014, 6:33 AM
Thanks Rich,

I am real happy to report that I feel pretty good this morning. My appetite has returned and I am able to eat three square meals again. Finally I feel like I'm on the mend :)
.

Steve Schlumpf
05-27-2014, 7:11 AM
Very happy to hear this news Keith! Getting your appetite back sure is a good sign!!

Jim Becker
05-27-2014, 5:06 PM
I am real happy to report that I feel pretty good this morning. My appetite has returned and I am able to eat three square meals again. Finally I feel like I'm on the mend :)
.

We need a "like" button! :)

Ken Fitzgerald
05-27-2014, 5:41 PM
Glad to hear it Keith!

Chris Padilla
05-27-2014, 5:49 PM
YES! *fist pump* :D

Keith Outten
06-28-2014, 10:42 AM
News I'm happy to share with everyone !!!

Thursday afternoon (June 26th) I had my first visit with my Cardiac Surgeon and he removed all of the restrictions that I have been under since I left the hospital. I can now return to work and resume my life again.....with an understanding that I still have to listen to my body and not go overboard because I am still recovering. I am in a Cardiac Rehab program and doing three sessions per week.

The number of prescription drugs I take daily also decreased Thursday from ten to seven and I am happy to see the number of pills I have to consume being reduced. I haven't smoked in over two months now and I have lost twenty pounds so I feel better than I have in a decade. You could say that I am lucky to be here today but luck had very little to do with my surviving two heart attacks so close together, it was the prayers from so many friends and family.

Ken Fitzgerald
06-28-2014, 10:51 AM
Happy to hear you are doing so well Keith! Keep at it!

Bruce Page
06-28-2014, 11:47 AM
Great news Keith! Thanks for the update.

Jason Roehl
06-28-2014, 6:31 PM
Good to hear, Keith!

Joe Mioux
06-28-2014, 6:47 PM
i missed this thread up until today. Keith, it is good to hear the positive news.

Pete Simmons
06-28-2014, 8:25 PM
Like Joe - I missed this thread up until today. Keith, it is good to hear the positive news.I have not been here much in the last few years. I am still doing OK in the laser world.

I will always remember that Saw Mill Creek and you Keith were what gave me a huge jump start with my laser. Guess it is almost 10 years now and going strong.

Shawn Pixley
06-28-2014, 8:41 PM
Glad to hear of the progress Keith! Lifting the restrictions is a great feeling. Do well!

Keith Outten
06-29-2014, 1:11 AM
Like Joe - I missed this thread up until today. Keith, it is good to hear the positive news.I have not been here much in the last few years. I am still doing OK in the laser world.

I will always remember that Saw Mill Creek and you Keith were what gave me a huge jump start with my laser. Guess it is almost 10 years now and going strong.

Pete,

Its real good to hear from you again, I'm glad you are still part of our Community and that your Laser Business is doing well. Thanks for your support once again.
.

Keith Outten
06-29-2014, 1:21 AM
Gentlemen,

Thanks for your words of encouragement. I hope my heart capacity will improve to at least 35% to 40% in the next couple months which is where my Doctor feels is the minimum acceptable performance level for someone my age.
.

James & Zelma Litzmann
06-29-2014, 5:00 AM
Keith, we are so glad to hear that you are doing better, we will continue to keep you in our prayers, as well as Jackey, I know this has been very difficult for her also. No matter what don't overdo it.

zll

Joe Kieve
06-29-2014, 8:17 AM
Keith...Praying for your speedy recovery.

David Weaver
06-29-2014, 10:30 AM
News I'm happy to share with everyone !!!

Thursday afternoon (June 26th) I had my first visit with my Cardiac Surgeon and he removed all of the restrictions that I have been under since I left the hospital. I can now return to work and resume my life again.....with an understanding that I still have to listen to my body and not go overboard because I am still recovering. I am in a Cardiac Rehab program and doing three sessions per week.

The number of prescription drugs I take daily also decreased Thursday from ten to seven and I am happy to see the number of pills I have to consume being reduced. I haven't smoked in over two months now and I have lost twenty pounds so I feel better than I have in a decade. You could say that I am lucky to be here today but luck had very little to do with my surviving two heart attacks so close together, it was the prayers from so many friends and family.

Glad to hear that it's helped knock smoking and drop weight. It could've been a blessing in disguise, though I'm sure it didn't feel like it. 20 years ago, my best friend's stepfather had a heart attack with some complications that also nearly killed him. The process changed his habits so much that he's still around and healthy, which has been a real obvious benefit for his wife and kids.

Belinda Barfield
06-30-2014, 6:28 AM
Glad to know you are steadily improving Keith. You and Jackie have been in my prayers. Hope to see both of you at IWF!

Harry Hagan
06-30-2014, 10:16 AM
That’s great news, Keith!

Keith Outten
06-30-2014, 12:07 PM
Thanks again everyone for the words of encouragement. I just got back from my Monday morning Cardiac Rehab class and I'm plum tired but I made progress again today.

Belinda I hope that I will be up to the trip to IWF this year but I'm not sure just yet :)
.

Walt Caza
07-20-2014, 5:13 AM
Good Day Keith,
just caught wind of this..... pm sent
get well soon,
peace
w

ps
bouncing back is everything!