Bitter pill to swallow [Archive] - Parker Gun Collectors Association Forums

Harold Lee Pickens

11-25-2018, 09:16 PM

I was supposed to be in Kansas right now with Kenny Graft( SXS Ohio) and his buddy Steve, but I am still at home--Dr's orders. During the second week of my UP hunt, I was getting very wore out, and felt I couldn't get enough oxygen. Thought I had a walking pneumonia, and eventually left a day early.
My office is in a hospital, so my first day back, I saw my family doc in the physicians lounge, told him what was happening, and he listened to my heart and lungs there in the lounge. He looked at me incredulously, and said I had a significant heart murmer that he had never heard before. Well, many tests later, the cardiologist is telling me that I have a very serious mitral valve prolapse/disfunction, and my tricuspid valve is also not functioning properly.
Bottom line, I will soon be having heart surgery at Ohio State. I meet with the surgeon this Friday and will be told when and how they will do the surgery.
I was a marathon runner for25 years, finishing in the top 25% of the Boston Marathon at age 50, and at 55 ran stride for stride with Australia's Iron Man Masters champion. I play tennis 3-4X per week also.I have never spent a day in a hospital, and never been on any medication. My blood pressure is still
90/60, pulse rate in the 50's, and my coronary arteries are running like fire hoses. How this could happen so suddenly is beyond my comprehension, but I will be back out there next year. Hopefully being in good shape will hasten my recovery. Heart valve surgery is very common these days--I bet some here have had it. So God willing, I will see you all at the Southern and at Hausmann's this spring.

Rick Losey

11-25-2018, 09:22 PM

good luck Harold

as you say, common surgery these days, if its for someone else

follow orders and stick to small bores

seriously,, our prayers are with you

Chris Travinski

11-25-2018, 09:30 PM

I hope all goes well buddy. My grandmother had a valve replacement, cow parts. She wasn't in very great health to begin with but had no problems with the surgery whatsoever and a quick recovery.

Mills Morrison

11-25-2018, 09:34 PM

Sorry to hear the news. Hope your recovery goes well

Jim DiSpagno

11-25-2018, 10:03 PM

Doc our prayers are with you. Attitude is half the battle. Jimmyd102

Karl Ferguson

11-25-2018, 10:20 PM

Harold, Wishing you the very best ...

todd allen

11-25-2018, 10:21 PM

For years, I hunted with a heart doc. He did a lot of valve replacements, said they were fairly routine. That said, I think all surgeries are serious, especially heart surgeries, so we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

Greg Baehman

11-25-2018, 10:46 PM

Sending good, healthy vibes your way for a speedy recovery.

John Truitt

11-25-2018, 10:54 PM

All the best Doc. Speedy recovery and hope to hear ya out shooting soon

Brett Hoop

11-26-2018, 12:54 AM

Harold
You are in my thoughts and prayers. I have been thinking about this since we spoke the other night.
Probably brought on by too many grouse flushes! Cumulative, what is it something like 34-35 years in the UP? Nobody could keep up with you before, nobody finds more grouse than you. Bit of a speed bump, and you'll be good for another 30+years.
Don't be charming all the nurses playing your guitar till all hours of the night.

You Got This!

Daniel G Rainey

11-26-2018, 05:42 AM

Best of luck. Had a bypass 21 years ago and am going strong. you will be in my prayers.

Dave Suponski

11-26-2018, 06:02 AM

Get well Harold. In my thoughts....

chris dawe

11-26-2018, 06:31 AM

Harold my hunting partner had a valve replacement a few years ago ...and I will pay the man who could outwalk him on the barrens today ,
best of luck !

Todd Poer

11-26-2018, 06:37 AM

They have come a long way in treating heart conditions and repairing things with less invasive procedures. Sounds like you have some incredible access to first class medical care and hopefully you don't need any luck, but wishing it for you anyway. I think the real luck is having caught it quickly. There is so much good news with what they have done and are doing, but sounds like you are in medical field so you probably know more than most. All I know is that it used to be the longer your under general anesthesia the more it can mess up your sleep patterns and restlessness. I guess the alternatives are worse but still.

That is cool about your running pursuits. With your long distance runner experience, you will be on your feet walking everyone into the ground again before you know it.

Eric Eis

11-26-2018, 06:48 AM

Harold, Join the club, I had to cancel my UP week hunt this year two days before I was scheduled to leave due to my eyes acting up and when I called the Dr she said no go on the trip and be in her office the next day. Guess as we get older we just have to roll with the punches. Be glad that you noticed it now instead of collapsing in the field ! Sending best wishes for a rapid recovery.

Reggie Bishop

11-26-2018, 07:34 AM

Harold, I will remember you in my thoughts and prayers. My wife's father just had a quad bypass and he was home and feeling decent within a week. I also have been an endurance athlete for a number of years, marathon and Ironman finisher. There have been studies regarding endurance athletes and cardiac issues indicating that extensive endurance training can actually cause cardiac issues. Get well strong!

Daryl Corona

11-26-2018, 07:35 AM

Godspeed my friend. You will be in my prayers for a full recovery in time for the Southern and Ernie's.

Mike Franzen

11-26-2018, 07:35 AM

Damn Harold I’m sorry to hear that. Being in good shape will help speed your recovery. I’ll keep that in my prayers.

Jack Huber

11-26-2018, 07:50 AM

Harold, please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I also have a heart valve problem and my cardiologist is watching it carefully. You have many friends here, take care and keep us informed on your progress.

Kenny Graft

11-26-2018, 07:53 AM

We miss you Harold!!! First 1/2 day here was nice. Moved some birds and killed a nice wild rooster and three quail. Day two, Sunday. It was a loss, spent the day with a good friend who owns some of the areas we hunt. Drank some tumblers with him and had a great visit...(-: The back roads were so drifted we returned to the motel. Pup resting up in her happy spot. Day three is about to start, 15 degrees and 6 mph wind. We have some good spots picked out to hunt. It will be warming up and the back roads will be the UGLY in my above description. When the snow melts today the mud roads will have a good 2" slim gook the will stop all but the best off roader rigs! Updates will come, SXS Ohio in Kansas

Gary Laudermilch

11-26-2018, 07:58 AM

You just never know how or why something goes awry. Good luck and get well soon. There are a few setters awaiting your recovery.

Pete Lester

11-26-2018, 08:00 AM

Sorry to hear this Harold. I hope the surgery goes smoothly and with the least amount of discomfort and disruption to your life as possible. I look forward to seeing you again at Hausman's. I hope to hear you tell us you feel like you are a young man again when we get there.

Bill Murphy

11-26-2018, 08:04 AM

Good luck, Harold. I remember a long ago pheasant season with a new setter puppy that was sidetracked by a spinal nerve problem. It was 1969, the year and month I was released from the Army. I recovered and so will you.

Buddy Marson

11-26-2018, 08:09 AM

Harold, sorry to hear of your heart condition. Stay positive! I am sure you'll get right back in your groove after you recuperate.
All the best!
Buddy

Daniel Carter

11-26-2018, 08:11 AM

Wishing you a speedy and complete recovery.

Randy G Roberts

11-26-2018, 08:17 AM

Sorry to hear of your misfortune and the poor timing. Best of luck to you Sir !

Dean Romig

11-26-2018, 09:16 AM

Hoping and praying all goes well and you'll be back in stride without skipping a step.

Possibly the result of a tick bite so you'll need to stay out of the woods from now on (and we'll all have more grouse to shoot at) :bigbye:

.

Mills Morrison

11-26-2018, 09:48 AM

Hope you are able to come to the Southern, but understand if you are not. Get well!

Kevin McCormack

11-26-2018, 10:30 AM

Harold, have you ever been tested for (or been confirmed for exposure to) Lyme disease? The latent and delayed effects of it can be devastating, particularly in late-onset cardiac anomalies.

I dodged a major bullet years ago by being tested (immunoassay) the day after I pulled a tick off me and saw the telltale 'bullsye rash' forming. I never contracted the disease thanks to a quick-acting doctor who put me on the doxocycline 31-day cycle, but the blood panel done for my annual complete physical always shows me as 'sensitized' to the organism but not carrying it.

I can sympathize with your having to cancel your trip; in 2011 I developed "floaters and flashers" in my vision just befor my annual eye exam and a scheduled trip to Canada to duck hunt. My eye doctor said he would not shoot a gun "on a bet" until the condition had passed, an estimated 6-8 weeks, due to the possibility of a detached retina from recoil.

I was so pumped for the trip I went anyway and did not shoot, satisfied myself with calling and watching the ducks decoy and my shooting companions display their waterfowling skills. It was worth it!

Jim McKee

11-26-2018, 11:33 AM

Best wishes!
OSU is an excellent hospital!!!
Hope for your fast recovery.
Jim

Thomas L. Benson Sr.

11-26-2018, 01:32 PM

Wish you a speedy recovery. I just had a woman friend have the operation and is doing great. Thomas

scott kittredge

11-26-2018, 02:18 PM

Harold,
I will be seeing and shooting with you in June, in pa. best of luck to you!!
scott

Shawn Wayment

11-26-2018, 04:17 PM

Harold I'll be praying for you! Give em heck!

Sara LeFever

11-26-2018, 05:17 PM

Harold,

I am so sorry to hear your news! My Grandpa had one valve replaced and one repaired at the Cleveland Clinic over 20 years ago, and he did very well with his surgery way back then. I'll certainly be keeping you in my thoughts. Hoping for a good surgery and speedy recovery!

I'll be looking forward to seeing you at the Southern and Hausmann's!

Sara

Garry L Gordon

11-26-2018, 05:47 PM

My best to you, Harold, and I'm sure you are correct and that your being in good shape will allow you to come back very quickly.

King Brown

11-26-2018, 06:16 PM

You're probably in the top one per cent of hunters re condition. That's an enormous head start to recovery. I was taken to hospital on stretcher (misdiagnosed heart attack) 50-some years ago. The cardiologist felt my carotid artery and asked if I smoked. When I said no, he said, "That's the best thing going for you." I'm a zealot about smoking. Every school friend who smoked is dead.

Craig Budgeon

11-26-2018, 06:42 PM

Harold, your a lucky man, your problem was discovered in the lounge not in the ER. I was sitting in a chair eating hospital food talking to my family 24 hrs. after surgery and went for a short walk later that day. Take the rehab classes ( it may save your life or someone else ) and get off the opoids as soon as possible ( they destroyed my ability to sleep ). My surgery was on Tuesday PM and went home Saturday at noon. Best of luck to you!

Tom Pellegrini

11-26-2018, 06:57 PM

Harold,
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Attitude is, in my mind, 90% and listening to the doctors is the rest. Take care and hope you have a speedy recovery. Anything I can help with all you need to do is call, the distance is no problem.
Tom

charlie cleveland

11-26-2018, 06:58 PM

wishing you a speedy recovery harld.....charlie

Gary Carmichael Sr

11-26-2018, 07:04 PM

Harold, Hope you are back in the field soon!, being in good condition never hurts. You will sail through this and You will be in my prayers, think positive, Gary

edgarspencer

11-26-2018, 07:07 PM

Harold, you’re still here because you’ve stayed in such good shape, and that condition is why you will be up way before the docs expect you too.
My dad had a heart attack while running a NAVHDA trial, and would not leave the field until everyone had run. He then went in for a quad and hunted many more years. Camping at Hausmann’s will be as great as ever, and you’ll be plunking that guitar as always.

Dean Romig

11-26-2018, 08:30 PM

Take the rehab classes ( it may save your life or someone else ) and get off the opoids as soon as possible ( they destroyed my ability to sleep ).

Better yet - don't even start with opiods.

They totally arrest the digestive systems ability to process food and eliminate waste....

There are other ways to deal with pain - if it even exists.

.

Harold Lee Pickens

11-27-2018, 10:38 AM

Dean Romig

11-27-2018, 10:55 AM

Looking forward to seeing you at Ernie’s in June.

.

Eric Eis

11-27-2018, 10:59 AM

Thanks all for the great support and comments. The PGCA is a wonderful organization, and even those I have not met in person seem like old friends. My lap top went on the fritz, so I havent been able to comment until today, back in the office.
I will know Friday, when and how they will do the surgery. We have a cardiac rehab program here at work, and the lady the runs it says she will put me on the "fast track" program. I had already made up my mind to ask for no opiods unless really necessary. If the surgery can be done with a minimmaly invasive approach, I'll be back in no time.
Thanks all!!

Harold, just a heads up, that nice lady in the cardiac rehab will not be so nice once your in (her) the program, trust me on this one.............! :rotf::rotf: But if you follow what they say you will do great.

You will do fine but it will take some time, oh and listen to the Dr's (I speak from experience on that point!)

Bob Decker

11-27-2018, 11:24 AM

My best wishes for you, Harold. Please take one piece of advise from an old gastroenterologist and get on a Pro-biotic ( I like Align the best) before and after surgery regardless of whether they use opioids or not to get your digestive system regulated naturally in response to the anesthesia and drugs you will be exposed to. I think of you every time a Lefever needing rehabilitation comes by.

Chuck Bishop

11-27-2018, 11:46 AM

Best of luck Harold. I'll be praying and wishing a speedy recovery for you.

Dave Suponski

11-27-2018, 12:10 PM

Good luck buddy.....

Joe Dreisch

11-27-2018, 01:11 PM

God Bless You, Harold. I will keep you in my prayers.

charlie cleveland

11-27-2018, 06:39 PM

wish you a speedy recovery...your hunting dogs and parkers will be waiting....but family and GOD come first.....charlie

Russell E. Cleary

11-27-2018, 07:22 PM

Harold:

By your description it appears that you have the fundamental vitality and strength to get through this successfully. And, I too have prayed to God for your full recovery, and for you to maintain peace of mind throughout this entire ordeal.

Mark Britton

11-27-2018, 07:40 PM

Best too you Sir you are in my prayers. Im sure I may know your face but can't say we ever met. Hope to have the pleasure this april, my 10th Southern. Im on the LC side (Don't hold that against me)

Harold Lee Pickens

11-29-2018, 12:11 PM

I showed my wife all the responses and well wishes, and she was overwellmed. Thanks all, and if I have not responded to all of my pm's, I apologize, but my laptop is not working. I will find out when, and what they are going to do tomorrow.

Ronald L. Houser

11-29-2018, 05:09 PM

Harold: Wondered why I hadn’t heard from you. I wish you all the best, you’re a great guy. I’ve enjoyed our conversations.

Ron Houser

Keith Britting

11-29-2018, 10:27 PM

Today I had a consultation with my heart doctor in Ohio and I will be continually watched for the same condition you have.
Prayers for a fellow Grouse hunter and Parker Man.

Matt Valinsky

12-03-2018, 01:07 AM

Harold, just read this. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Richard Flanders

12-03-2018, 10:01 AM

I suspect, that if that's all that's wrong with your heart and they can fix it successfully, that you'll be back in the field in short order Harold, and in better shape and feeling stronger than ever. We'll all be anxiously waiting for updates on your progress.

Harold Lee Pickens

12-13-2018, 12:03 PM

Hello Parker friends, just a little update. I still have not had my surgery, but it is scheduled for next Wed @ 7:00 am at Ohio State. it is being done by the chief cardio-thoracic surgeon there. I was up there Monday, and they told me to be prepared to be admitted that day, but alas, it will be next week. I just want to get the darn thing over with. It will be done robotic/minimally invasive, but still requires a 4" incision between the ribs--far better than cracking the chest open. They predict I will be there 5 days, gettin released Christmas Eve. Ironically, I ran into an old friend who was part of our marathon training group for years, and he had to have the exact same surgery last year and is now just fine.
I have packed my latest Parker Pages to read during recovery. Again, apologize for not responding to my pm's--but still dont have my laptop back, using my office computer at lunch time.
Be good as new in a couple months

Gary Laudermilch

12-13-2018, 02:08 PM

Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Dean Romig

12-13-2018, 02:13 PM

You’ll be home just in time to enjoy Christmas. I hope you do well and your recovery is quick and easy.

.

Mills Morrison

12-13-2018, 02:19 PM

Good luck for a speedy and uneventful recovery.

Harold Lee Pickens

12-23-2018, 08:28 AM

Hello my Parker friends and thanks to all of you who have had prayers and thoughts for me. I am doing well. Even though I am sitting here with an IV on the left side and two chest tubes hanging out the right I've already walk the quarter-mile this morning and my plan is to go for over a mile today. The chest tubes hopefully will be coming out today and the goal is to get released tomorrow on Christmas Eve and go home. I finished reading the parkour Pages this morning about 6 it is hard to sleep in a hospital. Phil Yearouts poems were outstanding they really moved me and I love David Boyles article about the to Parkers. The whole magazine was great. Thanks again to all of you for your thoughts and prayers and I'm wishing you all a Merry Christmas

Tom Pellegrini

12-23-2018, 08:41 AM

Good to hear you are doing well Harold. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers, wishing you a speedy recovery and Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Tom

Russ Jackson

12-23-2018, 09:00 AM

Great to hear you are doing well Harold ! It is wonderful you will be making it home for Christmas ! Praying for you a Speedy Recovery ! Best ; Russ

Craig Budgeon

12-23-2018, 11:29 AM

Harold you have already received the best gift anyone can bestow. Congrats on your successful surgery. Merry Christmas!!!!!!

Eric Eis

12-23-2018, 12:13 PM

Sounds like yoiur recovery is doing fine and if the Dr's say they may release you on Xmas eve they must be pleased too with the operation.

Garry L Gordon

12-23-2018, 01:31 PM

Wonderful news! I hope you get home for Christmas and have a speedy recovery. Happy Holidays to you and to you family.

Shawn Wayment

12-23-2018, 01:35 PM

Harold...

Been praying for you! Great news! Merry Christmas

Mark Britton

12-23-2018, 02:09 PM

Good to hear you are doing better ! Keep up the hard work ! Merry Christmas

Matt Valinsky

12-23-2018, 04:55 PM

Happy to hear your homeward bound. Here's to a speedy recovery. Merry Christmas Harold.

Richard Flanders

12-23-2018, 06:04 PM

Good on you Harold. You'll be back to shooting and hopefully hunting in no time.

Harold Lee Pickens

12-27-2018, 04:39 PM

I was able to get home by Christmas Eve at 6 and that was a great present I'm resting comfortably and getting stronger every day I went for a walk outside today probably a mile or more. This is my little buddy Huck Finn, my wife's little dog, who has been spending a lot of time with me. I am a little disappointed that I have not been able to play my guitar just to pass some time but a 6 inch incision across the breast right where the guitar lays makes it a little too uncomfortable so I'll just have to wait it out.