Randy Cassingham's Blog

Posted by Kathryn, Midlothian VA on August 26, 2008:

PVCs and PACs sure do suck, don't they? If you haven't already, you might want to try backing off the caffeine for a while. My doc told me a lot of people are caffeine-sensitive and don't know it til the stress hits. (I sure was. I had to go cold turkey. The trade-off for no coffee or soda is not having had palpitations for years, when for a while in grad school I was tossing 'em at the rate of 13 a minute. It was a good trade. I hate feeling like my heart is flopping around in my chest.) :-)

Be good to yourself, and keep True rolling!

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Caffeine is indeed insidious, and I went off of it years ago (as anyone who gets migraine headaches, such as myself, should!) -rc

Posted by Chris, No Hollywood, CA on August 26, 2008:

Whew, glad you're OK, and glad it wasn't an attack of bleeding hemorrhoids! THAT blog and pictures could have been a little tough to read!!!

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Ewwww! -rc

Posted by Tony, Japan on August 26, 2008:

Good God man, when it rains, it pours!

A few years ago my father was "overdoing things a bit". Had a bit of a chest "annoyance", much like yourself.
Went to the doctor, and just by walking from the waiting room to the chair in the doctor's office, the doctor could tell. My father never even got to explain his condition. The doc just told him; "You need to get to a hospital, now."
As soon as he sent him on his way, the doctor realised it was insane to let him drive, so he set off after him in his own car.

My father arrived at the hospital, and after the doc explained the situation he was put on a heart monitor for "observation".

He recounted the story himself later by saying that after he got to the hospital he had a short nap.

The doc countered, "That was NOT a nap. You were lucky to wake up!"

Considerable lifestyle changes followed.

Seriously Randy, take a day off. More often. The GOOHF cards won't work on this one.

Go stare in wonder at those mountains outside your window. They have earned it. So have you.

The rest of us will wait patiently, and blame the internet, yahoo, lyris, and the other usual suspects for any delays, as always.

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Your father was lucky. The doctor should have called an ambulance for him, since he could have died (or at least gone unconscious) behind the wheel. Glad everything turned out OK! -rc

Posted by Rafael from Spain on August 26, 2008:

So you have a heart, uh? We knew that already, Randy. And you put it on many places, so make sure you don't let it go stranded. It's a beautiful heart, take care of it even if it only belongs partially to you, Kit will surely keep her side safe and as sound as you allow.

Imagine PVC really stands for "Perfectly Valid Calls" and do (or do not do) what you think is best for your health. We'll be here.

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I appreciate your very kind words, Rafael. The problem seems to have cleared up overnight -- just as suddenly as it came on. Feeling good today! -rc

Posted by Bill in Monterey on August 26, 2008:

Randy - please take care of yourself - for Kit's sake, if nothing else. Altho I try to say it whenever I write, please know that this reader really appreciates your efforts on True/Stella/Groxx/Bonzer et al. I also appreciate that as a caring person, you do more than entertain - you save lives. Can't get much more giving than that! Be well, stay well.

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It's very satisfying, especially when readers express their appreciation so well. Thanks, Bill. -rc

Posted by Brendan, Toronto on August 26, 2008:

Having had my own recent medical issues, that were stress and life-style related I can only pass on the wise words of my family doctor -

"Take Care of Your Body - Where Else Are You Going To Live?"

I liked that so much I had a bunch of t-shirts made up - do you want one to remind yourself??

Downtime is mandatory not optional!

We (us Premium Subscribers at least!) all love what you do to keep our spirits high and we want you to keep doing it - so take care of yourself first!!

Posted by Marcie in Los Angeles on August 26, 2008:

(((Big Hugs)) to you and your sweetie. Never wait to call a paramedic if there's any doubt at all. I know you know that, but sometimes we don't take care of ourselves as well as we take care of others. I'm sooo glad it wasn't something worse.

My S.O. had a heart attack last year. I knew the symptoms, but couldn't get him to call, or let me call. Oy! After a whole day, I finally convinced him to let me drive him to the hospital (Oy! We should have got an ambulance.) Sure enough, heart attack and then on to a double bypass. Fortunately he is doing well now. But if we had waited any longer, I don't think he would still be here.

Take it easy! And a big thank you to your wife for taking good care of you!

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Next time, just call anyway. It's too important to fool around. -rc

Posted by Paul, Colorado on August 26, 2008:

Hey!

As is your wont, you make light of your situation -- but we'd really miss you. So take it easy on yourself. I can live without the occasional free edition (but then I get the paid one!)

Kit has every right to be concerned (my wife acts the same way, bless her!) As my son said (about 20 years ago) cut her "a piece of slack!"

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I wasn't making light, I just have enough experience and training to know what was going on. But it's possible to be wrong, so I had it checked. Sounds entirely rational to me! -rc

Posted by Alfredo, Mexico City. Mexico on August 26, 2008:

I have been a subscriber since rocketmail times, (even a premium for a full year *sigh*.

On my end, and adding up the yahoo spam trouble from last week and the blackout of the current equaled to true's doom.

I'm glad that you keep going, and worried because of the reasons you have explained in the Blog.

I don't even dare to ask what else is in our hands to help, since you have been quite explicit.

Please keep going!

One of your fans.

Posted by Paul in Texas on August 27, 2008:

"Atrial Fibrillation" - that is what I got told a year ago when I could not get my heart to slow down or beat steadily. Medication and slowing down have worked wonders as well as a product called Emergen-C Heart. I have used Emergen-C after exercise for years, but the "Heart" version is new. Might want to look into it.

Take care of yourself and I hope everyone puts on their thinking caps about who would be a sponsor for the Free version - Emergen-C???

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I have a buddy with a-fib. It's awfully interesting to feel his pulse! -rc