How do you ruin an evening out with friends? How about chest pains and a trip to the hospital in the back of an ambulance.
Having never had a heart attack before I didn't know what to think when I was at the local arena last Thursday night with friends watching some other friends playing girls ball hockey when all of a sudden the most terrifying feeling I've ever had hit me.
Without going into all of the details, the pain in my chest was bad enough that I asked my buddy Dave Maybee to get help and my other friend Dan Jess grabbed his cell phone and called 911.
I managed to make it outside to get some fresh air and sat down on the cold pavement. The first to arrive were two fire trucks and a couple of firefighters I knew who gave me some oxygen. Of course the pain had subsided by this point but I was shaking from either nerves or the cold. Dave grabbed my cell phone and called my parents who were at the Lions Hall for Bingo and told them to meet me at the hospital.
The ambulance arrived and they assessed me and got me into the ambulance. They hooked me up to heart monitors and more I'm sure and asked me all kinds of questions. I'll be damned if I can remember any of them now. The trip to the hospital was swift and when the doors opened, ma and pa were standing there waiting to see me.
One thing I will say...if you have to go to the hospital, in an ambulance is the only way to go. There was no sitting in the waiting room with the masses for 5 hours hoping they'd call your name next. Instead I was ushered into the ER through a private entrance and right into the awaiting bed.
The nurses removed most of the sticky connections on my body provided by the ambulance and then attached their own hair ripping connectors and hooked me up to plenty of things that go "beep". The blood pressure cup was wrapped around my arm, copious amounts of blood was removed from my left arm and then I was left alone for 20 minutes until the doctor showed up.
The Doc was a nice enough guy and he asked me the same questions I'd already been asked several times. The tests all came back negative for a heart attack which was comforting news but the pain did come back a few more times and to this day (even as I'm typing this) I'm still getting some discomfort. The chest x-rays also came back negative except to say that I do have a heart.
After about 2 hours I was released and hitched a ride home with mom and dad.
So what is wrong with me? What caused and continues to cause the problem? It could acid reflux or some kind of spasm but I'm no doctor. I have to go to my family doctor to see if we can figure it out. I only wish I could take an ambulance to my doctor. Maybe I could get in to see him quicker instead of 8 days after this all started.
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Favourite Christmas Memories
It's true what they say about Christmas; as you get older, it seems to lose some of it's special qualities. There's nothing like living through the holiday season as a child and taking in the wonders of this time. That's not to say I've turned into a Scrooge and ghosts will soon show up beside my bed. It's just that the whole Christmas experience has become more of an effort. Perhaps if you have kids you can relive the old feelings through them and that helps to preserve the memories.
Of course I have great memories of Christmas' past. I remember helping to trim the tree or perhaps I was just getting in the way. Playing with the tinsel was fun. Spending time with my family was always special. One family tradition that continues to this day is breakfast at my mom and dad's house. Several of my aunt's and my uncle on dad's side of the family always show up around 9am for breakfast. It is a huge meal that holds us until supper later in the day. Some year's we have more people and some we have less but it keeps taking place.
In my younger days dad, mom, my brother Scott and I would hop in the car and head to Colborne to Grandpa and Grandma Williams' homestead. This was usually a large family gathering with aunt's, uncle's and cousin's. It was always fun but with the passing of my grandparent's, those days happen no more.
As an adult I can now truly appreciate what my parent's did for my brother and I. With only dad working and putting in as much overtime as he could, he and mom made sure we had some wonderful memories. They sacrificed so we could have a ping pong table, board games, skates, new clothes or my Evel Knievel Stunt Cycle. I also couldn't figure out why dad seemed a little grumpy when we jumped on his bed at 4:30 in the morning to start opening the presents. Of course now I realize he and mom were probably up until 1:00 wrapping and placing gifts under the tree. But once they were up, they were more than happy to sit and watch us destroy the wrapping paper and play games with us throughout the day.
You might not believe this, but even at my advanced age, there's one thing that helps to transport me back to my childhood. I still love to watch the old Christmas television specials. My favourite's include the "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer" (with the island of misfit toys), "How The Grinch Stole Christmas" (I always liked Max the dog), "Charlie Brown Christmas" (that poor little tree), "Santa Clause Is Coming To Town" (Kris Kringle bringing toys to the children of Sombertown), "Year Without A Santa Clause" (Heat Miser and Snow Miser working their magic) and "Frosty The Snowman" (why would he go in a greenhouse). How many of those do you remember?
The one new holiday special I have started to enjoy is the Victoria's Secret Holiday Fashion Show on CBS. Holy Jingle Bells!!!
So as the holiday season creeps up on us, I'll be scanning the TV Guide to find some of my favourite holiday friends to help put me in the mood.
Of course I have great memories of Christmas' past. I remember helping to trim the tree or perhaps I was just getting in the way. Playing with the tinsel was fun. Spending time with my family was always special. One family tradition that continues to this day is breakfast at my mom and dad's house. Several of my aunt's and my uncle on dad's side of the family always show up around 9am for breakfast. It is a huge meal that holds us until supper later in the day. Some year's we have more people and some we have less but it keeps taking place.
In my younger days dad, mom, my brother Scott and I would hop in the car and head to Colborne to Grandpa and Grandma Williams' homestead. This was usually a large family gathering with aunt's, uncle's and cousin's. It was always fun but with the passing of my grandparent's, those days happen no more.
As an adult I can now truly appreciate what my parent's did for my brother and I. With only dad working and putting in as much overtime as he could, he and mom made sure we had some wonderful memories. They sacrificed so we could have a ping pong table, board games, skates, new clothes or my Evel Knievel Stunt Cycle. I also couldn't figure out why dad seemed a little grumpy when we jumped on his bed at 4:30 in the morning to start opening the presents. Of course now I realize he and mom were probably up until 1:00 wrapping and placing gifts under the tree. But once they were up, they were more than happy to sit and watch us destroy the wrapping paper and play games with us throughout the day.
You might not believe this, but even at my advanced age, there's one thing that helps to transport me back to my childhood. I still love to watch the old Christmas television specials. My favourite's include the "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer" (with the island of misfit toys), "How The Grinch Stole Christmas" (I always liked Max the dog), "Charlie Brown Christmas" (that poor little tree), "Santa Clause Is Coming To Town" (Kris Kringle bringing toys to the children of Sombertown), "Year Without A Santa Clause" (Heat Miser and Snow Miser working their magic) and "Frosty The Snowman" (why would he go in a greenhouse). How many of those do you remember?
The one new holiday special I have started to enjoy is the Victoria's Secret Holiday Fashion Show on CBS. Holy Jingle Bells!!!
So as the holiday season creeps up on us, I'll be scanning the TV Guide to find some of my favourite holiday friends to help put me in the mood.
Monday, November 21, 2005
17 Days of Bliss!
Well, I've finally found a few moments to tell you about my trip to Florida which I just returned from.
It was 17 days of fantastic weather but more importantly it allowed me to spend some time with my brother Scott prior to his big wedding on November 5th. We hadn't seen each other in over a year and it was great to be able to hang out like brothers are supposed to do. Of couse we didn't get to spend too much time with each other as he was busy preparing for the big day and then spent the honeymoon in Hawaii but the time we spent together was super.
I flew down with mom and dad and we stayed at Scott and Erin's place. I have to say, that first week I ate more awesome food then I have in awhile. I think we ate out almost every night and Steak and Prime Rib was my choice almost every meal. I love cow!
The rehearsal party was held at Michael's on East in the Wine Cellar (beautiful setting) with the wedding party (I was Best Man) and family from both sides. Yes, I ate more cow at this party. After the party, the girls went their way and the boys went to Hooters for a couple pitchers of watered down American beer.
The wedding day itself went very smoothly, although it was damn hot...about 85F. Needless to say I may have lost a few pounds while wearing my monkey suit. The reception was lovely. Did I just use the word "lovely"? Everything looked great but once again it was a tad on the warm side and my hankie's got a work out.
I ate more bovine at this gathering also. Judging by the amount of laughter during my speech, everyone either loved it or my fly was undone. I danced with the bridesmaid's and several of my aunts during the evening. I hadn't danced in quite a while and I think it showed. Overall it was a fantastic and emotional day. The saddest part of the day was knowing that the reception was being held at an amazing golf course and I wasn't allowed to play it.
The final week of my vacation was spent relaxing and shopping. I didn't buy much though...just three pairs of shoes, several shirts and some new shorts I won't get to wear again for another six months. I spent most of the time swimming in the pool, sitting in the spa or laying out by the pool catching some rays and working on the tan.
Overall it was another great trip. If you'd like to see photos of my trip, go to this website http://photobucket.com/albums/b244/Bundy68/ and click on the appropriate page.
It was 17 days of fantastic weather but more importantly it allowed me to spend some time with my brother Scott prior to his big wedding on November 5th. We hadn't seen each other in over a year and it was great to be able to hang out like brothers are supposed to do. Of couse we didn't get to spend too much time with each other as he was busy preparing for the big day and then spent the honeymoon in Hawaii but the time we spent together was super.
I flew down with mom and dad and we stayed at Scott and Erin's place. I have to say, that first week I ate more awesome food then I have in awhile. I think we ate out almost every night and Steak and Prime Rib was my choice almost every meal. I love cow!
The rehearsal party was held at Michael's on East in the Wine Cellar (beautiful setting) with the wedding party (I was Best Man) and family from both sides. Yes, I ate more cow at this party. After the party, the girls went their way and the boys went to Hooters for a couple pitchers of watered down American beer.
The wedding day itself went very smoothly, although it was damn hot...about 85F. Needless to say I may have lost a few pounds while wearing my monkey suit. The reception was lovely. Did I just use the word "lovely"? Everything looked great but once again it was a tad on the warm side and my hankie's got a work out.
I ate more bovine at this gathering also. Judging by the amount of laughter during my speech, everyone either loved it or my fly was undone. I danced with the bridesmaid's and several of my aunts during the evening. I hadn't danced in quite a while and I think it showed. Overall it was a fantastic and emotional day. The saddest part of the day was knowing that the reception was being held at an amazing golf course and I wasn't allowed to play it.
The final week of my vacation was spent relaxing and shopping. I didn't buy much though...just three pairs of shoes, several shirts and some new shorts I won't get to wear again for another six months. I spent most of the time swimming in the pool, sitting in the spa or laying out by the pool catching some rays and working on the tan.
Overall it was another great trip. If you'd like to see photos of my trip, go to this website http://photobucket.com/albums/b244/Bundy68/ and click on the appropriate page.
Thursday, October 20, 2005
Tee Off For Terry Fox
The 5th Annual Tee-Off for Terry Fox Golf Tournament was held at the Murray Hills Golf Course on Saturday October 15th. This fun day of golf is put on by the Student Government from ENSS in Brighton each year and has been a major contributor of funds in their efforts to raise money to fight Cancer.
I have golfed in all of the tournaments over the 5 years and along with my team-mates, we've had a fair bit of success.
Once again this year, about 39 teams of four hit the links on one of the nicest days for the tourney ever. We had a mix of sun and cloud with only about 5 minutes of light rain to dampen our grips. The winds were quite gusty which made playing that much more challenging.
To make a long story short, my team of Andy Koetstra, Fred VanLingen, Lyle Williams and myself won the tourney by 3 strokes as we finished minus six on the day. We had made it as low as minus 8, however bogies on the last two holes dropped us a bit.
With so many groups participating, our foursome had to play with two other foursomes. The fact that the other two groups were all members of the golf course like us made for a fun day of joking and good competition.
My gloating wouldn't be complete if I didn't mention the fact that this was the second win in a row for us and third overall in the five years in this event. We've done well to say the least.
But the bottom line is the money raised and I'm pleased to report that almost 9-thousand dollars was raised for the Terry Fox Cancer Foundation and a lot of fun was had by all. I congratulate the organizing committee on another well run tournament and I look forward to next October.
I have golfed in all of the tournaments over the 5 years and along with my team-mates, we've had a fair bit of success.
Once again this year, about 39 teams of four hit the links on one of the nicest days for the tourney ever. We had a mix of sun and cloud with only about 5 minutes of light rain to dampen our grips. The winds were quite gusty which made playing that much more challenging.
To make a long story short, my team of Andy Koetstra, Fred VanLingen, Lyle Williams and myself won the tourney by 3 strokes as we finished minus six on the day. We had made it as low as minus 8, however bogies on the last two holes dropped us a bit.
With so many groups participating, our foursome had to play with two other foursomes. The fact that the other two groups were all members of the golf course like us made for a fun day of joking and good competition.
My gloating wouldn't be complete if I didn't mention the fact that this was the second win in a row for us and third overall in the five years in this event. We've done well to say the least.
But the bottom line is the money raised and I'm pleased to report that almost 9-thousand dollars was raised for the Terry Fox Cancer Foundation and a lot of fun was had by all. I congratulate the organizing committee on another well run tournament and I look forward to next October.
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Happy Thanksgiving!
I just wanted to take a moment to wish all of you who visit my Blog and all my family and friends a Very Happy Thanksgiving.
I figured I'd better post this now before I have my big meal on Sunday night. I have a feeling I'll be eating so much that my fingers might get too fat to punch the letters on my keyboard.
It's this time of year when we start to think about what we are truly thankful for and with my life going through some difficult times the last year I thought it would be hard to find anything to be thankful about.
The truth is, I'm very thankful for the love of my family who mean everything to me. Although I knew it all along they've proven that they really are there for me when I need them.
And I'm thankful for the friends I've had through the years and today. They've made life much more interesting and worth living.
And considering the hell I've put my body through for the last 37 years, I'm very thankful for my health. You'd never no it by looking at me but I'm not doing too bad for a guy like me. It's amazing how the right amount of medication will take away the pain.
I hope you all have as much to be thankful for as I do.
I figured I'd better post this now before I have my big meal on Sunday night. I have a feeling I'll be eating so much that my fingers might get too fat to punch the letters on my keyboard.
It's this time of year when we start to think about what we are truly thankful for and with my life going through some difficult times the last year I thought it would be hard to find anything to be thankful about.
The truth is, I'm very thankful for the love of my family who mean everything to me. Although I knew it all along they've proven that they really are there for me when I need them.
And I'm thankful for the friends I've had through the years and today. They've made life much more interesting and worth living.
And considering the hell I've put my body through for the last 37 years, I'm very thankful for my health. You'd never no it by looking at me but I'm not doing too bad for a guy like me. It's amazing how the right amount of medication will take away the pain.
I hope you all have as much to be thankful for as I do.
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