Cant believe I missed this topic before....
I had an MI in February, 1998. Three days later had a triple bypass (after laying in ICU, never have a heart attack on a Thursday, nothing gets done until Monday). I smoked most of my life starting at around 17 years old (46 when I had the MI). Stopped smoking for about a year after the surgery, but started back up again. Smoked cigarettes then switched to small cigars (Swisher Sweets) for a number of years smoking between 10-15 per day depending on my days.
A few months ago I switched Primary Care Physicians (my old one just wasn't doing anything and it was time to make the switch). My new Doctor insisted that I see a Cardiologist. He ordered a bunch of tests just to see where I was and establish a base line.
Good thing he did.... my echo showed that I have a reduced ejection fraction in the right venatical, pumping out approximately 30% of the blood volume with each pump (you typically eject about 60% so I was down about half). They changed some meds and retested three months later. Still same result, actually down just a touch with a lower ejection fraction (I have been told that the percentage is basically a guessimation and that there is not an exact science to determining total volumes).
So, anyway, two months ago I had a pacemaker/internal cardiac defibrillator installed. It basically is just an "insurance policy" that will make sure my heart rate stays within 40-171 beats per minute and we give me a defib shock within 3 seconds should my heart stop. The good news is, I can now jump start my car if I really need to...
Prior to having the PM/ICD installed I was still smoking and my Primary Care, Cardiologist and EP (specialist doctor who inserts the PM/ICD) all wanted me to stop. I was driving by a local B&M that had recently opened in my neighborhood and decided to stop in and check it out. Lucky for me the owner (whose wife is a Doctor) was extremely patient and helpful in working me through the equipment, what it does, how it works, how to use it and what I would need. He sold me a basic Kanger starter set and helped me find some juice.
I started vaping immediately but still had an occasional cigar for the first two days. On the third day I was determined not to smoke. Went all day without a smoke, but vaped almost continuously. After dinner that evening I went outside for a cigar (never smoked in the house) and lit one up. Took two puffs; gave me an instant headache and tasted terrible! Put it out and have not had one, or a desire to have one, since.
That was one month prior to the installation of my PM/ICD. All three of my doctors were trilled that I had stopped smoking. My EP knew about vaping and did not express any concerns at all. My Primary Care admitted he did not know a lot about it but was trilled and vowed to study it some more (and he is the type that will do exactly that). He has since expressed his opinion that it is much better than smoking!
When I had the PM/ICD installed they required me to stay overnight in the hospital. I had taken my PV with me (just a VV stick battery and an EVOD at the time) and would go into the bathroom for a quick hit or two during the night (you can not sleep in a hospital!!). The nurse came in twice right afterward and asked, "what's that lovely smell in here?"
Since I have stopped smoking I am breathing much better. My energy level has increased, however, with the surgery I have been restricted somewhat for two months allowing the PM/ICD and leads to settle. I typically vape at 12 mg, but have begun making some of my own juice and am lowering that to 9 mg and plan to drop eventually to about 3mg.
Sorry for the very long post.
Nice to know there are others who have been through some of the same stuff and enjoy vaping!
