[3233rafael]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trivial Psychic

I hope that I don't kill the warm fuzzies of nostalgia, but I thought I'd share my latest pick, as well as a message of love and concern to all of my friends here on the Ark. On Tuesday afternoon, I ended up getting one of these. I woke up in the early morning hours, with a absolutely crushing pain in my chest, and thankfully, made the decision to go to the ER, something that I almost never do, as I tend to be a bit stubborn. Thankfully, it was one that saved my life, as little did I know, I was having a massive heart attack that was taking place in my left artery, an attack that doctors commonly refer to as "the widowmaker" due to it's incredibly silent and lethal tendency to kill it's victim, often without a warning, as it is nearly impossible to spot on an EKG. It absolutely caught me by surprise, as I have never had an issue with cholesterol, am fairly fit, am not overweight, and only just recently turned 36 years old not more than two weeks ago. After what I was told was a precautionary trip to the hospital cath lab, imagine my surprise when the cardiologist told me that I had a complete and total blockage in the artery, and not because I eat garbage like many of us do, but mostly through bad genetics, a diabetic condition that I did not even realize that I had, and a "it can't happen to me," type attitude.



I'm here today only because despite my stubbornness, I wasn't too stubborn to get out of bed and get it checked out. I urge all of you, it doesn't matter how old or young you are, do not ever question or gamble with your health. If you suffer from chest pain, don't be too ashamed to admit that you might be sick, too stubborn to admit that something could be taking place, and if you have a family or people you care about, too selfish to get it looked at. I'm truly lucky and blessed that I am here today, freshly discharged at home, spreading this message to you all. I have gotten the opportunity to converse and debate with some of you, and gotten to know many of you on a more personal level, and I would not wish what happened to me on anyone else, as it was truly one of the most painful and terrifying experiences of my life. I wish all of you the best of health and life, because it's the experiences here, at the retailers, toy shows and comic-cons with others like you that make this hobby just so much damn fun.

Sorry for using this podium as a soapbox to preach heart health, but it was a message that was deeply important to me, and I wanted to share with all of you.

That's not to say that despite my dire condition, I didn't get a couple of nice pick-ups from friends and family sending me well wishes. On the contrary, they knew that flowers was the last thing I wanted...(Not pictured are the two X-wing fighters that I also received, one from the Hot Wheels line, and one from the Titanium line)



That said, the Grim Reaper can suck it. Can't wait until I'm back on my feet again to do some proper hunting. Take care guys...and if you got this far...thanks. Now back to the awesome hauls. Godspeed.

My friend...I know you're going to be just fine. All I'm going to say to you is that you already have my phone number. Call me or txt me if you need anything at any time.