My Younger Brother had a Heart Attack

[Iowa Gal]

My younger brother had a heart attack on Monday (he is only 48). It's been a long week but he had one artery fully blocked and they placed a stint in it and he is now home. It was so hard for me and my parents as we are in Iowa and he is in Nevada. I offered to fly my parents out but there was really nothing they could do while he was in the hospital. My brother has other health issues, he was a heavy smoker for many years, is overweight and has inherited circulation issues. I got him and his wife to switch from smoking to vaping Thanksgiving weekend. He was doing great with that - but I did a lot of reading this week and nicotine is really not his friend the combo of heart and circulatory issues. I talked with him last night and then today ordered a bunch of 4mg and 0mg nic cartridges he should receive the first of the week. I suggested he keep a few of the higher nic on hand for those 'I really want a cigarette moments' but to use the lighter nic the majority of the time. I still think it will help him vs the cold turkey method. Sorry to ramble.... just had to talk..

 

[Mary Kay]

Iowa, I am sorry to hear about your brother. I hope he can stay with vaping at a lower nic level. You were smart to have him keep some higher nic in reserve for those hard moments.
Most of the damage in cigarettes is not due to the nic..though it does play it's part!

 

[Safira]

I just wanted to say I'm sorry, I hope your brother fully recovers quickly.

 

[congaman]

Iowa Gal, sorry to hear about your bro. I had a heart attack about 2 years ago and had a stent placed in the old ticker. I had been vaping for about 1.5 years previous to that and have been vaping ever since. My attack was due more to a blockage in an artery. I did switch from 24mg down to 18mg and try not to take more than 5 or 6 hits during each vaping session. Lost some excess weight and started walking about 3-4 time a week. Everything seems to be fine now. I wish all the best to you and your brother and keep on him about exercise and a healthy diet. Peace

 

[congaman]

PS I smoked analogs for about 30 years before being enlightened about e-cigs. Huge change in my life. :~)

 

[hairball]

Your family is in my prayers and may your brother have a fast recovery.

You were smart about the lower nic carts. Nic causes restriction of arteries which is not what he needs right now. I could live without nic but not without seeing the vaper/smoke. That's the biggest reason I still vape. It's the hand to mouth that most people are addicted to. Hopefully, the lower and 0mg carts will curve that for him.

Keep us posted on his progress please.

 

[classwife]

So scarey ! Hope he makes a great recovery !

 

[Iowa Gal]

Thank you all for your support - you are why I reached out to this forum. I have to admit I felt terrible at first since I'd switched him to vaping just shortly before this happened, but the doctor that did his surgery was very happy he had quit smoking and was vaping (made me feel better He just had other issues that he also has to consider. Congaman believe me I will be all over him on the exercise and diet. Both my brother and I realize it's been a lifetime of bad habits that got him to this phase, but smart choices will get him healing quickly. Thanks for listening and I promise to keep you posted.

 

[SudokuGal]

Nothing like a big sister! Sounds like your brother has a good one in you. I'm hoping he has a quick recovery.

 

[Fudgey]

Iowa ((((hugs)))) hoping he has a fast recovery. Keep at him on getting him to change his life style He's got an angel for a big sister.

 

[Iowa Gal]

Thank you for all of the support...let me tell ya it's now always easy as the oldest - I'm suppose to be so wise... but I do feel good for the support I can give my brother - had a great phone conversation with him last night. He is feeling better and does realize he needs to make some major changes in his lifestyle. He was thrilled that I ordered the low and 0 nic carts for him.. his budget wll be a little challenged for awhile and he also thinks this will help him continue to stay off the analogs.. ok on a lighter topic I am currently vaping a sample Pancake 18mg - I really don't like the flavor but the vapor is outta control...and the more I vape - well doubt I'll order more but will totally enjoy this freebie

 

[CES]

I just saw this thread IowaGal. I'm glad that your brother is doing better. You're a wonderful big sister!

 

[sleepy jean]

Same here as Ces, glad to hear he's doing better and really hope he like's the no nic carts and juice, it will be sooo much better for him. Prayer's are with you and you whole family.

 

[Iowa Gal]

Wanted to give everyone an update. Had a great talk with my brother and he is feeling so much better. His blood pressure has been in the normal range for a few days now and he can't believe how much better he feels. He got the package of 0mg and 4mg cartos and is utilizing them well Actually a friend of his invited him to a cabin in the mountains for the weekend - to me sounds like the perfect getaway and relaxing weekend. Again I can't Thank You enough for your support - it's wonderful to have an outlet to just let your feelings go..

 

[Mary Kay]

Yes, these people got me thru a bad time..I hope we have helped others thru thier hard times.
Glad your brother is on the mend!

 

[Iowa Gal]

Quick update - my brother is doing great. His blood pressure has been within the 'normal' readings for a week. He can't believe how much better he is feeling and is really working hard on the diet/exercise changes in his life. He said the 0mg and 4mg cartos are really helping - he has actually been using the 0mg majority of the time

 

[Fudgey]

That is wonderful news!!!! I am so happy for him Great job to you for helping him....you're a very loving sister.

 

[Iowa Gal]

Thanks Fudgey - I try....

 

[Safira]

So glad he is feeling better, and trying to make the life style changes he needs to make. Sounds like you two have a very special relationship.

 

[Mary Kay]

good onya both!