Author
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Topic: Space artist Tim Gagnon (KSCArtist) hospitalized
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AJ Member Posts: 511 From: Plattsburgh, NY, United States Registered: Feb 2009
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posted 06-09-2013 05:11 PM
Get well soon, Tim! You're a tough nut and I know you'll get through this! Best wishes to the whole Gagnon family. |
Gonzo Member Posts: 596 From: Lansing, MI, USA Registered: Mar 2012
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posted 06-09-2013 06:07 PM
Tim, as others have said, my prayers go to you, Lynn and your family. To use a word you may not know, "tonglen" will be done in your favor. All the best for a speedy recovery. _/\_ |
ilbasso Member Posts: 1522 From: Greensboro, NC USA Registered: Feb 2006
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posted 06-09-2013 09:35 PM
Best wishes, Tim! Get some rest and let us do the worrying for you! Hope you're back home and feeling right as rain soon. |
Spacemac Member Posts: 59 From: Schererville, Indiana, united states Registered: May 2009
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posted 06-10-2013 11:15 AM
Best wishes for a speedy recovery as one of my favorite space artists |
Fra Mauro Member Posts: 1586 From: Bethpage, N.Y. Registered: Jul 2002
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posted 06-10-2013 12:43 PM
Best wishes for a speedy recovery from the Cathedral Prep Air & Space Association. Our prayers are with you! |
manilajim Member Posts: 256 From: Bergenfield, NJ USA Registered: May 2000
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posted 06-10-2013 12:45 PM
I wish you a speedy recovery Tim. Best Wishes. — Jim Sigler |
buckeyecal Member Posts: 90 From: soon to be Boise, ID USA Registered: Feb 2006
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posted 06-10-2013 02:29 PM
God's blessings and get well soon to a very talented dude and a pleasure to know thru our emails. Take care buddy. (If you have a chance down the road, check out "Space Warriors" on the Hallmark Channel. Josh Lucas's character is wearing a bomber jacket with a VERY familiar looking patch... from STS-129!!!) |
fredtrav Member Posts: 1673 From: Birmingham AL Registered: Aug 2010
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posted 06-10-2013 02:33 PM
My prayers are with you for a speedy and full recovery. |
dogcrew5369 Member Posts: 750 From: Statesville, NC Registered: Mar 2009
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posted 06-10-2013 09:18 PM
Best wishes Tim for a speedy and full recovery. |
KAPTEC Member Posts: 578 From: Madrid, Spain Registered: Oct 2005
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posted 06-11-2013 07:07 AM
HE IS BACK AT HOME!!! Take care Tim. We need you... too |
lm5eagle Member Posts: 429 From: Registered: Jul 2007
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posted 06-11-2013 07:51 AM
That is the best news I have heard since Tim took unwell. Keep up this fantastic progress and DO NOT be tempted back to work too soon. We know what you are like. All the Best. |
KSCartist Member Posts: 2896 From: Titusville, FL USA Registered: Feb 2005
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posted 06-11-2013 12:08 PM
I have permission to climb out of my recliner long enough to post this. Here's the story about my adventure last Friday which I hope to never repeat:On Friday, June 7, I was running a couple of errands before going to work and when leaving the last one started getting a pain in my left chest and left arm. I recognized it immediately (from the episode on May 26) but of course my first response was disbelief. Dammit this cannot be happening! I had just passed an echocardiogram, stress test and two days before met with my cardiologist. I was about a mile from the house when I called Lynn to meet me in the driveway with the nitroglycerine and to call 911. I knew I had to get home because that's where my medicine was. I didn't want to stop on the side of the road because I felt less likely to get help in enough time. When I arrived home, Lynn ran out and I took the nitro. She was on the phone giving 911 our info and answering questions. They also had me chew four baby aspirin immediately. I opened the car door but couldn't get out. It hurt A LOT and I was sweating more than I ever had before. It seemed like a long time but the EMTs arrived and took over. They rushed me to the hospital and in the ambulance had trouble getting readings on their equipment because I was sweating so bad. They said I actually had the attack as we arrived at the hospital. In the ER they began their procedures, they gave me morphine for the pain (didn't help), ran EKGs and prepped me for the catherization. When they got me into the Cath Lab, they discovered two arteries blocked. One at 100%, one branching off of that at 90%. They opened the branch first and when that oxygenated blood went to that part of my heart (lower front ventricle) it went nuts. I coded. Trish (my daughter who's an RN) and Lynn heard the call "Code 2 in the Cath Lab" on the overhead speaker and Trish knew what that was immediately. They rushed from the ICU waiting room going to the Cath Lab. As they arrived at the lab the Chaplain and an administrator met them outside the room. That's when Lynn lost it. I was gone for two minutes. It took chest compressions and four shocks from the defibrillator to revive me. I had no idea I crashed until I came to. Thank God they were successful. The part of my heart that suffered the lack of blood is working at 45%. I'm on a couple of new Rx — one is a thinner that I will take for the next year or two. I have some lesser blockages that they believe the medicine will dissolve. Right now the memory is fresh, I am super-motivated to eat right and exercise. But human nature being what it is, that can change. To make sure I never forget, I asked the hospital to give me a copy of my EKG when my heart stopped. It shows the shocks and return to sinus rhythm when they were successful. I am going to frame it along with my wrist bracelet and hang it over my desk. Every moment after being revived is a gift and I don't ever want to forget that. I'll be home from work for the next two weeks, won't drive for a few days, and I have a follow up with my cardiologist next week. You all have no idea how much your emails, prayers and messages mean to me and my family. I'll never be able to thank you enough. God Bless all of you in the cS community. Tim |
cspg Member Posts: 6210 From: Geneva, Switzerland Registered: May 2006
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posted 06-11-2013 12:33 PM
Phew, talking about a close call...And I didn't know that nitroglycerine was used as medication! Take it easy. |
Dan Lorraine Member Posts: 373 From: Cranston, R.I. Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 06-11-2013 08:13 PM
I am so glad to hear about your miraculous story. I am 54 years old and was read the "Last Rites" in early March and almost died... so I know what another chance feels like. I wish you the very best for a speedy recovery! |
KAPTEC Member Posts: 578 From: Madrid, Spain Registered: Oct 2005
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posted 06-12-2013 08:30 AM
Yes Chris. It is called in Spain at least "Cafinitrina", english translated as "Sublingual nitroglycerin." |
Jurg Bolli Member Posts: 977 From: Albuquerque, NM Registered: Nov 2000
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posted 06-12-2013 09:46 AM
Take care of yourself, eat right and exercise! |
MarylandSpace Member Posts: 1336 From: Registered: Aug 2002
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posted 06-12-2013 10:16 AM
Tim, we are all grateful that you are still with us and hopefully for many years to come.Please try to stay on your diet and Rx. Every day is a gift. |
Cascader Member Posts: 50 From: London, England, UK Registered: Oct 2010
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posted 06-12-2013 10:17 AM
Hi Tim, great to hear you're getting better after your "scare". I can only add my best wishes to everybody else's. Tim has been very generous in my my dealings with him (giving me free patches or reduced postage etc). You're a great guy and I (and all other collectors you've ever dealt with)wish you a complete and speedy recovery. |
Falcon109 New Member Posts: From: Registered:
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posted 06-12-2013 11:06 AM
Tim, if you're anything like me you'll find it easy to be motivated to exercise and eat properly during and after your cardiac rehab. Since my own "widowmaker" experience last October I have been diligent in keeping up with my daily walks, along with occasional bike rides or other activities, and maintaining a low-sodium, fresh & healthy diet. Although they do a wonderful job at the Ottawa Heart Institute and I'm grateful that they saved my life, I have no desire to make more than the occasional short follow-up visit. That's what keeps me motivated. All best wishes for success in your recovery and rehab. |
chet Member Posts: 1506 From: Beverly Hills, Calif. Registered: Nov 2000
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posted 06-12-2013 07:30 PM
A very scary story. Glad you're still with us, and best wishes for a full and speedy recovery. |
YankeeClipper Member Posts: 617 From: Dublin, Ireland Registered: Mar 2011
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posted 06-13-2013 12:23 AM
quote: Originally posted by cspg: Phew, talking about a close call...And I didn't know that nitroglycerine was used as medication!
Very close call and very lucky to have survived the preliminary and primary myocardial hit!It's worth a quick recap for everyone on aspects of the American Heart Association's Chain-of-Survival. If you or someone around you ever experiences one or more symptoms such as: - sudden intense retrosternal chest pain - left chest pain radiating into the left arm - tingling in the lips and/or jawbone - acute shortness of breath - intense diaphoresis (sweating) - epigastric discomfort like really bad indigestion - feeling faint/dizzy/nausea - feeling of impending doom then call 911 and get EMS mobilised ASAP to your location. Early recognition of symptoms, early EMS activation, early CPR, early defibrillation and early definitive care save lives. Time is heart muscle and every minute counts. Bystanders really can make a huge difference in the Platinum 10 minute period after onset of a cardiac episode just by calling 911 and knowing how to perform CPR and use an AED (Defibrillator) - bystanders buy critical time for EMS/ER professionals. If you haven't taken an AHA CPR/AED class, it's well worth it. Bear in mind that the Father of CPR Dr. Peter Safar originally promoted Cardio-Pulmonary-Cerebral Resuscitation CPCR because although the main objective is to keep the heart and lungs circulating blood and oxygen, preserving brain function is just as important for good clinical outcomes. The nitroglycerine referred to forms part of the initial treatment protocol for acute coronary syndromes - Aspirin (antiplatelet - blood clot inhibitor) and Nitroglycerine (vasodilator - blood vessel expander) and Oxygen. Morphine is sometimes indicated as a pain reliever. One last point to bear in mind is that Echo/Stress/12 Lead ECG tests may not always show up an impending myocardial hit. Very often it is not until a patient is actually in a Cardiac Cath Lab having an Angiogram that severe occlusions in the coronary tree become evident. Tim, welcome back - glad you survived what many sadly don't. |
Jay Chladek Member Posts: 2272 From: Bellevue, NE, USA Registered: Aug 2007
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posted 06-13-2013 11:46 AM
Oh man, I hate long days at work because it took me THIS long to finally read about what happened. Talk about a margin thin close call my friend!Glad to hear you are on the mend, but this is most certainly going to be a bit of a life changer. I think you had an angel looking out for you ole buddy! |
astro-nut Member Posts: 946 From: Washington, IL Registered: Jan 2006
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posted 06-15-2013 06:25 AM
Tim and Lynn, you and your family are in my prayers. Tim, I wish you a speedy recovery. Get well soon!Take care and God Bless!!! |
space1 Member Posts: 853 From: Danville, Ohio Registered: Dec 2002
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posted 06-15-2013 10:11 AM
Tim, best wishes for a swift recovery. Your story helps us all appreciate every minute. God bless you. |
sfurtaw Member Posts: 104 From: Saginaw, MI USA Registered: Feb 2004
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posted 06-18-2013 06:20 AM
Tim, while we have never had any interaction or crossing of paths, I have always enjoyed your postings and especially your artwork. As with so many others here, you and your family are in my prayers. — Scott |
MB Member Posts: 155 From: Olmsted Falls, Ohio U.S.A. Registered: Jul 2005
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posted 06-18-2013 08:40 PM
Tim, I'd like to wish you a speedy recovery and all the best. Thanks for sharing your experience and how you responded to it. It may save other lives as well! |
machbusterman Member Posts: 1778 From: Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland Registered: May 2004
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posted 06-20-2013 01:13 PM
WOW Tim... how incredibly scary for you and your family. As we say in Scotland... "Keep taking the Tartan tablets"... Get well soon and best wishes, Derek |
Norman.King Member Posts: 375 From: Herne Bay, Kent, UK Registered: Feb 2010
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posted 06-20-2013 01:56 PM
What a nightmare and I wish you a speedy recovery.
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sts205cdr Member Posts: 649 From: Sacramento, CA Registered: Jun 2001
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posted 06-23-2013 05:32 PM
Oh my gosh, I just found this thread and I'm so glad you're recovering, Tim. You produced my 2011 Space Camp team patch and did such a beautiful job! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. |
hlbjr Member Posts: 475 From: Delray Beach Florida USA Registered: Mar 2006
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posted 06-24-2013 09:46 AM
Good to hear you're back on the mend. This is also a blessing to others to help us be mindful to be vigilant in case we or a loved one has problems. Thank you. |
gliderpilotuk Member Posts: 3398 From: London, UK Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 06-24-2013 10:36 AM
Best wishes Tim. |
KSCartist Member Posts: 2896 From: Titusville, FL USA Registered: Feb 2005
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posted 06-25-2013 04:36 AM
I can't thank everyone enough for their kind words, prayers and well wishes. It means the world to me and my family. Here's an update: Things are not quite the same as Lynn and I thought when I was discharged from the hospital. But it was a stressful few days so we could have misunderstood. I saw my cardiologist on the 19th. We had a nice long visit with my doctor and he stayed until we asked every question we had. The one artery left untreated due to the way my heart responded to the stents, is 70% blocked. It will have to be dealt with but he doesn't want to risk it just yet. He wants me to recover from the heart attack first. The meds I'm on will not and can not "dissolve" the plaque. Next month I will begin a Cardio Rehab exercise program. Two weeks after, I'll have another echocardiogram. At the end of July another follow up appointment. Then soon after I'll have a profusion stress test to see how well my blood is following to the entire heart. I'll be out of work until at least the end of July. The good news is that since my physical last spring I have dropped 20 pounds. On June 20th my friend John and I were treated to a private walk through of the new Atlantis exhibit by retired astronaut Jon McBride, Captain USN (ret). It was awesome! It happened to coincide with a media day. So I had a chance to chat with Rob Pearlman. Robert was stunned to see me up and about so soon. I explained that space is the best medicine. I would really like to be there on the 29th, but it's going to be an absolute mad house and I still get tired too easily. I know it would be fun meeting up with cSer's who will be attending. We'll see. |