Well , the year has been going smoothly so far . I have been in-and-out of theraputic range on my blood thinner . I am going to the Cardiologist every two weeks to get my finger stuck to check the coumadin level . The only good thing about these trips is going to be able to count the milage for tax time :)

   I am walking every day , and I'm not as short of breath as I once was befor the cardioversion and pacemaker was implanted in November 2012 .  I pick up cans along the road side…

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 Well first , Merry Christmas to all of my FFN friends , and a Happy New Year wish for all of us .

   Earlier this year ,  I  developed Atrial Fib Again an was not able to have cardioversion back into NSR due to a blood cot n my right Atria . I was  put on a higher dose of Coumadin , and encouraged to increase my level of physical activity . I continued to walk daily , but it became more and more difficult due to worsening  Shortness of Breath  with any exertion .

  In…

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April 2012 ,

 I am officially retired from Wilson County EMA . I will miss the job , some of the people I've worked with and some,  I hope to never hear from again . I have spent 28 + years with most of them , some of them have been to my home ,broke bread with my wife ,son and I  , and most of those have never asked us to visit them . And yet , I was willing to risk everything to be there to back them up , such is life I guess . I look forward to Volunteering with the Baptist…

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Well , I met with my Cardiologist , no bad news regarding my Heart ! The ejection fraction of the  left ventrical has improved , I've lost over 20 pounds and 2 inches :) ,diabetes control is great !

 Now the down side , I will Not be returning to work just yet :( I will continue to be on a Beta blocker at an increased dosage , continue to walk daily , trying to get in three 30 minute walks per day ,continue to do great with my Diabetes control. I will follow up  with the Cardiologist…

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I have been off duty since Feb 14th of this year ,when I experienced acute chest pain and shortness of Breath during the performance of the required Physical ability retesting  by my Department .

   Luckily , It was NOT an AMI ,only angina brought on by the extreme exertion of the test that resulted in an irregular heart rythm - Quagiminal PVC's . Since that day I have had a tredmill stress test with nuclear scan ,which showed a Shadow in the apex of the Left Ventricle and the…

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-"If you are going to kick the Tiger in the Ass, you best have a plan to Deal with the Teeth !"


-"The original "Point and click" interface was with a Smith & Wesson " .


- "Blessed are the Cracked , for they let in the light ".

-"Live simply , Love Generously , Care Deeply , Speak Kindly , leave the rest to God ."

As A patch collector, I always travel with a couple of patches with me so when ,not if ,I stop at a firehouse I can trade a patch . It is a great door opener,I also appreciate a good cup of firehouse java :) .
Patches will always be sent when I recieve one from a brother firefighter . You can send your patch to me at my home address -
FF Al "OLDDOGG"Westbrook
423 Sam Houston Drive
Lebanon, Tn . 37087-2151