Life on a roller coaster.

The Scenic Railway at Luna Park, Melbourne, is the world’s oldest continually-operating rollercoaster, built in 1912. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

We were on the patio of The Morning Buzz restaurant with Chris talking about the World Domination Tour presented by Chris Gillibeau. The sun was filtered through the trees and table umbrella. The temperature was perfect. The mood was light and happy. It was a save the world type of feeling. An anything was possible type of feeling. I told Chris about the AMAZING post I had written and the positive effects that one post continues to give to me and to others. My heart was and is full of love, gratitude, and hope. We talked about how people like Chris Brogan make the internet AMAZING when he shares stories like Kuhao. Being part of the on line community that helped make this miracle happen fill my soul with joy.

When we arrived home about an hour later, I was having trouble breathing. I was experiencing chest pain. The pain traveled down my left arm. Each breath caused excruciating pain in my heart and arm. I drank water. That is my answer to all my internal problems. Steve asked if he could take me to the hospital. I refused. I have Mitral Value Prolapse Syndrome. It can be serious. It can be a nuisance. The owner has to determine the difference.

I calm myself with slow breathing. I take my blood pressure and pulse readings every half hour – both arms. The blood pressure readings are all over the place, but my pulse readings are in the steady range. The pain and anxiety make me tired. I retired to bed with lorazepam for a nap. I pray that it doesn’t get any worse and I don’t have to go to the dreaded hospital.

A trip to the hospital emergency room usually means a series of questions. They may already have the answers in the computer, but the patient has to answer them verbally to ensure that their cognitive ability is intact. Then there is the blood pressure and pulse check. An EKG follows that. By that point in time, I am usually anxious enough that I am given some lorazepam. The pain continues in ebbs and flows. If nothing serious happens after seven to twelve hours, I am released to go home. I get the standard note that says if anything worsens, please return to the hospital.

The event usually lasts for three days. Thankfully the pain is not intense the whole time, but I am tired, weak and aware that I need to let my body heal for a while. There are no known causes of when or why the attacks will happen.

When I say life is good, I truly mean it. Sometimes it is a prayer thanking God that I am still here and ready to live another day. Sometimes it is a joyous exclamation of my happiness. Sometimes I wonder if I am so happy about life because I have had what feels like so many near death experiences.

My roller coaster of life is a bit unusual because it has many more ups than downs. I ride with so many wonderful people. It’s in the briar patch right now, but I’ll be back on top again soon. In the meantime. Keep on living and loving. Look for what is Amazing in your world.