Damn. I just knew you would say that. I have not met a single person here on DS that has dissed the encouragement and advice. There is no substitute for someone who is and has walked your footsteps. The important thing is to listen learn and also feedback and advise and reveal yourself to others of what is working and what is not working. This is how we all learn.

I believe the best cardio doctor you could be blessed to work with is one who has had our experiences. He may be aged but also has been schooled in the old provincial medical community yet has a drive to know more and improve todays care for us.

But nothing replaces interaction with like folks. It has been a life saver up to and including a renewed faith in a power greater than myself. Just joe doesn't have all the answers, but I will study and research and listen tot testimonials until I am convinced that. that paticular avenue is the way to proceed.

You will continue to experience the ups and downs post cardiac event for sometime. This is normal and expected. Just build on the good days and learn from the bad days. Moving forward is key to recovery. You appear to be definitely on board here and I feel can add much to this connection we all have. Please don't stop sharing those highs and lows. Many of us, years post cardiac event, still question many things. But most importantly we stay focussed and connected and continue to improve incrementally.

I call it "Paying it Forward". You have absolutely no idea how many lives you will save. This could be the sole purpose of your survival. But me thinks Jesus has much more in store for you.

Thank you for your continued participation,

Love you,

Just Joe

You know, Just Joe, God sends us an angel when we need one. I think you may just be mine.

It will be my pleasure to remain on this site and share everything. It helped me. Perhaps it will help others. There can be no greater gift than reaching out to people - after all, that's what complete strangers did for me.

I am a better person for it.

God bless

Alli

An Angel? Well I believe in Angels! Me being one? Hmmmm. But I can tell you this. Being disabled and looking for something constructive to do with my life has drwan me to DS on a regular basis. But I have been displaced from a home for about 6 months, working with and being around the indigent population of Philadelphia. I was interning at the local VA hospital until I had an unforeseen set back in Nov. But talking with my therapist, I have concluded, although many of these indigents are drug addicts and alcoholics, they still need help. I have been volunteering at certain mission to feed and cloth them especially during this holiday season. They seem to be comfortable in their situations, at least many of them. Others find the economy and circumstances beyond their expectations has cast this lot on their lives.

Being certified in Root Cause analyisis and problem solving, I believe there is an answer to all of this. I have just not thought it through to add any permanent answers to an age old problem. Mental facilities must recognize that many of these souls are unable to help themselves and be able to reach out to them and not only assist but find viable solutions to a life altering experience for them.

I find volunteering time is a fantastic method of appreciating the homeless, which I am one of. I there could be a way to ellicit their support in trying and paying it forward to like individuals they would be able to organize and help thenmselves help each other to more productive and rewarding lives, thus building self worth and more importantly self esteem.

No normal human enjoys begging for a handout. I think man wants to earn his way to feel whole and productive. If I could attain a voice and communicate some novel ideas and ellicit help from local and state govenment agencies whom are well entrenched in old ideals, I think change could occur. My assistance now only seems to work into that system and not offer any avenue for new approaches.

This is whatI feelmy drive is now. So I will continue to active here on DS and take care of some Just Joe stuff, all-the-while try and figure a way to make change imminent with the help of the people whom we are trying to help. We'll see.

But Angel? Thank you for your appreciation. I too have many angels here on DS. That is why, "Paying it Forward" is such a symbiotic method of collective achievement.

The help we give must be on an unconditional basis also.Very important to understand motive when attempting herculean efforts. Ya Think?

Thank you so Much Allimacdee

Your Friend in Arms,

Just Joe

Alli,

I'm so glad that posting on this site and receiving support and advice has helped you so much. And part of the reason is because you've been so open and honest. You've added just as much to the site as you've received, and it's a great pleasure to have you among us.

And I agree that our Just Joe is an especially giving and kind guy, and he's lifted many of us up with his words, knowledge and music, too!

much love, Sue