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* This is what I told subscribers earlier today…

Long story short: Despite several attempts at quitting, I’ve smoked cigarettes most of my adult life. I wasn’t feeling right about six weeks ago. So, I had a heart stress test, which found a problem. I had bypass surgery last Wednesday and it went so well that I was sent home on Sunday morning. I’ve also been medically cleared to briefly attend Governor’s Day and Democrat Day this week. My schedule will be somewhat reduced for a few weeks, but I really do feel pretty darned good, so don’t worry. All’s well that ends well and I will NEVER smoke again. Promise.

* Jerry Garcia may have saved my life.

For as long as I can remember, whenever my shoulders ached I knew I was coming down with something. They started hurting several days before the Grateful Dead shows in Chicago. And then when I was walking up a ramp to Soldier Field, my shoulders felt like they were on fire and I was short of breath and felt dizzy.

Later that Sunday evening during a random conversation, somebody mentioned that Jerry was 53 when he died.

I’m 53.

I went in to see my doctor and requested a stress test.

* I only told a few people what was going on. Even Barton didn’t know because I didn’t want to put him in an awkward position and I wanted him to focus on the task at hand, not on me.

My mom is staying with me this first week, so I’m in very good hands. My daughter was surprised yesterday that I was walking around my house like nothing had happened. I’m not in much pain and my lungs are rapidly improving. I’m pushing myself to get better, but not so much that I become exhausted. I want to improve a little every day, not regress. There will be some coverage gaps over the next few weeks, but I love my job and it keeps me sane, so I will keep writing.

* When I went in to meet my surgeon he told me he does a ton of bypasses every week, even sometimes on weekends. I asked him if that stressed him out. Nah, he said. Surgery isn’t stressful, it’s a calling. He told me his only stress comes from things that happen outside the operating room. From that point on I knew I was in excellent hands. Piece of cake.

The last thing I remember saying to my anesthesiologist before going under was, “Let’s get this show on the road, doc. I have a life to live.”

* Thanks, Jerry…

You just gotta poke around

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 8:51 am

Comments

Rich, glad you caught this and hope you are feeling better. Politics is one thing but your health is another. Best of luck and please take care of yourself!

Comment by Stones Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 8:57 am
I’m happy for you, Rich. I’ve lost some dear friends due to COPD and heart attacks caused by smoking. Hurray for you!

Comment by illinoised Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 8:57 am
Rich, I am glad you went to the Doctor and I am glad that you are feeling much better! Take it easy.

Comment by Pius Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 8:58 am
Best wishes for continued improvement Rich!

Comment by Former Merit Comp Slave Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 8:58 am
May you continue to live healthy and happy.

Comment by Concerned Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 8:58 am
Great to hear you’re doing well, Rich!

– MrJM

p.s. And thanks for doing what you needed to do to take care of yourself even though it was undoubtedly unpleasant and probably more than a little scary. Learn from Rich’s example, fellow dudes of a certain age!

Comment by @MisterJayEm Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 8:59 am
Take it slow, dude.

Comment by Wordslinger Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 8:59 am
Get better soon, Rich! You can’t miss any of this $?&/show!

Comment by Kent Gray Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 8:59 am
I’m glad you’re well, Rich! Kudos to you for being proactive!

Getting near ‘that age’ myself, so your experience is a good reminder to me to get things checked out too.

I’m glad you’re back, but take it easy. If you need another break, we’ll be here when you’re ready.

Comment by Stuff Happens Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 8:59 am
This was because of Mike Madigan wasn’t it.

You’ll be 100% before you know it.

Comment by Demoralized Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 8:59 am
Glad you’re ok. Welcome back!

Maybe a by-pass operation is what the state needs?

Comment by UIC Guy Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 9:01 am
mend soon my friend. This getting old sucks but the alternative is worse.

$10 says the Speaker sends you an apple

Comment by Todd Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 9:01 am
Outstanding!!

Comment by highspeed Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 9:03 am
Rich,

You take care of you, and heal, and the rest will take care of itself.

All the best in your recovery, take it slow and steady.

OW

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 9:04 am
Glad to hear you’re on the mend, my friend. Take care of yourself!

Comment by Centennial Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 9:05 am
Wow. Just wow. You have been blessed.

Comment by WonderfulWorld Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 9:05 am
Same thing happened to my father recently. Exact same symptoms. Shoulders hurting, short of breath. In fact, your experience motivated my to go for a run this morning and by some nic gum. Thanks for the motivation.

Comment by John A Logan Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 9:06 am
Rich, there is a good article in the Washington Post today about the novelist Pat Conroy and how he turned his health around at the age of 69.

Comment by lurker Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 9:08 am
Every day is a blessing my man.

Comment by Abe the Babe Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 9:10 am
Wishing you a quick and complete recovery.

Comment by redeft Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 9:11 am
You are a smart man A lot of people would have ignored that warning and said I’m just out of shape Quit those smokes but don’t forget a little alcohol is good for you get well

Comment by regular democrat Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 9:13 am
So glad you’re doing better! Wishing you the best and a quick plus complete recovery, Rich!
Feel better soon!!!

Comment by Belle Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 9:14 am
Wishing you nothing but the best, Rich!!

Comment by Flynn's Mom Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 9:15 am
I hope your recovery continues at a safe pace.

Comment by Wensicia Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 9:15 am
This is great news, maybe the best I’ve ever read here.

Comment by Elo Kiddies Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 9:16 am
Get well soon and completely, Rich. I hope you stay off the cigs. I quit smoking after a gazillion attempts. You can do it.

Comment by Grandson of Man Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 9:16 am
Best wishes for a complete and speedy recovery. Go slow and easy in this high heat and humidity.

Comment by DuPage Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 9:22 am
Just dropped in to wish you all the best in your recovery. Remember, a healthy diet is key; you have my permission to start one….after the state fair.

Comment by a drop in Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 9:24 am
Rich - glad you took care of it and are on the road to recovery. Best wishes.

Comment by electric1 Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 9:27 am
Best wishes for a continued speedy recovery!

Comment by AC Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 9:29 am
Thanks for sharing that Rich. I know it can’t be easy to let strangers into your private life, but I sure was curious about your unexplained absence and I know others were too. More importantly, sharing your experience might help somebody else pay attention to the warning signs, so maybe you saved a life today too. Who knows?

I quit smoking seven years ago and it wasn’t easy, but it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done. I gained about 35 pounds though, and haven’t been able to lose the weight, so that’s my current focus. As my doctor told me, the weight won’t kill you as fast as cigarettes will, so don’t worry about it and just focus on getting the nicotine monkey off your back. It’s tough, but worth it.

Finally, you’re 53 and Jerry Garcia was 53 when he died. I know you lead a pretty full and spirited life lol, filled with things you enjoy, etc. But Jerry was in his own league man. Once you account for his 30+ years of heavy drug use, he might as well have been 106 when he died.

On the other hand, Keith Richards. So I guess you never know.

Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 9:29 am
I can only echo the sentiments here, Rich — grateful you got things checked and happy you’re on the mend.

Comment by thunderspirit Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 9:30 am
Thanks for heeding the warning! Take care of yourself, and do what you need to do. If you need to be away occasionally, well, we’ll miss you, but we’d miss you more if, god forbid, your absence were permanent.

Good on ya for dumping the cigs. But I hear red wine and dark chocolate are good for you!

Comment by JoanP Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 9:31 am
Rich, get better every day!!!! We miss you and your insight and need you back at 100%!!

Comment by marioncountyhousing Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 9:32 am
Stay positive while recovering. Welcome back!

Comment by Formerly Known As... Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 9:33 am
Rich, great news that you were able to catch whatever the problem was and are on your way back. Nothing but good thoughts, my man!

Comment by Concerned Observer Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 9:33 am
Glad you are taking care of this, it is a silent killer as most ignore the signs… I had a heart attack at 40, and the ER didn’t even think at the time I was serious until the tests were done. I had 5 blockages and underwent a 4 way bypass… I am great now… Navy Medicine (or lack there if) at it’s worst put me there and NAVY Surgeons fixed me right.

Comment by Allen D Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 9:34 am
From experience: Listen to you doctor. Do your cardiac rehab. Don’t try to do too much too soon. Continue to exercise after rehab. Find the joy of healthy eating (you won’t believe how good it is). What you do is too important so we need you in good health. Glad to hear you are on the right side of the surgery and on the mend.

Comment by nobody Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 9:35 am
Welcome to the Survivor’s Club, Rich. Make it matter.

Comment by Bigger Fish Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 9:37 am
Well for some reason this comes to mind…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzIspHS4FNs

Comment by OneMan Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 9:37 am
What everyone above said. Take good care.

Hey Madigan and Rauner - if you won’t do it for Illinois, do it for Rich!

Comment by lake county democrat Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 9:37 am
OMG Rich!

Thank God, Jerry Garcia and common sense(probably in that order).

Glad it all went well. Covering Illinois government has been known to induce multiple bad habits in people.

Comment by Tommydanger Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 9:38 am
Good For YOU! I’m very thankful that the you had a multitude of successive epiphanies. When it rains it pours. Change will come easier because of them. I’m thankful because you are without a doubt the greatest Illinois political thinker of our age. I sat all day yesterday checking Capitol fax obsessively even though I KNEW that you wouldn’t be back till Tuesday. I checked just in case there was something big that broke open. I like many others are thankful for this blog and are also thankful that you have renewed your lease on life and excited for your renewed vigor. Blessings!

Comment by Honeybear Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 9:39 am
Wishing you a quick and complete recovery.

Comment by illini Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 9:40 am
Rich, so glad you caught it early and are now on the mend. Welcome back and take it easy.

Comment by Cheswick Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 9:41 am
Very good to hear, glad you caught it when it needed to be caught, and all the best for the recovery.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 9:41 am
Rich, you’re one of a kind. Take care of yourself. We’re all thinking of you.

Comment by Urbs In Horto Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 9:41 am
I hear Madigan told you that your heart condition was caused by you functioning in the extreme. Rauner disagreed saying it was caused by the political class you cover. All I say is get well and take care of yourself.

Comment by Norseman Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 9:42 am
Hope everything is going good for you rich.

Comment by Foster brooks Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 9:44 am
You can live happily without them…Godspeed…

Comment by Loop Lady Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 9:45 am
You should have used the tobacco quit line. This reformed smoker says better late than never… best to you for a speedy recovery Rich.

Comment by Liberty Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 9:46 am
Good to hear you caught this before damage was done. Hoping for a full and speedy recovery for you Rich. Glad to hear you’ve sworn off cigs.

Comment by Nick Danger Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 9:52 am
Glad you’re doing well! Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Comment by fisher Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 9:52 am
Thanks for sharing your story. This is the preferred method of finding out you have clogged arteries. Smart move. Good luck ditching the cigarettes.

Comment by Jake From Elwood Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 9:52 am
Glad you didnt ignore the symptoms. We are very fortunate to have top notch medical care available locally. Nothing like seeing the shadow of the reaper lurking nearby to make you appreciate being given a fresh start. It also puts the political mess in perspective.

My family motto, going way back, is “vulneratus non victus”, which means, “wounded, never conquered.”

Comment by Langhorne Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 10:00 am
My best wishes for speedy recovery. .glad the surgery went so well.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 10:00 am
Rich, I’ll say a prayer for your speedy and full recovery. I’m glad you got out ahead of this. We want you with us for a long, long time.

Comment by Streator Curmudgeon Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 10:05 am
This is great! All best wishes!

Comment by The Historian Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 10:07 am
I’m sure your Mom is finding you to be wonderful patient. Wishing you a speedy recovery!

Comment by Deep South Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 10:17 am
Best of luck Rich! Take all the time you need to recoup

Comment by Very Fed Up Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 10:19 am
great news and rapid recovery…..in a few years your lungs will be just as good as a non-smokers. You can head into your Medicare years in great shape

Comment by illlinifan Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 10:20 am
Get well…..

We need our brain food everyday……

Comment by TROOPER Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 10:21 am
Glad to hear you’re doing better. We need you around!

Comment by Threepwood Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 10:23 am
Thanks for sharing your experience. I wish you a speedy recovery! A bit selfishly, we need your work to help keep perspective in these crazy times. Thanks for everything!

Comment by Demise Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 10:23 am
Very happy to hear you are doing well, and thankful you caught it. One of my best friends just had a quadruple by-pass (with some other valve work) last week, and he went home yesterday. He’s younger than you, and we need you both around for a long time. Best wishes for your recovery!

Comment by Just Passing Through Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 10:23 am
Best of luck, Rich!

Comment by Fiercely Independent Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 10:26 am
Not only did your life get saved but by posting this today you just may save the life of someone else who reads this and sees a doctor when facing similar circumstances.

Comment by Bluefish Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 10:27 am
Get better Rich, make sure to ask for the Heart Healthy Corn Dogs and Cheese Curds this week.

Comment by Give Me A Break Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 10:29 am
Very glad to hear that you caught it ahead of a crisis. Get well amazingly fast.

And all that stuff they tell you in cardiac rehab, they are right.

Comment by Aldyth Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 10:30 am
Quit cold turkey 35 yrs ago, but gAined weight. 6 yrs ago quit drinking and started exercising lost 65 pounds. Feel great and even more boring than before. Life is trade offs,eh?

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 10:37 am
47, Keith Richards and The Killer.

Jerry Lee has an “as told to” autobiography out now that is an instant classic.

Worth the price alone is his account of the time Memphis coppers arrested him after he crashed his white Caddy into the iron gates of Graceland at 3 a.m. and staggered out waving an empty champagne bottle in one hand and a gun in the other.

Jerry Lee contends the facts that he was blind drunk and unfamiliar with his new Caddy (he’d rolled his Bentley convertible a few nights before) were highly mitigating factors in the misunderstanding.

Plus, Elvis told him he should stop by some time.

Comment by Wordslinger Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 10:37 am
Quitting smoking is hard. In my college frat a member tried to quit and we came up with the idea that if anyone caught him they got to punch him as hard as they could in the arm. It took about two weeks, and both his arms were black and blue.

Comment by Not it Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 10:37 am
Rich, so glad to hear your surgery went well and that you’re recovering quickly. Live long and prosper!

Comment by Archiesmom Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 10:38 am
All the best. All four of my sons’ grandparents luckily quit smoking and lived longer–my parents thankfully way before I was born; my in-laws much later in life. My spouse (age 53!) did not pick it and is hoping for a longer life. Good luck, you will do great!

Comment by 32nd Ward Roscoe Village Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 10:44 am
I’m glad to hear that you’ve come through it so well. Take care of yourself Rich, Illinois needs you!

Comment by Quizzical Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 10:46 am
Thank you for helping put what I am going through in perspective.

Comment by VanillaMan Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 10:47 am
Best wishes, Rich. Those who love you are going to love you fiercely for a while - just let them, and love them right back.

Comment by PolPal56 Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 10:49 am
Oh geez, and I thought you were taking time off to go to the Fair every day. I feel guilty.

Very glad you’re on the mend and take it easy. Will find out if heart-healthy Cannoli is available.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 10:50 am
My dad quit smoking after more than three decades of a two-pack-a-day habit by being hypnotized. Maybe see if any of the hypnotists at the Fair would be willing to do a private session with you…

All the best to you!

Comment by Pawn Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 10:53 am
Wow! Glad to hear you are doing well. Pretty amazing recovery so far.

Comment by Downstate Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 10:58 am
Geez Rich, thank God you picked up on the warning signs. I imagine if you went ahead and died, Judy would be giving you an earful now…

Glad you’re still with us. Not sure how much better off you are with our wisdom though.

Just sayin.

Comment by PublicServant Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 11:02 am
The next step is physical therapy. Take advantage of the facilities and work hard to regain your strength and stamina.

Glad you are feeling better.

Comment by Huh? Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 11:06 am
@Mr. Miller

I’m sorry to hear you have not yet fully recovered.

You are doing a great service by sharing your story with others who are tobacco consumers.

I thought I could never arrest nicotine addiction…that was 33 years ago.

You probably saved your own life…and by sharing your experience (and the solution? you are potentially saving others lives as well.

Stopping “smoking” ( cute word for Nicotine Addiction) isn’t giving up anything other than premature death.

I arrested nicotine addiction by substituting another harmless herbal substance that appears increasingly healthful.

Take it nice and easy on yourself.

Comment by Anonymous Redux Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 11:09 am
What about second-hand smoke from all the smoke and mirrors?

Comment by Yossarian Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 11:09 am
Glad to hear things went well. Just remember, it is easy to quit smoking, watch your diet and exercise right after you have bypass surgery but not so easy 2 or 3 years later. Stay the course. Good luck.

Comment by The Colossus of Roads Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 11:10 am
Rich - Good on you for listening to your body, best wishes for a speedy recovery, and welcome to the survivors club!

Comment by Former Titan Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 11:11 am
Glad to hear the surgery went so well. When you feel all better, quitting smoking will be hard, tho. But you have to do it. And you can.

Comment by Cassandra Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 11:17 am
Wonderful news! Best wishes, Rich.

Comment by CEC-JD Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 11:18 am
Get well soon.

Comment by jerry 101 Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 11:23 am
Glad you’re feeling better. Keep up the good work. We’re so lucky to have you in Illinois.

Comment by Jane Doe Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 11:26 am
Rich, I am glad that you listened to your body took care of that issue. Thank you for posting your experience hopefully by doing so you saved a life. I wish you well and a very healthy recover see you under the dome soon, take care

Comment by austinman Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 11:27 am
I like Arthur Anderson thought you had been at the Fair. Glad to hear it went well and you are at home. Went through a triple by-pass 12 years ago at age 52 and all is still good with my heart. Follow the Doc’s direction, rehab and you will do well.

Comment by D Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 11:30 am
Oh my goodness, Rich. Thank heaven you’re OK and
doing so well! You must take good care and be well. We couldn’t live day to day without your commentary.

I was a three-packs-of-Camels-a-day smoker. Failed a million times to quit, but then did.
If you can quit for a day or two, that’s the hardest. After that, I think it’s just a matter
of will. The rewards are great. Everything is
better. Had a minor heart procedure recently. Went to cardio rehab for 12 weeks. This was really wonderful! Helps develop the habit of daily exercise and is very educational. Beg you to join a rehab program as soon as you’re ready.

Meanwhile, rejoice, laugh, and know you’re greatly loved (even by Michael Madigan, as can be seen on the tape of that recent news conference) and so greatly depended upon.

Thank you for everything!

Comment by Bystander Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 11:34 am
Rich, Good luck with stopping smoking. Oscar will appreciate it too.
Politics in Illinois needs you. If you didn’t exist, we would have to invent you. Not sure we could.

Comment by Last Bull Moose Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 11:35 am
Godspeed in recovery and best wishes to keeping on the straight and narrow! We need you for long haul!!

Comment by Runbikeswim Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 11:35 am
Glad you listened to your body. More of us need to do the same.

Comment by FormerParatrooper Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 11:36 am
Welcome back Rich, may you get better and soon!

Comment by Levois Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 11:36 am
Wooh, Dad!
You are doing AMAZING! We are all so proud of how far you’ve come with the recovery.

Comment by Vanessa Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 11:38 am
Rich, glad to hear you are feeling good and are up and about. Take it slow in getting back to speed. You are a real asset to the State of Illinois.

Comment by praxis Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 11:42 am
Rich, If there’s a will there’s a way my friend. I’m very glad you’re doing well. We need a voice like yours around these parts.

Comment by The Muse Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 11:45 am
- VanillaMan - Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 10:47 am:

===Thank you for helping put what I am going through in perspective.===

Oh no, VM, so very unhappy you’re going thru something similar. I know that everyone joins me in wishing you, one of CF’s most inspired contributors, a speedy and complete recovery!
Do be well! Do join a rehab program when and if
that’s appropriate. Thank you for wonderful postings which I’ve often copied and forwarded to
friends.

Comment by Bystander Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 11:49 am
little bit and a little bit more … take time to play with puppy and enjoy the slower speed for a while - best wishes

Comment by alas Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 11:50 am
What everyone else already wrote.

Comment by X-prof Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 11:51 am
Just sayin, good luck with your recovery and well wishes from all around.

Comment by nadia Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 11:58 am
PS: Like AA, I had just assumed you were taking a well deserved concert series / State Fair break.

Comment by RNUG Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 12:05 pm
Best wishes on your recovery, Rich!

Comment by Educated in the Suburbs Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 12:13 pm
Glad all is well that ends well! Take care and get better!

Comment by Ghost Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 12:27 pm
Glad you’re feeling better Rich

Comment by been there done that . . Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 12:30 pm
Glad you are doing well, Rich. Take care of yourself. Thanks for sharing and glad you are on the mend.

Comment by Austin Blvd Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 12:30 pm
Clogged arteries are often caused by high sat fat diets.
The Dr. Dean Ornish book is very enlightening on this subject.

Comment by Fr. Murphy Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 12:32 pm
Once again, several wise moves from the fearless leader of CF! Blessings on your rejuvenation and growth. Hugs!

Comment by cdog Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 12:33 pm
Been there…done that! Welcome to the first day of the rest of your life!

Comment by Siyotanka Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 12:34 pm
Speedy recovery Rich. My dad smoked for years and emphysema finally did him in before he was 70. I swore that I would not fall to the same fate. I am 56 and have run 14 5k this year, winning 2 in my age category. I am now training for a 10K and half marathon later this year. Stay health my friend.

Comment by Rusty618 Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 12:40 pm
Is Barton okay?

Comment by Cletus Prucell Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 12:41 pm
Glad you didn’t ignore the warning signs. Hopefully your story will encourage a few others to improve their health as well. Take it slow and wishing you a full recovery.

Comment by Because I said so... Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 12:51 pm
Heal up quickly, Rich. Illinois needs your voice.

Comment by Levi in Mt. Vernon Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 1:15 pm
Whoa. Be well.

Comment by Bill F. Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 1:16 pm
Take care of yourself Rich. You want to be there when Speaker Madigan and Governor Rauner hold that joint press conference and happily announce they’ve found common ground on…. something….. anything…..

Comment by Bluegrass Boy Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 1:30 pm
Rich,
Glad you are alright, welcome back.
Now get to the gym 3 days a week, and be conscious of the diet body messages are powerful.

Comment by Islandmon Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 1:32 pm
Take care and don’t sweat the small stuff(it’s all small stuff) god bless

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 1:37 pm
Almost lost my dad when I was a kid. He got lucky, had bypass surgery. 8 grandkids and 20 plus years later he still hits the gym.

So glad for you that you were proactive as so many people are not and it doesn’t end up happy like you will be and my dad did.
Rehab will suck, but life will be great.

So happy for you

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 1:37 pm
I quit after 35 years because I finally realized I wanted to. If you don’t want to smoke, nobody can make you. Felt like I had the flu for a year, but I knew what it was and just ignored it. Hope your recovery is the same or better. Best wishes.

Comment by Excessively Rabid Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 1:42 pm
Thank you for sharing and best wishes in your recovery.

I’ve had double bypass myself in my early 40’s. As I’ve joked about it since, between my parents they had 7 bypasses so I’m just keeping up the family tradition.

If you have seen any of the episodes of David Letterman with Robin Williams as his guest, after their surgeries…its hysterical. Even funnier after I had my bypass.

Best wishes,
Jack Stephens

Comment by Jack Stephens Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 1:46 pm
Wow Rich, so glad you recognized the symptoms in time.

I had triple by-pass a year ago after blockages were caught by tests for another ailment. After my surgery, I realized how close to the edge I had come and how many people were like us, but totally unaware. We are so fortunate. Anyway, get well soon and so glad to see it looks like you are well on your way.

Best wishes for a speedy and full recovery.

Comment by Slippin' Jimmy Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 2:10 pm
Live well. Be well. Best wishes for another 53 — healthy ones.

Comment by Diogenes in DuPage Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 2:13 pm
Glad to hear you caught the heart thing early, Rich. Godspeed on your recovery.
Did they happen to check your PSA when you were
in there? I had to deal with that when I was 46
but caught it early and everything is fine.

Comment by Philo - Center of the Universe Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 2:21 pm
Wish your recovery goes well, Rich. Count your blessing with having an excellent medical staff who just likely bought you 30 plus years. Look how strong Edgar has been since his bypass. You’re not going anywhere bud. Stay strong & God speed.

Comment by Just Sayin ... Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 3:01 pm
Great that you are on the road to recovery! My friend had a similar experience and is going strong almost 20 years later. Awesome that you got tested when you did.

God bless.

Comment by CrazyHorse Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 3:07 pm
Rich - it is a life changing moment. I was freaked out for a while. Diet, exercise, and stopping smoking can get you back in the game. I had a similar event at 55 and had some stenta put in. I was lucky because I had no damage from the MI. I put the cigars down and haven’t picked one up since. TAKE YOUR MEDS. They can save your life. I’m better than ever now. Oh, and take time to enjoy the things you used to do when you were younger. I am. That’s why I made sure I saw the Dead.

Comment by Marcus Agrippa Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 3:08 pm
Glad to see you’re on the mend. Now, get back to work.

Seriously - happy for ya!

Comment by dupage dan Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 3:14 pm
All best wishes! Jerry Garcia and I were both born in the summer of ‘42, and I thought about him when I had a similar wakeup call, from complications of COPD. Since then I’ve made cardio-pulmonary rehab my first priority. Hard to fit into a busy schedule, and it got harder after I started feeling better, but I decided I was going to treat the hospital-based cardio workouts like a new life-long addiction. It’s been more than a year now, it’s worked for me so far and I think it’ll continue to work as long as I keep feeding my new workout habit. Stay well.

Comment by olddog Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 3:27 pm
My motto is “Growing old is not for the faint of heart! But, it beats all the alternatives!” I found my motivation to quit smoking 5 months ago, the same day I heard of Frank Mautino’s health issue. Good luck holding onto your quit! I found WhyQuit.com to be helpful. They have a calculator that shows you how long since your last cigarette, how much $ you’ve saved, and how much of your life you took back by not hanging out under the north portico. They also help you understand what your body is experiencing these first few weeks. It wasn’t easy to do, but I am soooo happy I did. Good luck for a smooth recovery! And remember, Not One More Puff!
LNM

Comment by Lurk No More Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 3:29 pm
So happy to hear you are recovering well and made the decision to quit the cigs. Be kind to yourself and don’t over do it. Takes some time to adjust from major surgery. Sending you good vibes!

Comment by bluecollargal Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 4:10 pm
As so many have said–take good care of yourself. After all, you’re a Capitol asset! Quitting the tobacco is a gift you give yourself and those around you. Congrats!

Comment by South Central Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 4:13 pm
At the State Fair just a week after the surgery… we really do live in the future!

Take care and get well soon.

Comment by Bemac Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 4:46 pm
Good for you Rich! So glad to hear it went well!

Comment by Grateful Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 4:57 pm
Smart man, Rich! Wishing you well!

Comment by AJ_yooper Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 5:04 pm
Please take whatever time you need, whenever you feel like taking it. This whole political world can be stressful, especially for someone who cares as much as you do.

Health, my friend.

Comment by walker Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 5:13 pm
Get well Rich and Thanks Jerry wherever you are!

Comment by Freeze up Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 5:18 pm
In addition to the good news and best wishes, two additional benefits. Your taste buds come back. You’re paying less taxes.

Comment by Anyone Remember Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 5:26 pm
hope your feeling better Rich. hope you stick to the no smokes those damn things killed my wife however a shot of jamesons should be ok !!

Comment by ashkum steve Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 6:39 pm
Rich, glad to learn that your procedure went well and that you are on the road to recovery. It took me almost 6 months to feel 100 percent after I had my chest cracked open. Take it easy and follow your doctors rehab orders. Best wishes to you.

Comment by No Longer A Lurker Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 7:21 pm
So glad you’re feeling better, Rich.

Comment by Mousy Librarian Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 8:33 pm
I am glad that all went well! I really missed your perspective and reporting. My thoughts are for your continued recovery.

Comment by Triple fat Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 9:21 pm
Best wishes for a speedy recovery!

Comment by K3 Tuesday, Aug 18, 15 @ 10:04 pm
Like several others, I assumed you were on some sort of vacation or staycation.

Sorry to hear about the heart disease–it runs in my family, and is not good for patient or bystanders!–but glad to hear you are quitting smoking, even if it does mean you will be diminishing state revenues!

Take care of yourself: eat healthy, exercise, take your meds and follow the dr.’s orders. There are guidelines for healthy drinking, and I have no doubt you will be googling them soon!

And give serious thought to posting some cute Oscar videos; after scaring us half to death, it’s a good way to apologize!

P.S. Bart did a good job while you were away, but you were definitely missed! Take care!!

Comment by Lynn S, Wednesday, Aug 19, 15 @ 12:22 am
Glad you are back man.

Comment by Dan Johnson Wednesday, Aug 19, 15 @ 12:44 am