by Joseph McCann

Created on: October 20, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

It was fairly early in my work day, about 3 in the afternoon, and I had an appointment with a delightful older couple to talk about their post retirement planning, specifically the conversion of their 401Ks to more applicable, income generating investments as well as Long Term Care insurance and other products that would protect that income in the years ahead.

We had several appointments before that would prepare me to provide recommendations and alternatives, based on their objectives. Typically in this profession, people do get to know one another quite well and an element of mutual like and respect is necessary for both parties to reach this level of conversation and trust.

As I was reaching for a coffee refill, I suddenly felt tightness in my chest, light- headedness and very heavy perspiration along with a sharp pain directly in the middle of my back. I began to wonder if I would be able to maintain consciousness.

As I immediately sat back in the sofa, I took a deep breath and let them generate the conversation when the woman noticed something different and asked if anything was wrong. I answered that I simply wasn't feeling very well and asked if I could have a glass of water.

By the time she returned with the water I was on my feet and asked if they would mind if we continued this conversation within the next couple of days. I needed to go home and wanted to concentrate all my attention to them during this important financial plan.

They agreed I got into my car and drove myself to the hospital nearby, thinking all the time that while I was helping them plan and protect their lives; I hadn't done anything about my own. I began thinking how my father had died from heart disease when I was 7 years old. With my family history, I never expected to live to a ripe old age, but having to come to terms with it suddenly, was unnerving, to say the least.

The first thing I learned was that a man in his late 50s walking into a hospital emergency room complaining of chest pains was probably not going to have to wait very long before you got their attention. Before I knew it, I was connected to a million wires with needles sticking in me everywhere, in a private room with my faithful wife standing by my bedside. I also had an endless supply of ice cream.

While the EKG showed I was not having a heart attack, the blood enzymes came back positive and I was scheduled the following morning for a heart catheterization where they go in through an artery in your groin with

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>