Hiking Cove to Lake Trail and Having a Heart Attack

I finally got the opportunity to hike the Cove to Lake Trail, an out and back trail located near La Quinta, CA. Hiking back to the Trailhead from Lake Cahuilla I suffered a heart attack and was airlifted to JFK Hospital in Indio.
This video chronicles my fateful Backpacking Trip.
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[@graceontrail5556]

I'm an older hiker too and I think about what it would take to rescue me in remote locations. That influences my plans more now - I'm less likely to hike alone, less likely to take risks I could take years ago. Helicopter flights put rescuers at risk too. Good people doing dangerous jobs. I'm grateful for them; they've saved a lot of people.

[@grampakilt]

For most of my nursing career, I was the guy on the other side of gurney taking care of heart attack patients and following them after discharge. I'm older than you Rev, and beginning to realize that at anytime it could be me on a gurney despite having a healthy lifestyle. Sometimes one can't beat genetics and the aging process. Some thoughts: keep a copies of every blood test, ECGs, angiogram, stress test. Find a nurse with cardiac experience to interpret the gibberish often spouted by the docs. Take nutritional advice with much skepticism. Almost every thing I advised patients nutritionally has now been disproved. The heart is marvelously designed to withstand most MI's. Many of my patients, having changed detrimental lifestyle habits, had stronger hearts post heart attack than before. Some ran marathons and half marathons within a year from their MI. Godspeed! GK

[@TheHikingRev]

One of the doctors said, it wasn’t anything I ate or didn’t eat. It was strictly genetics (Thanks dad!). My dad died from heart failure. I’ve got two brothers who have had bypass surgery and stents. So I guess I was just next. The doctor said my heart was strong from all the hiking but I just had buildup in my arteries. I will keep everything you’ve said in mind when I meet with the cardiologist on Tuesday. You’ve given me some great information. Thanks.

[@TheHikingRev]

Could I ask you a question? Is the any reason why the doctor thinks my clogged arteries “are not stentable?” Both arteries are at 80%. I have talked to numerous people (my brother included) whose arteries were at 99% or even 100%. Would stents be the best route to take? I realize you’re not a doctor but I do value your opinion.

[@grampakilt]

PM sent. GK

[@TheHikingRev]

GK...Would you please send me your email address again? I can’t find it any where and I want to tell you what the cardiologist said. Thanks.

[@johnpalmer330]

@@TheHikingRev No rev, I’m a cardiac surgery ICU nurse and you need a bypass, multiple probably. Stents won’t get you through the rest of your life but a CABG will. Of course, I’m commenting such a long time after the fact. It is dependent on a few factors with stents versus bypass. With bypass, you won’t have the same risk of clots forming on the stent and having another MI or stroke or something. Plus, with stents you’d have to be on blood thinners for the rest of your life.

[@michaelhiggins2956]

Rev, happy to hear you are doing better. I will be 80 next month and plan to continue backpacking, skiing and mountain biking. I’ve had a knee and a hip replacement, but found I am still able to remain pretty active. Hope to see you on the trail someday.

[@TheHikingRev]

That would be great Michael. I hope to meet you one day. My philosophy is “I will do what I can do until I can’t do it anymore and when I can’t do it anymore then I won’t.”😁👍❤️

[@megreichman9836]

You are a precious and generous soul and thank you so much for sharing your story. It must have been so difficult for you when you found out what was going on with your health. I am a 75 year old retired ER nurse and my working years were spent primarily in the medical ICU/CCU and Emergency room. As you might imagine I have cared for many people who were having an MI. I am so glad that you survived that event especially being that you were out in the wilderness when it happened. I have been watching your videos because I love more than anything to be outdoors with my dogs on various trails in parks and nature centers in the Rochester area. In terms of physical health I am fortunate to say that I have no heart or lung issues at this time (thank God I never smoked) my handicap is arthritis which is primerily in my hands and spine. I have had 3 spinal surgeries and a fare bit of chronic pain in my back and neck. I have been divorced for many years so I live alone . I have 4 grown children the last 2 are twins. Despite the pain I have i manage to hike around this area when weather permits. Being out in very cold weather is difficult foe meecause i have peripheral neuropathy and severe reynods syndrome which is very painful ii my hands and feet when they get cold. No gloves are warm enough in the severe cold. I just really want you to know how inspiring and encouraging your Videos are and how much they mean to me. Thank you so much for sharing your story

[@TheHikingRev]

Thank you Meg. You are very kind. I’m glad you enjoy my videos and are hopefully inspired by them. 😁

[@patrickenck9541]

rev . . thank you for your wonderful motivational story, i am an 80 year older - healthy gentleman that should be more active. with your story in mind i am heading out the door for "walker training" and will keep you posted. thank you for your blessing, hope that great heart of yours has recovered and now working well. can't make my Mount Lassen this year but have now a goal in mind that i believe i will accomplish once again in my life time. again, thank you for your great story . .

[@TheHikingRev]

You’re welcome Patrick. Good luck on your “walker training.”

[@vanzijlp]

I had a quadruple bypass 16 months ago, but recovered. i am 70 years old now and back hiking, bushwalking, spearfishing and playing underwater hockey. So, I can sympathise. lad to see you have had wonderful support . Thinking of you and enjoying your lovely videos: Greetings from New Zealand, Philip

[@TheHikingRev]

Thank you Philipp wow that is amazing about your recovery.

[@28105wsking]

Rev, I think that shot of you going up the hill and into the sun at 2:29 - 2:42, would be a really good clip for your family to use someday to let us all know that you have left the building for good. Its beautiful! 🙏🙏🙏 I think from now on you should keep copies of your recent tests and meds with you when hiking. Just in case. Im 74, so I am very glad you are okay and have lived to tell the tale. "Lift thine eyes unto the mountains, whence cometh thine help!", and in this case helicopter angels did arrive on time! Yay!

[@TheHikingRev]

Thank you Wendy. I will keep that in mind

[@rectori]

Rev, hope you are feeling better. I just ran into your videos because I was looking for my first trekking support information. You are my role model now.

[@TheHikingRev]

Oh wow! Thank you. 😁

[@yukifujita5856]

So glad to hear what a heart attack could be like at my age. I’m 70yrs old and I love hiking. This may save my life one day .

[@TheHikingRev]

I hope you don’t have to go through it. 😁

[@peterlee1543]

Good morning.Peter here in Ireland.I just came on your site and you have given me inspiration already with your positive outlook. I am 74 had heart attack last year had stent put in had 2 more put in last week so feeling a bit down right now but I know it will pass.I was a very fit man all my life did all the right things.Loved cycling,hiking etc so I was shocked when it happened. I can see how determined you are to get back hiking and I think that is the goal to your recovery. With God's help you will be back soon.Bless you and your family. Peter Lee

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Peter. I/we just need to be patient.

[@aqlevy]

Thank you for sharing. A reality check for me. I’m 68.

[@TheHikingRev]

I’d definitely get some tests done. EKG, etc. 😁❤️👍

[@cesarpenailillo6627]

I'm happy to see you were able to make out of that place when this happened. Wish you a good recovery and keep enjoying the nature. New Subscriber. I appreciate your channel. Greetings from Southern California.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Cesar. Thanks for you being a subscriber. 😁

[@axlent123]

I saw the title of this video, and had to watch it! I’m a guy and halfway decent shape, but at 48 I had a heart attack, as well. Mine was a day after an overnight backpacking trip over by Mount Jefferson, here in Oregon. I was thankful that. I had my heart attack at home, about 10 minutes away from the hospital. And, like you, I didn’t realize I was having a heart attack, I thought I might have just had a drink of bad pond water on my hike. In fact, the doctors weren’t certain that I was having a heart attack. Finally, the blood work showed that I was. Anyway, better now, but I’ve not done an overnight backpack trip since. Now on to watching the rest of the story on your next video!

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks. Sounds like our stories are the same. You got to get back out there as soon as possible. 😁❤️👍

[@NickMackenzieMD]

Just found your channel. I am not the first person to say that you are a very lucky guy. Most folks with your disease present with sudden death. I had a similar experience in Yosemite hiking to the Ostrander Ski Hut in the summer of 2005. In addition to 'chest discomfort', I had the sense of 'impending doom' which is another classic symptom. For me it was like I had a six-shooter revolver pointed at my head and there was one round. I remember looking across at Half Dome and thinking this isn't a bad place to die but it wasn't my day. Obviously I survived. Got a coronary stent placed, changed my diet, got good control of my blood pressure and lipid profile with medication, diet and exercise. Since then I have done multiple 100 mile hikes and a 500 mile bike tour of Southern Utah. I am 72 and 'not dead yet'. Keep on trucking.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Nick. Wow…that’s a great story! Glad you’re still with us.

[@jenshoefer7944]

Oh this beginning of the vid...the essence of hiking, pure meditation 👍...stay healthy and safe!

[@TheHikingRev]

Thank you Jens Hoefer. 😁

[@markmccann8356]

First off, I'm glad you're still with us. I'm sure that was a bit scary to say the least. Thanks for sharing that story. I always carry aspirin with me in case that ever happens. I think I have a good heart. It's my knees that would probably fail before anything else. Secondly, I just have to say that your videography is just so well done! It's not just the shots of walking away (with the added work of going all the way back to get the camera), but how you weave the scenery with the hiking, set up the angles, insert the music, and so much more. You take people on a journey and it feels like we're right there hiking with you. Again, glad you made it home. I would have passed out getting into a helicopter. Peace!

[@gordonp4675]

I carry Aspirin in a small waterproof pod on my key chains just in case. Sure enough I had a heart attack at work and I believe having that Aspirin at hand saved my life.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Mark. I work hard at making my videos aesthetically enjoyable. I have a bottle of nitroglycerin that I carry with me on trail in case of emergencies.

[@danwhite2035]

So glad you got help and had a good outcome. Thank you for sharing your stories and wealth of valuable information. I am a 71 year old guy who used to be a runner many years ago but had a massive heart attack in October of 20. I did have chest pain, so excruciating I felt like I had been shot in the chest. I was home but was alone as I had just driven my wife to the hospital emergency room the evening before and she was admitted. Like you, I called 911. No helicopter though, just an ambulance ride to the ER. I had a triple by-pass and spent I think it was a bit over a week in the hospital. My wife was released one day sooner than I was but she went to her sister's home and was put under hospice care as she was terminally ill with liver failure due to diabetes. I came home alone to recover from my surgery but was able to go and see her every day at her sister's home. I started walking nearby hiking trails for exercise. I have done a six mile loop but don't know if I'll ever do anything very much longer. Prayers for you and wishing you all the best.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Dan. Just do what you can do.

[@rdh2059]

I am 63, have been backpacking most of my life. Spent most of my 30s doing extreme mountain climbing, until some chest pain was diagnosed as coronary artery disease. It literally stopped my life in its tracks. I fairly quickly had to back down, slow up and within a few years was forced to stop backpacking and only hike short distances. Eventually it got so bad that I needed a nitro patch just to go get the mail! I have had 13 stents, numerous angioplasty's and 10 years ago a double-bypass. To celebrate that anniversary, I had a couple rounds of stress tests and they found certain parts of my heart were starved for oxygen (again). That means more angiograms and stents. This isn't a bad thing, because it gives me hope that I will be able to backpack again in a couple months. For now, it's time to drop more weight, slow down and take breaks more often, and maintain a modest conditioning routine. For me the single most difficult part of backpacking as an older person is forcing myself to maintain MY OWN pace and not simply slipping in to someone else's pace to stay with them.

[@TheHikingRev]

Hey Rick! I feel like a wimp with my THREE stents compared to you. 😂 I think the most important thing to get back into hiking after a heart attack is to realize that you HAVE TO hike your own hike and not try to keep up with someone else. 😁❤️👍

[@richardhanson1827]

Being an MI survivor myself (full cardiac arrest at age 57) I know how important it is to get out there and keep on going.My cardiologist figures I survived because of my keeping in shape by hiking...don't stop Rev till you can longer keep on going.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Richard. My cardiologist said that me being in hiking shape is what save my life.

[@kalyanijaya2966]

May you live long long years Rev! Tears rolled down as I was listening what you went through! God bless you

[@TheHikingRev]

Thank you. 😁❤️👍

[@brendar.8185]

So glad you made it to the hospital and are here. I have a friend who had a heart attack at 60 and 6 months later was hiking the trails in the smokies. He is 67 now and still hiking. I hope this encourages you… sending prayers.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Brenda. I am feeling better and hiking again but still not 100%.

[@juana.w0jalabellon277]

Just found your U-Tube channel. Sorry for what you went through, but happy it turn out OK and hopeful you’ll be well to continue doing what you love to do and continue to teach and advise us in the process. Did some hiking in my youth, HS years, soon to be 71 in July and since after the Pandemic have started to walk and hike progressively longer distances in order shape up and increase endurance, and shed some weight. You are an inspiration and a blessing to the rest of us. Keep doing what you’re doing, stay healthy and sharp. Receive our regards and Blessings from Central FL.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Juan.

[@brandonhudson1640]

Glad you are still,here! Thanks for sharing. I guarantee this video will save someone’s life.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Brandon. I sure hope so. 😁❤️👍

[@mikeandsuzannegeorgiamount6036]

I'm an older hiker also and have experienced heat exhaustion in the Appalachian Trail. I can relate to what you were experiencing and thinking. Thank God they had the insight to test you. Keep on hiking.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks guys. Heat and humidity on the AT is no joke!

[@farzinmo22]

So happy you made it fin. Hope you continue enjoy your hikes and life. I certainly like your videos and attitude towards what you present in your videos. Can’t wait to see your new ones. God bless you and stay healthy!!

[@TheHikingRev]

Thank you. I hope you enjoy them.

[@witchcitystitcher]

Nooooooo... So glad you're feeling better!

[@TheHikingRev]

So far, so good. 😁

[@OLDMONK297]

You're old as gold, keep up and hit 👣 trails again. ❤

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks. I will. 😁

[@prieb1956]

Listing to your story Rev the hairs on my neck stood up, as it was like recalling my own very similar experience only I stupidly got into my car drove 100 yards then crashed. I had to be rescued a second time and luckily brought to the hospital. I'm the same vintage as you and likewise happily back out on the trail again. It's never going to be age that will stop us enjoying the great outdoors. Stay safe buddy as you're an inspiration to us folk.👣👣👣

[@TheHikingRev]

Wow. That is an amazing story. It’s great to share our experience with others.

[@lisettewurster3648]

God bless you. So glad you are ok. Just found you and definitely want to keep seeing your amazing videos. Take care and stay well❤️

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Lisette. I hope you enjoy them.

[@michaeldeighan6790]

Feel well soon sir. I am new to your hiking videos. As as older, not so active, hiker myself, your videos have motivated me to get out there more often.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thank you Michael. I’m glad you have enjoyed my videos.

[@DesertNebula]

Even for an old video, happy you're ok!!!! I used to live at la Quinta cove 😮 I was all over those trails. My brother and I almost made it to the lake. But turned back since getting dark and unprepared 😅

[@TheHikingRev]

Yep. 8 months after I finished the PCT, I have a heart attack. Go figure. I’m doing good so far now. I did a Thruhike of the Pinhoti Trail and started a Thruhike of Ireland this year.

[@paulbergstrom2758]

First of all, glad you are still on this side of the dusty trail and healing. Second, that was a great “in the spirit of Kraig Adams” video. The music, silence and scenery added to the tension of the title. Third, that was a real service to the community of hikers

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Paul. I was wondering if anyone noticed the “Kraig Adam’s influence” in this video. I didn’t do it intentionally but I do love his style. I hope that through my videos I can help at least one person.

[@nancythomas-wardm.b.a2993]

Such an inspiration Rev. Poor wifey xxx

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Nancy. Yep, my wife has to put up with me. 😂

[@HankOutdoors8052]

I'm an older hiker myself in my mid-60s. I do go out alone a lot but I'm glad I got my Garmin in reach mini in case something did happen. Glad you were okay

[@TheHikingRev]

Yes. I love my inReach Mini.

[@BitStClair]

Glad your still with us!

[@TheHikingRev]

Me too😁

[@BitStClair]

@@TheHikingRevI had an aortic dissection in 2017.

[@josephmayes8302]

Very glad you are my ok my friend. Will be keeping you in prayer. Stay strong.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thank you Joseph. You are very kind.

[@sherrierifenberg2199]

Glad to hear and see you even though this happened two years ago! One foot in front of the other! God bless!

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Sherri. I’m trying to catch up for my 2 “lost years” in my hiking schedule. 😁

[@sherrierifenberg2199]

@@TheHikingRev I understand completely! Life is an adventure for sure!

[@justgivemethetruth]

OMG, this is the second video of yours I'm looking at ... and so sorry you had to go through that. You're lucky it was not worse. I hope you are better and still hiking and still making videos to let us know anything we need to know about what to do in this case. I am probably very close to your situation, but without a lot of hiking background and stamina. Best of luck.

[@TheHikingRev]

Again, thanks. I doing good for now.

[@bobfanelli7054]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Take care of yourself, praying for you Rev.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thank you Bob.

[@debbierelph9715]

Older hiker here (65), I think about this very thing happening to me. I usually hike alone - only because my friends/husband don't hike - but have been searching for a hiking buddy lately due to safety. I don't want to be dependent on someone else or make them feel they need to take care of me, I just feel that by having a buddy there's more options available if things go sideways. If you're even in Phoenix (during the cooler months) and want jump on the Arizona trail - I'm 100% in!! I look forward to hearing what you and your doc come up with. Best of luck.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Debbie. August of last year I had three stents put in my right coronary artery which increased the blood flow to my heart. I’m not 100% but I am out there trying to test my limits and extend my possibilities.

[@debbierelph9715]

@@TheHikingRev glad you are working your way back!

[@Athor1963]

I sure hope you’ve recovered. You’re my inspiration way down here in Australia. I’m 60 and plan to hike my way well into my seventies and hopefully beyond. Very much hope to be watching your videos for a long while to come:)

[@TheHikingRev]

Yes…Alfred, I hope I’m recovering. I was in Australia several years ago. Kippa Ring in the Queensland province near Brisbane. Loved it. You’re very fortunate to live in such a beautiful country.

[@wheretonow6172]

my new favorite youtube channel. thank you.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks.

[@916senna]

Just quietly, you have a real gift with cinematography. That was way more than just a nice trail.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thank you very much. You’re very kind.

[@exforrestranger8475]

Wow Rev, what a surprise. Thank you so much for letting us know! You are special, you may have saved many lives!

[@TheHikingRev]

Well...I hope so! It was certainly a surprise to me. 🤷

[@chrislrob]

Glad you're okay, Rev!

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Chris. I’m better. Just not 100%.

[@tomkatusa912]

Thank you for your story. God bless you!

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks. I hope it helped.

[@jeffreyevans6892]

Glad your OK...Good thing you went to the ER!. I'm 67 were not immortal as we once thought when we were young.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Jeffrey. You’re so right.

[@railwaystationmaster]

Sir , you are a total inspiration and have given me the thought at least that in retirement I could do more .

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks. Yes, we all can.

[@wellseasonedhiker]

Glad you're doing better. I'm just amazed that even though you could hike out you had the strength and even the interest in setting up your camera to shoot yourself under that bush. That's commitment!

[@TheHikingRev]

I was going to record video footage of me up in the helicopter but I don’t think the CHP officers would have appreciated that. 😬 Man…that would’ve been great footage.

[@billseay6399]

Hey Thanks again Rev enjoyed the opening

[@TheHikingRev]

You’re welcome.

[@PhilAndersonOutside]

Thanks so much for sharing your story Rev. Glad you are okay, and determined to (safely) keep enjoying the great outdoors! I'm getting a bit older, and you're an inspiration for who I hope to be in a short matter of years.

[@TheHikingRev]

Yep. It’s tough getting old. My CAD (Coronary Artery Disease) was strictly hereditary. Stents and meds are helping. I’ve just got to “get busy living or get busy dying.”

[@bettebelanger5043]

God be with you and keep on hiking!

[@TheHikingRev]

Thank you Bette.

[@divinaflamingarrow9556]

Wow am I glad for your recovery!

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Divina.

[@matthewclarke5008]

I hope you're feeling better, such a scary experience to go through.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Matthew. Not 100% but I am able to backpack…just slower.

[@Bigpappawpiper]

In my prayers, keep us updated God bless

[@TheHikingRev]

Thank you John. I’m doing OK for right now.😁😁❤️

[@jimdoyel5044]

Thanks for sharing your story, your trail tips and wisdom.

[@TheHikingRev]

You’re welcome Jim.

[@marclucier2533]

At 57 I have a pacemaker and three stents. But I love my hiking and camping. I think about this a lot so I make sure to leave a detailed hiking plan with my fiancé. Gives me a little piece of mind

[@TheHikingRev]

That is a great idea Marc. 😁❤️👍

[@davidhaynes9234]

Thanks for sharing. These kinds of events are good for all of us older hikers to be aware of in our adventures.

[@TheHikingRev]

True David.

[@78scottj]

Good on you for checking things out. I had a similar situation as a 54 year old six years ago and waited a day until things got worse and had major heart attack in the ER the next day. Took me about 6 months to get back to normal. Back doing 20 mile day hikes in the mountains so I'm sure you will do great.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks for the encouragement Scott. You give me much hope.

[@buffyvachon8026]

Glad you’re ok

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Buffy. Me too.

[@sder408]

Glad you got the help you needed. On a unrelated note, I love your beard!

[@TheHikingRev]

Yes, me too. Oh and…thanks regarding the beard.

[@jeffreylyons5449]

Glad you are ok

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Jeffrey. I feel a lot better but not at 100% yet.

[@jeddimich2779]

Just keep putting out that awesome mellow happy vibe. You're doing life just right and an inspiration to us all. Thank you.

[@TheHikingRev]

You’re quite welcome Jed.

[@behindenemylines9033]

Newly subscribed. I appreciate the candor.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks for the sub. Yes, candor is good.

[@GK-gi2qi]

Many Blessings and Well Wishes! I just found out about your channel May 25th, 2022 and already hope we meet on the trail some day. All the best to you!

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks. Likewise.

[@tomcaldwell2199]

I’ve watched a number of your videos and appreciate them very much. I especially appreciated the video on the mental effect of hiking the PCT. Brother, been there, done that in 07. I was on a cycling trip with my friends. Text day I had a similar experience after a softball game. 100% blockage to left ventricle. Don’t give in! Don’t give up! I’m 71 now and preparing to hike the Pinhoti Trail in Alabama and Georgia, preparing for the AT. Never been a backpacker, but accepting the challenge. BTW, ROLL TIDE and May God be with you!

[@TheHikingRev]

RTR, Tom. I had three stents put in my right coronary artery and now I am as good as new. I’m also hiking the Pinhoti trail starting on April 12. Perhaps I will see you out there.

[@MyMiniTravels]

I'm so glad you are okay! Stay healthy and keep being the positive and active person you are. :)

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Rose.

[@jeffreylyons5449]

Doing what you love. The end is inevitable. Find your way back.

[@TheHikingRev]

Great advice.

[@PhotographybyTimWMoore]

Amazing story. Stay healthy!

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Tim.

[@25inspector]

I have always been very athletic and into endurance type activities and strength training, martial arts, skiing and the outdoors. Unfortunately, I know the feeling you had. I was 48 in March 2013 and had the similar symptoms that you had. It was like somebody was turing off my energy taps. I could barely walk more than 100 feet let alone do my regular exercise program . This went on for a few days until one night at 2 AM I awoke with massive chest pains and called 911. Good thing I did because I was having a heart attack. I was rushed to emergency and they did an angiogram and stented one of my arteries (the 100% blocked one). I had one blocked 100% and 2 at 40% and one at 60%. Within a month after that I was going for walks around my community and getting back my conditioning. I then did a cardiac rehab program which helped me also. I go for a stress test and other tests every 6 months since then and unfortunatelly I now have leaky valves and an enlarged ascending thoracic aorta. My Doctor still has me walking, cycling and I also do Yoga and light weights but no heavy weights. I am in a "watchful waiting" period now. If my artery reaches 5.5 cm, they will replace it and if my valves get worse...they will replace them as well. My artery is at 4 cm right now. I am not giving up the fight.

[@TheHikingRev]

Hang in there! We’re both in this together.

[@tomsalter3570]

Thanks, Rev. Mike--for producing this video. It helps me to put it all together in my mind. Still praying brother, for God's healing touch!

[@TheHikingRev]

I’m glad it helped Tom. Thanks so much for your prayers.

[@albertochoa7331]

Wow! More power to you.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Albert. 😁❤️👍

[@kayingthao5072]

Glad to see you back out in the trail. Thanks for all the inspiring and motivating videos. I’m inspired to get out more.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thank you so much.

[@072570ppft]

Glad you were able to catch the heart problems early. Praying for you.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thank you very much.

[@PacMan257]

I had a near fatal heart attack in Sept of this year. They placed a stent in the blocked artery and less than 2 months later I was thru hiking the Foothills trail. I attribute my fast recovery to being in good shape when it happened.

[@TheHikingRev]

Absolutely. Good for you.😁

[@Hollerwood606]

Daggon man I’m glad you’re still vertical and ventilated! Keep it up old buddy. Great video!

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Chris. I just wish that video had a different ending. Don’t get me wrong...I’m thankful to be vertical and 6 feet on this side of the earth! I’m just impatient and want to be able to get out and hike again.

[@Hollerwood606]

@@TheHikingRev although the outward man perish the inner man is renewed day by day. I’m with you friend, we long for something far greater and richer. We are pilgrims and we long for the trail:))). Soon Rev, Soon.

[@JordanBuzzy]

Thank you so much for sharing this story. Anyone traveling alone needs the humility to make those Emergency calls.

[@TheHikingRev]

You are so right Jordan.

[@SasSaga]

Thank God that you survived that scary episode. That could have gone south, quick…God had you in his hands. You did your own stress test…oh thank God for EKG!! And they don’t always show infarct…WHAT A STORY!

[@TheHikingRev]

I’m glad I was able to tell it.

[@robinraddatz982]

Prayers for you, Rev. Thank goodness you were able to get help. God bless.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thank you Robin.

[@akusantafe]

Thank you for making this report. I am ahead of you in years and continuing to stay out on the trail, and this account is helpful. To quote you from this video, "you don't know how much this means."

[@TheHikingRev]

Thank you.

[@flyingdutchman7585]

You were lucky you had cell phone coverage where you where. I hike solo in the Rocky mountains for 7 months out of the year. After some close calls and absolutely zero cell phone coverage, I started carrying a Garmin InReach Explorer. Now I can communicate with family way out in the boonies and if I do have a problem, I know I can call rescue no matter where I am. I highly recommend carrying one of the Garmin satellite communicators if you are a solo hiker or in areas where there is no or limited cell phone coverage.

[@TheHikingRev]

I carried a Garmin InReach Mini on my entire PCT journey. Used it everyday.

[@cairnscrow8713]

Thanks for sharing this. Really pleased you are still with us

[@TheHikingRev]

Yeah me too.

[@operageek]

Sending you healing vibes, hugs and prayers . The trail awaits . Can’t wait to see your next post.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks. I am doing good now.

[@trailhikes9112]

Great video. You had a lot of walking back to get the camera that made your hike 2x longer. I’m passed your age and worry every time I hike. Thank God for the EMTs. Take care.

[@TheHikingRev]

When I hiked the PCT I felt like I had hiked it twice by going back for my camera.

[@patrickgardner396]

Very sorry to hear! I actually just left the PCT due to health issues, after climbing down Fuller Ridge to I-10. Hope you heal well and are back out there doing what you love, soon. Thanks for sharing all of this so openly!

[@TheHikingRev]

Hey Patrick. That’s a tough decent from Fuller Ridge to I-10. Hope you get better. I’ll be back soon, I hope!

[@susantreadway6585]

Wow! That is awesome! Thank God you are here and telling your story. Keep us posted.

[@TheHikingRev]

I’m doing great now Susan.

[@rickkaylor8554]

Rev, happy to see you aren't in worse shape. Praying that you have a quick recovery.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thank you Rick. I just wish I could be back out there sooner.

[@CCATT2007]

So glad you made the 911 call. Kudos to your EMS team for their attentiveness. God speed for your recovery and ease back into nature.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks. I’ve got to be patient which is NOT one of my strong suits.

[@wolfeadventures]

Rev so glad you are ok. I know you will recover, be strong and you will get back on the trail soon!

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Brad (aka Skywalker). I hope to be back soon. “I’ll be back.” - Terminator

[@wolfeadventures]

@@TheHikingRev 😂👍🏻👍🏻

[@rogerryder4132]

Just bumped into you and your interesting and informative site. I'm glad you made it through your medical emergency while on the trail. I wish you a full recovery and hope that your medical professionals get you the perfect solutions to allow your feet to hit the trails again, and soon. Hats off to CHP and your entire team of medical experts that assisted you back to a safe and healthy path. Good luck and know your trek has and will continue to inspire & motivate. 👍 keep on...keeping on. 🚶‍♂️

[@TheHikingRev]

Thank you Roger. After 3 stents in one artery back in August. I’m doing great.

[@1dlheinz]

I am so glad that you received the help that you needed. 😍 Praying for you Rev. 😍🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Diana.

[@smaxvarese3518]

Way to hang in there! Congratulations

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks.

[@kristaanderson6016]

BEAUTIFUL video of your hike. So grateful you called 911! Keep us posted on your progress. Best wishes.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thank you Krista. I will.

[@uspdthm]

You're a good man, Rev. May God bless you.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Toby.

[@stevesampier527]

I hit the like button, but can't say I like this one. Hang tough and recover well and quickly.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Steve. I know what you meant.

[@johnreid895]

I am an older hiker and am grateful for your telling symptoms of the heart attack, I had always thought it would have been painful, great tip , maybe a good idea to have aspirin with me on hikes?

[@TheHikingRev]

Yes, good idea John.

[@wildbrookies]

So glad you had that secondary assessment. Might’ve ended alot different. Thanks for sharing ! Hope you’re fine!

[@TheHikingRev]

Yes, me too, Jim. I’m doing good, just not 100%.

[@tangenttrails]

I’m so glad you were able to get help. I sure admire your positive attitude and the Halbert family will keep you in our prayers. God’s speed for a quick recovery and we look forward to seeing you back out surrounded in nature.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thank you Jerry. That means the world to me!

[@tangenttrails]

@@TheHikingRev You’re very welcome Sir.

[@papajeff5486]

God bless you. I hope He touches you with His healing hand. Texas

[@TheHikingRev]

Thank you Jeff.

[@gud2go50]

Glad you made it. I am 61, so this helps me note what to look for if something like this happens to me. Thanks.😊

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Doug. Get an Echocardiogram before you go on a long distance hike. I wish I would have.