To all my family, friends, and fans,
Thank you so much for all the prayers, tweets, texts, Face Book messages, or any sort of support during these last 3 days. I am so lucky to have all of you in my life. Some of you may or may not know what had happened, so i would like to take this time to explain.
On Thursday morning about 2AM I woke up in the middle of the night with burning pain in my shoulders and around my chest. I had already been complaining of shortness of breath the few days before which I had convinced myself i was just having anxiety problems or coming down with the flu. At 2AM i shot out of sleep, that was considerably restless to begin with, having pain as if had done 1,000 pound shoulder presses the day before. I told myself that i probably just pulled a muscle and what terrible timing with the “anxiety effects.” I never went back to sleep that night. Trust me, I tried.
It felt like my shoulders were on fire. I tried to take deep breaths but i could only inhale so far and that just magnified the pain i was feeling in my shoulders already. I paced around my room. I watched ESPN. I paced around my room. I watched Home Alone. I tried to rub my shoulders as if it would take the pain away. i swigged some Thera Flu. I rubbed my body with Vic’s Vapor Rub. i paced around my room and watched ESPN again. Damn Ohio really hates Lebron.
I continued this behavior for hours. I didn’t want to wake anyone out of sleep so i painfully patiently waited till the sun came up in hope of someone to awaken in the house. Maybe a hit a of a cigarette will help? Nope it actually made me have even shallower breath after. (Dumb Moment) My room mates awoke and they heard my pleas of pain. But i was too proud to admit i needed help. I thought the pain would pass. Instead for the next several hours i just moaned out loud, wondering what was going on. I tried to take a Percocet with thoughts that it would stop the pain for a little and i could sneak a nap in. That only lasted about an hour, till i was awoken by the chest agony. And again i paced around and continued to moan and groan. My pride meter was depleting and i admitted to myself by about 2:30 PM on Thursday that i should go seek help
“Oh My God, This F*cking hurts. I can’t breath” I must of sounded like an Indian Chief chanting these words over and over in my friends car. She was to take me to work where i would meet another friend who was going to either drop me off at the shop to get my car or take me too the Health Clinic. (“Because it wasn’t anything major enough to go to the actual hospital). Yes, another dumb moment. We stopped for gas, they got some Starbucks and we finally arrived to work. I jumped out the car and immediately jumped into my friends car and said “take me to the Clinic. Something is wrong” Why didn’t i go to the hospital immeadiately? Well thats another story about a man who quits his full-time job and losses his benefits so he can chase his dreams.
So i get to the clinic. I can barely breath. And i can honestly say I’m really scared.
They checked my vitals. Good. I used some breathing contraption for 15 minutes and it didn’t help. They took X-Rays of my lungs. Nothing. I wanted them to tell me i was just having an anxiety attack and a few pulled muscles but instead i had to take an Electrocardiogram or EKG. An EKG measures electric activity in the heart during a captured period of time. (wikipedia) The Doctor told me i had an irregular activity in the heart. My pride meter dips to zero. I am officially terrified.
It all happen so fast after that.
Paramedics show up. Put me on a stretcher. Do more tests. Throw in an ambulance and take me to St. Clair Hospital. Next thing i know I’m in a room and they are doing the same test from the clinic but this time they draw blood and eventually give me an ultra sound. I asked the good doctor if i was having twins.
It turns out i was having a heart attack.
in less than one hour of getting to the hospital i was signing waivers for a heart procedure. I remember calling my mom and all we did was cry.
One of my arteries in my heart was 100% clogged. It was necessary to unblock the artery and fix it before my heart would take anymore damage. The doctor told me that it was blocked for some time now. And Thursday was the time that my body decided to tell me.
Barely 2 weeks before this i had just finished a 2 month tour. I performed in over 56 shows, in 28 states, and a few cities in Canada. It was the a dream fulfilled but a career newly started.
This heart attack could have happened at anytime, in anyplace. But it decided to happen Thursday.
The procedure took an hour. I was awake for most of it. The doctor put a hole in my groin and from there he fixed my heart.
I am 30 years old. Sitting in a hospital room for the last 4 days. My artery is now open. More oxygen is flowing to my heart now then has been in recent times. And a passion for healthy living is set my in head.
Last year my best friend chose to take a risk, quit her job, pursue her dreams and change her life at age 30. The day before she was to start her new job / new life her heart stopped. She was found dead in her apartment days later.
If there is one thing Marge taught me it was to follow your heart. She took a chance and succeeded. The possibilities that she had before her were endless. And just to be able to make a decision to change… IS success.
MARGE INSPIRED ME TO CHANGE.
My heart now is stronger than ever.
And now my possibilities are endless.
Brandon Glova – 1:45 AM St. Clair Hospital 12/5/10
Glad your ok. Hope you make a complete recovery and continued success.
I been working in the medical field for the last 8 years and it is very common to see (no offense) people to be stubborn, about not wanting to wake people up. I’m sure your roommates have told you over and over about waking you up lol. St. Clair is a great hospital! I’m sure they will be putting you on some blood thinners, but just remember when your out, dont have too many drinks cause Alcohol thins ur blood too. Hope all is well
Brandon, please take care!! You only have one very big heart!!
Bonics, take it from a old fart, don’t play with your health. Suck up that pride, your body will tell you if something is not right. You are way too young to have these problems. Sue and I are so happy for you that your doing good now, but I think you know how close you were to a greatly different outcome. We both are Lucky to be here today, our mission here is not done. Your blog will help others to understand that a 30 year old can have Major problems, and to get them checked out. You problebly will save more than a few lives by telling your story. If I were to tell it , they would just say that it was the ramblings of a 60 year old man. We are proud of you for chaseing your dream, a dream that lives on.
WOW!!!!!! good Luck & Take Care!!!!!
Speedy recovery my dude, I just seen you Last Sunday! I had the same clog artery as a kid and I know what you mean about having to make holes to drain you! I still bear all the scars, here to tell the story. Easy Star! Your pal! the Shineomite!
OMG!!!! I am sitting here, mouth open in astonishment and grateful that you made it through to tell your story! Bless you and continue to follow your dream!
Brandon,
Thanks for sharing your story, it helps me in my quest to get healthy. I am 42 and Irealize I could easily be in your position. Take care of yourself and get well soon.
Peace,
Mike
glad to see you doing well bonics, god bless you & amazing talents continue to graze thee world with your creativity
Srry to hear wat has happened to u bruh…been seein u out here wrkin hard…stay strong and keep growin…prayers go out to u my man…get back…@YNGMAK
Wow, that was an incredible story. I really look at things different now just by reading your experience. Im glad you got through this and are on good terms now.
Bonics, Our thoughts and prayers are with you buddy. Take good care of yourself! God Bless Ya!!
Happy Holidays! Love, Bob and Lynn Mason
Get Well Soon, Bonics!!!
Best wishes. I’m glad you’re ok. Definetly have listened to your jams. GOD bless!
Someone was watching out for you, Bonix. Glad they caught it in time. Best wishes.
-Ron -the caricature guy!
I know you through Shari Thomas and heard about this via Mike Woychek on FB. HOLY SMOKES! I hope you are feeling better and are up and about soon.
Just wanted to let you know there was love coming your way through friends of friends who wish you well.
N
Hello dear!
I’m sending you lots of healing light during my morning meditations and healing work for a speedy recovery. Know that Spirit never gives us anything we can’t handle. Sometimes what our heart truly desires is greater than who it is that we used to be and this situation is merely a way to step into who it is you are meant to be and that a path of all kinds of goodness and light has already been paved. Let us know if you need anything!
Love and Blessings,
Chrissy
Brandon–
I am so glad to hear you are doing better! When John told me what happened I was shocked. It’s terrifying for something like that to happen when we’re so young. If you need anything at all, don’t hesitate to call!
Get well soon!!!!!!
Kelli
Damn homie, that’s a terrifying story, it’s good to hear you’re doing better though!!! Best of luck recovering!!!
God Bless.
god bless you
Thank you so much for being so UNselfish and scribing this.
I believe you have just inspired me. It’s time for my wife and I to walk completely away from smoking cigarettes and to cut back off the greasy foods. I am glad that God pulled you through
Hi there Brandon, We are so glad to know that you’re now ok. We just learned yesterday about your hospital stay. Please take care of yourself and stay well and healthy. You’re still young and you have your whole life ahead of you. Dalton, Dillon and your Uncle Dante were all worried about you when we heared about your hospitalization. We are so proud of you with what you’ve achieved ( Dalton and Dillon always brags about having a cousin who is a popular artist) so please stay well and live well!
To all of us, you will always be that funny, lovable Brandon that we’ve always known. We do miss you a lot. Please take care.
I heard what happened! It must have been so scary, I can’t even imagine. Glad you are feeling a little better and hoping for a speedy recovery!!!
-Wendie
Bonics,
It’s been a long time friend. I heard about the heart attack and wanted to extend thoughts and prayers for a quick recovery.
“With the past, I have nothing to do; nor with the future. I live now.” – Emerson
My wife told me she heard you had a heart attack (heard on radio)…good to see that your ok, I hate going to the dr as well, but when your body talks to you you have no choice but to listen…..will keep you in my prayers…and wish you much continued success.
Wow, I had no idea Bonics. I am so glad you are ok God work in mysterious ways. I am a Pittsburgh native, but moved away from the city about 2years ago. We met on several occasions, so I know what a great person you are. I was on Wiz Khalifa’s page when I saw your information and decided to follow you on twitter. That is when I read your story. I have been having some of the same symptoms but have been thinking I am young if I go to the Dr they will just think I am a hypochondriac or something. I think it was meant for me to find you at this time and to hear your story. What a blessing. Keep on following your DREAMS.
WOW , I Just Heard Buddy !!!! DAYMUN Your TOOOO Young for that.. I have had those pains myself , and like you I just waited them out.. (Probably a dumb Idea huh ?)
Hey , I Wish you the BEST Recovery. Take Care of Yourself , And KEEP those 1200′s Spinnin !