OK. What the heck was going on... 50% of the Jogging LaBella Brothers had a heart problem. Initial tests indicated all of "g's" blood work was normal... except for his genetic predisposition for high cholesterol. Dang. How could this be? "g" had just hiked Half Dome and the other day climbed Wright Mt with The Hat!

So, the week before liftoff to Colorado... while the Boys were packin' and jammin' on frantic and enthusiastic pre-trip e-mails... "g" was in cardiac-blockage land. Now, listen... let's not get depressed about this thing. "g's" not gonna die...

8/18/03
One day before the Boys leave for RMNP
An e-mail from "g" to the Boys

Dear Friends,

I'm sure I'll be talking with you shortly, but here are the results from today's meeting w/ my cardiologist.

The good news: I don't require an invasive procedure for my coronary artery disease (CAD). I do have a blockage in one of the 3 arteries leaving my heart. My heart is strong, and my problem while serious, is small on the scale of the kind of problems one could have. I will always have to monitor my (CAD) and there are things I can do to slow/stop the progression of this disease.

I have coronary artery disease. For now, the solution/treatment is a cocktail of medication (for the rest of my life). I'll continue to exercise, hike, etc. I need to stay on a low fat/cholesterol diet.

I'm taking Ramipril (a high PB medication used to help the flow of blood in my veins), Zocor (cholesterol) and a Beta-blocker. I'm thinking about changing my Cardiologist to Dr. W. whom Warren had initially referred to me. I'm planning to use a different MD as well.

Anywho, that's the story. I do feel better knowing the above although I'd rather forget the whole damn thing and go hiking!

Thanks for your interest and support the past week. Sorry for this impersonal e-mail instead of a phone call... I'm actually working on my next hike...

g - 50

So, there you have it. While "g" was home scheduling MD appointments and his first round of cardiac rehabilitation, the Boys were hiking in Colorado. Sometimes, that's how it goes. No matter how you might try to be healthy... it's still one against nature... those pesky problematic genes. Never the less... we at G-WeB seem to think "g's" got something up his sleeve when he straps on his ultra-light gear this fall.

Keep your compass pointed to G-WeB for the ongoing drama of:

The Boys drag "g" to the ER
or
"Who stole my Zocor!"