My Winter Tune-up

[Ernie Neal]

Hello fellow racers (especially of age). My name is Ernie Neal a long-time Superstock racer from Columbus, Indiana.


I am writing this because I have some recuperating time as I just had open heart surgery January 11, 2017. Thought I would tell others of my experience, so you guys can think about it and tell your friends of my signs.


I have been working hard 2016 to complete a 1991 Corvette build for SS/I. I also have been working on another engine combination, with some builds still in the works. These engines will drop me to a lower classification hp/lbs. in my current Cavalier GT/C ride to GT/J (now GT/N). I am telling you all of this because I had been going at it pretty hard for a 68 year old. I knew I was tired a lot, but didn’t slow me down a whole lot either. At the PRI this year, walking around all day I just couldn’t up with my sons and Dave Tincher, especially on the way to hooters. I am never slow going there.


Now with me feeling fatigued, that is what they called it. I was feeling pressure (tightness) in my upper chest all the way around my upper extremity. I could set down for 5 minutes and was ready to go again. I knew about chest pain and pain/numbness down the arm and inattention as heartache symptoms. I had fireman friend run a 12 lead EKG, but showed nothing. I went to my family doctor for my annual refills and told her. Her reply was “you’ve just earned yourself a stress test”. The echo-cardiogram showed my heart was having to work extra hard. They were observing with an ultrasound after my treadmill. I have not had a heart attack and my heart had not suffered any damage. January 3, 2017 I went to the CATH lab to find out I have hardening of the arteries. So on January 11, 2017 I went back for the open heart. Well they fixed 5 of those things from a piece they removed from right leg. I think I had to have 5 because I have 5 speeds in my car (ha-ha). They said I was a good candidate, for I’m a non-smoker, non-drinker, not obese, and somewhat in shape for an old guy.


I had a 4 day stay in ICU and now on slow recovery. It will be 3 weeks before I can drive and 8 before the sternum is healed. Man I have a lot of crap to get done in the off season. My son, David and David Tincher will be helping me get rolling in the early season. My children have been so helpful during my unscheduled winter tune-up.
Want to thank all the racing family already wishing a quick recovery.


Ernie Neal
SS534

[Mark Howes]

Ernie,

Thank you for sharing your story! You may save someone who is having the same symptoms and doesn't get checked.

We are all looking forward to seeing you back at the track good as new.

Speedy recovery

[denbreeden]

Hoping for a speeding recovery and looking forward to seeing you at the track!

Dennis Breeden

[DICK FOX 580]

So glad to know everything worked out well for you. I am also a man of age and get checked frequently for any signs of trouble. I just lost my wife to cancer after a six and a half year battle, which resulted in her death. Hope you recover 100% and continue your racing efforts. Best of luck to you, your boys and all your friends. Life is short, use it wisely.

[Alan Nyhus]

Ernie, congratulations on taking care of business and being persistent about getting to the cause of your fatigue. Fatigue is often an early indicator of an impending cardiac event and is too often ignored or put off to 'other things'....working long hours, a few extra birthdays, etc.

You'll be surprised how quickly you get stronger as you do your cardiac rehab. - Al

[J Gower]

Ernie, good to hear everything turned out for the good. Didn't get to see the Cavalier when you were at last Beech end combo race, heard it was nice. Take care of yourself and will see you at Beech Bend Sports. J.Gower

[Ven302]

Wishing you a speedy recovery! Hope to see you at the track this year!

[Don Kennedy]

Ernie ;

Great Move Your heart now has been freshened up will be quicker and stronger especially on the top end the mph will be good

[FireSale]

My "Winter tune up" was surgery for Prostate cancer so I can appreciate this thread. That's another medical checkup to put on your "get over the fear of" list. Especially if you are over 50.

As for the Mustang, new gears, converter, cam and valves. Still not GT legal but a street racer no more.

[Bobby DiDomenico]

Ernie, glad to hear you caught it in time.
I have a friend who would ride his bike from Chicago to Milwaukee and back. Didn't smoke or eat buttered popcorn, still fit in his Air Force uniform from Vietnam and had some of the same symptoms at a trade show. His boss told him to go get it looked at a week later he a quadruple by-pass. Doing great now, even grew a ponyail. (Though unlike his wife's hair it isn't the same color as when they met!) Keep up with the rehab and don't push too hard too soon. And keep that coughing pillow handy.