LOCs on Geg 81
From: Eric Mayer egmayer@servtech.com
Glad to know that everything's going OK. I don't know how energetic I'd be. I think I'd be afraid to move.If we get a copy we'll pass it along to Dave and Carolyn and Sam. This reminds me that I just did a new Groggy at our web site. If you have web access, as I imagine you must, you can take a look if you want, but, if not, I can email a copy.
Best, Eric http://www.servtech.com/public/egmayerFrom: Crossfire Crossfire@aol.com
Again, thanks for the update....I'll be seeing all (or most...) of Vegas Fandom tonight at a Christmas party, so I'll be able to pass on the good news about the continued recuperation. I'll write over the weekend and tell you about the actual party.... And if you'd like a US publisher for that report, Eric... WH is definitely interested. And believe it or not, we have appropriate Rotsler illos to go with it!
Best, ArnieFrom: Marty Helgesen MNHCC@CUNYVM.CUNY.EDU
On Fri, 12 Dec 1997 01:50:26 -0500 you said:
Has an announcement been posted to rec.arts.sf.fandom? My system's link to Usenet has been down for several days, so I haven't been able to see. If it hasn't been posted and you want to post one, or have someone with a current link to post it for you, the subject line should say something like:
Eric Lindsay Recovering From Mild Heart Attack.
Too many times a posting with just a fan's name as the subject line is an announcement that the fan has died. A number of fans have written of their hearts sinking when they see a subject line like that. To avoid creating unnessary concern a subject line like the above sample is preferable.
Marty HelgesenFrom: wbreiding@juno.com (Wm. M. Breiding)
Bill Bowers has been forwarding your messages on to me. Eric (nor yourself) may know who I am, but I know who Eric is! I just wanted to pass on my best wishes for a speedy recovery--and tell Eric to get hopping on that trip report!! William Breiding 1037 E. Mitchell Tucson, AZ 85719-3024 wbreiding@juno.comFrom: Marty Helgesen MNHCC@CUNYVM.CUNY.EDU I was sorry to learn of Eric's heart attack and am glad he is recovering so well. I've been praying for his recovery /w/h/e/t/h/e/r /h/e /l/i/k/e/s /i/t /o/r /n/o/t. Marty Helgesen
From: John Foyster foyster@ntmrc.ncver.edu.au
Dear Jean
I've managed to be away from my e-mail access for all of this week, although I did hear while in Melbourne about Eric's Little Adventure. As a result I am rather relieved to get all the information in one hit, as it were. It sounds as though everything is going smoothly - although I do wonder about any possible colloquial meaning being attached to Eric being "disconnected from the drip".I did find one really rather nice Chinese dish in Melbourne, courtesy my daughter; but Eric may not be up to barbecued suckling pig for a few weeks, or even longer. It doesn't have that much fat on it. Honest. Cheers to you both (and special regards from Yvonne, who had the info before me and was quite fidgetty about it)
John FoysterFrom: Allen Curry keltoi@cinternet.net
I'm now suffering from Atrial Fibrillation ... meaning that while the ventrical is doing its normal waltz, the atrium is doing a jig. Hence, I am fully aware of reduced blood flow and subsequent exhaustion and shortness of breath. While not, precisely, a picnic, it can be dealt with if one wishes to do so.Give the little man my love, and remind him that I'm thinking of him.
Al CurryFrom: d.bratman%genie@rock103.genie.net
Get well, Eric! And _try_ not to flap your arms too vigorously as you fly back and forth across the Pacific, OK? [g] Berni and I both send our prayers and best wishes. And if we hear any more good news before this weekend, we'll sing Hallelujah at the annual Sing-Along Messiah with extra vigor.
David Bratman & Berni PhillipsFrom: LTutihasi LTutihasi@aol.com
I'm so glad to hear he is doing better. Exercise sounds good. A friend of mine had a heart attack a few years ago that required bypass surgery. At that time, he was fairly overweight. Since he started exercising after the attack, he's in better health than he's been in in a long time. I hope Eric does as well.
LaurraineFrom: D Gary Grady dgary@mindspring.com
I'm picturing him wandering about the intensive scare unit with a screwdriver, tweaking all the hardware...Hope the news continues to be good. Is that reduction in blood volume likely to be something temporary, I hope?
D Gary GradyFrom: Cheryl Morgan cmorgan@ceres.wallis.com
Hi Eric,
No, no no! It is the Guests who are supposed to die before A3, not the Board... Take care of yourself, buddy. No sense in buying a pad in sunny Queensland and then not getting to use it. Love 'n' hugs and all best wishes,
CherylFrom: hleibow@sears.ca
That is great news. I was at SMOFcon when I heard, and there were a few bad moments when I heard his name but didn't know what had happened. The relief was so great when I found out it was a mild heart attack, that it was embarrassing. (It doesn't take much to make me cry!) Oops, here I go again.Do what Jean tells you, Eric!! I hope to continue to see you at many, many cons to come. I didn't even know you were over 50. Thin, healthy looking people aren't supposed to have heart attacks! I'm sending this from work as I keep putting off logging on at home, so if I get fired, it is all for you!
Here is an opportunity to get caught up on your reading, etc., take advantage of it!!
Love, Hope From: Hope LeibowitzFrom: joe.haldeman%genie@rock103.genie.net
Hi, Eric! Just a note to let you know we're thinking of you. What a scare! Jean, thanks so much for letting us know and keeping us up to date. We really appreciate it. Love, Gay & JoeFrom: kay@rsvl.unisys.com
Send (give) him my best wishes, please!
The news of his heart attack was originally relayed through the Haldemans to Teddy Harvia on Saturday (lunch) of SMOFCON, where Dick Smith met it with such uncertainty (I'd just told him about Nick's heart attack earlier in the day) that Teddy was uncertain it really was Eric. Several people checked the email and verified it was Eric before we left. (However, I couldn't get to my email since it's behind a firewall until Monday and other things have kept me from a longer reply.)I'm glad to know he's okay, getting better, (what a relief!) How in the world did he realize it was a heart attack? (And yes, he is certainly in better shape than I for instance.)
I wish you both well, and keep me informed.
Joyce ScrivnerFrom: "Dennis K. Lien" Dennis.K.Lien-1@tc.umn.edu
Jean and Eric: I printed out the previous messages and mailed text to Gordy Dickson earlier this week. / Denny LienFrom: joe.haldeman%genie@rock103.genie.net
Dear Jean, dear Eric: We've been spreading the word. Rusty sends his best wishes! Hope you're feeling pretty well now, Eric. But _please_ be careful. Those of us who love you want you to stay around a looooooong time! Love, Gay & JoeFrom: the.wombat@juno.com (jan h finder)
The mind boggles! Remind Eric, that if he doesn't behave, he can't make life miserable for everone associated with A3.He is probably driving everyone crazy. Quacks hate literate patients. He'll know more than they do in a few weeks.
Eric, I realize that it is a drag, but relax a little bit. We don't need you keeling over again. That would not be a good thing.
Eat lots of hot chicken soup and take vitamin C. I don't know if it will help, but it can't hurt. That is what my mum gave me for EVERYTHING!
Ciao & teggeddizzi! May the Ghreat Wombat smile on you!
jan (also at wombat@sff.net)From: JoyWorley JoyWorley@aol.com
So glad to hear that Eric is out of hospital and feisty. Tell him I said to slow down, smell the roses (do they grow in Australia?) and reread all my great writing. (That should occupy all of 15 minutes.) -- Seriously, long naps, light reading and fannish thoughts should be about all the exercise he undertakes.Give him my love, and let him know I'm thinking of him.... and of you, with hopes that your bedside manner isn't overtaxed. Joyce Katz
Roger Sims
That is great news!
I started this this morning and for some reason or other did not finish it! So I think that I should do so now! But then again I can't think of anything worth while to say so will just close with a message to Eric, take it easy! And then one to Jean, Don't let him wear you down!
Best, Pat and Roger.From: "Terry Frost" hlector@netspace.net.au
I could lend you some illustrated books on the subject.... ;-)
Look forward to it.
Melbourne fandom's already been doing that.
Take care and hi again to the invalid curmudgeon.
TerryFrom: "Richard J. Faulder" Richard.Faulder@agric.nsw.gov.au
Glad to hear Eric is now out of hospital, and I'm sure he can be persuaded to behave himself. (Then again....) At least sitting down at a keyboard is more sedentary than chasing computer parts across a city.I'd send flowers, but I don't think the local florist could cope with the sort of arrangement that would be appropriate for you, Eric.
Unfortunately I couldn't check on my email til this afternoon. Spock, the Department's email server, must have been down.Regards to you both, and I have an order for you, mate: Continue to improve.
Richard J. Faulder, Yanco Agricultural Institute, YANCO NSW 2703 Phone: +61 2 69512642, Fax: +61 2 69557580From: Jack Herman pressco@fl.net.au
Cath and I have been away since 5 December - on vacation - away from all infernal devices - and so have just discovered Eric's illness.Please pass on to him our regards and best wishes. I am glad to see that he is making a good recovery and trust that this continues.
I have no doubts that I will read all about his hospital stay RSN on the 'Net. Please keep us in touch with developments.
JackFrom: Craig and Julia Hilton docrat@altu.net.au
Julia and I have just returned from a week's holiday, so I've just learned of the news. This is terrible, and the thoughts of both of us are with you. I'm very, very thankful that Eric is still alive, which of course is not a thing to be taken for granted in a heart attack, even in this day and age. I'm also very gratified that he called an ambulance when he got the pain. I've seen the result too often when a person lets a day go by in the hope that it's nothing serious and it will pass with time.These days, the survival rate from a heart attack, once recognised and treated, is almost 100%. Medical science can do things thereafter to prevent further trouble that were only dreamt of a decade ago.
I guess it might sound like science fiction. Perhaps it means the future is more ordinary than we think. In the sixties, when the vision of the turn of the millennium was all gleaming chromium, flashing lights and space ships. Now that we're here, it's still just folks facing mundane yet crucial things like ill-health with better drugs, better techniques and more precise knowledge.
Please tell Eric to carry our thoughts with him as he gets better.
Lots of love, Craig HiltonFrom: Ken kforman@wizard.com
Thanks, Jean...We're sooooooo glad Eric's doing better.Can we send you a few of those 'straps, restraints, and handcuffs' you mentioned? Who knows what you'll discover.... :)
Please take care, both of you...and our prayers and well wishes to you both...
Ken and Aileen
P.S. I'll pass along the good news to all the Vegrants...From: Carolyn Doyle cdoyle@starnews.com
Thanks for your reports on Eric ... luckily, Mary Long phoned me on Saturday, as I was finishing up the FLAP mailing, and I was able to include a mention of it on the cover, for anyone who hadn't heard. (I only get email at work, so I didn't see the msg you sent me until Monday.)Hope you get FLAP this month, or early in the new year ... again, thanks for your updates -- I've really appreciated them, and am glad Eric is on the mend.
Dave and I were so sorry to hear about your heart attack ... and so glad that you are doing well now.
I must admit, as soon as I knew you were recovering rapidly, I KNEW you would be watching and remembering as much as you could, as unpleasant as much of it must have been at the time. You are a keen observer, and I know I'll find your account of the whole experience enlightening and interesting.
I hope you continue your amazing recovery, and that we'll see you again soon ... maybe in '98?
CarolynFrom: ansible@cix.compulink.co.uk (David Langford)
I've been feeling miserable over too many deaths of people I know this year, so it's =very= welcome to have good news of Eric so soon after the alarming report! Please do pass my best wishes to him, and hopes for rapid further recovery.Martin Hoare also sends fervent good wishes. (More good news: Martin's wife Jean has been pronounced cancer-free after a full, horrible year of chemo- and other therapies. Ian Gunn likewise, says Ian -- but you'll have known that.)
best: Dave
David Langford ansible@cix.co.uk | http://www.ansible.demon.co.uk/From: "Tara Smith" tara@ois.net.au
Hang in there!
Give Eric our very best wishes for a speedy recovery. And try not to run yourself into the ground in the process!
Love and hugsFrom: Carey Handfield cch@netspace.net.au
We heard about Eric's heart attack at Catherine Middlemiss's birthday last Sunday (followed up by your regular emails).All the Handfield's wish Eric a speedy recovery. I am sure a lot of people have already said Eric is the last person that would be likley to have a heart attack.
We are looking out for any strange or interesting reading matter which will stop Eric getting too bored over the next couple of months. take care,
Carey, Jo, Phillip & BreannaFrom: Crossfire Crossfire@aol.com
Thanks for providing such frequent bulletins. They've meant a lot to Eric's friends here in far off Las Vegas.Our thoughts continue to be with the two of you.
Arnie (and the Vegrants)From: Gerald Smith geraldps@spin.net.au
Please tell Eric to get well soon, we're thinking of him. But above all, tell him from us to listen to orders.
Gerald and WombleFrom: "Terry Frost" hlector@netspace.net.au
Give him my best again and tell him not to wear the hip flask in his pocket when they're doing tests. It can fuck up the readings on the machinesFrom: stephen@mtiame.mtia.asn.au (Stephen Boucher)
It's indeed wonderful news, pass along my best. I'll also try and beat some free time out of MTIA next week and try to catch up with you guys.
StephenFrom: Geoff Jagoe & Barb de la Hunty mastery@iinet.net.au
glad to hear everything is progressing well. I'm not quite ready yet to deal with that stage of adult life, where the body starts to remind us of all the things we _should_ have been doing for the last twenty years! We'll write more soon.
All the best, Geoff and BarbFrom: huntzinger@mindspring.com (Lucy Huntzinger)
I'm vastly cheered up to know Eric is no longer a drip. Wait. Isn't that what you said? Well, anyway, I think Eric ought to write up his trip report. I got a real kick out of reading the Gegenscheins he brought along to Alison's party.Roger Sims [73473,2247]
That was very good news. We all hope that what ever is discovered will be easily corrected. And it goes with out saying that we are thankful for your updtates. Things continue to go well at this end. Pat still has not smoked a cigarette since the operation. This has made me very happy as you might surmise. Callie is still suffering the effects of being spoiled by Stephen Boucher. But when she gets to be to much at meal time, Pat puts her in the kitchen with the doors closed! As you can imagine this only keeps off the table until the next meal!@bThat is more then is needed for now, more later!
From: Karen Pender-Gunn and Ian Gunn fiawol@ozramp.net.au
Glad to hear Eric's better than he has been. Here's hoping he gets more betterer quickly.
Best Wishes from Gunny and KPGFrom: xenolith@juno.com (Bill Bowers)
It's really good to hear the continuing Good News re Eric.I don't have anything particularly witty or profound to say, but this is just to let him know that I _am_ thinking of him -- and hope the recovery is speedy.
...and I can't help but reflect how instantaneous this "medium" is; six months ago I wouldn't have heard about Eric ... unless someone remembered to call me....
Thanks to you for keeping us all up to date.
Bill Bowers, xenolith@juno.comFrom: Sally Beasley sbeasley@carmen.murdoch.edu.au
I was shocked to hear about Eric's heart attack, and pleased to hear he seems to be recovering. Please give him my best wishes. (Just at the moment, it is hard for me to react properly to things as my father died suddenly and unexpectedly a month or so ago. Also a heart attack, as far as we know. He hadn't even been unwell. I'm finding the grieving process exhausting).
From: the.wombat@juno.com (jan h finder)
>Eric's doing fine.
This is good news. I'm relieved to hear it.
> he's into the "restless and bored" stage. What fun.
You could also take him all those books he's been meaning to read, but hasn't found the time for.>The ultrasound test on Monday showed a serious reduction in volume of >blood being pumped by the heart.
Any reason why this occurred?
>As I understand it, this doesn't mean an increase in risk of further attacks,
Good to hear.
>builds up his exercise program slowly).
This, of course, is very important. Yes, exercise eats into the time needed for everything else, but it is a good thing. He may have to get a treadmill, I think, they are referred to as "walkers" in Oz. [Dennis Stocks suffered a heart attack several years ago. He has to spend his time every day on the walker. Of course, a walker to me means one of those things a weakened person pushes in front of themselves to keep them upright and going.] They are probably one of the best tools to recover from a heart attack and prevent one you can invest in. You can get an attachment for the treadmill so that you can read while you walk. Hence, it isn't a total waste of precious time!
>Stress test today should tell more.
I hope the quack running the stress test is more of a human that the spherical anal sphincter muscle who did mine. He had me really cranking along and then decided they had seen enough and just shut it off. I nearly went over the handle bar. If I hadn't been in such a state, I would have decked the wretch.
Give Eric a hug for me. Tell him, follow the quack's orders and get well!
From: John Newman johnn@swpa.com.au
At 03:31 PM 9/12/97 -0500, you wrote:
>bored" stage. What fun. I'll take him one of his little computers today, so >that might keep him resting a bit while he types his trip report or...and a modem. Then he can hook up to work, and ...[ROFL]
It was a bit of a week for medical misadventures. A bloke in a user group I'm in was telling us at the last meeting (2 weeks ago today) how he'd had to have cardiac tests. He was pretty offhand, having apparently had 'episodes' over some period of time.
Two days later he was in hospital having a bypass operation. Today I got email from him so he's up and about, but he won't be at the UG end-of-year dinner tonight!
Thinking about stress factors, I've always felt your work was a source of stress. Or is it all just grumbling!
John Newman, Software Partners Australia Pty Ltd Ballarat, Victoria, AustraliaFrom: "Middlemiss, Perry" PMiddlem@vcrpmrkt.telstra.com.au
This is good news and I sure hope it continues.Eric's heart attack came as a big shock to a lot of us. Marc Ortlieb and I had a bit of a chat about it at my daughter's birthday party on Sunday and basically came to the conclusion that of all the fans we could think of Eric seemed the least likely - we said, patting our stomachs.
We all send our best wishes from down this end and from the A3 committee. There is no rush on anything that Eric is lined up for so he can forget about it until he's better. Ask him to contact me when he feels like it.
From: "Dennis K. Lien" Dennis.K.Lien-1@tc.umn.edu
Sorry this is late; I wasn't at work yesterday so just got this e-mail.I think we Yanks obviously showed Eric much too exciting a time during his recent trip and while his sturdy stock showed in his ability to make it back to Oz before collapsing, it's still a bit of a near thing and we can only promise that the next time he comes over we shall do our best to be as boring and bland and dreary and unspeakably drab and awful as possible so as not to over-excite the poor dear. I blame only myself; while I can usually be counted upon to radiate sedentary placidity and REM-sleep to all around me, I did make the mistake last month of introducing him to the one splash of color in my couch potatoey life in the form of professional wrestling. While Eric held up well under the initial strain and even bravely made little jokes about missed dropkicks and alleged foreign villains with no accents and such, clearly he was touched and moved at some level of his being and this got his heart churning up his insides something fierce to the point where something had to give. So if Eric promises to be good and exercise properly and eat his num-nums and all that, I in turn promise not to upset his mental equilibrium with further tales of such mythic figures as Hollywood Hulk Hogan, Diamond Dallas Page, Lord Stephen Regal, the Disco Inferno and other larger-than-life heart-murmur-makers and instead will, on his next visit, go out of my way to scan the cable TV choices instead until I can come upon a nice placid intermural tiddley-winks first-round amateur qualifying match instead, which we can watch with the sound turned off for added safety. And perhaps the picture too.
Take care, eh?
Denny "chartered accountant at heart" LienFrom: "Richard J. Faulder" Richard.Faulder@agric.nsw.gov.au
Thanks for keeping us up-to-date about Eric's condition. Good to the hear about him being off the drip. Bit of a worry about the reduced blood volume. Valve problem or reduced fitness of the heart muscle, perhaps? Hopefully just a temporary thing. I didn't see Marc Ortlieb's name on the list, although I presumed somebody saw the messages before I did, and forwarded a copy on to him. Just in case, his address is: mortlieb@vicnet.net.au Please tell the invalid I'm glad to hear of his improving. RegardsFrom: s.clarke@nepean.uws.edu.au (Susan Clarke)
Cc: Graeme_Batho@agd.nsw.gov.au
Good news indeed.
Managed to pick up a bug of some sort and until I get the okay from the doctor, I won't be coming in to share it around.
Let Eric know we're still remembering him in our prayers and hope he gets stronger and better each day (and doesn't over do it! --- says she who the day she was taken off the drip after the last operation walked about a kilometre about the hospital, only to sit exhausted until someone got her a wheelchair to come on back again! I get bored without work although I will vege in front of tv when in pain --- comes from being a media fan right 8-) and I can say that, but you can't!
Lots of love to you both!
Susan Smith Clarke s.clarke@nepean.uws.edu.au
Note: my new Home Page address:
http://www.fandom.net/~Susan/index.htmlFrom Arnie Katz Subject: FOR ERIC LINDSAY
This isn't the first time a fan has made a cheap bid for attention, but don't you think you are somewhat over-doing it? This is a warning that no further heart attacks will be countenanced, so better make sure that there is no repetition.I got the news from Jean moments before last Saturdays Vegrants meeting, Everyone is quite concerned about your health and safety, and I've been ordered to send best regards from all the usual suspects -- Tom and Tammy, Ben and Cathi, Ross, Marcy and Ray, Derek and Allison and all the other Vegrants.
We've got the special Rotsler issue of Wild Heirs to the proof reading stage. I expect to run it off later this week and mail it as quickly as possible thereafter. Your will, of course, be among the first mailed (as always).
I trust this finds you reasonably comfortable and on the mend. I'll write again in a few days.
Best, ArnieFrom: David Hulan davidhulan@ntsource.com
Thanks for the reports on Eric, and convey him our very best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery. I've been out of town the past few days, so I only got both messages when I got home last night. Please keep us posted.Judith Bemis
I was very sorry to hear about Eric's heart attack. Please relay Tony Parker and my sympathies, and our wished for a speedy recovery.From: Suzi Nassen Stefl stf@umich.edu
Please send our best wishes for a good recovery to Eric!From: LTutihasi LTutihasi@aol.com
When I saw the subject line of the message downloading, I got nervous. I was so relieved to read that he is all right.I have been learning some nutritional things lately. There is some indication that increasing one's calcium intake may improve one's cardiovascular system. The best way to take it in is through one's food -- milk, yogurt, ice cream, broccoli, etc. If you use supplements, try to get it in ionized form or at least chelated form. Some companies here have been making liquid mineral supplements, and calcium is available now in microcrystalline form with the necessary boron and magnesium one must have to utilize the calcium.
Tell him I wish him well, and I'm looking forward to visiting him in his home ground in 1999.
From: Alan Rosenthal alanro@MICROSOFT.com
I should have known that that having to carry around an extra 10 kg of Windows NT documentation was not the greatest thing for your health.Of course, it was your mental health I was thinking about... :-)
Seriously, both of us are hoping that you make a swift and complete recovery and are up and on your feet again as soon as possible. In the mean time, do try to take it easy....
We'll probably try to telephone you in the next few days, after Eric is (hopefully) scheduled to be out of hospital.
And Jean, I hope you're able to get some rest too...
Both of you take care, and we'll be in touch shortly.
From: Pauline Dickinson P.Dickinson@library.usyd.edu.au
Jean, thanks for letting me know about Eric. My first reaction was "Uuhh! Nooo!" until I read on, and it sank in that Eric was recovering. A nasty shock for you both, though.I should imagine that you'll be flooded with offers of help, so just add my name to the list.
Tell Eric I wish him a speedy recovery and a quick convalescence. Tell him to not try to organise the hospital on sounder operational procedures. And while it's hard to do at times like these, try and look after yourself as well.
From: Eric Mayer egmayer@servtech.com
Just a note to say I hope Eric is doing better. I was more than a little distressed when you mentioned he had none of the risk factors, aside from being male and over 50. That's me - except I'm not quite 50 - and here I had been thinking I at least wouldn't have to worry about premature heart attacks. Well, it is all luck. I think too often we like to "blame" someone for getting sick because, after all, if it was that person's own fault, then we're safe! (Fat chance)Anyway, Mary passed the news on to both Dave and Carolyn Rowe, and her ex Sam.
I have been very unresponsive and out of fandom for years now, for various reasons, but I begin to see how all this new electronic stuff might allow me to get back in a little, at least in cyberspace.
Again, Mary and I both send our best wishes. Eric
http://www.servtech.com/public/egmayerFrom: D Gary Grady dgary@mindspring.com
Sorry to hear about Eric's heart attack, but I'm glad he seems to have come through so well. A friend of mine here had a similar sort of experience and has turned into Mr. Diet and Exercise Person and seems to be doing if anything better than before.(I've been off email for a few days because of work pressure, so the first I heard of it was actually a phone call at my office on Saturday from Carolyn Doyle.)
The news makes me feel better about having had my car license plate stolen over the weekend. It could have been a lot worse.
I'm actually rather impressed by the way Eric handled it, having the presence of mind to call an ambulance and so on. A surprising number of heart attack victims, for one reason or another, don't seek help.
And yes, it is a damned good thing that it didn't happen in the U.S., not because medical care is substantially worse here than in Australia -- although our rate of iatrogenic infection is pretty scary; as many people die annually from diseases contracted in hospital as from automobile accidents -- but mainly because we still don't have a decent system of medical insurance!
I didn't realize Eric was over 50. He doesn't look over 50. In fact, he looks a lot younger than I do, which pisses me off no end. I did very much enjoy finally getting to talk to him face to face in Cincinnati. He's even more interesting in person than in print.
Please tell Eric to get well quick. Also tell him I got a Palm Pilot and am now glad I didn't get a Psion, just in case it turns out that it was the cause of his heart attack...
Best wishes to you both.From: janiceg@marvin.Eng.Sun.COM (Janice Gelb)
Please send Eric my best wishes for a speedy recovery and tell him we are all thinking about him and wishing him well!From: Clive Newall crn@bby.com.au
A shock. I realise with no little horror that we all are getting older.Best wishes and all that. Take care. We hope this won't affect your future plans adversly.
PS: LynC has a new(ish) address: lync@acslink.aone.net.au From: "George Laskowski" george_laskowski@cc.cranbrook.edu
Give my best to Eric. Tell him it is only logical to follow doctor's orders, even if he thinks he knows better. :)Is this what I have to look forward to when I turn 50? At 49, being male and overweight with moderately high cholesterol, I guess I should do something to limit the possibility of a heart attack --won't do anything about being male or turning 50, so I guess it's losing weight and dieting so that my cholesterol comes down.
I hope all is well otherwise.
From: Moshe Feder moshe@dorsai.org
Both Gary Farber and Linda Bushyager were kind enough to pass along the upsetting news about you from Jean. My god, man, you're about the last person I ever would have expected to be hit with a heart attack! Coming after all the other bad health-related fannish news this year, it certainly starts one thinking. (E.g., I may stop playing dice with fate and look into getting new health insurance coverage. I'd given it up a year after losing my job at Doubleday when my eligibility for group coveage ran out and the monthly payments were eroding my bank balance too quickly.) In any case, I'm pleased to hear you're recovering well and I hope you don't find it too hard to behave yourself during the convalescent period ahead. :-) You can be sure you will be in my thoughts frequently in the days and weeks ahead.If fortune should smile upon me and I'm able to make it down there for worldcon in a couple of years, I expect to see you as smiling, robust and energetic as you are in my memory.
P.S. to Jean: I'm glad you're there to look after him, but I know from experience that caregiver is not the easiest of roles either. You've got my empathy there. Happily, I suspect Eric appreciates how lucky he is to have you there as well. Hang tough. - M.
Richard_Hryckiewicz@compuserve.com
Thanks for the info re Eric. I must admit that he was the last person I thought would have a heart attack!!! Although it would appear that it was genetic in nature, is there anything else that can be done to ensure he does not have another, other than listen to you???@bFrom: "Richard H. E. Smith" rhes@enteract.com
Dave Locke passed along your email to my new account, which beat any email from the Aussiecon committee.... Thanks, Dave.Leah & I are shocked and scared for Eric. We just saw him a month ago in Cincinnati, and he seemed fine, was looking forward to this crazy Queensland thing you are planning, and so forth. We are glad to hear that he's really fine, and, I guess, also glad that he waited a week so that you were back in the land of organized medicine. Please pass along to Eric our wishes of a speedy recovery, and if he won't follow the doctors' instructions, hit him once for us.
We got the news at Smofcon, which was in Boston this year, and is a mess of Smofs and Would-be-Smofs doing boring panels about conrunning and stuff. We made an announcement during the con, because a lot of people who knew Eric were there, and everyone sends concern.
We may try to call in a couple of days, if we can figure out when it's a reasonable time there. In the meantime, here are new email addresses for us:
Dick Smith rhes@enteract.com
Leah Zeldes Smith lazs@enteract.com
We got these accounts because the connection to the "smith.chi.il.us" system has become unreliable, and we wanted more modern connections. The "smith.chi.il.us" addresses should be working again after I work out some new barter arrangements for our internet connection (which is important for the Timebinders' fan history mailing list which is running there) but we'll keep these for our main email because they will be faster, and let us do direct replies from the web.
My best to you, and anyone else in Australia. I just heard from Joyce Scrivner (at Smofcon) that Nick Strathopolis had had a heart attack this summer. Is there something wrong with Sydney water? Please take care, and stay healthy.
From: timothy.jones@vuw.ac.nz (tim jones)
I was very sorry to hear the news about Eric, but glad that he's now recovering. Please pass on best wishes & hopes for a speedy recovery to Eric from myself & Kay.From: EMiller nv EMillernv@aol.com
I'm so glad that things are so encouraging. Again...anything that I can do to help, you've only to whistle. I'm sure your're being deluged with similar offers but [GRIN] mine still stands.Actually, you've put your finger on the nub of the whole thing (and welcome to the club): what do those of us who love them DO to to make our at-risk men alter their "risky" life styles and change diets whatever to suit the demands of the situation? Good luck, m'Dear! You're gonna need every ounce of patience that you've got. And I do have to warn you (having been there with Hart) it's a BITCH!
Meanwhile...please give Eric all our love and tell him that he can and WILL get througthis "thing". Love n' Hugs, Ellie
From: Vicki Rosenzweig vr@interport.net
Please tell Eric I said hi and give him my best wishes for a full and speedy recovery.
http://www.interport.net/~vrFrom: Linda linda@netaxs.com
I'm relieved to hear that Eric is sitting up and doing better. Two of the risks - male and over 50 - that is really something. I keep thinking that Ron is about in the same shape - and I think he is older than Eric (Ron is 57). I was thinking that it is good that Ron usually has 1 small drink a day. But then I realized that Eric likes beer and probably has had his "medicinal" share.I wonder if Eric's doctor will recommend that he start taking 1 aspirn a day. They are now saying that is the first thing to take in case of a heart attack.
Ron sends his best as well.
Looks like I may go to the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas after all. My sister has never seen Vegas and is interested in going. I found out the opening of the Star Trek Experience will be Jan. 3, unfortunately a few to many days before the CES show for me to attend the grand opening. But I will try to go and see it. I'll let you know how the final Experience really is.
Thinking of you both, LindaFrom: s.clarke@nepean.uws.edu.au (Susan Clarke)
Thanks for keeping us in touch with what's happening with Eric. It really is appreciated. Unfortunately I was off line for four days and didn't get the message in time to go and visit this weekend. Will see when the hours are and try and call in in the next couple of days. Hospitals are damned boring (as I well know) and visitors are usually welcome.Nick S made a remarkable and complete recovery after his heart attack. We really hope and pray that Eric does as well. Give him our love if you see him before we do and Ron sends his regards and best wishes for recovery as well.
Susan Smith ClarkeFrom: "l.edmonds" l.edmonds@cowan.edu.au
Thanks for the news. How amazing! We're glad to hear that it is only a mild attack and that Eric is likely to get over it relatively quickly. Send him our best wishes from the other side of the continent - we are not likely to be able to drop by to hear his story first hand.From: John Newman johnn@swpa.com.au
Thank you for the notification Jean. Our thoughts are with you both.He was able to walk to the ambulance...
Jan supposes this means he maintained a sense of humour... There's no way she would be walking!
From: vincentian@cix.compulink.co.uk (Vincent Clarke)
Sorry to hear of Eric's misfortune. One of the old-timers who make the fanzine field what it is. Please pass on best wishes for a speedy recovery. And thanks for your message.From: John Bangsund bangsund@pipeline.com.au
We're sorry to hear this. Please give Eric our fond regards and best wishes for a quick recovery.From: Lucy Schmeidler lucys@panix.com
Please give Eric my best wishes. He is certainly one member of the Australian SF fan community whom I hold in highest regard!I would like to phone, and have a good grasp of relative time zones, but I don't think I have your phone number. So, may I have it?
P.S. The email address you used for me is one that I now regard as inactive. My current address is lucys@panix.com.
From: Reg Hardman apower@ans.com.au
We are very sorry and shocked to hear this news! I hope Eric has a very speedy recovery and that the tests are all clear. Please let me know if there is anything at all we can do to help.From: "Richard J. Faulder" Richard.Faulder@agric.nsw.gov.au
Thanks for including me on the notification list. Please tell Eric I was shocked to read the news, and hope he gets well as soon as possible.From: the.wombat@juno.com (jan h finder)
>I spent most of the day with Eric,
That must be relaxing, Eric being so relaxed and low strung. When they thought I had a heart attack back in 93 [They later said they couldn't figure out what had happened. I think, it was a reaction to a drug I was taking that nearly killed me.], while I had brought with me a mess of books to read, I couldn't concentrate & walked the halls constantly. The quacks said I could do that. I was going stir crazy within hours. Argh!
>he should be sent home on Thursday and then the fun begins -- making sure he acts sensibly for the next few weeks.
Good luck. Tell him to suffer in silence and not bitch & moan to you all the time so as to make you miserable.
>he's male and over 50. Needless to say, there's not much he can do about that! (He isn't sedentary, overweight, or a smoker. He doesn't even have high >blood cholesterol!) But both of us could do with an improvement in our diet, so we'll be working on that.
Hmm, this sounds familiar. I fit the 2 characteristics, but my blood pressure is relatively low, but I'm stuck with some hereditary influences with C. I switched my diet, the level dropped about 15 % and then went right back up. It is only in the low 200's. However, I do work out about 3 times a week for 2 hours. So it is not as if I just sat around and typed on the toy.
Give him a hug from me. I've got my fingers, paws, etc. crossed for him.
From: b.arthurs@genie.com
Just read your e-mail regarding Eric's heart attack a few minutes ago. Yikes! Best wishes for a speedy recovery.Tell Eric to try and think of this as an extended Christmas vacation, except that the bad heartburn comes -before- the big Christmas dinner.
From: "Marilyn J. Holt" mjholt@halcyon.com
We were of course quite dismayed at reading of Eric's attack but relieved to see that matters were no more serious than they were and that he is coming along well. The news was passed along by myself and Marilyn, as well as by Janice and Alan at the Vanguard Saturday at Jerry and Suzle's. There were several initial cries of Oh, no followed by Oh, good at the further clarification. Moreover the news that Eric would be staying at your place to see that he obeyed Doctors' orders elicited "Well if anyone can get Eric to take orders it's Jean". John Berry, Anna Vargo, Stu Shiffman, Kate Schaefer and Glen, Jerry and Suzle, Andy Hooper, as well as others who I cannot in this tired moment recall, all expressed sympathy and best wishes. As do we.From: Bruce Pelz bep@deltanet.com
While I was alarmed to see the first message's Title Line show up, I was relieved that the results are no worse -- and I send my best wishes for Eric's speedy and uncomplicated recovery!People younger than me have G*O*T to stop doing things like this.... ! "...and over 50." Right! 10 MONTHS over 50! His credentials as an Old Coot (or something similar) are tenuous, at best... .
Anyway, we will Hold The Good Thought; thanks for including us on the news-list.
From: Theodore Beauregarde Harvia eushar@exu.ericsson.se
Diana and I heard the news in Boston from Gay and Joe Haldeman. Fans at SMOFcon could not believe Eric had had a heart attack. "But he was just in the U.S. and he looked fine," they said. Was the stress of traveling the culprit?I'll send a proper get-well postcard to the ambulatory invalid as soon as I return to the States on Wednesday from my extended business trip to Montreal.
Take care of yourself, too. After corresponding with Karen Pender-Gunn over the last year, we know that the healthy spouse suffers as much as the ill one. Diana sends her love (she lost her first husband to a heart attack and knows well how you must feel).
From: Lucy Sussex lsussex@netspace.net.au
We're very sorry to hear about this. A card follows.From: Marc Ortlieb mortlieb@vicnet.net.au
Sounds better than it could have been! Tell the silly bugger to slow down.(We're not thirty anymore - none of us...)
Pass Cath & my regards to the invalid, and add Perry's, Carey's & Irwins - we were at Catherine's 5th birthday party today.
From: "Terry Frost" hlector@netspace.net.au
Sorry to hear it. Give the bugger all my best and to yourself too. A copy of my tacky music Xmas cassette is on the way to make you both sickerFrom: "living" living@zip.com.au
Sorry to hear about Eric - hope he is making a quick recovery.This explains why you weren't at the editing lunch. There were only 8 people - Matthew Stevens and myself, Irene Wong, Mark Dando (I may have his surname wrong), Margaret Gutteridge (surname??), Sarah Clarry and a couple of her off-siders from her work. This is more than double the lunch last year, which was attended by Andrew and myself, Matthew, his wife and two kids, and eventually one other editor who dropped by later. I left about 2.30pm to go to the Mindless Body (aka Mind, Body, Spirit) festival, to buy Xmas presents.
I am now doing some financial homework re moving to Ballina towards the end of 1998. Have to decide whether to sell up, or whether I feel secure enough to take on a new mortgage and keep this place as an investment, or sell and re-buy here and in Ballina, etc.
I finally bought a laptop - a Gateway. It's great, and has a CD Rom drive. Gateway had good reviews, despite the disasters that Sarah Murray-White had with hers (the first one, and then the replacement).
From: Richard Brandt rsbrandt@cris.com
Please accept our most heartfelt wishes for a speedy recovery.It was really great getting to see you guys again at COMDEX, I just wish I was telling you that under more pleasant circumstances.
Richard Brandt is at http://www.geocities.com/Athens/8720 =====From: EMiller nv EMillernv@aol.com
Oh my dear...I am SO SORRY! Lady be praised that it wasn't fatal and the prognosis is so good.Honey...I've been there...I know just how frightening it is...I'm praying for you both. Anything at all that I can do to help either of you, PLEASE don't hesitate to let me know. I'll be in touch again tomorrow but don't feel that you have to answer. All my love to both of you. Ellie
From: kforman@wizard.com
Thanks for the work, Jean...is there any way we can help?Of course, our prayers and thoughts go out to Eric. I'm sure his recovery will be swift and complete.
Please keep us informed... Ken & Aileen Forman
From: huntzinger@mindspring.com (Lucy Huntzinger)
I'm sorry to hear Eric is ill, but so happy to hear he's doing so well in light of the seriousness of it all! My warmest thoughts to you both.Jean, just a note -- my current email address is huntzinger@mindspring.com. I don't know when the Vanderbilt address will stop forwarding.
http://www.mindspring.com/~huntzingerFrom: Don Carter tdcsys@one.net
Thank you for notifying us about Eric. Our best wishes go out to both of you; please keep us advised on progress. Roger and Pat Simms called us (and many others) to help pass along the information.For what it's worth, I hope you both find reassurance in the fact that the community of heart attack survivors is a robust and lively group. I have been a member in good standing for about 12 years, and with very few changes in habits (knock wood), have been getting good reviews on physical exams. But rest is important: keep a good supply of tranquilizer darts handy in case he insists on rushing off to some convention or expo.
As I mentioned to Eric when he was visiting Cincinnati, someday we would like to meet you as well.
Regards, Don and Tanya CarterFrom: joe.haldeman@genie.com
Good Lord, Jean! Jet lag with a vengeance.Let Eric know that our thoughts are with him -- of course! -- and hope that the recommendations re diet, exercise, and sleep are not too onerous. One wouldn't call Eric "Type A" -- they don't _have_ a type for him -- but of course we all could benefit from a little calm and quiet in our lives now and then.
Of course Eric knows as well as his doctors what he has to do. I just hope he can get around it philosophically, and not sit gnashing his teeth, making lists of projects that _can't be put off_! That's what I'd probably do.
If I were religious I'd pray for him, but he's just going to have to be content with good thoughts coming his way. And the knowledge that a lot of people have these physical insults and rest up and then get on with life.
Wish I could be there to play Scrabble with him and make sure he hides his broccoli under the plate.
From: alyson l abramowitz ala@lunacity.com
My Gosh. Please pass on my get well wishes to Eric.And please hang in there yourself. I know the ups and downs I went through with my mom and that relationship was a distant one. I can't imagine how hard it is for you.
Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you or Eric. I expect you both to outlast me and provide me with great role models for graceful ageing.
From: Robin De Negri RBDN6ZPO@aol.com
I just said, oh no! when I read your mail. Yes, I am glad you were home and Eric is fortunate he was able to summon help. I guess I couldn't be more shocked. All the more reason to move to the new condo and enjoy. I certainly send Eric all good thoughts for a speedy and complete recovery. Hugs to you both, RFrom: Lucy Sussex lsussex@netspace.net.au
All the best, and have a recovery-led new yearFrom: xenolith@juno.com (Bill Bowers)
Under the "assumption" that no news is good news, I trust that Eric is "home" ... and well on the way....A query: At Ditto, I gave Eric a copy of the latest _OW_, #68. Dick Smith claims he mailed the two previous issues (#'s 66 & 67) along with the Aussiecon P.R. a week or so before that..... Did you ever get them? I've heard from several who were sent #68, surface/seamail, but nothing from anyone who should have got Dick's mailing..... (Just curious, don't you know!)
In the meantime, wishing you both a Happy Holiday season....
From: "Jeanne Mealy" Jeanne.M.Mealy-1@tc.umn.edu
I'd sent a note some time ago to Eric about the fires around Sydney, but hadn't heard. I didn't get Anzapa until recently, then finally opened it and saw the news about Eric! Wow. How is he? Please pass along my good wishes. Thanks.
From: "David R Grigg" drgrigg@ozemail.com.au
Thanks for keeping us all up to date on Eric's condition.I hope he's doing fine and keeping fit.
Regards, David & Sue & Kathryn.
Visit my electronic fanzine GRILLED PTERODACTYL at http://www.ozemail.com.au/~drgrigg/ptero.htmlFrom: Mark.Linneman@cmscc05.hamilton-co.org (Mark Linneman)
I'm replying to Jean's message because mail to her address exactly as in the header bounced - twice. Replies never seem to bounce. I do not think I understand this e-mail system, putting it mildly. And Pat called with the news of your difficulties because Jean's mail turned up a day and a half earlier on their system than on my work e-mail. I'm just relieved that the problem isn't more serious or that it did not happen when the closest land was Easter Island. A friend of mine, a law prof at the Univ. of Kentucky, had what sounds very much like your situation. Nine years on (he's now 57) he may be getting tired a bit earlier sometimes (not quite sure, the difference isn't striking) but otherwise no changes. And he does not exercise and is a chain smoker. Could it be that we're not 26 anymore? At 47 I've just been informed that I'm now part of the great mass of those who need bifocals. That is at least one problem my doctor cant't claim that losing weight would help - but he probably will anyway. (fat eyes?)Nothing incredibly exciting in Cincinnati recently. Resnick sold an option (a nice expensive one, apparently) on the Widowmaker series to Mirimax and is more than pleased. As the trades would say "Peter Hyams is slated to direct". Mike has never been much of a diffident introvert anyway, he's just being exuberantly chuffed about this. Went out with the Resnick's (Mike-Carol-Laura) on Thanksgiving and had grilled farm-raised ostrich - texture and taste is a lot like a less flavorful but very tender filet steak. Glad I did it once. would not spend the money again. Another mark on my checklist of life experiences - still have a few things left. Despite rumors to the contrary none of them involve Kim Basinger.
Trust your recovery will continue unabated. I'll keep in touch.
From: Harriett Hardman hardman@ix.netcom.com
Loads of sympathy about Eric's health! I'm sorry that I didn't get to meet him when you were here last, and I hope this doesn't mess up your plans for the move to the new house in the boonies. Maybe the more relaxed lifestyle will be a blessing.I may have mentioned that I saw an herbalist a few months ago and he lectured me sternly about vegetables. It really helped me a lot--the first time that an actual M.D. had seemed even slightly interested in real issues of diet. He gave me lists of specific vegetables and "prescribed" a very extensive set of food/recipes for a 3-week health improvement program. Anyhow, it helped me a lot to get my diet straightened out, and I seem to have developed a new set of dietary habits that include lots of fresh fruit and veggies and virtually no processed foods. I'm hoping that the change is a permanent one--changing food habits is just about the hardest thing for me to do!! Anyhow, you might find that an herbalist, an Ayurvedic doctor (like the guy that I saw) or a Qi Gong doctor would be helpful about being very specific with dietary recommendations and support for changes in your food methods and habits. My experience with conventional doctors is that they don't know enough about nutrition to be specific, and consequently while their recommendations are interesting, they don't provide a lot of support for meaningful long-term changes.
If you want to talk about low-fat diets loaded with veggies, I have LOTS more stuff to say, but I expect you're pretty busy right now. Let's connect when things settle a bit more.
From: RBDN6ZPO RBDN6ZPO@aol.com
I certainly hope no more mechanical events befall you. And, hopefully Eric will not be too limited in activity. It is amazing what some of the heart drugs can do to strengthen the heart pumping. And, I am sure Eric should see some improvement as he recovers. There is some data around that implicates a bacteria that hides in the arteries that may contribute to heart attacks in people with low cholesterol...One can't win. Anyway, give him a big hug for me. RFrom: Allen Curry keltoi@cinternet.net
I'm really sorry to hear about Eric's recent attack, but it's good to know he appears to be on the mend. Give him all my best, and tell him we're all keeping him in our thoughts.From: Eric Mayer egmayer@servtech.com
I'm sorry to hear this news and I hope things will be OK. Ironically, I just came in from having a tooth pulled and was peeved it had broken off, I'd have to sit around for a couple days etc. Now I guess I should go kick myself for not keeping things in perspective. Mary is going to call Dave and Carolyn Rowe and let them know.
http://www.servtech.com/public/egmayerFrom: Dave Locke & Jackie Causgrove davelocke@fan.net
Your message came in just as I was headed to bed but, as I copied you, I forwarded it on to some obvious folks who would want to know (plus I copied Roger so he wouldn't automatically do the same).Jackie just got up and I passed along the news and then read her your email.
We both send along our very best wishes to the both of you for a speedy recovery. This is the kind of thing you can rehab out of pretty well, I know, so we'll both keep our fingers and toes and eyes crossed that it's indeed just a "mild" heart attack (as heart attacks go...). Hang in there, kiddo.
From: xenolith@juno.com (Bill Bowers)
I'm sorry to hear the news, but relieved to note your "optimistic" prognosis.I've known the "little fella" a long time, and although we don't always "talk" that much in the absence of another as catalyst -- I consider Eric one of my most valued friends.
Please convey my Best Wishes to him, and my hope that his recovery is swift and complete.
I doubt if there is anything I can "do" from this end, but if there is ... please don't hesitate to ask.
On a totally less important priority:
Eric mentioned that you are the Keeper of the Mailing List.
As of the end of the month I'm giving up my P.O. Box, and any future snail mail should be directed to my home address:
Bill Bowers 4651 Glenway Avenue Cincinnati OH 45238-4503 USA...and thanks for being a friend to my friend.