I was a cardiac nurse at one point in my career, and I had a patient who had just had a stent placed. One morning, I smelled McDonald’s in the hallway and followed it like a bloodhound straight to her room. Her husband had brought her breakfast, and I went through the whole heart healthy diet talk. I covered hereditary risk, lifestyle changes, and the things we can control. They nodded like they understood every word.
By lunchtime, he brought her Famous Dave’s, and she was elbows deep in a pile of ribs. At that point I wasn’t sure if he misunderstood or if he had a life insurance plan.
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58 comments
Oh we laughed at that last line!
LOLOL I’m so happy about that, Bee.
Some people just can’t make food lifestyle changes. My dad is one 🙃
It’s tough to change long‑held habits. Some people just stick with what they know.
A fascinating and relatable story from your nursing experience. Moments like these show the human side of healthcare—the balance between medical advice, personal choices, and the everyday habits that shape our lives. Thank you for sharing this meaningful reflection.
Thank you, Safia. I’m glad you liked the story.
It’s that ‘it won’t happen to me….again’ attitude. Hope you’re eating well. Maggie
You’re so right about that, Maggie. I hope you’re eating well, too. xo
Unfortunately, some people are just going to live how they want and there’s no changing their minds or even making a dent. I don’t know what Famous Dave’s is but it sounds very processed and McDonald’s – well, that’s a heart attack in a box.
You’re so right, Lynette, about everything.
Some people don’t want to change even when not doing so may kill them
It’s heartbreaking when staying the same feels safer to someone than surviving.
Some people are like that- impervious 😜
Impervious and hungry. A dangerous combination.
Very true. I do try to be careful with my diet.
Me, too. It’s not always easy, but at least I try. 😀
Exactly. We do get brownie points for trying
That’s right. 🙂
😍
Some people never learn! 🤔 All you can do is offer the advice. As the old expression goes: “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink”.
That’s so true, Debbie. Right on.
Makes one wonder. A stint and some ribs. What a combo.
It sure is, John.
When I worked as a registered nurse and worked in the cardiac unit, we had a cardiologist who would go down to the cafeteria and load up his plate with french fries smothered in gravy. I used to always tease him about that because he was always lecturing his patients about sticking to a healthy diet. Another doctor who was diabetic and had an insulin pump would load up on cookies from the cafeteria and do the same thing.
Your stories brought me right back. The cafeteria was its own little comedy show some days.
I love food, but I can’t imagine eating ribs in a hospital bed.
Truly. I can’t picture trying to eat ribs with an IV in my arm.
Oh my gosh, that is so sad, Kymber! Apparently, those people just don’t care enough about their health and longevity. And, I just got home from my cardiologist’ office too. Irony can be pretty ironic, eh? I am starting an injection soon that is every other week to help the bad cholesterol go down since the med’s aren’t getting the job fully done.
It’s tough to watch people ignore the warning signs. I hope your new treatment works well.
Very nice,
Thank you, Vijay.
Guess some folks just don’t get it, lol.
I reckon not, Teri. LOL
So many people just figure they can take more pills to fix any cholesterol or other things that bad food does to them. It is just ridiculous!
Yep. It’s wild how many assume meds fix everything so they don’t have to.
SO======WHAT DID HE BRING HER THE NEXT TIME….OR DID THE DOCTOR PUT A KYBOSH ON THE TAKE OUT? I’M NOT CRITICIZING—WELL A LITTLE—BUT I’VE WRITTEN LIMERICKS THAT WERE LONGER! NO DENOUMENT AT THE END? DID THEY OFFER YOU ANY? WOULD YOU HAVE TAKEN IT? WOULD YOUR CATS HAVE LIKED A RIB OR TWO TO SNIFF AND BAT AROUND THE LIVINGROOM RUG? HEY, IT WAS VERY NICE WHILE IT LASTED—SEVERAL FOLKS TODAY HAVE FOOD BLOGS—-I’M MUNCHING ON KASHI CEREAL. LOVE YOU!
My cats would’ve absolutely batted a rib across the rug, but she didn’t share.
AWWWWWWWW—-GOOD FOR YOUR CARPET!
Honestly, the carpet lucked out. A single rib would’ve turned the living room into a crime scene, courtesy of four very enthusiastic cats.
AYE-YAH…FOR SURE! MEOW-OUT-LOUD.
I’m glad it made you laugh. The cats are pleased with themselves.
Not surprising!
LOL
[…] Leave a reply The Cardiac Diet That Died at Lunch […]
Thank you so much, Johnathan.
My biggest change this year was losing weight. I changed my eating habits, it wasn’t easy, but I’m very happy with the result. This is a revolution for me. I wish you a wonderful day Kymber 🙏🌸
Well done. Changing habits is never easy, but you did it. 💗🌺
It wasn’t easy to give up our wonderful food 🙈
You deserve a lot of praise.
🙈🙈🌸🐈👍🏻thanks a lot
oh my god!
the McDonalds is intellectually defensible, but Famous Dave’s is the worst stress testing methodology ever lol. Mike
Exactly. Famous Dave’s is where the real stress test begins.
I guess some people just don’t care or are deeply in denial despite the mountains of evidence about diet and health. The thing is… there are so many tasty foods that are nutritious too.
I think you’re right about that. And yes, I agree. I try to eat healthy and I find the choices quite satisfying.
sauce and the cause
end hunger
Right on! 😀
Some folks just don’t think a change in diet applies to them. I’ve known many. He does have a solid health insurance plan though.
Have a fabulous day and rest of the week. Love and hugs, Kymber. ♥
I know that’s right, Sandee!
I hope your week is treating you well. Love and hugs. 💗🌺