The Event

It's hard to explain what actually triggered the Heart Attack as traffic has many surprises, but suddenly there was a sharp pain in my chest by a blow that is best described as being hit directly in the chest by a medicine ball thrown at high speed. Both arms felt the shock and there was an unending stinging in my chest and both arms. No matter how much thought or effort, it couldn't be shaked off. Not stopping, I finally made it home and somehow struggled up the stairs and into my room.

There the ensuing four and a half hours of unending pain and frustration began. The years of denial kept me from realizing what was actually happening. There was a twenty-four  hour "flu" gripping Atlanta and it was thought that here was the latest statistic. Sure my chest was killing me but something like it had been felt before when a serious flu was about to emerge. What threw me though, was the simultaneous vomiting. This guy never imagined vomiting with a Heart Attack or even an emerging flu. There was a violent reaction from my stomach and combined with the pain in my arms and chest, the cold sweats and ashen look on my face, things were a mess. 

There was no comfort in bed. The trips to the bathroom became more frequent and  thinking that maybe something else was going on had started. Maybe a stroke, maybe something in my stomach or my gall bladder. Serious confusion was the order. At around 4AM, while gasping for air as breathing became increasingly difficult I prayed to God suggesting it was in His hands and it was His will to be done. Asking Him to please hurry came next.  Upon saying that and noticing the phone and suddenly realizing it was up to me to take action, I quickly dialed 911. One of the smartest moves ever made.

The emergency team arrived shortly and being on the second floor of the building, their light went by my window. I went to the door and motioned to them where the stairs were, left the door unlocked and went back to the chair to wait. They were in in seconds and had me attached to the monitor in no time. Based on the monitor results, my description of my symptoms and my ashen white appearance, they told me that it was very likely that this was a Heart Attack and they were taking me to the hospital. There was shock and disbelief. Me, a Heart Attack? Something serious was wrong but until he said it that thought had not crossed my mind. He told me that's why they call it the 'silent killer'. It creeps up on you and suddenly strikes seemingly from out of nowhere. People just don't expect it. Now knowing better, in retrospect there were warning signals that could have been recognized if only I had been more aware.

There were also two fire fighters and a county police officer in my room by then and they got me to the ambulance in a quick but somewhat unusual fashion. The stretcher was not suitable for the narrow stair case and they carried me down in my chair. The police officer returned the chair to my room and brought back my key as we were leaving.

It's difficult telling you enough about how wonderful these guys were to me. While waiting, it felt as though calling had interrupted their night and intruded on their time. But when they arrived they couldn't do more to assure me that it was good that I called. Even if it had been the flu, there's still belief they would have felt the same way. Better safe than sorry. 

It is now clear to me that there is an army of dedicated health care professionals ready to respond to the call from those of us in need. Maybe army is not quite the correct word. But even in my condition, it was easy to recognize the mobilization that took place. From the minute of the phone call when the emergency team arrived so fast through my release five days later, the countless dedicated professionals where there and responded when needed. Even now, there are post operative programs designed for Coronary Heart patients that include people specifically dedicated to continue progress toward a full recovery.

This patient certainly has been very lucky. Very lucky, indeed.