I began having a heart attack at home. It was the first time I ever had any heart trouble, but I knew it was serious. In the emergency room, I blacked out and died. They shocked me back and gave me CPR to get me breathing again. Within a couple of minutes, I was off to the Cath Lab. I had no idea what was about to happen to me, and there wasn't time to explain.
The RN, Derek, told me not to worry about a thing, that I was in the best hands possible, and I was going to be ok, so just relax. I was awake the entire time during the procedure - three stents and a heart pump. The doctor worked on my right leg for almost 2 hours. He was putting a great deal of pressure on my right leg. Not having a clue as to what was going on, I thought there was something drastically wrong with my right leg. Finally, the procedures were over, and the doctor said I did well, and I was going to be ok. When he left the room, the nurses prepared to take me to critical care.
I asked Derek what was wrong with my right leg. He said, "What do you mean"? I said, "Well the doctor worked an awfully long time on my right leg". The nurse chuckled and said, "Dr. S wasn't working on your right leg, he was working on your heart." Eventually, Derek took me to the critical care room. When we got there, Derek talked with me answering any questions I had. At that point, I thought my chances of survival were slim. Derek was very upbeat and explained how he had seen many, many patients with similar situations and how almost all of them had happy endings. He reiterated that I was going to be ok.
Derek tried to put me at ease and helped me get through that first day. It was the worst day of my life, and I didn't know what tomorrow would bring. It was the first time in my life of 70 years that my life was so seriously threatened. I appreciated every word of encouragement from Derek.
Before I left the hospital, I told Derek that he was like a brother to me.