Heart Attack Shock
I’ve been laid up recently after suffering from a heart attack a couple of weeks ago. One minute I was fine and the next, I started feeling a bit ‘unwell’ and then I felt Like I’d been hit by a train. The pain in my chest was staggering and intensified and spread until it was down my left arm and jaw in the classic heart attack symptoms.
Anna called for an ambulance and whilst waiting for it to arrive, the operator stayed on the line in support mode, which was very reassuring. Before the ambulance arrived, a lone paramedic turned up by car and it transpired that we knew each other from when I worked in Brighton and he had in fact been one of the paramedics that had turned up to a bike crash I had a few years ago! Must admit, it was good to see a familiar face and it helped to put me at ease during this stressful time. Once the ambulance arrived, I was loaded on board, given a load of Morphine (nice) and taken to the RSCH A&E and then up to the cath lab, where instead of administering clot busting drugs, they did an angioplasty straight away and a stent was placed to open up the blocked artery.
After a few days care in the hands of the coronary care unit, I was released to go home and recuperate. I have to say that the care I received was first rate and showed the NHS at it’s very best. The staff were incredible and a credit to the profession.
I’m now well on the way to a full recovery, although not allowed to drive for another few weeks which is a bit of a bummer. I still have to go back in a few weeks time as there is another artery that is causing some concern and may have to have another stent fitted. Once all that is sorted, I’ll be on my way to full fitness again, although I’ll be monitored by the cardiac rehab nurses and have to get used to the new drugs I have to take now. Hopefully, I’ll be up and running again in time for the spring squid hunting down at the marina.
Now, apart from the obvious bad points, having a heart attack is no fun. Being a bit of a hirsute person, it was bloody painful when they later peeled off the adhesive heart monitor lead connector patches stuck all over my upper body – cheaper than a body wax but not my idea of fun. My chest now resembles the coat of a mangey old hound with bare patches everywhere. My bruised groin, although a fetching purple and green colour is no good when the other side doesn’t match!
The good points to come out of this; I got to see my eldest daughter for a few days after she travelled down from Sunderland to check and confirm that I was still alive. My Mother came up to visit and made her first coach trip from Southampton to Brighton. My wife Anna – unruffled, calm and bloody fantastic. She’s had to put up with a lot, what with keeping everyone informed and being on the phone for hours, looking after Alex, acting as a hotelier for my daughter, visiting me in hospital and generally keeping everything running. You are one in a million my love – thank you
Posted in: General
| | 
Print This Post
Good luck with everything Vic keep smiling and stay positive!
Looking forward to hooking with you one day on the seaford Beach.
Dave
Think you said to me last year about being an inspiration to ‘us all with my battle with Cancer’ well right back at you.
Thanks very much Dave. Hope to see you down there soon.
Now are feeling?
Not too bad thanks, I’m gradually getting there.
Great news keep smiling!
Sorry to hear Vic hope you get well soon, we have never met but corresponded by e-mail, I think your site is smashing for a newbie to fishing like me, only started last year keep up the good work and keep well all the best.
Guy
Thank you Guy for your concern and good wishes. I’m glad that the site has proved useful to you. Once I get the all clear and can get out, I should be adding some new material.
How’s things coming along Vic
Not too bad thanks Dave. Have had a few problems with a too low blood pressure which has led to horrendous headaches. Meds have been revised and things are looking a bit better.
Hope to be out and about fishing again in the next few weeks, providing my next angiogram/angioplasty goes ok. Hopefully there will be some fish about then!
Cheers again
Vic
Sorry for delay in reply Vic, internet been playing up, glad things continue to look up, the water needs your spell so keep up the good progress.
Thanks Dave. My mojo seems to be off at the mo, as I blanked this morning squidding at the marina. Fishyrob and co. were catching and I was standing next to ’em. Must try harder.