"Story of my heart attack"

I took unwell in the late evening around 4 weeks ago and my wife phoned 999; I woke up with an ache in my chest which moved across my chest. I knew it was serious. Worse pain I have ever experienced. A first responder came and within a few minutes a paramedic arrived. The call handler stayed with me. She reassured me… we got aspirin in the house. She reassured me. Her name Shonagh-she immediately did an ECG and knew it was a major heart attack and I needed to go to RVH. She gave me morphine and a spray. Within minutes an ambulance came from magherafelt. Shonagh travelled with me as she thought I needed more morphine which crew couldn’t give. The pain eased slightly but it came back in waves. I appreciate they were driving fast but I felt every bump in the road. Really difficult journey. I am advised it was because it was an emergency vehicle. Shonagh was simply brilliant… I believe their speed saved me.

At RVH I met a male doctor (cardiologist) who said an artery was blocked. There must have been 6-7 people waiting to help me. The moment they started the procedure I could feel the pain subside. It was in less than 2 hours. My wife was able to see me. The doctor spoke to my wife-I had a stent in but I was stable.

I stayed in RVH less than a day when I was transferred to AAH CCU; it was great. There was one nurse who greeted me and I saw her on night duty too. I don’t know her name but she was wonderful. On Wednesday I had a heart scan and they kept me informed- no lasting damage to my heart…in total I was in for just shy of 4 days. To think no lasting damage to my heart. 

My wife was kept informed. We were well informed about everything and they knew driving was important to me. We had a holiday booked and delighted to say I will be able to go. 

My only observation is the toast in the morning was like elastic. I was grateful to the nurse who made me fresh toast. Ironically they served me sausages, beans and chips on the ward (B3) when the dietitian advised on discharge I couldn’t eat sausages. The food was hit or miss. The advice is a bit mixed.

For everyone from the first responder, paramedic, the team at RVH, I could not have got better care… fast and life saving. CCU in AAH were simply wonderful and got me back on my feet. I feel very lucky.