Yes, I know this is off-topic and I don’t do that very often but I feel the need to tell our story. If you know anyone over 50, you should read this.
On Sunday John and I took his dad out to buy a new chair for his desk. The one he’s been using was his old desk chair from his old house and it didn’t have arms. When you’re 94 you need arms to get out of any chair.
Rob sat in a lot of chairs and found one he liked. We bought the chair, did some food shopping and then went back to the nursing home and John put Rob’s chair together. He was really pleased and he looks quite official writing his emails in French to his physicist pal in Lausanne (the French speaking part of Switzerland). 94 does not mean you have to be a drooler.
We arrived home about 4 and John went up to do some work. At 4:30 he came down and said his chest hurt. I said we should head to the hospital and he said, “No, I need a shower first.” (as you do)
When he came back down he didn’t look good at all so I called an ambulance. It arrived in about 10 minutes and the first thing they did was give him an aspirin to thin his blood and pain killers. Then they hooked him up to the ECG machine and called for the cardiac specialist ambulance person.
I was quietly confident that he was all right so I didn’t get overly worried. The experts were there and someone more senior was on his way who could give the higher level medications.
They gave John more pain killers and got him into the ambulance just as the cardiac guy arrived. He hopped in the back of the ambulance and I expected that it would take off. It didn’t move.
I started the car to cool it down and went inside and left a Facebook message so our families would know and went back out to see why they were still in the driveway.
“We’re giving him more medication and then we’ll move,” the ambo said.
I still felt pretty confident and slowly the ambulance started to move. The cardiac specialist drove the ambulance and the other ambo drove the car and I followed. They went the speed limit so I thought maybe it was indigestion but I was really glad he was in the ambulance.
The hospital is about 20 minutes from our house and about halfway the ambulance pulled over to the side of the road and the specialist got out, RAN to the car and said something, ambo got out, locked the car and RAN to the driver’s seat. Doors closed, lights on, sirens blasting and instantly they were going 125km an hour in a 70km an hour zone and I was right behind them.
I began to worry. A lot. I realized that he might not be okay and what would I do without him? We’ve been together 24/7 for twenty years. We’ve always worked side by side. We finish each other’s sentences. We hug every day. We laugh every day. It was the longest and fastest drive I’ve ever done.
The ambulance got ahead of me because I wasn’t brave enough to go through red lights. I couldn’t see the flashing lights any more but I knew I wasn’t far behind. I found a parking spot and went into emergency and I was really surprised that they had a woman take me back to the emergency cubicle.
I found John, a Canadian doctor, 2 nurses, 3 ambulance people and one other person who looked like his job was doing the heavy onlooking. One nurse cut off his shorts and underpants, another one was shaved his chest and boy bits and I looked at the doctor with that, “What the hell is going on??” look.
He said the cardiologist and his team had been called and John was going upstairs for an angioplasty and a stent. It had only been an hour since he had his first chest pain AND this was just after 5pm on a Sunday.
About three minutes later, in walks this tall, gorgeous, 30ish man who introduced himself as the cardiologist. He looked at John’s chart and said that everything had been done according to the rules and he would take John up right then and put a stent in and he’d be fine. He promised.
I gave John a cuddle and they started wheeling him away and the cardiologist walked back and said, “Come with us, you don’t want to be down here alone.” So I went and parked myself outside the operating room door and waited.
45 minutes is a long time when you’re watching the second hand go around the clock on the wall. I can tell you that the surgical department on a Sunday night is quiet and cavernous and nearly dark except for a light here and there. Then this man who is handsome enough to be a TV doctor came out with a big smile and said that John was very lucky. His left coronary artery had been 100% blocked but everything else was clear. THEN he told me that John had had a massive heart attack in the ambulance and had he not been there, he would have died at home. That was one of those weak in the knees moments for me.
He told me that John’s care had been textbook and he was very lucky.
By 8pm, less than 4 hours from first pain, he was hooked up with wires and drips and happy to see me. He was eager to tell me all about the blockage as he’d watched it “on the big TV”.
Because of the nearly instant treatment, he has very little damage to his heart from the heart attack. How lucky is that. Fingers crossed that he’ll be home tomorrow because he’s, “bored as batshit, Maureen.”
My Best Friend
So what’s the secret to surviving a heart attack? Don’t wait to see if you’ll feel better. Call the ambulance then take an aspirin. I should have called while he was in the shower but I listened to him. I wouldn’t again, I’d call. I’d rather have him roll his eyes at me than delay. The ambulance would have been there when he got out of the shower if I had. Getting early treatment means you’ll be nearly good as new.
There’ll be even more of these in our diet.
Oh my God Maureen, very scary. After your post last week about being mindful to enjoy yourself and have a good time….it’s freaky. Thank God he was in the ambulance. I can’t believe it. Kisses to you both. Let me know if I can do anything…..post your some beetroot powder for smoothies??.LOL
LOL We’ll be very good, Tania. He seems to think he doesn’t need to change a thing but that’s what got him where he was on Sunday. 🙂
How scary — sending good thoughts and glad to hear he’s doing okay. Take care.
Oh dear, dear when I read the title I was really worry I think in John or his father (we had here my mom and dad for Christmas until yesterday.
I lived worry about their medicines)
First Im happy John is ok dear.
Always I noticed you talk wih love of him.
Scared what happens but Thanks God you had a good doctor and good persons help you.
Thanks by told us and I sent for you and John love and hugs!
Note: my hubby is like John and sometimes Im worry because he wiorks so much.
He take medicines but we never know.
xo
Maureen, I don’t even know where to begin. I read your post with my heart beating fast, even though I already knew he is home and the worst is over…
still, knowing how you two “form a team”, how your lives are so perfect together, perfect in the most perfect sense of the world, the most real…. it gave me a cold feeling in the stomach when I first saw he had a heart attack and you were on your way to the hospital
I am so so so glad it all had a happy ending….
He’s not actually home yet but we’re hoping for tomorrow morning 🙂 It does have a happy ending and everyone should make sure they don’t discount pain. Much better to find out it’s indigestion than die at home from a heart attack.
Sorry, I got carried away – I thought maybe it was tomorrow already in Australia and he would be home by now, since I am lagging so far behind you in time!
😉
He’s sending me IMs. Docs not here yet. I can go when they visit. Are you dressed yet? (it’s 7:30am and the answer was no) Get in the shower! 🙂
Maureen (and John) I’m so glad things went as they did and you are on the road to recovery. I have a family member who had a heart attack and the story was verbatim. Get well! I imagine we will be seeing a lot more veggie posts in the future 🙂
Oh I’m so glad he’s okay, Maureen. That sounds so scary, but I’m glad you knew exactly what to do and that it was a textbook heart attack case. Thanks for sharing your story with us.
And I’m glad he’s already making jokes again!
That’s the problem, I didn’t know what to do. I ran on instinct but I should have given him an aspirin the moment he said his chest hurt.
Oh Maureen! I’m SO relieved that John is okay. Just absolutely terrifying – that whole experience. Thank you for your sage advice too..xoxo
Oh my goodness, Maureen! So scary, I’m so glad John is okay. We have a family friend who had a major heart attack and also waited longer than she should have to call the ambulance. Sending you hugs! xo
Wow! Scary isn’t it. So glad he got his treatment in time and the outcome was good. Take care and thank you and John for sharing his story. It might help someone who is reading in the future.
My goodness! So glad John is okay!!! This is so similar to what happened to my dad a couple years ago one January morning; I think you just read my story on that! Men, ppl in their 50s-60s are so prone. You are right, DO NOT WAIT until you feel better. I don’t know what I would have done if my dad did not survive his episode. Glad you still have your John. Lots of hugs from your friend in Iowa 🙂
That is a very difficult thing to experience, to write about and to read. I was talking with my father many years ago and he died almost instantly of a massive heart attack. It was December 21st and I was only 30 years old. You are so very lucky, he is so very lucky. Blessing to you and your husband. That is so scary but with amazing results!
Holy crap Maureen!!!
You are so lucky — and thanks for sharing to remind us all of what to do. Hugs to you and John!!
(Did you get the doc’s number?)
Alex Willson, Mary. I’ll try to get his number for you. 🙂
LOL :)))
Oh Maureen, what a moment! I am so glad you followed your innwr voice and got help on the way. John is such a special man and I am so glad things went as well as they could. I can’t even grasp the experience you both had. You really hit me HARD with a wakeup call. I keep planning to “get around to a healthier lifestyle” but you kicked me in NOW. I am forever grateful. This old body keeps giving me hints that changes need to be made. Please keep up updated and provide a few resources for where you find the best advice.
Sending a big hug and wishing there was a way I could be there to help. I know you are greatly relived for a positive outcome and I know all your loyal readers are taking this advice seriously. I’m just so sorry you had to go through this at all and so glad the ambulance was a part of the success. Wishing good and joyful care to both of you. XXOO
I am so glad that all turned out OK. We take baby aspirin each day and numerous other things, but I often forget. After reading this, I’ll try to do better. My father went through two heart attacks and open heart surgery and both times medical intervention was swift. Your advice is right on. Take care of yourself, too Maureen. Hugs.
We’ve been lax in the aspirin department too but we’ve had the wake-up call. 🙂
I’m so glad that he is OK! Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Thanks for the wonderful advice.
My dad had a similar incident and was also very lucky to be in the hands of professionals when the heart attach happened. Thank God, John didn’t blow off his symptons and took action (after showering., of course!), and thank you Lord for sending a good looking Doc for Maureen too! XO 😉 So happy to learn that John is good as new!
Yes, with John it’s always a shower first. He gets up from the bed and heads to the bathroom and directly to the shower, no stopping, no passing go and collecting $200 🙂
Oh, Maureen, thoughts are you both – I had a bad year with my John last year – not heart attack, but a really serious blood infection and a hip replacement that had more complications than you could imagine and still isn’t completely right! So know about that feeling of terror as you follow the ambulance and wait in ED etc. Love and hugs. Rachel
We had a similar experience almost 4 years ago – my husband is a retired physician and still he argued when I wanted to call 911 and did so! Never, ever drive someone who might be having a heart attack to the hospital. The care your husband received in your home and in the ER vehicle may have saved his life. We have made life/diet changes – yes, it’s tough but feels good to “do” something. I am overjoyed for you both!
Aww Liz, this makes me feel good too. I wouldn’t have driven him to the hospital but with some men you have to ease into it. 🙂
So relieved to hear that he is doing well. How very scary and a painful reminder of how precious life is. I need to make sure I have aspirin in our house.
I’m so glad he was ok hon. I was pretty worried when I first heard! Wishing him a speedy and complete recovery! I’m buying aspirin today. Much love xxx
I read your Facebook post in the midst of it all and knew about the ambulance heart attack etc but I’m glad I got to hear about the events surrounding things. It’s great that the damage was so minor and he’s well enough to be a bad patient ready to go home. Wishing you both all the best and a quick return home.
OH my goodness, Maureen, I had tears in my eyes reading this. I’m so so happy that things worked out the way they did and John is ok- you’re so smart for calling an ambulence. I can imagine how you were feeling on the way to the hospital, because I had a similar scare during the summer when my husband had a seizure during our train commute to work. Not knowing what’s happening is so scary. I’m so glad this had a happy ending!
oh maureen. this post spoke to me so much more than you could ever realize or know when you were writing it. First let me say I am so thankful that the good Lord saved his life and that he is going to be okay! so thankful. What you said at the end of this post struck a cord with me because I am a very hard headed person. I always think I’ll be fine regardless of what I am going through. I know I am young but I have heart disorder and i have been having alot of heart problems over the course of the past month. A few times I was being too hard headed to go to the hospital and until my husband stepped in and said no we are going did I agree. It is always always better to be safe than sorry. Glad you wrote this post:)
This comment gave me goosebumps. Please, when you have to burp, go get it checked out. They won’t care – much better to have indigestion than be dead or incapacitated with a stroke. We love you and want you to stay safe.
How very, very scary! I’m so impressed with the response from the medical services. I’m so pleased johns on the mend. GG
Really, really scary. So glad John is OK. I don’t know if it helps (there’s some disagreement), but I do the baby aspirin bit every day. Getting old is mostly good, but there are some real downsides, aren’t there? Anyway, thanks for the update. Both of you take care.
(((Big Hugs))) I know how scary this truly is. My husband had a heart attack a few years ago and had a double bypass. Super super scary. He’s ticking along fine now, thankfully. But it was a very difficult time, so I know what you are going through.
Ironically, as we speak, I am hooked up to a heart monitor for the week to check out some “fluttering” that I’ve been having. They assure me it’s probably nothing to worry about, but I’m being tested just in case. After reading your post, I looked down at the monitor to see if it had recorded any blips yet….and I found that it had become unplugged. Ooops!
Lastly, one bit of advice: I know that health events like this are as stressful for the caregiver (you) as for the patient, if not more so. You may not realize until later just how much this stressed and affected you, because you have been busy and caught up in the whirlwind that is making sure your husband is well. So don’t forget to take some time for yourself. Indulge yourself a bit. In the long run it will help both of you.
Sending all good thoughts, good vibes, and prayers your way. Take care.
Everyone has been telling me that it will hit me and I shouldn’t race around like crazy trying to get everything done. That’s my nature to ‘get things done’ so I don’t know which would be more stressful – doing the work or sitting and worrying that I’m not doing the work. Thanks SO much for your comment!
Wishing you both a speedy healing. You will soon realize that you have been living these past days holding your breath. Hugs and take care of yourself along with taking care of John.
Oh Maureen, Peter and I are both so glad to hear that John is ok. About 15 minutes before I read your FB post, we were watching a show on TV called This Could Safe Your Life… it was about heart attacks and the presenters were showing you life saving techniques. Glad you guys called the ambulance… my oldest brother died at 42 from a heart issue… it was sudden… he had been gardening (he loved his roses), then came inside, lay down on the sofa to watch the football with his 16 yo son… his eyes rolled and that was it. Gone. 42! I take a Cartia usually every other day on doctor’s advice (a brain scan showed some plaque, which is apparently ‘normal’ in the over 50s). Anyhoo, once again, I’m ever so pleased that John is doing well… and that you are ok too. Take care now and ease back into things ok xox
I’m sorry you both went through such an awful experience. I am glad it ended well and hope John recovers soon.
Thanks for sharing this experience with us. It’s an important reminder for all of us to seek medical attention early.
I have tears in my eyes just thinking about what you have written and the thought of you two not being together. What incredible luck that everyone was in the right place at the right time to do what needed to be done. Your sharing this will help so many more people than you can imagine. I had a friend who wouldn’t let his wife call for an ambulance and by the time he said yes, it was too late! Mine wouldn’t let me call an ambulance after he collapsed over a chain saw that fortunately wouldn’t start!! Ended up with a triple bypass and aortic valve replacement!!
BIG lesson – don’t listen to the silly stubborn devils!!
Lots of love to you both and big hugs to you both.
Linda xx00xx
Oh my word Maureen! Thanking God that John is alive and on the mend. How scary for both of you. Two weeks ago I didn’t know John but now he is at the top of my prayer list (and you too!) John has been kindly and abundantly helping me with my new Easy Recipe plugin (which is awesome) and through his emails I feel such a connection to you. Thanking you for this heartfelt blog post to remind us all — don’t wait!
Oh my goodness Maureen what a terrifying thing to happen. I am so glad to hear John is doing okay and will be home soon. I will keep all my fingers and toes crossed for a speedy recovery to full health and bring on those garlic dishes!!!
Maureen: a rough beginning to a New Year but, oh were you lucky! This kind’of a brilliant resolution is absolutely text book and does not happen so often. Now you know and your darling husband will be watched and I believe there is a happy 2015 in sight! Love the photos of the garlic and the tomatoes ahead of all else!! Best wishes travelling north . . .
Dear Maureen,
Glad to hear John is OK. Taking action early is always good and I think diet and regular exercise play an important role in keeping us away from the danger zone. Wishing you both good health and more deliciousness for 2015.
Bloody hell! What a scary ride for you behind the ambulance and watching the sirens turn on and not knowing what was going on. I’m so sorry you guys went through this but happy to see it all ended well – what a time you’re having.
Can you all just grab a seat on that beautiful deck of yours and watch Charlie swim and take it easy for a bit please x
Good lord! I’m glad someone had the sense not to leave you alone, you must have been “shit scared”. Thanks for the reminder, I was thinking about aspirin the other day and thought I should restock. Nice that the end result is positive. You will still probably be shaken for a while and treat him with kid gloves more so than normal. Never can tell can we?
Warm regards, Maree.
Oh my god. What an absolutely scary time for you. Thank goodness he’s ok. Thinking of you (and hoping he doesn’t get too bored!).
im glad he is doing fine now!
Amazing!!! I’m almost stunned into shock….thankyou for the HUGE reminder Maureen. And than goodness all is A Okay!!! You poor little precious….xx
Oh, Maureen. I just don’t know what to say. That is an horrific experience and I don’t know how you managed to stay so calm. Praise the Lord you had an ambulance arrive quickly and that the team inside knew exactly how to treat him. I just couldn’t imagine you losing John – that would be so heartbreaking and tragic. I am so relieved to hear his operation went well and that he’ll make a good recovery. I do hope he’s able to come home soon as you and Charlie must be missing him so much. Lots of love to you at this time and I take my hat off to you – I think you cope amazingly well under pressure xx
It happened so fast, Charlie. I didn’t have time to get scared until the siren went off. I think it will hit tomorrow. 🙂
Thank God your sweetheart is okay! As I read the account, I flashed back, four years ago … there wasn’t an ambulance involved, we weren’t that smart. We did get to the hospital, but shouldn’t have waited the three hours to debate it. Matt had a 90% blockage and received two stents — he had a heart attack while “on the table”, which is the best place to have one and therefore, thankfully, no permanent damage to his heart. Watching the second hand circle the clock in a snails pace is no picnic. Hearing that your husband wouldn’t have made it if he wasn’t exactly where he was at the time of the event, was sobering. Praying all is well for you both as you journey from here. (hugs)
Maureen, I think it’s quite okay for you to go “off-topic” for something like this! How scary! I’m so sorry you and John had to go through this, but glad he got prompt treatment and is on the mend. Hugs to you both!
Oh Maureen, sorry to hear about John’s heart attack, but glad that everything went well. Wishing him a speedy recovery…I can imagine all the feelings throughout the event…
Best wishes for a healthy and joyful 2015!
Oh my gawd Maureen, that really is very scary. Sorry you & John had to go through that experience, that’s crap. But good he is on the mend, thinking of you both, sending you lots of healing and healthy heart thoughts and prayers.
You were quick to think and take action! It’s not time. You still have decades to share wonderful moments together! Keep the faith, guys!!!
Julie & Alesah
Gourmet Getaways xx
I cannot see the keyboard clearly right now because of my tears :(. You reminded me of what happened to my late father 3 months ago, AND HE WAY ALREADY IN THE HOSPITAL, but they could not save him. Must have been horrific for you to see him like that… poor you. Thanks God that everything went well. Take good care of what he is eating. May God grant you a happy, loooong and healthful life together xx
Holy freaking cow. I’m so glad John is ok! That title really freaked me out! I bet with all of your delicious fresh dishes, he’ll be well on his way to perfect health soon. I’m sending you both well wishes!!!
Good lord, how lucky you both are and I am so happy it turned out well! When I saw your announcement on FB I didn’t realize just how massive the heart attack had been. Lucky you were cool, calm and collected and DID call an ambulance and I’ll remember that for the rest of my days! As JP and I go to purchase this hotel, we know that we will have to take a physical and insure ourselves and we talk about IF you, IF me, IF both of us… and I cannot imagine life without him. We also work side by side and will be even more closely and so I think it is doubly terrifying. Wow. I am happy for you both. xo
Maureen, that was a scary experience for both of you! It was fortunate that he received such prompt action. Thanks for sharing this info…I hope you both have a great new year even though it did get started in a dramatic way. 🙂
OH my gosh, Maureen! I am so incredibly glad John is ok – what a wonderful twist of fate that he was in the ambulance – I pray John is better soon and you get to hug him at home again! Gosh I have a lump in my throat after reading your post – wishing you both a healthy 2015 from now on! xxs
Thank God John has you.
What a frightening experience. I don’t know if I would be as calm if that happened with my husband. We have a very loving and close relationship of 32 years. I hope all continues to go well with John and you will have many, many more happy years together.
You would do just as I did. You go on autopilot, I promise. It’s like when we have kids and they get sick, we fall apart once we know they’re okay and doctors are looking after them. Today is my day and I’m going to spend it ‘recovering.’ 🙂
omgosh – I was hardly breathing while reading this, and I don’t even know you guys. How scary. How lucky. How grateful you must feel to live where such excellent medical care is available. So glad everything turned out ok. I don’t keep asprin in the house as I am allergic but I am going to buy some to keep on hand just in case… Thanks for sharing this story.
oh Maureen, I’m so glad you two didn’t wait any longer and I’m glad John is well now. It is very scary but it does sound like everything went just as it should have and he had great care with a skilled and knowledgeable medical team. Blessings to you and John.
What a great post, Maureen—not great that you’ve been through this (thank God that John is OK!), but wonderful that you’re spreading the word about the urgency of chest pain. Sometimes it’s just indigestion, but you’re always wise to play it safe. Thinking of you both and SO glad that John is being discharged. I know you’ll take good care of him. xoxo
If people only knew to call right away and take that aspirin, lives would be saved. We’re lucky.
Oh my goodness Maureen! How awful to go through this. I can’t imagine how you would have felt. I’m glad that he is back (and I bet those words that he was bored were music to your ears as in better to hear that than nothing) . I teared up when I read that if the doctor wasn’t there then he would have passed away. HUGS to you both.
You would have done all the things I did and been positive about the outcome. It’s who we are. We’re both glass half full people. xx
I’m glad that your husband is okay. It must have been scary, but I’m glad the Doctor was there at the right time. Hugs.
It’s a very interesting post and a great end ! I’m glad your friend is save 🙂
He’s my best friend, Eva but he’s also my husband. 🙂
Sending love and support. My Dad ended up in hospital several times in the space of a few months for heart issues three years ago; it’s terrifying and the world starts spinning as you wait to find out…anything. Thinking of you and John and sending extra thanks on your behalf to wonderful doctors who know what they’re doing xx
Hannah! I’ve missed you so much. I hope you are happy as Larry. 🙂
Maureen, I was praying for you and John. Yes, ASA is the first thing we give patients with chest pain along with other care and it is very good advise. Time is muscle as we say as for every minute that you hesitate to seek care this is more cardiac muscle at risk for ischemia/lack of oxygen. Life sometimes throws us some unexpected turns but you always roll with the punches and I knew everything would be fine. Take care…and a big hug coming your way!
Thanks. I didn’t know that and if anything happens again, I’ll be prepared. I won’t wait while he takes a shower either.
What a cautionary tale, Maureen! We don’t even have aspirin in the house. That needs to be rectified immediately! Thank you so much for sharing. I’m so glad that your husband is fine. I don’t even like to think about the alternative.
Maureen, Maureen. I have no words. My knees are actually weak now. I’m so, so happy that you called that ambulance and that your dear, sweet partner in crime got the attention he needed. Best wishes for a restorative 2015!
Also, I’ll never listen to anything 2.0 says again.
(Which I believe was your point.)
I couldn’t say that out loud, he reads the blog but rarely the comments. 🙂 Never listen to them, call the ambulance.
I am on the verge of tears. I lost my husband.
OMG I’m SO sorry, Carol. Now I’m in tears. You poor thing. I wouldn’t have hurt your feelings for anything. I wish I could hug you and tell you I didn’t mean to bring sad memories to the front.
Maureen and John, Oh my gosh, what a close call and agonizing experience for both of you. I am so thrilled to hear the positive news and am happy for the power of all of the prayers that went out to John. My husband and I, as instructed by our doctor, take 2 baby aspirins a day, one in the morning and one in the evening. Praise to those in the ambulence and for your intuition to call them!
xoxo
Roz
Oh you poor things Maureen! I’m so glad it all turned out so well in the end. Thank goodness the specialist wad on hand and Johns care was top notch xox
Oh my goodness Maureen. Sending so many hugs for you two! I read your post and cried. Especially the part when you started to worry, all those moments flashing before your eyes, at 125 km/h. Running through red lights, or not. THANK YOU for posting this and sharing this frightening but wonderful story of putting our trust in our gut feelings and trusting medical professionals when in doubt. I know we are still young but you never know – touch wood, I know I’ll be buying aspirin later today for the medicine cabinet.
Thank goodness John is okay, please pass my regards on to him. Much love to you again.
Oh Maureen, thank goodness that this story had a happy ending. I can’t even imagine your stress and worry. Sending you a really big hug and glad that things are looking up and that life will be going back to normal. It really does take something like this to remind us that we never know what is going to happen one hour to the next, and how precious the ones we love really are to us.
Oh Maureen! I haven’t been around in a while and was so surprised to read this. So relieved to hear that all is OK! Please tell him that Marie said hello. I remember I left some comment for him one time that made him giggle…of course I don’t remember it.
What a terrifying experience for the two of you but I’m so happy that it had a good ending. I’m thankful for you both as I know how close you are. All my best wishes to a complete recovery.
Maureen, thank you for posting this and reminding us not to take things for granted. How fortunate that you acted as quickly as you did and that John is now home (I’ve just come from your IMK post). Green Tea is very helpful, as I am sure you know. I remember my Uncle having a heart attack. He didn’t touch any fat or meat after that and eventually didn’t need any meds at all. Ghee was a huge part of their cooking so they learned all sorts of tricks like sautéing in water, for instance. Of course it doesn’t taste the same but after a while the palate adjusts to lighter food. Best wishes to you both – oh and Charlie too!
Hello Maureen. I started crying like a baby over this. First, I am glad that John got immediate care and treatment and that you will have many more years together. Our father died suddenly of a heart attack in our home when he was only age 47. This left a lasting fear and keen awareness of why not to avoid any warning signs.
You have survived this terrifying situation and certainly it reminded you, as it did your readers as well, about how important our health is and also how valued our loved ones are.
Best wishes to you and John and your adorable doggies for many happy years ahead. Warmly ~ denise
Denise, I’m so sorry to hear about your father. Time makes all the difference and I’d much rather be embarrassed that it was indigestion than sitting in a coffin wondering why people are looking down at me. Thanks so much for sharing your story.
Hi Maureen, so glad everything turned out alright, must of been a frightening time for you. Wishing both of you the best, take care. Cheri
Oh, Maureen. My heart is sooo with you <3 Your sharing is important. Very important. Hats off to you for keeping your calm and confidence…My husband and I have experienced something very, very similar…Thank God, Praise the Lord for ambulance drivers and ER doctors and staff =) P.s. Great photo of winning heart-healthy veggies =)
I’m so glad your husband is ok! What a shock for you, thank you for sharing! Wishing you both well.
My heart is with you. I cannot imagine how you went thru this….had tears while reading your post. You guys are in my prayers. Hope both of you have a lonnnnnng married life.
Hugs
Simi
Simi, you do what you have to do. It’s like with children who get hurt or sick – you do what you need to do and then you fall apart. I just took a couple of days off to look after myself. Back on the job tomorrow, fully (hopefully) refreshed. Thanks so much for coming by, it means a lot.
how very scary for you both. so good that you called the ambulance so fast. i think a lot of people would have waited to see how it went and then it may have been too late. a good lesson for us all.
Yes, when we get to our age, it’s better to have indigestion than a visit with the undertaker.
Oh my goodness Maureen, I had no idea! Wow, I’m way behind, this is unbelievable! Thank goodness you were on top of things. I’m so happy to be able to read this with a good ending. You must have been scared to death. Thanks for sharing, this could be any one of us!
He’s been home over a week and every day he feels less tired. Hopefully he’ll be 100% soon.
Thank you for sharing that. A reminder for us all in our normal everyday can’t imagine that happening to us mode- that it can. Stay honest and stay aware. Thank God he also verbalized to you how he was feeling and didn’t brush it off. There is so much heart healthy, tasty food out there. You’ll benefit too. x wendy
Oh wow. So grateful that medical attention was so swift as that is the key to surviving I imagine. So glad you didn’t waste any time! Thanks for sharing Maureen!
So happy for you that the outcome has been a positive one. Best wishes to you both xx
so scary and you are so lucky to have had the right people with you at the right time. It is why I am a fatalist 🙂
Gosh maureen…how in the world I missed this…..I feel like a criminal for not reading this sooner. I am so very glad John survived it, he had to with you by his side. But it scares something big inside. It’s a treacherous road ahead, but with everything in the clear, he should now be good. But that also means you also take care of yourself.
You have undoubtedly done a good service for someone out there, and may save a life. I appreciate you posting this, and will take it seriously. God bless you and John, and may the Lord speed his full recovery. Mac and I will pray for you both, for many many good years ahead.