Patient
Who knew that having a heart attack could be such fun! I had just gotten back to the USA a week ago, after being gone for a year in places you would not want to go to their hospitals. I have had a previous stent 19 years ago, and that experience was frightening. I was at home and realized I was having the same symptoms as I had had with the previous heart attack and was told by my RN wife that I needed to go to the local Marlborough Hospital. I did what I had to, I went. Did I say I was told? My bad, a more accurate version is she ordered me to go as I had been in bed the whole day. Upon arrival I was in triage within minutes and the Dr there made a decision that I should be rushed to UMASS Worcester, and so an ambulance was called. I was lucky, because the two EMT's were wonderful, kind and funny, and were able to relieve some of the stress I was feeling. Upon arrival I was greeted by an entire cardiac staff of highly trained people. They explained possible outcomes and I agreed. So we proceeded to the stent room. Ok, no idea what they actually call the place but they had some amazing equipment. Within minutes they identified two major arteries in my heart that were completely blocked. The Doctors went in through my right wrist and in less than two hours they had successfully opened those vessels and left stents in replacing the blockage with free flowing blood and oxygen to a much needing heart.I was awake during the entire procedure. I then heard them say "take him to room 13" I thought oh no, has my luck just run out? Nothing could be further from the truth. It is in the cardiac intensive care ward and had a beautiful view to the lake. It is a private room attended by the best Nurses in the world. (do not tell this to my wife please) Each Nurse has only two patients per shift and they all were super helpful. If I wanted juice they got it. Extra pillows, no problem. Vanilla pudding, yes indeed. They all were very professional. Some were even a bit funny, but I did tell them one of my Doctor jokes about the plumber.(just google it) After just two nights in recovery, I was told that my progress was such I could go home. Tonight I cooked for my family. I would not have been able to do that if it had not been for Dr. Theo E Meyer and his outstanding staff! I thank them all from the bottom of my heart.