Immediate First Aid for Heart Attack (by one who's been there.)

Life's experience ^ | July 15, 2002 | basil

[ladyinred]

Wow! What an incredible story!
Bored, no way! How could a story like this bore anyone?
Thanks so much for sharing your wisdom with us, and God continue to be with you! Wow!

[basil]

I hope you have slowed down a bit these days. Life seems a bit more precious to you, I am sure.

[basil]

Thanks for all the kind words. FReepers are the greatest!

[Vicki]

Wow, what a story! I'm so glad you're okay. I don't think women are given enough serious attention.

In my early twenties I had heart palpitations. It took twenty years to finally get a referral to a cardiologist and get a diagnosis of irregular heart beats and atrial fib.

I have had two episodes where I have blacked out when my heart went crazy. Recently I had sharp pain that started in my arm and went into my chest. A couple months ago I was at the grocery store and suddenly had pain in my chest and became very, very weak. I didn't even think I could make it out of the store. I almost went to the fire station down the street.

Each time I called my heart doctor and they gave me a treadmill test and an EKG and of course everything appeared to be fine. I had a heck of a time with the treadmill though. I couldn't finish it.

I plan on carrying aspirin with me at all times. I've been taking a beta blocker for my heart for the last year, but I stopped taking it because it didn't seem to work anymore and I haven't noticed any difference.

Don't know if this is related, but my dog has stuck to me like glue lately. Never has done this before. My dog also has heart problems, so I don't know if she's trying to tell me she's on her way out or I am.

[JohnHuang2]

Don't know how on earth I missed this thread -- but I just want to thank God almighty for answering our prayers!

Great to have you back, my friend =^)

You've been in our thoughts and our prayers -- and will remain.

Take care, and keep us posted =^)

[JohnHuang2]

Prayer ping

[Lazamataz]

I have been assured by both of my physicians that I have sustained no damage to my heart muscle. I give sincere thanks to Almighty God.

OUTSTANDING NEWS!

Will take your advice about having aspirin handy.

[Lazamataz]

You are right about the hearing! I know it was pretty chilling for me to hear the techs saying things like I don't get a blood pressure--no pulse--she's not breathing, etc! It do make one a bit nervous!

Well, if any technicians said that about *me*, I would have gotten right up and said, "You guys are wrong, I want a second opinion, get another ambulance!"

Yes indeedy.

I don't take none of that stuff.

[Lazamataz]

Thrilled your mom is okay. We will keep her freeping so she heals in time for the wedding. :o)

[AppyPappy]

Could it be panic attacks? My sister had that and cured it with vitamins (don't ask...she's in Multi-Level Marketing).

[xsmommy]

Basil, what an amazing story! Thank God you are ok, and thank you so much for telling us about it. i continue to pray for your complete and total recovery!

[Carolinamom]

I just now read your account. Thank God, you're ok now, and thank you too for the information about aspirin. I'll be getting some extra bottles today.

[mountaineer]

God bless you, basil. I hadn't posted on the prayer thread, but please know I was praying for you as soon as I heard. Thanks for the advice about aspirin - it really is a wonder drug. I picked up a bottle last week just because I figured, "You know, we really ought to have some aspirin in the house. You never know ..."

[Cincinatus' Wife]

So glad you're better basil.

Thank you for the important post.

I hope the wedding goes off without a hitch!

[MJY1288]

Glad to hear you're going to be OK and that there is no permanent damage to your heart.

May God continue to bless you

[Vets_Husband_and_Wife]

First GLAD YOU'RE BACK!! PRAISE GOD!!

And secondly... CHEW THE ASPIRIN!!!!!

It will work even faster!! It is what they do in ICU's. It may taste a tad nasty,.. but it is a good thing to do if you are having a heart attack!

Thanks for this sage piece of advice Basil. Just so glad you are safe and home. What a horror!! And yeah.. do NOT walk around if you feel you are having a heart attack. Dial 911, even if a spouse is in the house! You may not even be able to call out for help, but by dialing 911, help will be on the way even sooner. :o)

Staying calm is extremely important too. Just not quite as calm as you Basil!!! LOL..(Putting the dog up?.. goodness!!)

So glad you are back!! Welcome home!!

Oh.. and I knew visiting FR was exciting,.. and even stressful at times. But a heart attack upon downloading the site? Now, that's a first :o)

[RaceBannon]

Gosh Basil, Glad you made it!!

[Grampa Dave]

Really glad that you are still here to tell us this story.

My wife took an unplanned head first visit to a sidewalk six weeks ago and knocked herself out. Similiar injuries except no broken bone or nose. (tough way to do a bone density test). She is a fast healer for a mature chickie (62), so she is about healed and no one can tell by looking at her.

The swollen tongue thing worries me. I wonder if you had an aspirin allergy. If so you should keep a Benedryl capsule with your Aspirins.

Also, if you like good red wines, you might want to add a glass or two each day to your diet for medicinal reasons :).

Here's to a successful and great recovery.

[dittomom]

This was definately NOT a boring post! Read every word and I am insisting that family members read it too!

You are one tough Texan, Miss Basil. God bless you and your family and all those wonderful EMTs and hospital folks who put you on the path to recovery.

[ELS]

All I know for sure is that the hand of God was with me

No doubt and apparently He still has work for you down here. Thank you for your fascinating account. Thanks be to God for answering our prayers.