Unusual title I know but here goes! I've always thought that I was pretty fit/healthy but nothing could prepare me for what happened just over 10 days ago. I'd been out for a short walk, nothing strenuous, came home and had a light breakfast. I started to do a few chores, again nothing out of the ordinary, and then it happened!  

As I got up from sitting on my bed, I started having shooting pains in my back. I thought, have I sat or moved awkwardly. Nothing I did seemed to ease the pain. I went downstairs, thinking that maybe moving might help. Nope. I took my blood pressure and it was through the roof. Getting concerned, I rang a friend, who lives nearby and she came over. We both realised that this was more serious. A near neighbour, is a First Responder, and by chance he was at home. I rang him, and he came in. Did some checks and gave me an aspirin, and said, it would seem that you are having a mild heart attack! C was able to ring for an ambulance. The crew were fantastic, friendly and professional, and I was taken into Basingstoke Hospital. From arrival in A&E, through to the Assessment Unit, I was cared for. All the staff were friendly and fantastic. A member of the Cardiology team arrived, and advised that all the signs were that I'd had a heart attack and as soon as a bed became available on the Cardio Unit, I would be transferred and treated.

When I was on the Unit, again all the staff put my mind at rest, were friendly and helpful. I've never had so much blood taken. Tony Hancock has a lot to answer for!  Yes, I could joke about it. After a couple of days, I had an Angiogram and a stent fitted. A 20 minute procedure to save my life!

I was discharged from hospital the next day, along with a whole load of medication. I have been referred to and subsequently contacted by the Cardio Rehab team and hopefully will be able to move forward.

So, dear reader, why am I telling you this story? Well, for me, at no time did I panic or worry about what was happening. I was in the best place and knew that I would be treated. It also (a bit of a cliché) made me think about what might have caused it. I knew that I would have to make some changes though not too drastic. I reflected that it could have been a lot worse. It's certainly made me look at things that are happening in my life. I've re-evaluated life. What's important and what's not. I certainly found out who my real friends are and how they are there for me, if I need them.  

I've tried not to put too much information in, but this event has certainly been a wake up call. Has anything like this ever happened to you, and how have you coped?

Oh yes, I even managed to do my Moodscope test everyday. Take care everyone and thanks for being there.

Viv

A Moodscope member