"Lucky and Grateful"

Perspective on life changed after writhing on floor at 20.00hrs with onslaught of sudden increasingly intense pain from shoulder to shoulder across back.

Following her quick mobile "google" to establish what this might be, my wife  prompt call to 999, with arrival of paramedics 20 minutes later, next door neighbour and  son-in-law's immediate dash to get hold of local defibrillator, (not required due to prompt arrival of Crieff ambulance), lucky was my first thought on this unexpected episode as I lay on bed being prepared by paramedics for 40 minute drive to Ninewells Cardiology Unit. (Having worked in Perth for 12 years, I allowed 40 minutes to drive there and that's half the distance!).

On-going treatment in ambulance, paramedic communications with staff in Cardiac Unit in Ninewells, we arrived there with the table laid and medical staff ready for patient, 2 hours after walking in house and struck down with heart attack.

After 45 hours from that particular moment I was home again following exceptional care and attention, three stents installed, a list of medicines and recommendations for care at home.

I simply cannot say enough in praise of the dedication and attention to detail paid by all concerned with Scottish Ambulance and Tayside Health Services for whom I remain eternally grateful.

Thank you

PS: Having ticked no boxes on the list in page 33 of CHSS Heart attack guide to recovery, I simply add the words Lucky and Grateful to the list as they are exactly how I still feel eight weeks later.