"I owe my life to the Pilgrim and Glenfield Hospitals"

On 15th August 2005, I had a totally unexpected heart attack - I have been into keep-fit all of my life.

On August 22nd, I had deteriorated in the Pilgrim Hospital's coronary care ward, so a Consultant arranged an immediate transfer to Glenfield Hospital via ambulance with a nurse escort. What a decision that was!

Within 2 days, I was daignosed with severe triple coronary artery disease, which was now causing unstable angina.

On the 15th September, I was operated on in the 'atrerial revascularisation trial'.

This involved using 2 mammary arteries & a vein.

44 hours after the Op., I had another MI which cardiac arrested me. I wasn't back in sinus rythm for about a week - I am so, so lucky to be alive!

I was in Glenfield for 6 weeks & The Pilgrim for 1.

This illness is in my family genes, & what a good job that the Pilgrim picked it up. The Cardiac Specialist Nurse at the Pilgrim was very quick to diagnose my first MI.

I simply owe my life to these 2 hospitals.

Glenfield have stated that just to survive an MI/Cardiac arrest so close post-Op. & survive was an absolute miracle.

This morning, I have got into the Concept2 rowing machine world rankings.

I am ranked 358th for the 1000mts for my agegroup.

What a miracle.I am now back gigging, First Aid instructing, back at the gym, & back doing my voluntary chaplaincy teamwork at the Pilgrim.

Because my wife Sue & I have both been critically ill, the National Blood Service used us for last year's Xmas recruitment campaign.

We have both needed transfusions as part of our treatment.

We helped to recruit 193 new donors for Boston, & 1700 for the whole of Lincs..

Thank you Pilgrim & Glenfield for not only saving my life, but for giving it back to me.

Martin ("Marty") Alsbury