Hi Im new here: Hi everybody Im new... - British Heart Fou...

British Heart Foundation

54,321 members33,992 posts

Hi Im new here

geordiedave profile image
10 Replies

Hi everybody Im new here, had my 1st heart attack about 5 years ago, was just a normal day, got up, made my self a cuppa, switched on my computer. I felt a little strange and to be honest it felt like heartburn, last thing I thought was it was a start of a heart attack, I mean those happen to other people, not yourself right, As the morning progressed I felt worse and the pain got worse plus I started to feel sick, I shouted for my wife and told her I think I was having a heart attack and she had better phone an ambulance. By the time the ambulance came the pain was unbearable, everything after that was a bit muddled - I can remember been on the back of the ambulance and racing through the Tyne Tunnel with the blue lights going, and then been rushed down a corridor in the Queen Elizabeth. After the operation I felt better practically straight away, although they were unable to fit any stents. Lying in a hospital bed late at night I knew life would never be the same and changes needed to be made.

I left hospital after 5 days was then I got thinking that I had 2 choices, I could either a. Sit around feel sorry for myself and blame everybody else or b. find myself a hobby that would keep me busy and let me get some exercise at the same time. Two days later a leaflet came through the door from the local community centre saying they were starting a beginners photography course. A sign I thought, so I immediately joined up and have never regretted it.

I got involved with the BHF when I seen an advert for "The walk to save lives", along with another old comrade of mine (we were both in the Army) Les has had bypass surgery and is partially sighted. We decided to have a walk around Durham riverside to take some photos and to raise some funds. The local newspaper became interested in the story and did an article, that is the photo from it below. After that I became hooked I wanted to do more to help the BHF. I volunteered to take some photos of the "Heartrunners" at the Great North Run, and have now signed up to become a spokes person for the BHF in my area. Im holding my first event early this year a coffee morning in the local community centre and hoping to get the Mayor of South Tyneside involved as the BHF is her chosen charity for the year. I will be taken photos again this yer at the GNR and Les and myself are planning to do another walk in Durham.

One person who I would like to mention is Nikki Bell Regional Fundraising Manager at the BHF for all the help and encouragement she had given me, Im sure I wouldn't have progressed as far without her help.

Written by
geordiedave profile image
geordiedave
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
10 Replies
skid112 profile image
skid112Heart Star

Hi Geordiedave, welcome to the forum

Thank you for sharing, top man an inspiration to others.

Mark

geordiedave profile image
geordiedave in reply toskid112

Thank you

laura_dropstitch profile image
laura_dropstitchHeart Star

Welcome, Dave. Great to hear your story and all you have achieved since your heart attack, very inspirational :)

geordiedave profile image
geordiedave in reply tolaura_dropstitch

Thank you

mandm65 profile image
mandm65

Hi geordiedave

Welcome to the forum, truly inspiring story, keep up the good work :-).

geordiedave profile image
geordiedave in reply tomandm65

Thank you

Cube58 profile image
Cube58

Great story Dave, keep up the great work and thanks for sharing your postivity.

Cube

geordiedave profile image
geordiedave in reply toCube58

Thank you

Lisa4 profile image
Lisa4

Hi Geordiedave

Thank you for sharing your truly inspiring story. It’s great to hear the success stories and you’re making such a difference for not only yourself but for BHF.

Welcome to the forum and keep up the great work.

Lisa

geordiedave profile image
geordiedave in reply toLisa4

Thank you

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Query BHF website information

I was recently watching a Canadian program which states that women are NOT being diagnosed and...
Speedbuggy profile image

Hi, new here

On 16 November I went to a&e with what I thought was indigestion and 2 hours later I had a massive...

Good news

I had a heart 'episode' on the 14th June. Rushed to hospital in an ambulance, treated in resus (...
BluePaula profile image

I’m new here, but wanted to share a positive message and touch on post heart attack mental health

I’m 58 and suffered a heart attack (STEMI), on a plane followed by cardiogenic shock in April 2022....
CyclingRich profile image

I'm new on here

Hi last year at 54 I had 2 unexpected heart attacks in 1.5 hours followed by a balloon insertion an...
DawnP profile image

Moderation team

See all
HUModerator profile image
HUModeratorAdministrator
Luke_BHF profile image
Luke_BHFPartner
Amy-BHF profile image
Amy-BHFPartner

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.