I had a cardiac arrest in 2011, spent 4 weeks in a coma in ICU, finally decided to wake up and breathe for myself .... and haven't looked back since! All true, except for the last bit. The question 'why me?' is still something I ask myself. I answer myself by thinking that I was exceptionally fortunate and that I owe it to my family to make the most of my life. I slept for a month, they went through hell! I now live by the mantra 'Do it while you can!'. This includes doing things for me and for others, whether this be within our local community or, more formally, taking on a volunteering role.
As each Bonus Year goes by I reflect on how fortunate I was that someone who had just been on a First Aid course was passing when I collapsed. He gave me CPR until the ambulance arrived. I have no explanation as to 'why me?'. I am not religious but do feel that I can repay the debt I feel by supporting good causes and living the life I was given to the full. My suggestion to you is to reflect on what happened but also look to your future life in a positive way. To me this is the best way to say thankyou to all the people who were involved in saving your life.
It is, relatively, easy for me to write in this way after so many years. You are probably still feeling quite raw and vulnerable. Just give it time and take each day as it comes.
I hope this helps in some small way.
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Yorkshirehead
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I also feel incredibly fortunate, in much the same way as yourself.
Just over a year ago I had a bypass operation after suffering the typical angina symptoms that so many on this forum report. With hindsight it was clear that my physical capabilities were spiralling downwards because of angina, consequently I was living an increasingly restricted life . But at the time I just put this down to ageing.
However, now, after the bypass, I feel twenty years younger, brimming with energy and vitality.
But if I'd have been born just a few decades ago then the technology that supports all open heart surgery (ie heart/lung machines) wouldn't have existed. So people in my position would have no alternative but to accept an increasingly curtailed lifestyle and a shorter life expectancy.
So, like you, I wake up every morning feeling extraordinarily grateful for both the additional years and the fizzing vitality that I've been gifted by the NHS. Also, like you, I feel an obligation to express my thanks and give something back.
Having experiences like ours certainly makes you look at life with a different perspective. I’m pleased to hear that you are now twenty years younger. Long may it last!
Inspirational. I’ve got my date for bypass pre Christmas, and have been reflecting as you have that in earlier days i would have been at the beginning of the end, but now it’s the beginning of the next chapter! Let’s all try to pay it forward too!
Pre Christmas sounds good. You will be on the road to recovery by the big day. I’d take it easy with the wine, though. 😉 Very best wishes for your Bonus Year One in 2020
I had a heart attack/cardiac arrest last December, and spent 18 hours in an induced coma.
I totally agree with all your comments. Cardiac arrest is such a brutal taker of lives, I like you, ask myself why me. In my case, rapid emergency services got me to hospital and the hospital manged to keep me here when I went into CA, beyond that I think luck plays a bit part in it.
I love that 'Bonus Year', I'm going to start seeing things that way now, thank-you. (No CA or HA but other heart problems causing me to now be grateful for Bonus Year(s) ).
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