Remembering the Time St. Lukes and Southcoast Health Saved My Life

As Heart Health Month ends, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Southcoast Health and St. Luke's Hospital for saving my life in 2020.

I'm coming up on the third anniversary of the day I suffered a mild heart attack, Little did I know at the time that my life would forever be changed. If it wasn't for the quick thinking and actions of the medical staff at St. Luke's, who knows where I'd be today?

I think about that a lot.

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The date was July 21, 2020. Like a slug to the chest, my world was rocked and the worst consumed my thoughts. If it wasn't for the quick response from the staff that night at St. Luke's, I might not have had the opportunity to tell my story. Words will never describe how grateful I am and thankful for a second chance.

It took me more than two years to shake off the rust. My muscles were weakened from being bedbound for months before the incident and I had to start all over again. Going in and out of cardiac facilities to check on the old ticker took up so much time and money. I had to pay out of pocket for physical therapy to help stretch out my wound-up muscle fibers, deep tissue massages and chiropractic services to loosen up the joints.

It's safe to say that it's been a journey that I was not ready for, but worth it in the end. I'm finally back in shape, going for runs and working out regularly, but I had to make some serious changes. I haven't had any energy drinks since that dreadful day and stopped taking any fitness supplements such as pre-workout and creatine (no, not steroids). I'm hydrating daily, keeping up with my stretches, and keeping active, and it's been over 70 days since I've had any alcohol.

Most importantly, I'm listening to my body and living life at a more cautious pace. Putting my health first was the ultimate priority and I recommend this to anyone willing to listen and make the change.

So, to the nurses, doctors, scrub techs, front desk workers, my fiance for getting me to the hospital in the nick of time, and anyone else who gave me another shot at life the night of July 21, I'm forever in your debt.

Life is a beautiful wonder and I'll never take it for granted.