In My Words: Former patient gives thanks for MultiCare Pulse heart docs

My cardiac story starts in Apr. 2012.

During an annual physical exam, my doctor ordered an electrocardiogram (EKG) to measure my heart activity. Afterward, she recommended I see a cardiologist. But I had an upcoming business trip and was then helping my father-in-law move across the country to live closer to us.

“Then I’ll go to the cardiologist,” I said.

I think about that mistake often.

I spent three days loading a U-Haul truck alongside my wife Connie. My back continued to hurt, but I figured it was due to all the heavy lifting. After a cross-country drive, I made it back to our home in Lake Tapps. Connie arrived the next day on May 2.

Lifesaving care in a crisis

Fifteen minutes after Connie walked in the door, I suddenly yelled out to call 9-1-1 and collapsed on the floor. Four days later, I woke up at MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital. What followed from that moment is a series of miracles.

The 9-1-1 dispatcher said to lay me on my side, and the ambulance was at our house in four minutes. That’s the first miracle.

They found Connie holding me. She told them I was gone.

“Let’s see what we can do,” the paramedic said.

They performed CPR and transported me to the hospital. Connie was met there by three chaplains. My chances of survival were low. If I did live through it, permanent brain damage might put me in a nursing home and keep me from even recognizing my family.

My second miracle is that cardiologist Daniel Guerra, MD, was at Good Samaritan when I arrived.

Dr. Guerra told me later he wasn’t sure I would leave the operating table alive. But he was able to insert a stent to reopen a blocked artery, giving my heart the oxygen it needed. With his help, I stabilized. They moved me to the ICU, where I woke up four days later.

A new lease on life

Connie explained what happened while I laid in bed with tubes running everywhere. I signaled for a pen and scribbled on a paper plate that my forehead felt hot. She started crying tears of joy. I could communicate. I was going to be OK. Another miracle.

My first question for my health care team was how much long-term damage was done to my heart. None, they said. The timely care administered prevented any. After all I went through, I couldn’t believe it.

I stayed in the hospital recovering for nearly six weeks. Once discharged, I started cardiac rehab at MultiCare’s Pulse Heart Institute. On my first day, I walked in with a cane. On the last day, I ran the steps. My road to recovery hasn’t always been linear, but thanks to cardiologist Uma Krishnan, MD, I am doing well. Dr. Krishnan was my fourth miracle.

A heart full of gratitude

I wasn’t prepared for the emotional impact of my cardiac event. It has changed me and my family. I still cry when I tell my story. Every May 2, I make sure to thank the people who kept me alive. Dr. Guerra and Dr. Krishnan are like family now, and I have tried to live a life that pays back what’s been given to me.

To the donors who support Good Samaritan and Pulse, you have saved more than just my life. You set a chain of events in motion. Since that day, I have welcomed four new grandchildren. They will know that my legacy is a MultiCare legacy, and so is theirs. Maybe they’ll grow up to cure cancer or heart disease.

I’ve been blessed to see my son get married. I’ve supported veterans, helped others with their own cardiac health and cared for my friends and family. Every person I touch in my life is thanks to your generosity.

Who would have thought that the worst day of my life would also be the best day of my life?

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