As ethical implications may be made surrounding interviewing that of heart attack victim, it became essential that the individual who is depicted in the below interview voluntarily offered to complete the interview. It was also stated that they would be able to stop the interview at anytime and didn't have to answer any questions in which they did not feel suitable.
Derek had a heart attack at work on the 16th of August 2016. He was 49 when he had his heart attack.
"The days before the heart attack I had been working nights and had gained pain within my shoulder, a constant aching pain was present in turn meaning little sleep was gained. The pain felt somewhat like a pulled muscle.
On the day, after arriving at work for 5pm a meeting was conducted within the canteen around half 6. After drinking a coffee, I felt very unwell with a sickness feeling playing a large roll, the pain in my shoulder was still present. It was not my heart that felt pain but rather in my extremities, this is due to the blood flow not accessing the heart. My hands and feet began to cramp.
According to my collogues I became grey. At this point I knew I was having a heart attack and asked my colleagues to call an ambulance. I took slow breathes as I did not want to increase my heart rate. At this point I was either lying or sitting down. The first response was there within 10 minutes although the ambulance seemed to take forever. By the time the ambulance arrived it was around half 7. They attempted to contact the air ambulance although it was too far away. From my work to Stoke specialist unit it took an hour and a half drive time. Within the ambulance Aspirin and a GTN spray was given, this is to attempt to open blood vessels. A morphine injection was given as well as another injection in which was used in an attempt to counteract the sickness effect of the morphine. This made me feel highly unwell and I was violently sick before arriving at Stoke.
I arrived around 10, and was taken into the procedure room. As the ambulance had to be extensively cleaned the paramedics asked whether they would be able to watch the procedure. I obliged to this and therefore they watched through a glass screen.
An incision is made into the wrist, with some form of 'ink' formula being used. This was then traced in order to understand where the blockage was. As a result of this a suitable sized stent was pushed through my artery with a cafitter aiding. Although I am unsure upon the medical terms it felt as if it was hitting an inner muscle by my elbow. The pain from this was immense and hurt more than the heart attack itself. Once the stent was fitted, a massive high was felt. As oxygen was entering my heart, an enormous amount of energy was given, making me feel really upbeat.
Since the heart attack I have realised how the little things in life effect you. I really didn't think I would be the person to have a heart attack. The medication is intense with 7 tablets being taken a day, the majority of these will be taken for the rest of my life. Statins are taken in order to control my cholesterol, the reasoning behind my heart attack. Although i previously knew I had high cholesterol I wasn't really aware upon how many people with high cholesterol have heart attacks.
I was off work for 10 weeks, and was fully back to work within mid December. As I have a managerial role I believe that the stress of this may have influenced my heart attack. Rehab was undergone with myself visiting the hospital twice a week for 8 weeks. Several tests were conducted including that of a beta and gamma test. Cardio rehab was also a large part of my recovery. In order to promote my health I now complete further exercise, although the tablets I am on make me feel unenergetic. I have also been more conscious upon my diet."
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