The night before Mother’s Day at 11:00 p.m. my husband Les sat up in bed and said, “I am having a heart attack.” I said “Surely not. Maybe it is just indigestion.” That was the beginning of what was a nightmare. I just kept thinking this is not happening, but it was. Les arrived at the hospital by ambulance and was immediately taken into the cath lab. The doctor said the artery was 100% blocked but he had been able to clear the blockage and place four stints.
Les has been in rehab and last week he had two more stints put in two more arteries. His recovery has gone very well but we know there will be some long-term damage to the heart.
Many have asked what we did that helped Les make it. First we know it was all in God’s hands, and we know He gave Les life. But here are some of the practical things we did right that may help you if you ever face the same situation:
*Call an ambulance! Most people who try to drive themselves to the hospital will die. The EMTs can assess immediately and start treatment. They also send information ahead to the hospital so the staff can be prepared for your arrival.
*Chew up 2 aspirin as soon as pain begins. If needed repeat.
*Stay calm and have all information needed ready.
*Work out daily. Les was fit because he works out and that gave him strength to fight back.
*Expect some depression. Keep your patient encouraged, and remember it will take time to get back to the new normal.
*If you have high cholesterol in your family history, keep yours checked closely. Les is in great shape and eats right, but his family history predisposed him to high cholesterol. He had been on cholesterol medicines but had thought he could come off because he eats a healthy diet and exercises.
*Keep regular check ups with your doctor.
We are praising God for Les’ healing, but we are also hoping that God will use our story to help others prevent a heart attack or at least be prepared should a heart attack happen in your family.
About Page Hughes
Page Hughes is a Jesus loving party girl who is always ready to have fun! She has been married to Dr. Les Hughes for over 30 years and they reside in Alabaster, Alabama. Les and Page have been blessed with 4 amazing children and 4 fabulous grand children who are the source of many great illustrations. Page loves people well through ministering to their hurts, cooking delicious meals, and partying with the purpose of leading others to a deeper relationship with Jesus. Page’s goal in life is to go to heaven when she dies and take as many people as she can with her.
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