"My experience after having two heart attacks"

About: Glasgow Royal Infirmary / Cardiac Rehabilitation Golden Jubilee National Hospital / Cardiac Surgery Scottish Ambulance Service / Emergency Ambulance

(as the patient),

I suffered my first heart attack at home on the early hours of the morning in October 2023. I was so fortunate to have an amazing Paramedic save my life and enable me to taken to the Jubilee hospital where I was worked on immediately resulting in a stent fitted. So many strangers to thank for saving my life. At 4.20am I was in bed drinking tea, just one hour later.

Forwarding to November 2024 I suffered a second less painful heart attack at home again. Although considerably less painful than the first it had the effect of totally destroying my belief that I was recovering well, in fact the opposite that played havoc with my mental health. It was not great before. I just really could not cope in hospital and although a second surgical procedure followed at the Jubilee where nothing was found I felt just in utter despair. I gained some relief by being allowed home that evening.

It’s not all bad news as the two Jennifer’s, from the Rehab Team, visited me on the Ward at the Royal and just seeing familiar faces gave me such a lift and shortly after the second visit I was taken to the Jubilee.

I have experienced two stints with the Rehab Team. The first one in late 2023 lasted 8 weeks and this one, discharged recently, lasted 4 weeks. But that does not even begin to tell the story, far from it. It is the reassurance they offer, the expertise and professionalism that you can speak to them one to one without restriction, ask as many or as few questions as you like, get honest and informative answers and I always recall on several occasions the would say we can help with that. And they do! It’s not something I ever thought would happen to me, probably like many others, but the support and its real care and support is just so amazing. I can say for me I would not be anywhere near or close to where I am now without them all. I include in that the young paramedic that early October morning who was just so brilliant, who even when I left in the ambulance stayed with my darling Wife explaining everything to her and reassuring her, the ambulance crew who took me to the Jubilee, who by coincidence where the same crew who transferred me from the Royal to the Jubilee the second time, the team in the surgical facility on both occasions, just superb and all the teams on the wards on both occasions and to anyone I have left out. Without anyone of you I know my

I’ve would not be so good.

Now, I feel great physically and making progress with my mental health. I feel so very well. I am determined to win over my mind and thoughts to a much better place, I am gradually winning that one too. I am 65 today and in the dark days and nights I never wanted to be here, didn’t ever think that far ahead and could barely get through the night let alone think ahead, hated myself and felt so desperately lonely and useless. Now I have hope, lots of hope, now I have my health and it’s up to me to keep improving my chances, I have a future, an opportunity many don’t have and I have, just a phone call away or a visit on a Wednesday or Friday to the Rehab Team if I have any questions, doubts… where else do you get that level of care, professionalism and dedication?

I will always be so thankful to so many strangers for saving my life and the Royal Rehab Team who have helped put me back together. Thank you.

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Responses

Response from Jennifer Butt, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Cardiac Rehabilitation, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde last month
Jennifer Butt
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Cardiac Rehabilitation, Glasgow Royal Infirmary,
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
Submitted on 12/02/2025 at 09:44
Published on Care Opinion at 11:24


Thank you for your feedback. The team are delighted to read this and very pleased to hear your high praises to the rehab service and of course emergency services and ward staff!

As you mentioned, Cardiac rehabilitation is more complex than many understand and you have our continued support if you require to get in touch in near future.

We wish you good health for the future and much happier days ahead.

Kindest regards,

Jennifer B

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Response from Andrea Heatley, Risk and Feedback Facilitator, Clinical Governance, NHS Golden Jubilee last month
Andrea Heatley
Risk and Feedback Facilitator, Clinical Governance,
NHS Golden Jubilee
Submitted on 12/02/2025 at 16:46
Published on Care Opinion at 16:46


Dear Antony3251,

Thank you for taking the time to provide us with your kind feedback.

We are delighted to hear that your treatment and care at the Golden Jubilee was so positive. We will we pass your comments on to all the staff involved who, we are sure, will be delighted to hear your lovely comments,

Thank you again for taking the time to provide us with your feedback and we all wish you well for the future.

Kind regards

Andrea

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Response from Mark Hannan, Head of Corporate Affairs and Engagement, Scottish Ambulance Service last month
Mark Hannan
Head of Corporate Affairs and Engagement,
Scottish Ambulance Service
Submitted on 14/02/2025 at 10:57
Published on Care Opinion at 10:57


Hi Antony3251,

I see my colleagues from NHS GG&C and the Golden Jubilee have responded but I just wanted to add our thanks from the Scottish Ambulance Service for your kind comments and such positive feedback.

It sounds like quite a harrowing journey you've been through, with lots of ups and downs. I'm glad that all the NHS staff were able to take such good care of you and make that experience just a little bit easier.

They all really appreciate getting such positive feedback from patients and their families so thank you for taking the time to write in to pass on your thanks and share your experience.

Most of all, I'm so glad to read that you are now in a better and more positive place now that you've got your health back and looking forward to a great life ahead.

We wish you all the very best,

Take care,

Mark

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Update posted by Antony3251 (the patient)

Thank you, everyone, for your responses to my story. Personally I feel not enough good news's is broadcasted highlighting the amazing people with our NHS. You all are amazing in very difficult circumstances and I remain so indebted to so many strangers. I'm alive.

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