Comments on: The day I almost died

By: Merrin

Merrin — Sun, 18 May 2008 02:30:53 +0000

@Ben: Actually, yes, I could have helped him if he flat-lined. Even if I was driving, I would have known to stop, and I DO know CPR (and the # to 911). We HAVE gotten the lecture from the medical staff at Florida Hospital, but we got to the ER in less time than it would have taken for the ambulance to get to our house. I'm glad you've wished Kev a speedy recovery, though, since that's really the most important thing.

By: BCSBusters

BCSBusters — Fri, 16 May 2008 22:33:46 +0000

Kevin,

Glad to hear you are OK – Most victims of a heart attack die within the first two to four hours of the onset of signals. Next time, please call 911. Do you think your wife could have helped you if you flat-lined while driving down the road?

Now that I got that taken care of, I won't tell you what my research behind the BCS has run into, as it may in fact cause another heart attack. So glad to hear you are OK – and wishing you a speedy recovery.

Ben

By: Out of Conference

Out of Conference — Fri, 09 May 2008 15:53:36 +0000

Very, very chilling post. If anyone doesn't see your well-written post as a wake-up call, nothing will serve that purpose for them.

As Kleph mentioned on another blog about your story, you read about heart attacks and heart disease all the time, but you never put much thought towards it sometimes until too late. I don't know you, never heard of your blog, but after reading your story I am very thankful that it worked out great for you.

Through your writing, I really felt like I was there watching it all happen and was anxious because I could nothing to help you. I wish my wife and those around me know how to take charge of the situation like you described how your wife did when it became evident you were ion trouble.

By: Rich

Rich — Fri, 09 May 2008 14:38:00 +0000

Wow. I've been paranoid about this sort of thing lately; lost my dad 2 years ago to heart disease. Your post made me realize I don't have to be paranoid, I just have to pay attention and be prepared. Thanks…

By: kleph

kleph — Fri, 09 May 2008 14:15:23 +0000

it's great to read a story with a happy ending to start the day.

By: Kevin Donahue

Kevin Donahue — Fri, 09 May 2008 02:12:15 +0000

@Kari – Thank you so much for the email and I'm so glad you found my blog post. You and Tamara were amazing. You truly were my "air angels"!!! I know the two of you are working together next Tuesday (5/13) and both Merrin & I are going to try to make it down to thank you in person. I know your schedule means that we may not get to see you, but… you made such an impact in my life and I need to come down and try to say thank you in person.

I want to thank you and your team *so* much for caring for me. I don't even have the words to describe how grateful Merrin and I are for what you did to ensure that I got the help I needed.

I hope to see you next week, but… if you are called away… please know that you will always be in my thoughts and prayers.

@ Karen & @Cori – Thank you for the email and for reading my story. I can tell you without any doubt in my mind that the actions that the Celebration ER team took with me ***saved my life***. The doctor, nurses, and techs were amazing and extremely professional.

Thank you for all you do every day. I know we don't stick around the ER long enough to say "thank you", but I can assure you that the patients remember you faces, your passion, and your caring.

By: Cori Lanier

Cori Lanier — Wed, 07 May 2008 02:12:37 +0000

This blog was forwarded to me though Florida Hospital Email. I work at Celebration in the ER. I am so glad to hear you are doing fine. It is very touching to read your story and your reply from loved ones….this is one of the pleasures of working in the ER is being able to see a patient doing well and all of the family it has touched in the process…

I wish you and your family the best in all the years to come.

By: Karen

Karen — Tue, 06 May 2008 17:48:42 +0000

Dear Kevin,
I loved your story. It also made me cry! I work in Celebration ER and it isn't every day that we get to hear about the outcome of our patients that are flown out. We are all very happy to hear that you are O.K. Stay healthy and enjoy life! God bless you!
P.S. I had heart failure at the age of 29, So there is no specific age! I am also lucky and happy to be here!
Karen

By: Kari

Kari — Tue, 06 May 2008 12:05:18 +0000

Kevin, It is so great to hear about how well you're doing! It was our pleasure to transport you the cath lab at FH Orlando. You have a great attitude and for you to share your story with others is a gift to anyone who reads it! I'll make sure my husband reads it too! I'll never forget what your response was when I asked you if you knew why we were all swarming around you. You said, "Is it because I'm so hot?" What a hoot! Take care of yourself and your precious wife!!

By: Kevin Donahue

Kevin Donahue — Mon, 05 May 2008 14:40:52 +0000

@ Karin – Sounds like your husband and I had the same guardian angel here in Orlando!

@ Matt – Broc shake?! I'm there!

@ Steff – Without question, Merrin is the best thing to ever happen to me.

@ Annon – You have no idea how much your little note meant to me. I will always remember that simple act of compassion.

@ Rhonda – Thank you for your prayers. You've got an amazing daughter and SIL and I'm very honored to have them in my life. Thank you for spreading the word about the aspirin. As I have been telling people…..

Regardless of your health history, please tuck a couple of aspirin into your purse or pocket every day. I pray to God that you won't ever need them, but you never know when you might be in a room with someone who does.