A routine 911 call. Chest pain at a local residence. You walk in to a nice gentleman who is gravely ill.
After six hours of chest pain, he lays on his bed, under the blanket, and hasn’t moved for hours. The signs exist – a heart rate of almost 130 per minute without activity, distended neck veins, crushing chest pain. No signs of a heart problem on the heart monitor. A good clinician knows – that monitor can be wrong.
I’ll always remember this gentleman. I’ve held many hands at the bedside, but this was different. As another paramedic tells his family that some have “psychological pain”, unaware of the true emergency before us, my immediate words are that we need a hospital – now. In such earnest that it surprised me, the gentleman shot his hand toward mine and grabbed it with fervor. His next words: “I’ll do whatever you say.”
The connection between us. His palpable sense of vulnerability and fear. Spanning more than two decades, I’ve rarely had such an impactful moment that strikes you like a force of nature.
Five minutes later, while providing advanced care, his heart stops. His acute condition and shock had progressed too far. CPR and advanced cardiac meds are started. He does not survive. He mattered to me. This story can bring tears and I have more fingers and toes than number of times I’ve shared it.
We’re here for health. For life. For time with family, friends, and what’s valuable to us. We hope this publication, though in its infancy, will bring pearls of knowledge, tips, and guidance to better health, is valuable to you. We’re here for the same reason your physicians, first responders, and healthcare system exist. We exist because you matter.
Throughout my own journey back to health, I’ve gained an enormous appreciation for support systems and the value of compassion. During my toughest times, focusing on others stays a center point of that journey. Whether it’s kids in Vietnam or Ecuador, patients admitted to the ICU, or someone I would meet during the course of a day, love, support, and compassion are my way forward. When times are toughest, I’ll always double down. This free publication, and our coaching services, are an extension of that philosophy.
With most chronic medical conditions, including heart problems, understanding and managing the condition can be challenging. Your cardiologist and health providers are essential. With their large amount of training, education, and experience, their recommendations form the basis of your treatment plan. We hope to accent your journey, bringing value in some small way as you make progress in managing your blood pressure, heart condition, or weight management concerns.
We do this because – you matter. That’s why we exist. Join us as clients, or just readers, and allow us to bring value to your journey to health and wellness.
Donald Thigpen, RN, BSN, MS, EMT-P
Here’s what’s in our next issue!
- A Roadmap to Wellness
- Safe Exercises for Heart Disease
- What is Obesity?
