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It started out as an incredible discomfort in his chest. At first Paul Dingle thought it was heartburn, but it pain continued for a good half-hour. His daughter was visiting him and noticed his increasing distress and suggested they go to the hospital. EMS came immediately, his vital signs indicated an extremely rapid heart beat. He was brought to the emergency department at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Hospital.
“Once we got to the hospital, I don’t remember very much,” he admits. “One minute I was awake, joking with the nurses and then I passed out,” he explained. Paul’s heart stopped beating. Cardiac Interventionist Dr. Amir Morsi was in the examination room, treating Paul, and immediately started defibrillation to bring him back to life. “It was like being in the theatre, I remember a black curtain coming down as I lost consciousness. When I woke up the curtain came up,” Paul said.
Paul was not out of danger. Dr. Morsi ordered an emergency angioplasty. Best practice dictates that an emergency angioplasty is the preferred treatment to open blocked arteries to restore blood flow and oxygen, reduce permanent muscle damage to the heart and increase the patient’s rate of survival. He was taken immediately to the Cardiac Cath Lab and within minutes had been prepped and on the table ready to undergo his angioplasty.
“I was sedated but still able to hear the doctors and nurses,” Paul recalls. “I remember the feeling the catheter going up my right side and into my heart. It was amazing, there was no pain the next thing I remember was being told the procedure was done and it was successful,” Paul said as he described his experience.
Paul remained remembers being taken to the recovery room of the Cardiac care Unit and feeling very relieved. Four days later he was discharged from Hôtel-Dieu Grace, and returned home. He has returned to work, and remains in good health.
Paul is thankful for the critical care he was able to receive at Hôtel-Dieu Grace. He recalls talking to friends shortly after his discharge who were surprised to find that advanced cardiac care is available in our community. “ It’s amazing that some people in our community do not know the quality of care available at Hôtel-Dieu Grace. I am lucky to be alive and lucky to have been at Hôtel-Dieu Grace when my heart stopped,” he said with gratitude.
How can you say thanks to Hôtel-Dieu Grace Hospital?
All of us are touched in some way, either directly or indirectly, by medical challenges. When it happens, we appreciate having access to the extraordinary care exemplified in the true stories told in these testimonials.
If you or your family would like to say "thanks" to the inspired caregivers of Hôtel-Dieu Grace Hospital for the care they deliver every day, we'd be pleased to discuss how your donation can help us continue to grow as one of Ontario's leading healthcare providers. Call us today.
Hôtel-Dieu Grace Hospital Foundation
Phone: 519-973-4443 |
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