Dr. Curtiss had a heart attack this past weekend. He is doing well – in fact the doctors released him within 24 hours on the promise that he would follow their directions very specifically.
I spoke with him on the phone yesterday, and told the story to me:
Friday I was doing my normal evening workout, and was up to about 12 minutes on the treadmill, when I felt a pain in my chest and down my left arm. I walked one minute more, and since it hadn’t subsided, I stopped and cleaned up. After dressing in street clothes, I still felt the pain so decided to go out to my truck and recline my seat for a bit. That didn’t help, so I drove home and laid down, but in my head kept hearing a chorus of voices telling me to get an ambulance! I went upstairs and got Pauline and told her she better drive me to the hospital.
We got to the S Curves (about 3 miles from the Curtiss home) and I realized we were going to take a long time to get into town with traffic lights, cars etc. I called 911 from my cell and the dispatcher told us to pull over – she was sending ambulances from both Kalispell and Lakeside. She kept me on the phone and made sure I was ok. Shortly after, a truck pulled up and a gentleman treated me with some medication. As soon as the ambulance arrived, they loaded me up and performed an EKG on the way in. I had definitely had a heart attack.
They gave me a spray that would help and we hurried in to the hospital. On arrival, they gave me various scans, including a chest x-ray and determined my main coronary artery had 95% blockage.
In short order, they had me prepped and in surgery to clean out the artery. Amazingly, the doctors told me I had sustained zero damage to my heart! The EMT’s had saved my life, and worked quickly and effectively to prevent and damage from occurring! Miraculous, really.
Because of the result, the doctors were willing to let me return home within 24 hours, given I follow a particular regimen (or lack thereof!). I of course agreed and am now at home resting.
I have had lots of visitors and calls, wishing me well. There has been a great outpouring of support, and I am blessed and grateful.
If you are interested in sending encouragement here is the address:
PO Box 336 Bigfork, MT 59911
