16 September 2016
Simon’s Experience of Life-Saving Treatment at the Bristol Heart Institute
Simon's story
At the age of 40, no-one expects to be struck down by a
heart attack but for Simon Law that's exactly what happened; his
whole life was changed in an instant.
Father to five year old Ella, Simon was busy running his
distribution company and making time for family life unaware of the
pressure he was putting his body under. On the 13th September 2013,
whilst having a BBQ with friends he felt an uncomfortable pain in
his chest. Thinking it was something he ate he thought nothing of
it, had a glass of water and returned to his friends. Moments
later, the pain was so severe he was slumped against the kitchen
unit and his wife was bundling him into a car bound for
A&E.
Throughout the10minute journey, Simon was vomiting, felt
dizzy and noticed a shooting pain down his left arm, but he still
wasn't convinced it was a heart attack, not at 40.
By the time he reached reception he could hardly talk.
After an ECG, staff confirmed the worst and he was immediately
taken to Bristol Heart Institute (BHI) and straight into
theatre.
"Then came the most efficient process I have ever
witnessed" explained Simon. "The medical staff were
calm, proficient and talked me through every step of the procedure.
Within fifteen minutes my stent was fitted to remedy the blocked
artery, a minor procedure which involves a small incision in your
wrist, and I was on the Intensive Care Unit."
The long road to recovery
After his stent was fitted he remained in hospital for 10
days. However, instead of taking it easy he continued to work from
his hospital bed, in denial about the reality of what had
happened.
"Experiencing a critical illness at such a young age was a
massive shock to my system. To feel invincible, as we all do
to a degree, and then have your life flash before your eyes is not
easy to deal with. I experienced both denial and resentment
in addition to the physical trauma my body had gone
through."
To begin with, he pushed away those closest who wanted to
help and support him. Once discharged, he even thought he could get
home on his own and made it as far as Cabot Circus before having to
call a taxi because his body simply couldn't cope. It was only then
that Simon realised seriousness of what he had been through and
finally sought help.
The BHI had recommended Simon get in contact with the
Cardiac Rehabilitation Team who would help him on the road to
recovery with specific physio and exercises designed to slowly
re-build his strength.
"I can say without a shadow of a doubt that I owe my
successful recovery and rehabilitation to the Bristol Heart
Institute. In particular the Cardiac Rehabilitation Team who,
with limited resources, helped me rehabilitate both physically and
mentally. I don't think I would have recovered as quickly as I did
otherwise."
The challenge of a life-time
To mark the third anniversary of his heart attack, Simon
is taking on the Bristol Half Marathon on Saturday 25th
September; after three years of rehabilitation and training, he is
finally at a stage of recovery where his is able to take on such a
massive challenge.
"I was always someone who naturally disliked running but
it has now become a significant activity in my life and was a vital
tool in my recovery process. I initially set myself a target
of running a 10k and used this goal to rehabilitate."
A small way to say thank you
Since his heart attack, Simon has been looking for a way to give
something back to the hospitals to say thank you for all the
excellent care and support they provided in his time of need. He
has decided to specifically fundraise for Bristol Heart Institute
through local hospital charity, Above &
Beyond.
His target is to raise an impressive £10,000, primarily
for the Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit which proved vital in Simon's
long road to recovery, both mentally and physically. Speaking about
the team and his experience at the hospital he
commented:
"For me, this team of dedicated individuals with little
resource helped me more than they possibly realised. I owe
both my physical and metal rehabilitation to them and would love
nothing more than to help them continue to help others like me by
fundraising for Above & Beyond."
To support Simon in his marathon effort and help raise
funds for Bristol Heart Institute please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/simonlaw73
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