It’s reassuring to have hospital

To the editor:

Reading Jack Ronald’s column about his coronavirus shot had me thinking about my episode with one this past week.

I went online and was able to readily pick my place, day and time very quickly for my virus shot. It was Jan. 29.

Thursday night before the scheduled day of vaccination, I started to get more hand, arm and chest pains I have experienced the last month or so. I took one ibuprofen and thought it would slow it down as it had in the past.

The pain instead did not slow down, but went into overdrive. I took more ibuprofen and was doing everything I could to ease the pain — you know, walking around, waving my hands and arms (not sure why), putting heat pad on my chest and arms.

Finally, after two hours, I felt the pain subside somewhat. Sitting in my recliner, I decided to just sleep there.

The next morning when I awoke I could tell the pain was still somewhat there. So I decided to have a friend take me to IU Health Jay for my shot. When I arrived I noticed two nurses I recognized and thought maybe I should relate my experience from the night before.

After telling them, they looked at each other and immediately went to a telephone to call someone. I turned and was ready to check in for my shot. Next thing I know, here came someone with a wheelchair.

I asked who is going to register me. She said, “You are not getting the shot. Hop in the chair.”

I next went to a room where I received an EKG, blood tests and other items. A doctor informed me that I had an item in my blood that should be at zero and it was 3.5, which meant I had had a very severe heart attack.

In ambulance to Muncie, I remarked to the paramedic that as much as an ambulance costs you would think they would put some springs or shocks on them. I then shouted to the driver, “how about lights and siren.” The paramedic said it is up to the judgement of the driver if that happens. Heck, I wanted some adventure.

Now in the ER of IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital, they immediately wheel me up to 3307 in the South Tower. View out windows — parking garage.

After more sticky things on my chest, IVs, machines peeking and other things I was ready to get some sleep. Hah, in a hospital?

I had numerous doctors visit me with tales about what was going to happen. Since it was a weekend, the cath lab did not operate unless it was a life/death situation. What the heck, I wanted to get done and out of there.

Next on Saturday I was informed that the COVID test I took came back positive. My daughter could not come up and see me. I could not go out and walk in the hallways. Seems I must have contacted the virus but my immune system prevented any adverse reaction to it.

Finally, here comes Monday. I waited for doctor to tell me what time the cut job was scheduled. Someone said around 1 to 3 p.m. They said my positive delayed my surgery.

Now in bowels of hospital and in cath lab. Lots of machine, people, equipment. After answering more of the same questions I have had many times they started to give me numbing meds and drowsy stuff (was awake all the time though). Told me, and I have pictures to prove it, my right coronary artery was 89% blocked. After installing a stent, I was taken back to my room.

My surgeon remarked as a patient I was very talkative, affable and kind. Shoot, I just wanted to observe anything I could.

Now informed must take more additional meds rest of life to prevent the platelets collecting on the stent and blocking the artery.

Finally home on Tuesday for more rest and relaxation.

Now I guess I will have to try and reschedule my coronavirus shot?

My care in both Jay and Ball was very courteous and professional. The presence of a hospital like IU Health Jay when you need it is very assuring.

Charles E. Tague

Portland