My Story - Julie Williams
Julie, mother and wife, shared her story of what happened when her husband Rod had a heart attack aged 35.
When it happened I kept thinking but he’s only 35, such a fit strong man. The children were away, Rhianna aged 6 was on a sleep over and Jordan 8 was with my sister.
We were sitting at the table having a meal, he went grey and was in terrible pain — Rod who is never ill — he said he felt terrible. I knew it was a heart attack so I called for a ambulance and told them “my husband is having a heart attack” They said not to worry the ambulance would be there by the time I got off the phone. I saw everything, we lost him three times as they fought to keep him alive and I am just glad that the children did not see.
The Coronary Care Unit were wonderful, very supportive and caring. The senior consultant said that Rod was the luckiest man alive. We were assured that in time we would forget it ever happened. The hospital kept reassuring us as did the doctor.
Once you get home your alone.
That’s when I cried. I thought hel’l never work again, never do anything with the children. I worried about the bills, thought we would have to move, we had a mortgage.
Rod’s business partner looked ill himself with the worry of paying their suppliers. I worked for Rod so my income stopped as well as
It’s hard for the carer, everyone was running after Rod and I was just functioning, going through the routine. Being strong for Rod but in pieces wondering what was going to happen to us.
Rod told me to ring Oliffs as he had a critical illness policy with them. The life assurance company Royal Sun Alliance were very caring and efficient with the claim. The money took the pressure off, giving Rod a full three months off work to recuperate. We even went away for a weekend once the money was safe.
Rod had wanted a dog for sometime and I thought now is a good time. Even that was expensive but he had lots of time to walk it.
It took Rod a good 18 months to recover emotionally but it's now seven years ago and we have almost forgotten it ever happened
All our client stories:Julie's : Pat & Dermot : Richard Hill : Pat Blandford : Pam Polson
