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January 14, 2007

I'm having a what!!!!!!!!!

By Frank Camacho

It was nothing special. Just your typical Monday morning at the office. I was checking e-mails and waiting for call backs at my desk when I first felt it. It was if someone tied my chest in a knot and then set it on fire. I had trouble breathing, and as it turned out, trouble thinking.


I went outside to walk and think. What was this mysterious pain? My reticence to accept what was becoming increasingly more obvious is proof once again that "Denial is not just a river in Egypt."

The fresh air failed to provide any relief. As I approached my desk a plan began was beginning to formulate in my brain which was battling against accepting reality. Being a man who appreciates the nuances of the internet, I "googled" heart attack in a laughable attempt at confirming, in my mind, something my heart already knew. Yes, I did have several of the symptoms, but I wasn't expierencing any pain in my left arm. You'll grasp at any evidence, however thin, if it'll help keep you from accepting that which you are not quite ready to accept.

I ambled over to the assignment desk to tell assingment editor ,John Roller, that I was going to run an errand and would be right back. Yeah right!

I then drove -- yes, I drove -- myself to Fire station 20 at Seventh Avenuve and Glendale. It only took a couple of minutes. But in those brief seconds I learned first hand how quickly a heart attack can progress. In those few seconds, I also verbalized what I had been fearing.

I asked the firefighter who answered the door if he could check my blood pressure because I thought I might be having a heart attack. You notice I said "might." I still wasn't 100 percent convinced. I must have looked pretty bad, because the firefighters quickly sat me down, put a blood pressure cuff on one arm and started an IV in the other. Oh by the way, they also called for an ambulance.Only 20 minutes expired from the time I stumbled into the fire station and my arrival at St. Joe's emergency room.

I was about to have one of the most unique expierences of my life but I didn't know it at the time. And to be blunt, at that moment, I didn't care because I was feeling so bad. My diagnosis was so easily confirmed that even I had to accept it. Yes, it really was a heart attack. But things were about to get very interesting.

One of the firsts things they did in the ER was to put the paddles of a difibalator on me. They werre firmly attached as we began, what turned out to be, the wild ride to the cath lab. We were in the elevator when I noticed the concerned frown on the face of the cath lab nurse as she glanced at a monitor to which I was attached. " What does the monitor tell you,?" I asked. "I'm not going to lie to you, she tells me, Its not good."

I got a good idea of just how "not good" when we got out of the elevator.

Everyone started to move away from my bed. It was then, that I knew I was going to get "zapped." We were there in the hall. People moving away as if I had a bad case of body ordor. I heard someone ask,"Are you going to do it?" The cath lab nurse offered a quick terse response, "Yes, I'm going to do it."

I prepared my self, expecting that I would get some kind of warning. I took a few deep breaths. It was deathly silent. I kept waiting and wondering. When am I going to get a warning. It seemed like minutes had passed, though they were only seconds, when I felt the jolt. Maybe jolt isn't the right word. A cup of coffee can give you a jolt. The steam of electricty from a defibilator is not a jolt. It is a major shock. One that raises you off a stretcher. It triggers a reflexive response of closing your eyes. In my case, I saw a bolt of electricity clearly through by tightly shut peepers. But that bolt also triggered a different response. One to this day brings me comfort and peace, especially in light of my father's condition. He is under hospice care.

After the jolt, they rushed me to the cath lab where, in short order, a stent was installed in the clogged artery. That little stent saved my life. You see, the docs describe my heart attack as a "widow maker." Not many people, they say, survive that kind of heart attack. I was fortunate in that I quickly sought treatment after expierencing symptoms. The docs say I had a " massive" heart attack. They were also surprised that I was awake when they "zapped" me. It seems by the time the heart goes into something called v-tec, or v-tac, i never did get that straight, most people are passed out.

I was asked by a colleague, If I ever thought I was going to die? The answer is yes.

Bear with me now because I still struggle trying to explain what I felt. I never passed out. I never saw a "bright light" at the mouth of a long dark tunnel. I never had the feeling of leaving my body. What I expierenced can't be classified as "near death." Right after I was "zapped" I remember thinking, I may not survive this. I may die. But Iinstead of feeling panic, I felt very much at peace. In other words, It's OK. If I die, it's OK. If I live, it's OK. Whatever happens, it's OK.

There was acceptance and surrender. It was not of my own doing. Remember, a few minutes before, I was denying that I was having a heart attack because I was afraid of dying. So,,what happened?

Grace is often a difficult concept to explain and to understand. Interpertation is often dependent on an individual's religous beliefs and tradition. My understanding of what happened to me that day is based on my beliefs. I won't burden you with a long winded treatise on my religion. However, I will say this. I believe God can communicate with us in anyway God chooses. Sometimes it takes a burning bush. Other times it can be as subtle as a cool summer breeze. Or, as in this case, the aftermath of a blinding jolt of electricity.

In a variety of ways, God lets God's creation know that life is OK. Death is a part of life. Therefore, death is OK, too. We don't have to be afraid.

As I mentioned, my father is under hospice care. Soon, death will be part of his life's journey.

We often say when someone we love passes away, Well he or she is in a better place. But do we really know and do we really mean it?

I can say it and mean it because I know it. Even a frightening event like a heart attack, can turnout to be a real blessing.

Posted by Frank Camacho at January 14, 2007 4:08 PM

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Comments

What an amazing story! I think your right that we don't want to admit something awful like a heart attack is happening to us. I'm glad you got help quickly and that you are doing better! Sometimes it takes something like this to really make us thankful and grateful for each day we have. Take care, Channel 3 fan, Cindy Johnson

Posted by: Cindy at January 15, 2007 10:06 AM

Frank,
My husband and I live in the White MTS.as we recently moved from the rat race of the valley.We have been following your story from your cancer now the heart attack,as I work for RTA Hospice up here I can with much convicition say, you sir have a gardian angel.Our prayers are with you and your family,and with your father. I honestly love what I do and would not change a thing.Over the past three years my husband suffered a heart attack as he worked in management at the Boeing Co. and I havce battled breast cancer,so far a survivor.Thus was our decision to move to the quiet of the north country and a slower pace on life.We gave up quanity for quality.
Do take care and we'll be praying for you.

Lloyd and Daleen Hatter
Vernon,Arizona

Posted by: Daleen Hatter at January 15, 2007 10:39 AM

This story is a blessing to read. Frank we have watched you for many years on tv. We are proud to see you share so openly of your life but more importantly your faith. The Lord most certainly has a plan for you. We are thankful that your life was spared and you are still with your family. We hold your family in our prayers. May your father and the rest of the family feel the Peace, Grace, Mercy and Love that you need.
Blessings,
John and Sheila Petersen
Prescott Arizona

Posted by: John and Sheila Petersen Prescott at January 15, 2007 12:01 PM

Dear Frank: I just want to say thank you for sharing your stories with us, your viewers. I`ve watched you since i moved to the valley many years ago. WE thank God than you went to the firestation,whether you drove yourself (SCARY) or had someone take you.
I also had to have a stent put in, with a 98% blockage. Only not under the same conditions. Please continue to take care of your health. Our prayers are with you and your family.

Posted by: jan trueblood at January 15, 2007 6:26 PM

Frank, I'm 52 and have never had the sufferings, or better yet the awakenings, that you have had. I need to get back into some walking and physical fitness, maybe running. Our company, Scottsdale State University is launching in March. If your interested I'd like to walk or run on any day. Maybe the Biltmore canal bank. I'm a certified rescue diver with NAUI, so if there is a problem I believe I am sufficient to help either of us. It's all good if you drink in the goodness of what we all have!

Tom Lopez

Posted by: Tom Lopez at January 15, 2007 6:32 PM

Frank, I am 57 and I have had two heart attacks, First in May of 2003 and the second in August 2005. I drove myself to the hospital in 2005 and was told that I had 2 to 3 hours to live when I got there (Scotts.Shea)I was 98% blocked on my right side and Have three stents on that side and two on the left from my first heart attack. God works in many ways and I am thankfull to be here. May God look upon you with grace and keep you always in his prayers.

Posted by: Rich Gamber at January 15, 2007 9:43 PM

Wow Frank. What a story. I laud you for stepping out and bringing God into this. Most people want to hold back...but you did not. God is happy about that you know. God also has a plan for you. That's why you are stil here. Make sure you fulfill Gods plan for you by meditating on his word and lots of prayer. Which I'm sure you've probably done a lot of since that day eh?

God Bless you my friend and take care of yourself. No more fatty foods!!!

Ross Tucker
www.rasvegas.com

Posted by: Ross Tucker at January 15, 2007 9:58 PM

Frank,
Like others, I have seen you for a long time on TV, and feel like we've grown up together because of it.

My very similar experience happened back in 1996, at the ripe old age of 41. I was referreing a soccer match one Saturday morning in December, and by noon I was having angioplasty at Thunderbird Sam.

Similarly, I saw no white lights, but man oh man did I think about my wife, standing at my bedside, and my two sons, then 12 and 16, and how I might have lost them that day.

It's sad that we get so caught up in our daily routines. I look back now and I think that I must have been so focused on everything else in my life, except for what really matters the most to me, that God decided it was time for me to wake up and smell the roses.

It's been a long ten years, filled with good and not so good times. Luck has been with me though, and even as I fight adult diabetes now, I know I will win. My wife, of 30 years this coming October, and both sons still help me to realize there is so much to live for.

I choose to remember that life isn't fair, but when I wake up in the morning I'm still thankful for the opportunity to be here with the ones I love. It will bee a good day!

I still plan on seeing you, my main newsman, everyday.

Posted by: Tony Ruiz at January 16, 2007 1:48 AM

Frank, God is definately watching over you! Reading your story and knowing all that you've been through just confirms that. My sister was in a horrific car accident 6 years ago. She was not expected to live and if she did, she would be in a vegetative state. No matter what the doctors say, God has the last say! She lived, and even volunteers at a charter school. God bless you & your family. Take care.

Posted by: Kathe Yates at January 16, 2007 9:18 AM

Frank,

I have watched you for years like the other emails before me. I'm a native of AZ. I think that you are a great news person and great example of faith to us all. I liked when you said, I believe God can communicate with us in anyway God chooses. That is so true he really does. I'm so glad that God chose to give you tomorrow. Lisa

Posted by: Lisa Ruesga at January 16, 2007 9:39 AM

Dear Mr. Comacho

I am a Natvie of Arizona, born and raised here in Phoenix.

I have had some bad health problems that has accured to me, but I pray to GOD, that He gives me strength, too bring strong for Him, my church, family, friends, and work.

Keep Serving Our Heavenly Father always.

My Prayers go out to your family and You.

Friends In Christ

Maria Hernandez
January 16,2007

Posted by: Maria Hernandez at January 16, 2007 9:47 AM

Dear Frank,

A mere 3 months ago my husband of almost 9 years celebrated his 45th birthday. 2 days after he experienced about the same "widow maker" as you have. He stated that it felt like someone was crushing his chest. Our 11 year old daughter and 15 year old son thank goodness were at home at the time of his heartattack. I was already at work for the day. My son was the one to call the paramedics and ultimately save my husband's life. I truely thought that I was going to be a widow before I could get from my work to the hospital. As it turned out my husband had to have 2 stints placed in the arteries around his heart. There wasn't a clogged artery but the arteries were to small to handle all the pressure from the heart itself. Today: he is back to work, taking life as it comes each day, making sure to take his meds, eat right and has started excerising more. He is more upbeat and not letting the daily stress of life get to him. I truely am thankful for my children being there and knowing what to do. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God always has a plan for us and I think he wants me to be a wife a little while longer instead of a widow.

Take care,

Bonnie Cowan

Posted by: Bonnie Cowan at January 16, 2007 12:33 PM

Thank you Frank, for posting this informative email. My husband suffered a Pulmonary Embellism in September and refused to let me call 911 when he stated he couldn't breathe and was in excruciating pain. He insisted it was just a pulled muscle. He did survive it, I'm happy to report and will not be so hesitant to seek medical help when he needs to. You are in my prayers, Frank.

Posted by: Janice Rogers at January 17, 2007 7:15 AM

Frank, like you I ahve a stent in the "widow maker" artery, like you i was and continued to be blessed. Count every day, enjoy them all. Take care

Posted by: Mike at January 17, 2007 11:41 AM

Holy Smokes, Frank, I never expected to be reading about you having a heart attack! Good thing you're okay!
Take care and be well.
Love,
Pam T.

Posted by: pam tighe at January 17, 2007 12:45 PM

Frank,

As an emergency room nurse, your story brought tears to my eyes. I've seen so many in your situation but have never heard or read the feelings they felt. Thank you for sharing your story. Hopefully it will save a life.

Ingrid McCarthy

Posted by: ingrid mccarthy at January 18, 2007 10:13 AM

You look very well on TV, I like you never thought of a heart attack, I thought I was having my 3rd bout with Valley Fever because I could not breath and I was tired, the last one put me in the hospital and out of work for a month, no way was I going thru that again, lucky for me the heart dr was stubborn and had me get a stress test, I failed and I went to the hospital the next day, not thinking I was going there for long, but thanks to your friend Jaime, I woke up to find that I had a quadrupal bypass. That was June 2005. I thank God for good friend and the little things like beging able to walk, talk and breath all at the same time. Aren't we lucky to have those wonderfull health care folks..........Amelia

Posted by: Amelia Velasquez at January 19, 2007 9:15 PM

Hi Mr. Camacho
This is a letter of encouragement and thanks for reconizing the grace and comfort of God. I being a triage nurse have talked to many patient, who in fact have denied the s/s of a heart attack. Simply it's a blow to their ego, and many have said "I'm healthy, why is this happening to me" and understand we live in a high stress world and stress plays a great role in the start of many disease. BUT what happeny to you is unusual and a miracle. You have a story of hope to tell for years to come. My prayer are with you for a long life, and I hope to continue to see you on 3tv news. Many blessing to you
Phyllis

Posted by: Phyllis at January 23, 2007 3:45 PM

Frank,

I read your blog a long time ago (shortly after your heart attack). Glad to see you back at work and looking good! Best of luck on your continued recovery.
Keep hanging in there.

-Jim

Posted by: Jim at March 10, 2007 5:30 PM

Frank,
Not only are you and your coworkers dealing with the loss of Scott and Jim, but I heard on the news that your father passed away. You are in our prayers and thoughts at this time in dealing with all of these losses. I don't know if you recognize the last name. Your twin daughters went to school at Nevitt with out middle daughter Teri Rynearson. I remember how nice and well mannered your twin girls were. Our Teri has been married for 10 years and have been blessed with a little girl named Kailey who is 2 1/2 years. Our oldest daughter, Jen has 3 children. Our youngest daughter, Heather and her husband just opened their Chiropractic business in Las Cruces, NM. They went to NMSU and graduated together and then our son-in-law, Ryan, went to Palmer Chiropractic and graduated this past February. Heather took courses at that same school to run the front and back end of the office.
Again, you and your family our in our thoughts and prayers at this time of your losses.

Elaine Rynearson

Posted by: Elaine Rynearson at August 1, 2007 3:12 PM

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