Bob Finchum

[tommyc]

Hey everyone, not sure how many of you know, but Bob had a massive heart attack this past Tuesday, 9/25 at around 11:30 am. He was feeling a little down but we were not expecting a heart attack. He was working at the apartments, mowing, trimming hedges, etc. and I was there helping him. I went inside the apartment, and a little while later, he came in and said he was hot and needed to cool down (quickly). He laid down on the living room floor and I knew he was in trouble. He would not let me call an ambulance right away (this was a great mistake), so I made sure he had his nitro and he took one under his toungue. It was not long til he took another. At that point I told him we were going to the emergency room. He did not argue but wanted me to drive. We started out for Ft Sanders in Knox since that is where he had his last stent put in approx 8 weeks ago. Then he said, take me to Jeff City it is closer. I got scared and knew this was really serious. On the way to Jeff City, I had the foresite to call 911 at that point. They told me they would have an ambulance meet me and told me the name of a service station to stop to meet them at. It seemed like a long time, but probably within 5 minutes they arrived. They immediately put Bob on IV and did all the stuff they do. I answered questions from another paramedic. When I told them about his stent and that it was done at Ft Sanders and his Doctor's name was Dr. Ayers, they said they would take him to Ft. Sanders. I followed the ambulance all the way to Knoxville. When we got close to the hospital exit, I noticed the ambulance pulled off to the side of the interstate. I was not directly behind them and was not in the same lane, so I pulled off to the other side of the interstate. I sat there scared and praying, and crying. Then I knew I could do nothing, and went on to the Emergency room to wait for the outcome. When I arrived at the parking lot, I heard the ambulance and they were bring him in. I went in
and before I could say what I was there for, they asked if I was with the ambulance patient from Jeff County? I said yes and had to give them insurance info and info about Bob. They took me to a waiting area and said the ambulance had to stop because Bob's heart stopped beating. It took them 5 electric shocks to jump start his heart. Dr Ayers (Bob's doctor) happened to be "On Call" and was waiting at the emergency room door when Bob arrived. Dr. Ayers later told me they had his artery cleared within 15 min of his arrival. When he asked me the events that took place, he said the best thing I did was call 911. That was what saved his life.

It appears that the Plavix medicine (or lack of) Bob was on was what caused this problem. I say lack of, because, bob was scheduled for a biopsy of his prostrate since the level was slowing rising. The urologist said he could not be on any blood thinner such as plavix or asprin, etc. for 10 days prior. This was the 8th day and it appears the platlets in his blood, saw this new stent as a foreign object and attacked it completely blocking it off. This artery was the main one in the front of his heart. Bob was on a respirator for two days (that time he spent in intensive care). Then they moved him into Coronary Care for two days. It is amazing how much he improved in just those first two days. They had him so heavily sedated, he does not remember anything that happened.

[tommyc]

This is part of an email i got from Bobs wife earlier.........i hope he makes a full recovery as soon as possible.I was chatting to Bob in Vegas this year he dropped in for a few hours during the Ty.We became friends during the 2001 Vegas Ty.

He had told me of his previous heart attack and how he had been taking it easy since,please God Bob will be ok...Tommy

[kiwinurse]

Pleased to hear the outcome was so good Tommy,and that you were the guardian angel who saved him

[tommyc]

continue................. Then they moved him into Coronary Care for two days. It is amazing how much he improved in just those first two days. They had him so heavily sedated, he does not remember anything that happened. Gradually, the drugs began to wear off, he now realizies what happened to him. I have reminded him of his visitors, and the ones concerned that I advise d not to come at that time. We came home Saturday, 9/29/07, and resting. We just wanted to let you all know of his health, and he is reco-operating. I will keep you informed of his progress. We will discuss other options concerning the prostrate with his doctor in a few weeks. Right now, we want him to regain his health with his heart. Also, pray for him, as his throat is his main concern, for that is where his real pain is coming from. He is resting as I am sending this email. I have currently turned all my phones off except for my cell phone. This is the first peaceful rest I have seen him have since this all occurred.
I give the Lord all the praise, glory and honor in this episode of Bob's life. He truly guided everyone involved (including me) I love you all. (I failed to mention that I later found out that the paramedics in the ambulance, 2 women, were praised as the "BEST" in Jeff County by the nurses at Ft. Sanders. Coincedence? I don't think so. One of them came by to see him on Wednesday. Said she was in the neighborhood and wanted to see how he was doing. She looked like an angel.

My love to all, I will keep you informed.

Love in Christ,
Betty

[tommyc]

re Bob Finchum....here is Bettys email address if any one would like to send kind words of support to her,please do

b_finchum@bellsouth.net