Testimonies

Heart attack at 55: A healing experience

by jay supetran
11/28/18
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Exodus 15:26 – I am the Lord who heals you.

I stared at the laptop screen speechless. The things I have read are symptoms of a heart attack and I felt them all – chest pain, numbness of my left arm, searing pain on my neck and jaw and cold sweat!  I was rushed to a clinic near our office and while I was waiting for the doctor to come, I prayed for God to save my life.

A doctor attended to me after my vital signs were taken.  I was given a small tablet and instructed to place it under my tongue.  After several minutes the symptoms subsided, but I still felt weak. Two tests were immediately done – electrocardiogram and 2D echo. From the results the doctor informed me that my heart was deprived of oxygen due to the constriction of one of my blood vessels. I was given several medicines and was told to come back after a day to talk with the cardiologist.

Back in the office, I was pondering what caused my heart attack. I am 55 years old and in top shape. My blood pressure is normal, and I have not experienced high blood pressure until the attack. I have been diagnosed with diabetes since I was forty years old, and I am careful with my food, and I go to the gym to exercise. I am not usually stressed with work and I work well with my co-workers. My previous annual physical examination showed a healthy body except for the high sugar. From my perspective, I am healthy and the heart attack came as a surprise.

The experience pressed me to examine my life. Am I ready to leave my life on earth and am I ready to meet God? These questions flashed and I groped for answers. I am not afraid of death but I am not certain if I am ready to die. My wife rushed to the office and seeing her so worried and anxious about me made me realized I am not living alone and on my own. I have loved ones who are concerned about me too.  

I informed my immediate family members, some close friends and co-workers about what happened to me. Prayers were offered for my fast recovery, and it was heartwarming to know my friends praying for me. I teased them saying that one of the best things about what happened to me was that they were ‘forced’ to pray again!  Yes, during difficult times, we remember God.

Now I am recuperating and undergoing medication. I slowed down a bit and do not pressure myself with strenuous or stressful work. I believe God is calling my attention and so I continue to pray to seek His will and align my priorities with what He want me to do.  I also consider my experience  as a reminder to other people. We may have all the things we need in this world, but we should also be ready when God takes away these things, even our lives.