Bobby, heart attack survivor

‘When they told me I was having a heart attack, it was a big shock to me. I told my family I didn’t know I was a ticking time bomb.’

Bobby had no idea he was a heart attack waiting to happen. In fact, when that time came, he didn’t even realize he was actually having one.

Thanks to the quick thinking of the doctors at Norton Community Hospital and the quality care he received at Holston Valley Medical Center in Kingsport, Bobby is now back at work and preaching at his church.

Back in November, the 64-year-old from Coeburn, Virginia, had a spike in his blood pressure. He says he felt a “little funny,” so he went to the emergency department in Norton, Virginia.

Bobby had been active, mowing lawns, tending to gardens and chasing his young grandson around.

“The only reason I went was because of my blood pressure,” he says. “I didn’t have any pain or anything.”

After a battery of tests, the doctors in Norton decided to transport Bobby to Holston Valley Medical Center.

“Something wasn’t right,” he says.

As it turned out, he was having a heart attack.

“It kind of surprised me because I had no idea that I had a problem. When they told me I was having a heart attack, it was a big shock to me. I told my family I didn’t know I was a ticking time bomb.”

Doctors were able to stabilize Bobby, and the following day, a heart catheterization was done. It revealed some major blockages. He was told he was going to need open heart surgery.

When Bobby inquired about scheduling an appointment for the surgery, he was quickly told that wouldn’t be necessary. He wasn’t going to be allowed to leave the hospital before he had the operation.

“The bad news was I had those blockages,” he says. “But they told me the good news is I don’t have any heart damage.”

Two days later, Bobby underwent successful quadruple bypass surgery.

During his recovery, Bobby has been able to return to his day job as an outside salesman for a truck-parts store. He does have some restrictions, though. He’s not supposed to lift anything heavy. When he heads out to make a delivery, his co-workers load the truck and his customers at the other end unload it.

Getting back to preaching at Coeburn First Baptist Church has been especially gratifying, he says.

“It was emotional, I was in the pulpit and I shared with them what I had been through. They’ve been real supportive the whole way.”

Bobby says he was thrilled with the life-saving care he received at both hospitals.

“I had all good doctors and nurses at Norton Community Hospital and Holston Valley Medical Center, and they just took really good care of me. I think I got the best care possible. I would encourage anyone to go there. And if they feel anything out of the ordinary, go and have it checked because you never know what it might be.”

Bobby has used his close call to encourage family members and friends to check on their own heart health, especially since he was told his condition was hereditary.

“I have encouraged my brother to go have that cardiac calcium screening,” he says. “He went and had that. My wife is scheduled for February and I’ve encouraged a friend of mine and he’s scheduled for next month.”

When Bobby went in for a checkup in January, he was asked if he felt better. He thought back to the day this all began then said with a laugh, “Well, you know, I feel the same because I didn’t feel bad in the first place.”

Are you at risk for heart disease?

If you're at risk for heart disease or believe continual cardiac care may be right for you, you can learn more about Ballad Health's nationally-recognized cardiovascular services here.