Well folks. I was asked to update by Soapy a while ago but decided to wait for the two year deadline. No specific reason, just seemed like a defining moment which we werent going to arrive at. Anyway, myself, Angie, n 3 kids arrived in Mackay on 3rd Sept 2006. After spending two weeks in a cramped caravan we were struggling for accomodation. This became so bad, we decided to leave for anywhere else. While buying a car big enough for our suitcases, the girl in the showroom told us about a house for rent. It wasn't ideal but it meant we could stay here. We paid 6 mth upfront and from day one, hated it. I dont think it fitted in with our vision of how it was going to all pan out. Anyway, I secured work without any problems but Angie was struggling with the whole situation. The main reason being, she didnt drive and the public transport system in Mackay leaves a lot to be desired. I was working 12 hour shifts and she was stuck at home. After taking the kids to school, she had too much time to think about home. After 4 months, we deciced to buy and found a lovely brick house in the district we were living, which was handy for the kids school.We moved in at the end of January 07 and Angie started to make the place feel like home. While settling into our new home, Angie started driving lessons and was doing great, when disaster struck at the beginning of March. After complaining of a sore throat for about a week, I went to the doc who would arrange for an appointment at the throat clinic. It was not to be as later that night, I went to use the toilet and collapsed in a heap after suffering a massive heart attack. Anj panicked and ran next door to fetch a neighbour who came in and gave me cpr. I had no pulse and according to Anj, was black in colour from the neck up. Karen (my neighbour) kept up the cpr while her brother spoke to emergency services who relayed information until the ambulance arrived about 10-15 minutes later. They kick started my heart after 8 (eight) attempts and took me to Mackay base hospital where I was put in a helicopter and taken to Townsville hospital. The cardiac unit in Mackay is not equipped to deal with patients with severe heart attacks for whatever reason. Anyway, they froze me to stablize my organs, (I think) and put me in a coma which I stayed in for 21 days, They gave me around a 3% chance of survival but theres nothing I like better than an underdog and being told I cant do something. I get that from my wee Irish dad who was as stubborn as hell. After stablizing me, they told Angie to inform my family in Scotland to basically get theirselves out here as quickly as they could. Being catholic, a local priest came in and gave me the last rights because in their opinion, I had no chance. They worked on me and operated on my heart but it was machines that were keeping me alive but at least they were trying. My brother and sisters arrived and stayed for two weeks while I lay there not knowing whether it was new year or new york. After one operation, the staff started removing the wires to see if I could stay alive unaided. I survived for about 4 hours then crashed. I think the term is flatlined when the machine just gives off a constant drone. They operated and called it a 5 times by-pass which basically meant that all my arteries had blocked and they had to take veins from my legs and put them in my heart. Now because I was in Townsville, which is about 5 hours drive from Mackay, Angie and the kids moved there as well and lived in holiday chalets. With my brothers and sisters over from Scotland, at least there was someone to drive and not rely on taxis.

What a nightmare start. ( to make an understatement )
That must of been so tough on Angie and your family. It's good to hear you were in that 3%. Hope that all is well now
It must of been difficult to write that post.

I remember Angie's post on your condition as if it were yesterday.

PS Put this in paragraphs for ease of reading.

I remember Angies post too and how relieved everyone was that you rose from the dead Framac

McLazarus.

I too remember & man what an awfull time for you & those around you .

good to see you still with us & we await part 2

Wow what a start! Looking forward to part 2 xx

I too remember this
I'm just so glad you are here to tell us the story.
Look forward to part 2.
J x

Glad you lived to tell us the tale... looking forward to part 2
Hope its all going well.

OK drama queen, don't keep us hangin' too long!

I remember reading the post from your wife ...thankfully your still with us and sounds like your fighting fit! Can't wait for part 2 of your update.

Gillian

I feel like I'm flatlining just waiting for part 2 !! come on man !!!

Oh my gosh. Great reading - Hurry up with Part 2!!

I never normally read these posts and I don't know you but I am waiting for part 2 c'mon.................. I think we are all waiting!

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jesus , what a nightmare.