“I had a heart attack on holiday in Australia”

“My husband and I were at my daughter Natalie’s in Brisbane. We had started packing because we were going out the next day to see the koalas, which was going to be our last trip.  

I was very hot, even though the aircon was on. And I felt really tired.

I started getting a pain under my left breast. It felt like somebody had put a bullet in my chest. And my back was burning. It was like indigestion.  

It felt like someone had put a bullet in my chest

I went to bed, but in the middle of the night I got up.

The pain was not going away and so in the morning we decided to go straight to The Prince Charles Hospital, which is one of Australia’s leading cardiac centres.

I was numb. It was like watching a film – it wasn’t happening to me.

I had the operation five days later. But they said don’t worry you don’t have to pay as Australia’s agreement with the UK means the cost is covered.

The care was exceptional, the nurses were so kind and lovely.  

I had travel insurance, but that was a lot of hassle. The problem was that the consultant did not want me to go home for six weeks. But the insurance company wanted me to go home after 10 days.  

So, there was a conflict between them and I was in the middle. It was very stressful.  

They took me in quickly and I had an angiogram. Afterwards, the consultant came out and said, ‘you need a triple heart-bypass, you’ve had a heart attack’.   

After a heart attack you get very emotional. I think it suddenly hits you what's happened. I’d been on blood pressure tablets for a good few years.

Up until Covid-19, I’d had tests about once a year. But I was not contacted for about 20 months during the pandemic. I just thought I’d hear from them once they could fit me in.

• Find out what to do if your appointment or test is delayed

I did not feel unwell before we left. It’s a long trip, but we’ve been before and have been fine.   

I was even able to go and see the koalas before we flew home

Now, I just count my blessings because it could have been even worse. I could have been on the plane coming home when it happened.  

Luckily, I was even able to go and see the koalas before we flew home. I adore animals. Holding that beautiful creature was just amazing.   

I was really worried about going abroad again. But in December it’s our 50th wedding anniversary. So, we want to go away for that.  

But we're not going to do such a long, long holiday – not so far away. It’s not going to stop me. I’ll just be extra careful.” 

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