David Fox's Fundraising Page

Onehunga Half Marathon May 2009

Monday was like any other. Monday 24th September 2007 and my life was about to take a dramatic change.

Tuesday was like no other. Tuesday 25th September 2007 was almost end of life for me… I am pleased to say the emphasis is on the word "almost".

This is my story of the events that changed my life changed for the better :-)

I woke on that Monday morning feeling rather grotty, chilled to the bone so much so that I was looking for socks to put on before I got out of bed and yet I was aware that I was sweating profusely “Damn” I thought, “here comes the flu!” It was only the fact that my car was booked in for a service that got me out of bed (I didn't want to inconvenience my mechanic). After dropping it off the sequence of events that followed left me in no doubt someone was watching over me that day

Walking along on a beautiful crisp Auckland morning I became more aware that I was continuing to sweat profusely and of a growing discomfort in the chest - I will not use the word pain as to me it was not painful, discomfort will do. I knew something was very wrong and I began to look for somewhere to sit down. I was also looking for a rubbish bin as I was feeling increasingly nauseas. Thankfully I was on Pitt Street in Auckland and there is a Fire Station with an Ambulance Depot directly opposite I struggled up to the Fire Station and banged on the window. I got the Chiefs attention and asked if there was somewhere I could sit down - I was told in the politest of ways to “Bugger off over there (pointing across to St John's) they are better suited to look after you” and essentially got assisted across the road with a size 13 boot up my backside

I will never forget the look on Brian the paramedics face as I walked up and said “Excuse me, I feel like shit – can I sit down for a minute”. He was completing the morning check of the Rapid Response vehicle and followed me inside the depot 30 seconds later. As I sat down I took off my jumper and began unbuttoning my shirt in an attempt to cool down a bit. The staff in the depot were quite shocked to witness what was happening in their waiting room, I was very happy to be there though. Within a few minutes the ECG was completed and while there were no major indications an ambulance was called and very soon after I was on my way to Auckland Hospital. No siren though :-(

I was absolutely blown away with the care I received in the Emergency Department. A constant stream of doctors and nurses were quietly checking up on me, making sure I was comfortable, or just simply smiling or waving as they passed whilst seeing to other patients. The decision was made to keep me in overnight for further observation and testing. My family is from the north of England and the south of Scotland and I am afraid it is in the genes people from that part of the world have propensity for heart disease.

I remained in ED for 24 hours and there are two things I will never forget

Sean, the paramedic from St John's who looked after me when I was in the Ambulance was in and out of the hospital many times that day. Each time he passed he stopped and poked his head in (always with a big smile) and had a chat for a minute inquiring as to how I was.

Secondly, a workmate Charl came to see me twice that day Little did either of them know that apart from the medical staff and my family they were very nearly the last people that I saw and spoke to

Little do we realise what difference a simple Hello or a few words can make and how a simple Hello or a few words can also never be forgotten.

13:30 Tuesday afternoon was when things started to get interesting I was taken to do the treadmill test (I was very happy to do this as afterwards I would be allowed to go home – as long as everything went well – and it meant I got away from a less than exciting (but oh-so nourishing) chicken and lettuce sandwich lunch – the emphasis was on the word lettuce. I had foolishly been hoping for a couple of steak and cheese pies

The treadmill went just fine, I was finishing the final stage and my feet were slapping onto the tread (I didn't have my trainers with me), but I was starting to struggle for breathe and balance. My legs were going full speed walk almost running speed. I had one doctor to my left with my arm outstretched and a stethoscope listening to my heart beat whilst my right arm was hanging on to the support rail of the treadmill as it was angled up very steep and I was relaying how I felt to another doctor on my right.

The first hint of what was about to unfold was when I lost my vision for a few seconds. The doctors were quite alarmed but I wasnt as I was getting a bit tired of looking at the 1970's Air New Zealand promotional picture of Mt. Cook :-)

I got myself under control and was able to walk over and sit myself on the bed opposite (with a couple of helping hands either side). I wasnt consiously looking at the doctors but I do recall seeing concern in their faces in my peripheral vision (yes us males do have that – we just don't admit to it) I raised my hands looking at my palms and advised the doctors that I could feel tingling in my finger-tips and, a few seconds later, also in my toes. Then I was overcome with the feeling of, and vision of, 1-inch long white needles of light streaming through me from left to right as fast as you can imagine from my waist-line to exactly the bottom of my neck. I told the doctors this and I will never forget being told “David, you are having a heart-attack” - I responded with “Thank You, I had kind-of figured that out for myself”.

The next thing I heard was one of the doctors on the phone clearly communicating a “Code Red” situation and to prep a theatre. The other doctor had a good grip on my right arm. I did something absolutely, amazingly sensible next - I turned to the doctor on my right and I said “I need to keep calm and this room will be full of people soon, I am going to close my eyes and just listen to your voice for instruction” I will never forget the looks on their faces nor their professionalism of their actions during all of this.

Bang, Crash, Kapow!!! It wasn't Batman, in came a theatre gurney at F1 speed – and what seemed like about a dozen pit-crew/medics in their “designer” bluewear gowns - NICE! Then came the next funny little moment I had to get from the hospital bed onto the theatre gurney but things were a bit muddled for me, I didn't have the ability I was asked “David, do you mind if we pick you up and throw you onto the gurney?” I recall laughing and replied “Not at all, go for it”. Once on the gurney I was reversed into the same corridor I had walked down only 20 minutes earlier.

We sped through ED and I can recall the look of shock on one of the nurses faces who I had been joking with just a little earlier – I am pleased I was able to smile and give her a breif wave as we passed; she looked happier with that. For the record, it is just like on TV you are lying on the gurney and the flourescent lights are whizzing passed overhead – it is funny what you remember. Funny moment number 67,345 unlike on TV the automatic doors do NOT automatically open. As you speed along one of the medics punches large green mushroom-like buttons but for me, all the way to theatre, only one of the twin doors was opening and we were bang-crashing our way into and through the other :-) It was suggested I should move my right foot and I replied “Sure, the last thing I need is a broken toe-nail as well”. (We all enjoyed a damned good laugh for the rest of the trip to the theatre).

Once in theatre we had to go through the advisory and consent process. The surgeon was marvellous explaining what had happened and what was about to happen to me. I found the consent process rather funny as I wasn't in any position to suggest an alternative, I also found it rather funny that there could be a complication to the procedure – death. I advised I wasn't keen on that particular complication and that I was very comfortable in the knowledge that for him (and the assisting nurse) this was as routine as changing the oil in an engine and with smiles all round the operation to insert a stent in my artery began – I can confirm that a stent does not set off the metal detector at the airport. I was fascinated by all the plasma screens in the theatre and was told to keep my head still as I was craning my neck to see what was going on. I apologised saying “ Ooopps, I'm sorry, I was just watching the screens, I figure I may as well because if you make a mistake it will be the last bit of decent TV I get to see..” The operation had to stop for 30 seconds as we all composed ourselves after yet another damned good laugh.

There came a point in time when the seriousness of my predictament hit me and at that moment my eyes instantly filled with tears. It was a very private moment for me, all I could visualize was my profile standing in an extremely bright doorway and to my right there was an old-style light switch. I had a choice to make either flick the switch, turn the lights off and go through with absolutely no possibly of turning back OR stop, pull myself together and make a stand. I distinctly remember thinking to myself “Damn it, this is not fair – there is so much I want to do – I am not going anywhere!” With that my choice was made – I asked the nurse to sponge my eyes as the salty tears were stinging (I didn't want to move my head again) and then it was over – the operation that is, not me.

The next thing I knew I was being wheeled into my room in the Cardiac Care Unit - it was all a bit hazy but I recall thinking how nice it was to be there :-)

Shortly after being hooked up to all the wires, monitors and drips I was invited to relax and get comfortable which was very easy for the nurse to say as I lay there stretched in what seemed every direction. I figured her sense of humour was even worse than my own and that of some of my work colleagues - BRILLIANT.

It was very moving when my parents arrived, seeing their boy in recovery was a bit of a shock (they were expecting to take me home just a few hours earlier…) I reassurred them that I was OK and put on a brave face - it was the best thing in the world to see them.

I can not praise the team that were on duty that week in CCU enough. Every single person was an absolute god-send to me, particularly the nurse who was on the night-shift on that Monday 25th. I must have pushed for assistance at least two dozen times - she was very patient and understanding… and I know I would have pushed her close to her limit (but she hung in there). That night was spent awake - I could not sleep… I could say it was because of the wires, monitors and drips but if the truth be told I simply could not sleep as I was to scared to close my eyes - I did not think I would wake up.

I was very thankful to receive a phone-call from my cousin Trevor from Edinburgh in those early hours of Tuesday 26 September. I was also very thankful to have the drip removed from my arm - somehow I had managed to bend the needle almost into a u-shape. No wonder my forearm had swollen up like PopEye's and no wonder I was so uncomfortable.

I was very, very tired on Tuesday 26 September when I first met my future cardiologist Dr Chris Ellis and his team of colleagues. Amazing. That is one of two word's I will use to describe him and them. Calm, collected, thoughtful could also be used but Inspirational is my second word of choice. My ability to tell bad jokes was not affected in any way by this unexpected turn of events… in fact some of my colleagues may attest it has only accentuated my at times purely intentionally awful puns. Dr Ellis did not escape my presence without laughing loudly (as did his colleagues)… he was mightly impressed when I answered one of his questions with "I am proud to say I am a non-smoker - I have given up". "Fantastic, when did you give up?" he responded… I answered "Last Friday" (remember this was the following Tuesday) and then I told him… "Quite frankly Doctor, I enjoyed better health when I was a smoker" That line had us all laughing loudly… he reassured me that was probably not the case and I should remain strong and focused and I was now in better condition that 48 hours earlier. To hear those words, and to KNOW they were genuine, was enough for me. Off they went on their rounds, I was left looking forward to seeing them again later that day and with that I turned to my Mother (who had been at my side since dawn) and said "I can sleep now…" The next thing I knew it was 4PM and when I woke my Father was there too. Cool.

For the next 48 hours I totally forgot about all material posessions… my thoughts were full of my Family, my Friends and my Work Colleagues… Nothing else mattered. I distinctly remember waking on a following morning and thinking WOW, I have a wonderful home and a couple of nice cars on the driveway - and with that my trusty cell-phone to the rescue and I arranged to have my cherished car magazines brought in. Normal life was resuming - I blame my passion for all things automotive on my parents and my Aunty Grace… those matchbox cars at age two had a big influence on me… and me watching my Father polish his cars when I was a youngster. Some things will never change :-) Some things should never change.

It was a great feeling to be discharged on the following Friday afternoon. I was amazed at how vivid the colours of the sky and trees and flowers were - and how loud the car's were (and the tui's) - a new appreciation of life had begun.

Well if the heart event didn't get me, the bloomin' All Blacks almost did… they lost to France in the World Cup 1/4 final the very next day and almost broke my heart again… escargot is definitely not on my list of heart-healthy food :-) but All Blacks were forgiven instantly France simply played better DAMN THEM!!! :-)

The path to recovery was slow and steady and full of challenges. The first challenge was to get from my bed to the shower etc. and back without incident… I politely declined all offers to assist but simply asked they listen for a thud (which thankfully did not happen). I wanted to retain my dignity at the very least.

Walking around my lounge and kitchen became my next challenge and whilst doing these I discovered new forms of exercise - tea making, meal making, dishes - all very exciting stuff… no clothe washing though - that was too heavy.

The great outdoors beckoned and soon I found myself trekking all the way to my letterbox and back - it is a bugger when you are only allowed to walk on the flat and you live at the bottom of a steep hill. Not to be out done, my Father became chaffeur and soon found himself driving me and my Mother up the street so I could walk back - supervised and DOWNHILL you see :-) I was supposed to do 15 minutes on the flat, so I did 30 minutes downhill… all very controlled and calculated exercise ( no cheating that would be silly ), always challenging myself within my personal limits.

I had signed up for both the St Andrews and Greenlane Rehabilitation Clinic programs which were absolutely amazing and very, very worthwhile - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. The dietary , the pharmaceutical , the exercise and the lifestyle advice - INVALUABLE.

Once I got the Go, go, go!!! from my GP ( OK it was a go cautiously ) I was away pounding the streets around my neighborhood, around Auckland, around
Australia… one step at a time.

According to my pedometer I am now up to 4,410,073 steps covering 3,645.6 kilometres… there will be another 7,000 steps and 5 kilometres tonight. So that's 1 step towards heart health for every New Zealander COOL - plus a few more towards the next goal… my ultimate goal is to try and raise 1 dollar for every New Zealander hence the magic $4 million target :-)

To complement the walking (despite what many people say, us humans were not really designed for running) I attend the gym 3 times a week. This is building upon the program layed out for me at the Greenlane Rehabilitation Clinic. From the word go I have stuck to the program religiously, there have been very careful increases in weights, and in the number of repititions. I can not afford to overcook myself so it is all about controlled, considered exercise… slowly building up fitness and stamina - I definitely get value for money from my annual fees. I attend Les Mills in New Lynn, Auckland and I must thank the friendly staff (especially Lisa and Fabio) and the regulars who provide a great deal of inspiration and support to me. All that cycling, dumb-bell curling, ab excercises, bench press and my favorite rowing are making a difference - well I think so anyway :-)

I will never forget my final 3 month check-up (my WOF) with Dr Ellis… I do not think he was quite expecting me to bring in my pedometer and laptop with graphs showing the speed, duration, calories burnt etc. of every walk I had been on since 2007.

I will never forget his look of sheer delight at my final test results - it was very touching. There is a portion of my heart that is dead HOWEVER I have retrained my heart to compensate for this, the resulting improvement in my health and well-being is clearly evident. While I put in the personal effort I can only thank our magnificent medical professionals… and the best way to thank them was to listen and make the most of all new opportunities :-)

A major factor in my recovery (which has been described as spectacular by Dr Ellis) was (and remains) the unwavering support I received (and continue to receive) from my employer CallPlus / Slingshot. As soon as the word got out regarding my event the messages of support began flooding in. From the lofty hieghts of the CTO, from the HR Director, from the Management Team, from the lovely lovely lovely lady who pays my wages whispering "it is very nice to have you back foxy", from the Project Manager who initially would not let me move an empty cardboard box - she may have the patience of a saint but definitely NOT the singing voice of an angel. The caring watchful help through my work day (and beyond) was appreciated far more than I can ever describe… We all spend a huge portion of our adult life at work - I am truely blessed to have a job than I enjoy, to have fantastic work colleagues and to have an employer of this calibre. Unsuprisingly I have seen them extend the same level of support to other staff members recently - to all staff I say "Thank You".

It was not all roses - there were days and evenings when tiredness and anxiety took over. There were times early on when I was thankful to step out of the shower and thought to myself "That's great, if I go now that is fine, I will be nice and clean".

There were times when I just shook with fear, there were times when I cried myself to sleep. There were people who let me down badly, very badly BUT an event like this makes you steel yourself. For me it became easy to identify and eliminate the negative in my life and focus on the positive…

The positives WOW Just a snippit of insight… I am so fortunate to have two mates who went from being best mates to being like brothers to me - Mark in Auckland and Sean in Christchurch now Wellington. I can remember leaving messages in my distressed tired voice on that very night when I was in CCU recovery and I can remember their shocked returned calls and I will never forget what they have done for me in the last few years and I will never forget what we have done together since then.

Life is for living and that is exactly what we do. I never have a bad day now - never.

I have been to the Formula 1 and that is quite something I tell you (much better than matchbox cars)… and I am going back… maybe Melbourne, maybe Singapore, maybe every track on the circuit. If any of the Formula 1 Teams read this I am in the best health of my life now and willing and available to crew at any time (I am also available simply to attend and add a little glamour to the event) and I have a couple of bro's ready to carry the duty-free…

**12 January 2010 UNDER CONSTRUCTION - WATCH THIS SPACE**



COMPLETED EVENTS:

Auckland Round The Bays February 2008

Auckland Half-Marathon Walk November 2008

Auckland Cathay Pacific Half-Marathon Walk February 2009

Auckland Round The Bays February 2009

Onehunga Half-Marathon Walk May 2009

Gold Coast, Australia Half-Marathon Walk 5 July 2009

Onehunga Half-Marathon Walk 27 September 2009

Auckland Half-Marathon Walk 1 November 2009

ADRA Charity Half-Marathon Walk 29 November 2009

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Cathay Pacific Half-Marathon Walk 22 February 2010

Pan-Pacific Masters Championships Gold Coast, Australia 2010

London Olympic Games 20km Race Walk 2012

*** I am determined to compete in and complete this event I will finish last - but not dead last. Look out "Eddie the Eagle" - "The Flying Fox" is here! ***

Please help me as I join the race to beat heart disease.

I've signed up as a Heart Racer to raise money to support The National Heart Foundation of New Zealand. By donating through my webpage you will be helping the Heart Foundation continue its vital work in research, cardiac rehabilitation, education programmes and resources.

I'll do all the hard work (train for and complete the event), but I really need you to make a difference to the hearts of New Zealanders.

So, please could you sponsor me?

Select the "Make a donation" button below. It’s simple, fast and totally secure and the money goes directly to the Heart Foundation’s bank account.

If you live in New Zealand your donation is tax deductible and a receipt will be issued.

So please help me today! And pass it on to your family and friends!

Many thanks for your support