Trusting Hearts

Trusting Hearts

The LORD is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. Psalm 28:7

Even at our small hospital, we’re aware of the latest medications and protocols. But implementing them can sometimes be an act of faith.

“My heart! My heart! Help me! Please help me!”

We heard the man enter the ER before we saw him. We immediately attended to him and could see that all his symptoms indicated an acute myocardial infarction. He was having a heart attack. A quick medical history revealed that he had high cholesterol, diabetes, hypertension, and a family history of heart disease. The EKG and blood work confirmed our diagnosis.

Tissue plasminogen activator antigen, or tPA, had just been approved as a treatment to bust up blood clots blocking the coronary arteries. But it came with the risk of causing immediate death from bleeding. And with the shot costing more than $2,000, any decision to use it would not be taken lightly.

This man seemed to be the perfect candidate, but he would also be the first person to receive this lifesaving drug in our small hospital. The cardiologist gave us the green light over the phone.

As we mixed the medication and began infusing it through his IV, I prayed that we were doing the right thing. The assembled medical staff collectively held our breath as we waited to see what would happen.

Within a few minutes, the man’s chest pain stopped, and we all began to breathe easier—including the patient. We repeated the EKG and could see improvement in blood flow. The treatment had worked. We celebrated with high fives.

Three days later, the cardiologist called back with his report. The patient had a 99 percent blockage of the left main artery. If we had sent him from our rural hospital to the main cardiology center in Nashville, he probably would have died on the way. According to the cardiologist, the tPA had saved this man’s life.

Remembering my prayers that night, I knew that God was the one who had truly saved the patient’s life. It brought me great joy to give the Great Physician a holy high five.

TODAY’S RX

Are there any blockages in your life that are choking out the living water? God has just the right answer at just the right time.

God, help me to seek you when it comes to making decisions. May I trust your judgment above my own and walk faithfully according to your will.