Kevin

Heart attack

Chest pain leads to bypass surgery

At 74, Kevin experienced a heart attack that reshaped his view on life. Thanks to quick medical action and a resilient mindset, he's now returned to his beloved family, hobbies, and Toastmasters community.

Kevin has always led an active and fulfilling life. A longtime member of Toastmasters, the public speaking organisation he’s been a member of for 30 years, Kevin is a familiar face in his community.  

“I’ve dedicated much of my time to helping others find their voices and build confidence,” he says. “But before that I was a pretty successful estate agent.” 

With an identical twin and a large, close-knit family, Kevin spends plenty of time with his grandkids, sharing stories from his days as a champion tenpin bowler, estate agent and flight attendant. 

“I was the New Zealand champion for a few grades when I was younger,” he says. “A lot younger.” 

Life-changing heart event

One evening after dinner, Kevin experienced sudden chest pain and decided to seek medical attention.  

“I was at home, and at first I thought it was acid reflux,” he recalls. “As that’s something I’ve experienced before. But this was actually way worse. Beyond a ten out of ten pain. 

“The pain in my chest was more like 150,” he says, “and it felt like a guillotine was cutting into me while in the left arm it felt like a continuous lightning bolt and on a scale, it was over 200.” 

Kevin had been relaxing but now he was concerned about this intense, unfamiliar pain.  

“It was a pain I’d never felt before,” he recalls. Initially, he hesitated to call for an ambulance, wondering if someone else might need it more urgently.  

“It was all because of Dean, a previous neighbour,” he says. “He had gone missing and I found out he had unfortunately died from a heart attack.” 

The past experience made Kevin realise that he couldn’t wait any longer. After trying to manage the discomfort on his own, he made the 111 call.  

“As soon as I described the pain, they told me to unlock the door, lie down, and wait.” 

Within 8 minutes, first responder arrived. Then the ambulance came 2 minutes later. Kevin remembers how they assessed him, and administered aspirin, among other things, that eventually calmed him down. 

Auckland hospital stay

“The paramedics immediately saw the urgency of the situation and were on the phone to Auckland hospital straight away,” says Kevin. “And they said, ‘Bring him into surgery right now.’ So, I was put in the ambulance and rushed to surgery.” 

Kevin had a few initial tests, an x-ray and an angiogram and was then interviewed by a doctor and anaesthetist. 

“So, after all that they put a stent in, to free up a blockage in the arteries around my heart,” he says. “Then they took me down to a private room, and I spent a while there recovering. Each day they would come and talk to me, and eventually they said they were going to send me home in a couple of days and then get me back in probably six or eight weeks and do some more stents.” 

This was a situation that Kevin hoped to avoid. 

“I understood that there were more blockages there, and stenting was one option, but I turned to them, and I said, ‘No, I don't want any more stents. I'd like a bypass instead.” 

The doctors were surprised by Kevin’s request, as stents are a much less invasive procedure and quicker to do. 

“They kept coming back and I kept giving them the same answer,” he says. “I pushed for a bypass, and I did in the end get a triple bypass. They took a blood vessel from my leg and inserted it into my chest.”

Outer body experience

After his surgery, Kevin had an unusual experience, which could be described as an “outer body event.”  

Floating above his bed and disconnected from the usual sensations of his body, he felt oddly detached but aware.  

“It was unbelievable,” he remembers. “I thought, ‘What’s going on?’ I was literally floating above my body and then I started pulling some of the cords away from me, and I felt like I was yelling out. And then the next minute I hopped out of bed and moved the contraptions, then I fell to the floor screaming.” 

Kevin had been sure that it was real and perhaps it had saved his life as he became conscious again. 

“The moment I hit the floor, 14 staff were standing over me, and they were so confused,” he says. “I was just still worried that I was flying over the ground! It's hard to explain and hard for people to believe, but they saw it and they couldn't believe it.” 

Medical staff explained it as a rare post-operative response, but for Kevin, it was a moment that highlighted the significance of his recovery journey and the importance of ongoing care.  

Recovery and support

Back at home, Kevin was determined to recover.  

“They said it could take two years, but I’m already back to my old self,” he says proudly. As he was used to a high level of activity and always found ways to stay active, Kevin began going for regular walks and going to the gym, spending quality time with his grandkids after only a short time. Although he’s had to give up some of his more intense pastimes, he’s grateful for the things he can still enjoy. 

For Kevin, the support of his family and the staff at the hospital were key to his recovery.  

“I was amazed at the level of care. The doctors, nurses, and even the cleaners were wonderful, yet some patients were still unhappy with their food or service. It shocked me,” he admits. Kevin wanted to express his gratitude to all those who looked after him during his time in care, acknowledging their dedication and kindness. 

Kevin’s attitude toward life is rooted in gratitude, a perspective he’s nurtured through decades at Toastmasters. He also contributes to Neighbourhood Support Auckland and helps the Salvation Army.  

“I believe we’re here to touch others’ lives. And experience the good that it does us. It’s about people; it has to be. By touching others’ lives our own lives are richer.” 

Kevin now urges others to prioritise their health and not brush off any potential warning signs.  

“If you feel pain across your chest, don’t hesitate—call an ambulance. The healthcare team would much rather help you right away than see you in worse shape later,” he advises. His experience has left him more committed than ever to living a full life and encouraging others to embrace every moment.