I could sense the doctor was afraid. I suppose I got a glimpse into the psychic sense that dogs have. Our four legged friends feel or smell fear – don’t they? The doctor looked and acted confident but I knew he wished he wasn’t standing above me. He wished someone else was in his place.
After saying that he needed to act fast, the Doctor proceeded to put a drug into the needle port placed on the top of my hand. At the last minute he pulled back and said, ‘let me check something.’ The doctor started checking my pulse on my legs, under my knees, on my wrist. He then said, hold on and walked out.
I could see the drug on the counter. I was in so much discomfort that I just wanted him to inject it. Without knowing what was going on I Knew (with a capital K) that that drug was going to either help me or perhaps kill me.
After having my heart beat at 233 beats per minute for two hours I was getting ready to give up.
My heart felt as if it was being squeezed and my back and neck felt like they were twisted into a knot that was going to explode.
But lets back up 2 1/2 hours.
Or – watch Simon’s take on things first and then read my thoughts below…
I was on our boat attached to a mooring ball off the beautiful deserted Sandy Island in Cariaccou. The sun was shining, the sea was a deep beautiful blue and the air was warm yet fresh. My husband, daughter, friend and I were going to go snorkeling. Just before we left I wanted to mend our Bimini – the sun cover that goes over the cockpit. It had recently come apart at the seems and was an easy fix.
After hand-sewing part of the Bimini I used the sewing machine to finish it off. We were videoing the task for a future YouTube video. Half way through the task my heart started to race. I sat back, took a couple deep breaths and told our friend, Andrew, ‘Wow – my heart just started racing. That’s weird.’
As soon as it started it was over. I went back to sewing the Bimini and finished it up. Before getting out of my chair, my heart once again started racing. I told Andrew and my husband that I had to lay down.
Our daughter came back with me and kissed my forehead.
After a few minutes I realized that there was a problem. In my mind I started my emergency plan that I would do if I had to take care of a casualty. I told Simon to make a note of when it started. I then told him exactly what I had eaten and when (Three slices of banana bread with cream cheese an hour previously and a big glass of water). I also explained that I’ve had no drugs – no Advil or any aspirin or anything. Having an inclination that I might not be able to talk at some point I felt it necessary to get out as many relevant details as possible.
You can’t get more type A than I am – eh?!
Anyhoo, I asked Simon to call emergency services and told him where the number was located. I knew I was going to have to muster my strength, of which it was all gone, to get up on deck and into the dinghy.
I thought that I couldn’t be having an heart attach – I’m still conscious. I just seemed to have a racing heart and it was getting more and more uncomfortable. I felt the need to get help immediately.
Paradise Beach. Britican is on a ball in the background. This is where the Ambulance was to meet us.
Simon called the hospital and told them that we needed an ambulance to pick me up at Paradise Beach – the closest beach to the boat.
Dragging myself up the stairs, across the cockpit and to the back of our boat I fell into the dinghy. Simon, Andrew and Sienna held me up and we raced over to the beach. By the time we got to the beach my legs and arms stopped working. They curled up as if I was having a fit. I did my best not to let Sienna see them. Andrew and Simon carried me to a bench were I laid down on a bench with my feet up.
I kept thinking that as soon as the ambulance arrived they’d be able to do something – they must have some sort of drug to stop my heart from racing. I just had to hold on for a little bit longer.
When we got to the beach the ambulance was not there. My daughter was holding my head, Andrew was holding my hand and Simon was searching for the Ambulance. With a smile on my face I told Sienna that I’d be just fine and then said, ‘let’s think of things that make us happy.’ I then said let me tell you all the people I love as that makes me happy – I started reeling off the names of everyone that came into my head.
We waited around 10 minutes and the ambulance hadn’t made it yet.
One of the local fellows got me into his jeep to take me to the hospital. The driver seat was laid back down into the backseat – many guys drive that way in the Caribbean. I remember making the decision that I’d put my head on the other side and rest my feet under the driver side seat. Otherwise, I would have had my head next to the driver’s head! Everyone around was amazingly helpful. I remember that I kept thanking people.
On the Island of Carriacou there’s only a few roads and none of them are very smooth. We bumped around as he beeped his way through the minor traffic. As soon as we saw the ambulance he beeped and yelled out. We all pulled over and they transferred me over.
Andrew kept Sienna back wth him and they returned to the boat. Simon was with me.
Once in the ambulance I realized that there wasn’t going to be any drugs to help me. It was a hollow-ed out ambulance. It looked like an ambulance but it was empty. They did have oxygen and gave that to me.
I didn’t really need any drugs at that point. I was distracted by the fact that I had to use all my might to hold onto the bed so to not get thrown off over all the bumps in the road. I actually thought it was quite funny. Here I am in a situation where I might be dyeing and I’m laughing about my ambulance ride.
When I wasn’t bumping around, to keep my mind positive I thought of my daughter, my family and all my friends. I just cycled through them all imagining them smile at me. I felt no urge to tell anyone anything other than, ‘I love you.’ Simon tried to tell me to stop talking as if I was dying but I eventually told him to shut-up and listen. All I had to say was to tell everyone ‘I love them’.
That was it. There was no other message to give.
I then thought, If I live how will I change my life. I cycled through various options – we could stop sailing, move to Florida, I could learn to be a Yoga Guru…and I eventually realized that I didn’t feel the desire to change anything.
I felt the need to say to God, ‘If you let me live I’ll do XYZ…but I couldn’t think of anything I’d do.’ I’ve been in storms before thinking, ‘God, if you let me get to the harbor safely I’ll be a kinder person.’ This situation was different.
My life is fine the way it is. I am fine the way I am. If it was time to go, I was okay with that. I wasn’t scared.
Knowing we were climbing higher and higher I knew that the hospital was close. One month previous we did a tour of Cariaccou and the hospital was on the tour. Can you believe that I said, ‘If I ever get sick I want to come here because it has the most lovely view of St Vincent & The Grenadines.’? Can you believe that? Yeah – be careful of what you ask for!
And then I felt my heart squeezing and thought…just hold out for a few more minutes.
The hospital will have some way of slowing my heart down.
The paramedics pulled me out of the ambulance and put me in a wheel chair. I saw the view. I smiled and thought – perhaps that’s my last beautiful view on planet earth. If it is – what a great view. I cried a bit but I can’t say if it was because the view was so amazing or if I was sad to leave.
Eventually, I was put on a bed in a room with one other bed and curtain separating the two. The nurses had to kick someone out and I said sorry to him as he was wheeled out of the ER (if it was the ER). The hospital probably has room for a total of 10 beds and there’s probably not a proper ER room… The island of Carriacou has the population of around 10,000 people – that’s it.
As I laid on the table the first the nurse did was to hook up to the EKG. I wanted to tell them to just listen to my heart race and give me something, but I was patient. Everything seemed to take forever. The doctor came in and read the EKG and said, ‘This may seem crazy but you might be having a heart attack.’
I assumed that heart attacks happened fast and you either lived or died.
I didn’t think they carried on for hours. The doctor had to call a higher doctor to discuss what to do. Meanwhile the nurses gave me some pills and put a needle port into my hand.
The doctor asked Simon, ‘Do you have health insurance’ and he said, ‘no.’ And then added, but we have money to cover whatever this costs.
I looked up at the ceiling and watched two spiders walk across the whole length of it. My mind was relatively blank.
Simon and I had quite a bit of time just sitting there. My whole body was pulsing up and down at such a rapid rate. I tried my best to take deep breaths but I was panting – It’s not that I couldn’t breath…it’s that my chest hurt so bad it felt better not to breathe at all.
I asked Simon if he had a phone as I wanted to call my mom, step-dad, dad and brother.
My plan was to not tell them what was happening but to just say, ‘Hey – I love you guys.’ We didn’t have a phone. Instead of getting upset I thought – ‘just go with the flow. Things are the way they’re suppose to be.’
I also had a sense of a group of people all in a circle looking down on me. They didn’t say anything – they were very peaceful and I felt that they were there just for support. I’m not sure if I believe in spirt guides or whatever you want to call them but I felt very calm and I felt as if there was some sort of kind and loving presence looking over me.
The doctor wanted me to go down to the town to get an X-ray to eliminate a blockage. Depending on the results he would be able to give me one drug or another. Come to find out the x-ray office was shut. I was somewhat thankful – I didn’t want to take another ride in the ambulance. I just wanted my heart to slow down.
Time was running out – he had to give me a drug.
I knew it was hard for him to make the decision – he didn’t want to get it wrong. I resisted my desire to say anything. I just kept thinking, whatever happens is suppose to happen.
Unbeknown to me the doctor and Simon had a conversation outside. They agreed that I had to have the drug even if it was the wrong decision. By making no decision I wasn’t going to last… If I had a blockage or internal bleeding this drug would quite possibly kill me. Otherwise, it would slow my heart rate down.
As a side, a plane was being lined up to take me from the island of Carriacou down to Grenada where a larger hospital was located. But before I could get on the plane I need to be stable.
I told Simon I loved him and said that I had the best life anyone could ever ask for.
The nurse started putting the drug into the port. She said, ‘tell me if you feel any pain.’ It burned as it went in but it was okay. I think she thought that she could just stop if something started going wrong… It was a scary moment for all of us.
My heart slowed down and I fell asleep.
While I was sleeping someone took Simon to town to get the money to pay for my treatment at the hospital and ambulance ride ($100 USD – to the hospital and then to the airport) and the private plane down to Grenada (including a nurse to be with me he whole way and her flight back) and Simon ($600 USD).
I was wheeled back into the Ambulance and prepared myself for a bumpy ride. I think I must have slept. I remember waking up and seeing Sienna. She was in the Ambulance saying, ‘Hey mummy – you’re going to be just fine!’
And then I heard a woman yelling at the top of her lungs at Simon and Andrew.
Apparently Andrew and Sienna couldn’t figure out how to get into the airport so they hopped the fence and ran down the runway as the plane was landing to pick me up. Simon explained to the woman the severity of the situation and she calmed down a bit. I was so pleased to see Sienna. She told me that I was going to be just fine. Sienna then bent over and gave me a kiss on the forehead.
I then wondered what would happen to Sienna, Andrew and the boat?!
Andrew & Sienna
A paramedic started lifting me up and I got into the plane without really seeing it. The ambulance backed right up to the door. It was wide enough just for the bed for me to lay in. I remember a guy with a very long pinky fingernail buckling me in – one strap on my legs, one for my waist and another for my chest.
Just before the door shut I looked out to see the doctor standing next to the plane waving at me. I thought, ‘what is the doctor doing here?!’ Simon later explained to me that he wanted to come with me to the airplane to be on hand just in case something happened.
I then looked up to see a man sitting in front of my head. I was a bit startled. To my amazement it was the pilot. He looked down and me and said, ‘Hello, welcome aboard.’ I think he was shocked when I answered him back. I was shocked at just how small the plane was!
Simon and my nurse got in where my feet were and just kept smiling at me.
I wanted to jump up and look outside to see the view but I couldn’t. I just looked at the clouds and thought how beautiful they were. I also felt so grateful that my heart had stopped pounding. Within 25 minutes we landed and once again I moved into another ambulance. I didn’t see a thing – the ambulance just drove out of the airport with the sirens going. Eventually I noticed my surroundings. I saw Port Louis Marina and knew we were close to the hospital.
Once we arrived I was wheeled into what I think was the ER.
It definitely didn’t look like the type of ER’s you see on TV. It was more like a room with rooms off it. Everything looked old. I laid down on a bed and my nurse from Carriacou was with me every step of the way. I had an EKG and the results were normal. I then had an x-ray and they came up perfect. When all the preliminaries were done the Carriacou nurse gave me a hug and said, ‘Please stop back at the hospital in Carriacou when you’re next around to let us know how you got on.’ I felt so grateful for her help – I told Simon that we must get everyone’s names.
I need to go back and thank everyone.
Thereafter I was wheeled up to the woman’s ward and placed in a bay with five other women. Some helpers put a bottom sheet on the bed for me but I quickly realized that you’re suppose to bring your own sheets. I then discovered that you need to bring your own toilet paper and soap too. The hospital is old and very basic but it’s functional.
I settled into the bed and started getting shots, pills, blood taken, blood pressure, pulse and so forth. The women all around me were speaking English but I couldn’t really understand them. I could pick up a few words here and there and I could get an idea of what they were talking about but I couldn’t really join in.
I didn’t feel bad. I was tired. I didn’t want to talk.
Just being with the other woman, however, was quite a treat. From time to time one of them would put on a gospel song and they’d all sing together. They had conversations often and all laughed despite the pain they were in. I felt surrounded by good people and it was a nice feeling. The energy in the room was light despite the pain and suffering surrounding us all.
So…I was given a bottom sheet and Simon found a top sheet for me. For a pillow I used two t-shirts and a skirt that Andrew packed for me. The next day Simon borrowed a pillow from the hotel he was staying at. He also borrowed some toilet paper but he didn’t need to do so…
Four days of me laying in this hospital bed… St. Georges, Grenada
On my second day a group of people from a church came in to hold my hand and pray for me. They also gave me a black bag with gifts inside. I got two rolls of toilet paper and some soap. A lovely woman asked me if I knew who Jesus Christ was and I said ‘yes’. She asked me my religion and I responded that I am a Christian. She then told me how loved I am and that Jesus wants me to heel. I felt quite honored to be prayed for.
Before I went to bed on the first night the doctor on call came to see me. She explained that the diagnosis was Atrioventricular Modal Reentry Tachycardia. In layman’s terms – the electrics of my heart malfunctioned. The plan was to do some tests and rule out everything they possible could and make a plan. She was concerned that I could slide into having a heart attack so I wasn’t allowed to leave my bed.
That evening Simon went out and got me KFC so I could have something to eat. I figure that if I was going to die at least I would have a full belly! Around 8pm the lights went off.
The girls chatted a bit, played music and then slowly drifted off.
One woman really went to town with farting. She didn’t hold back at all…nor did she say excuse me. At first I was a bit shocked but then I heard others let one go. I thought perhaps it’s a cultural thing? And then I wondered if I could build up the confidence to let one go in public. How freeing would that be – to just let a fart out. Hehehehe. I couldn’t do it.
Aside from the lovely woman that farted often my neighbor cried and whimpered all the time. Everyone ignored her so I couldn’t figure out what was going on. During a visiting hour she really laid it on think yelling, ‘nurse, nurse…I need pain relief.’ Later I learned that she was a drug addict and she was trying to get pain killers for a fix.
Around 10pm the nurses went around to take blood pressure, give out pills and so forth. It took me forever to fall asleep but the fresh sea breeze flowed in through the windows. I felt relaxed and comfortable.
Then, at 3am, lights went on.
Those that were bed ridden were washed, vitals were taken and pills were giving out. I wanted to say, ‘Is it normal to wake up everyone at 3am,’ but I kept quiet. The lights never went back off. For some reason the hospital gets up in the morning at 3am every morning.
And it’s not a quiet awakening. The lights go on, the nurse yells ‘Good Morning Ladies,’ and then proceeds to hand out medication. One nurse walks around playing Garth Brooks county music from her phone. Another walks around sliding her feet rather than picking them up. And the carts they use to transport the wash bowls and medicine table are beyond loud.
The hospital is basic – as I already mentioned. I was told that there’s no button to push if you have a problem. If you need a nurse, you have to yell out ‘Nurse.’ There’s no screens on the windows – just slats that you can open and close. If you leave a sweet drink on your bedside table you’ll have ants all over the place. Last night it rained and we all got a bit wet. I thought it was funny. I’m in the middle of the room – the poor woman closer to the window really got a bit wet. No one is hooked up to any monitors. The showers do not have hot water. Heck – you have to bring your own toilet paper so that says it all.
Stating that, the hospital works. People come and go.
Problems are solved and people recover. They make due with what they have… (OMG, as I’m typing I just saw something large out of the corner of my eye down by my bed. It’s a bird! I hope the little fella can find his way back out!)
After the 3am wake up on my first night, I managed to get a couple more hours of sleep before the doctor arrived at 8am. He came with three interns/medical students and they all discussed my case. He asked me where I was from and when I said NY he said, ‘that’s good news – you need to get up there ASAP and see an Electrophysciologyst’
He explained that my issue could be solved but I need a specialist to force my heart to beat quickly again to discover precisely where it’s going wrong. Once they do that they can go through my leg vein and up to my heart to correct the malfunction.
So…he indicated that I had to get an all-clear to be able to get on a plane.
Once I get that I can go straight to a hospital to get my heart fixed.
In the meantime, Andrew and Sienna sailed the boat from Sandy Island back to St Georges in Grenada. It was Andrew’s first time sailing a sailboat alone. He’s always been with Simon and I. Andrew had a blast and Sienna was a great help. They anchored right in front of my window in the hospital so I could see them.
I thought I was going to have a quiet Christmas in Grenada on the boat with friends and family? I’m feeling a bit lost now and I’m sure that’s normal. It’s ironic because we decided to stay in Grenada with the boat, rather than head west, because I wanted to slow down. I wanted to chill out for a while and reduce the constant unknowns that life on a boat throws up…
Now I’m making plans to fly to London in a couple days to get my heart fixed. Crazy – isn’t it?!
One of the biggest questions I get (especially from Americans) is what we do for health insurance. I often explain that medical care is nowhere near as expensive as it is in America. No – it might not be as good but in most cases it’s adequate. So – what was the cost of my stay in the Grenada hospital? Nothing – it was free. Cost of the one month supply of beta blockers (heart medicine) – less than $2 USD.
View from my hospital room
Any questions, comments or thoughts? Please leave them below 🙂
Wow!!! I hope to god that your ok and going to be ok. Thank god Andrew was there. He’s my favorite boat guest you know. The most entertaining person on the high sees, LOL. Sienna’s personality I bet was a sure benefit in dealing with the situation as she handled it like a champ considering it was a life threatening situation and her mother’s life was at stake. I commend Andrew and Sienna for taking up the slack and taking care of the boat as Simon was pretty busy being by your side. Oh, I don’t want to leave Simon out. He, for sure did incredible things to comfort you.
Thank you for your comments Trey and it’s so kind of you to mention everyone. Tomorrow we’ll find out more in London…so fingers crossed that all will be back to normal soon. Big smiles, Kim
wow .quite a fright ,hope you recover fully ,and enjoy a beautiful christmas ,and a healthy new year xx
Thank you Reg. Happy Christmas and a wonderful New Years to you! x
All the best! You are great !My wife had the same problem…
Seems like so many people have the same issue. At least I now know that it’s not going to kill me! Smiles, Kim
Blessing to you
Thank you Noel 🙂
I’m an ER RN and I speak and educate on the topic of handling medical emergencies on the water. This story is amazing! Holy cow you had quite an ordeal. I especially like how you found the positives in each step of the journey, despite all of the unknowns in the process. Thank you so much for sharing your “adventure” with us.
Thank you for your comments Shelly. Simon and I took a First Aid course and a Medical Care on a Boat course before we got on Britican. I think everyone should take those courses. Big smiles, Kim
That was one hell of a scare..
Wish all the best for you and your family
And a quick recovery
Bruno R.
No kidding Bruno. It wasn’t an average day. Thank you for your comments 😉
Hope all will work out for you and the treatment a big success. Best of luck. Gerhard, Pretoria, South Africa
Thank you Gerhard. We’ll find out tomorrow what the treatment will be (I hope). Big smiles, Kim
Jesus Christ ! What on earth brought that on? Watched the video and can see that Kim is no longer in danger so that’s as it should be and a massive plus. Have to watch Simons heart now after that and fortunately there’s something known as “childhood innocence” and that’s another blessing. ALL that said and noting the healthy life style (outdoors) and the healthy fresh provisioning?? it does show the dangers of being away from a more sophisticated and more knowledgeable medical team on hand. Its frightening and it does need some serious deliberations. Thankfully on this occasion everything seems to have been overcome and Kim is on the mend. I’m sure you’ll gain an understanding of the particular ailment and note all important factors and make your choices once that’s achieved. I wish everyone well and also send my compliments to Andrew for his part and taking what is a big boat, taking that many miles to safety with the help of Sienna who also was a Super Star.
Hey Phil – yeah…the whole thing is so out of the norm for us. I wish I knew what caused it. Perhaps I’ll find out more tomorrow when I see the specialist?! Thank you for your comments 🙂 Big smiles, Kim
I really feel for you waiting to go into the John Radcliffe in Oxford for an operation to correct an auortic aneurism Need it done asap or don’t like the out come if it bursts If there is anything we can do for you all please don’t hesitate to ask Hey it’s crap when your dream goes wrong
Hey Doug…we’re heading into London tomorrow so we’ll know more then. Let’s hope it doesn’t burst in the mean time! 😉 Big smiles, Kim
Met you and Simon at Gunwharf Quay Kim. So sorry that you’ve had this to deal with but glad everyone is pulling together to deal with everything.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery,
Simon
Hey Simon…I’m sitting across from Gunwharf right now. Spinnaker Tower is all lit up and looks beautiful. Thank you for your comments and wishes. Big smiles, Kim
Wow what a fright! Love to you all, pleased it has a happy ending. All the Davison-Hoults xx
Thank you Abigail – so nice to hear from you. Happy Christmas, Kim
I’m sure you’ll be back on your feet in no time. You certainly seem to be a tough cookie,
Thank you Peter 🙂
What an incredible, inspiring, detailed account of your experience, Kim! It’s amazing how our perspective changes in times of turmoil and uncertainty. And it’s also amazing how calm we can be as we hand the details over to The Universe. So glad you’re able to share!
Awwwww, Thank you! It’s so lovely to hear from you. Kim
Meredith and I are so sorry to hear of your medical issue. We are thrilled to hear that it can be corrected and you’ll be alright! We appreciate the candid story of this difficult time. A big “well done” to Andrew and Sienna for taking care of business while you and Simon were handling the medical side.
Thank you Stuart. I hope you and Meredith have a wonderful Christmas 🙂
Sounds like Atrial Fibrillation.
Did you pass out?
(Sorry 23 years as a Nurse, mostly in Cardiac!)
If A-Fib, a pacemaker would be adequate! You should be able to do monthly checks through an SSB!
NOT an end to your dreams!
Hey John. No, I didn’t pass out. The doctors in Grenada think it’s Atrioventricular Modal Reentry Tachycardia. Ever heard of that one? We’ll find out more tomorrow (I hope). Thank you for commenting. Kim
Merry Christmas Kim, Simon, Sienna and extended family.
Wishing you a speedy full recovery.
Thank you Mark 🙂
Glad everyone is currently OK.
These can be frightening experiences but by the sounds of it everyone handled it in stride. It sounds like acting Captain Sienna and temporary Skipper Andrew did a fine job getting the boat where you could see it out the window.
Rick
Thank you Richard. And yes Andrew and Sienna have been amazing. The whole experience was definitely amazing (in a frightening way). Big smiles, Kim
Stay Well
Thank you Tom 🙂
Hope you get better soon, my wife has had this issue a half dozen times or so. She has had 4 ablation’s, It does not cure it, the first one lasted about 9 to 10 months and then it happened again, after the second ablation it lasted for over a year, the third one lasted for two years I think and the last one has lasted so far about 4 to 5 yrs so the ablation it’s not a cure-all. Even after the last one the Dr said he would be seeing us again. She still slips out of rhythm every once in a while but it seems to go back in by itself. If it doesn’t slip back In after a half hour or so they have given her medication to help it go back but only in the last case scenario will she take that. ❤️❤️
Thank you for letting me know that Douglas. I think that just knowing what it is helps tremendously…for a first time sufferer you really do think your dying! If it happens again I think I’ll be much calmer. Big smiles, Kim
I am so glad that you are doing ok and will recover praying that you are able to get back to the boat and every thing is amazing.
Thank you for showing how the medical system in the USA is priced way above every other country. I will keep you in my prayers.
Thank you for your comments Arminda 🙂
So sorry to learn of your heart issue .
I wish you every good fortune and am thinking of you this Christmas , you are so brave and resilient what an inspiration .Also your daughter and husband are so supportive it is heart warming .
God bless the three of you ,
From a wee woman follower back in Glasgow Scotland
Sincerely Helen
Thank you so much Helen. We appreciate your wishes and blessings 🙂 Big smiles, Kim
High Wycombe Hospital
Hey Tony, I did have High Wycombe on the list to look into but for some reason Simon went with London Bridge…I’m not sure why?!
So glad you are feeling better! What a kind spirit you have. Its refreshing in this day and time. We will pray for your continued healing. Have a safe trip to England and get well. GOD bless. JC
Thank you so much JC – God bless you too! 🙂
So glad you are OK
If you change your mind about going to London, you can come to Nova Scotia. I know the best electrophysiologist ever, he was in my class and his wife is my friend and his daughter is in Pavel’s class……so you can be guaranteed the best care, and you can live in my house( we won’t be here)
Love you all XOXO
Hey Sarah – you’re too cute. I want to come to your house when you’re home! Perhaps after your around-the-world trip? We’ll be back in the Caribbean mid-January. Is there still time for us to sail up and meet you before your new adventure get’s going? Hope to see you soon. Big love, Kim
Wow, a life changing experience for sure. Hope all goes well for you.
Thank you Richard – it certainly was memorable! I won’t be forgetting that experience any time soon. Big smiles, Kim
Kim and Simon so sorry you went through this. As a sailor and an A-Fib patient I can easily put myself in your same situation. I’m very glad you got the correct help. Rest up and feel better. Don’t be too worried about this. I can tell you from first hand experience the tools now available to the Electrophysiologist are amazing.
Hey Rod – yes, I’ve been told that Electrophysiologists have made massive gains recently. I’m hoping my issue can be corrected easily but just knowing what the issue is will make a big difference. Thank you for your comments. Kim
Hi Kim what a story. Thinking of you and praying for a positive solution to get your heart healthy again . Will keep you in our thoughts and prayers Louise and joseph Tangaroa_II
Thank you Louise and Joseph! Big smiles, Kim
I wish you to recover soon and return to nautical activity with your husband and daughter, because sailing is necessary! This will do well for your mind and health,
Good winds!
Yes Claudio – sailing is necessary! Big smiles, Kim
We are so glad you’re okay. It’s fascinating to hear of your experience! Praise God that you were provided for. We love you guys!!
Thank you Mary Jane! We go to the doctors tomorrow so it will be good to find out more information. I’ll keep you posted. I hope you’re enjoying the festive season with your family. Big love, Kim
Oh my God Kim, how scary. I am glad you are doing good, and hope that everything goes well with your condition. I tell you Sienna is a rock, a brave little one. You have a great strong family and friends. Hi to Simon.
R/Edwin
Thank you Edwin! Yes – Sienna is amazing. And Simon is too. And then there’s Andrew. I’m simply surrounded by great people – eh!? Simon says ‘hi’ back 🙂 Big smiles, Kim
Sorry to hear about your medical condition, hopefully it is rectified soon. Curious as to why you are flying all the way to the UK for the procedure when your home country is much closer to Grenada, is it cheaper to have it done in the UK privately or are you using your husbands nationality to use the free NHS service.
You might want to investigate the Topsail Yachtsmans Insurance, it costs about £1k a year to cover two adults worldwide so in the scheme of things it’s really not that expensive.
Great tip on the Topsail Yachtsman Insurance – I’ll have to look into that. The cheapest we could find was $8,000/year. The reason I flew to the UK is due to the fact that I’m a British Citizen (I’ve lived, own companies and paid heaps of taxes in the UK for 20 years). Going private in the UK is value for money. The procedure that I think I need to have will cost 1,400 GBP. In the US, at Duke, the same procedure is $100,000. Big difference. Thank you for commenting 🙂 Kim
God bless you, Kim. I’ll be praying for your fast and complete recovery.
Thank you Lona 🙂
Wow, Kim, what a story! Thoughts and prayers are with you. Thanks for being brave enough to share!
Thank you Merrill…Just two minutes ago, I ask Simon if he’s talked to you recently – what a coincidence! I hope you finally got your t-shirt?! Big smiles, Kim
Hi Kim,
Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Sincerely,
Don & Linda Gibbs
Thank you Don & Linda!
Wow… I’m so glad you are okay in a manner of speaking and I pray that you get what you need both in diagnosis and treatment… your article was “heart pounding, tear jerking and funny!” I once had a cardiac arrhythmia and it certainly got my attention also! Although I was calm it hurt like the dickens. Mine only lasted 10 seconds not hours like yours did. Wow… again, so glad you’re in safe hands. See ya out there soon!
Thank you David! We’re off to the heart specialist tomorrow so let’s hope we get some definitive answers. It would be nice to know that it won’t happen again. But if it does at least I’ll know that I’m not dying. Thanks so much for your comments! Big smiles, Kim
OMG! Kim, what a scare! I hope that you get a clean bill of health in the UK and be able to continue on your venture. The timing was good that you were near enough to medical care! Take care of yourself!
Thank you Verona! Big smiles, Kim
Hi Kim. This is Jessica’s mom Gail. Fascinating story – glad you are ok. Will be anxious to hear your outcome. Your daughter looks just like you as I remember you. I wish you all the best and Happy Holidays!
Holy smokes – it’s great to hear from you Gail! You must be very proud of your daughter – she’s AMAZING! And yes, Sienna is a mini-me. Hehehehehe. Thanks so much for commenting. We’re heading for London to find out more tomorrow so I’ll keep everyone posted. Merry Christmas! 🙂
I cried multiple times reading this but yet laughed out loud at other points. You are always an inspiration and I’m not surprised at how calm and thought collective you were. Your pretty amazing and awesome and I sure love you! Happy healing!! XX….
Ps… Let one rip 🙂
Oh Loryn! If you were there with me we would have made a pack to let one rip before we left. Hehehehehe. You’re pretty amazing too sugar lips. Not everyone gets a cousin as beautiful as you! I can’t wait to see you soon. Big love, x
I so hope you’ll be ok. Good for Andrew sailung by himself! Stay safe and hugs to you all.
Hey Zarih! I’m feeling so much better already 🙂 And yes – Andrew sailing by himself! His ideal sailboat is a catamaran…I wonder if he’ll change his mind after sailing Britican?! Thank you for all your comments 😉 Kim
hope you are fine we already know you are lucky God bless
Thank you Kris 😉
That is unreal you went through all that! I am impressed with your ability, and presence of mind to realize you need to tell Simon all the details of your situation in case you couldn’t respond. So happy you are ok! Feel like I need to give you a big hug! Love
Thank you Cherie! Simon and I took two week long medical courses in the UK before we sailed away. I cannot tell you how invaluable they were – we learned how to sew up a cut, put in a catheter, helicopter rescues, deal with breaks, and on and on. One of the big things I took away was how to do a medical scan and what questions to ask. I even have a checklist for it! Hehehehe. I’m sending you a big hug! Thank you, Kim
Wow. When I watched Simon’s video explanation, my heart sank. After watching all your videos and reading your blogs (not all of them….yet) in some strange way, you feel like family to me. So, when bad things happen, I get concerned….even emotional. I’m so happy you are doing better, Kim. I am a Christian and I will continue to pray for you.
The previous video of you-all writing the Pateron’s names in the sand was very neat. My heart skipped a beat when my name came up. In my life, I tend to get left out of a lot of things: weddings; family reunions; graduations, etc. Would you believe, I have never received an invitation to anything??? But, such is my life. So when extraordinary people such as your family, whom I’ve never met, mentioned my name, I got excited.
Get rest. Get better. Get back to your sailing life. My wife and I hope to make the sailing dream come true for us in about 10 years (when I retire). And when that happens, I’m am hoping and praying that our paths cross in some exotic port of call. In fact, I know we will meet someday.
May the LORD Jehovah/Yeshua/Adonai, heal you, guide you, protect you.
Amen,
-Don Scott, Jr.
Dear Don, when your sailing dream comes true (and it will) we cordially invite you over for sundowners and dinner! In fact, you are invited over anytime. Thank you for such a heartfelt message…and thank you for the comment about the names in the sand. You just made that whole video worth the time and effort we put into it! May the Lord guide and protect you too. Big love, Kim
Praying for a speedy recovery. I assume you are going to get an ablation? All the best look forward to more of your wonderful videos and lessons. Hope to spend time in an anchorage with you one day. God Bless.
Hey Phillip – yes, I think I will get an ablation. I’ll find out more tomorrow when we see the heart specialist. Thank you so much for your comments and I’ll see you while on the hook 😉 Big smiles, Kim
That was unexpected! Recover speedily and enjoy a fabulous Christmas. Lots of love to all of you.
StuPot or was it StuBabes? Or was it both. Great to hear from you. Yes – totally unexpected. Let’s hope that never happens again! Happy Christmas to you and that lovely wife of yours. Big love, x
Three months ago my sister had your same medical issue. Scary and very unsettling. She was lucky and had a surgical procedure done at Stanford University in Palo Alto, CA. . She’s now doing much better., so much so that we’re bareboat chartering a 47′ monohull together in Feb out of Tortola. She rarely has any heart issues or speedups as she calls it and when they do present themselves she’s able to relax her way through it. Hope everything goes well back home for you!
Hey Lars, I’m so pleased that your sister had success with the procedure and that she’s doing much better. Everything is going in the right direction for me too! Thanks so much for writing an have fun in the BVI! Big smiles, Kim
Dear Kim:
Everything you do, everything that ‘happens’ to you, all your experiences – are adventures, in your mind.
Only you, going through such an ordeal ( I mean adventure) and think ‘I must write this down, it is so interesting.’
Your amazing ability to pick up not only sights, smells and sounds but to also ‘feel’ what is happening around you and appreciate, all of it. Amazing you are, Kim.
Simon and Sienna are equally phenomenal people. (Andrew sounds pretty good too.)
All of us who have had and will have, the opportunity to know you all, spend time with you and bask in those beautiful smiles and laughter, are the luckiest people, ever.
Much Love and Healthy Energy being sent now. XO
Wow Maggie…my cheeks are burning and my heart just grew a bit bigger. I’m getting a whole lot of loving lately. Hehehehehe. The only reason we’re phenomenal is because we’re surrounded by others that touch us, guide us and share special times together. A friend calls the special times, ‘magical memories’. I’m fortunate to have magical memories with you! Big love Maggie!!!
Sherbert Kim! What an awful experience to have and incredibly scary for Simon, Sienna and everyone around you…
I hope this does not happen again before you get to the bottom of the issue. When will you be in London to see the specialist?
Please keep us posted on the diagnosis and the treatment, and of course the plan afterward to ensure you manage this the best way possible.
You are an amazing person, even though this horrendous experience – you kept seeing and feeling love and trying to see the good and be happy.. You have a beautiful soul and we need you be healthy because you share this beautiful soul with the world.
Many prayers for courage and strength, for you and your family.
Hope to hear your news soon
Much love from Elaine, Garth, Tanna, Sienna
xxx
Elaine! Great to hear from you. I could soooooooo hear your voice say ‘Sherbert Kim!’ Do you know that at least once a month Sienna still asks me, ‘when will we see Sienna and Tanna again?’ Thank you for your kind words. I’m an amazing person because I have amazing friends like you. Are you getting any closer to getting your butt over in our neck of the woods?! I might just have to sail to the Med as it’s been far too long. Simon’s taking me to see the specialist tomorrow so we’ll soon know more (I hope). Big love to all of you! xxxxxxxx
OMG. Im so sorry to hear your story and hopefully everything will get better. I had a similar experience in Spain several years ago. Heart racing for 5-6 hours. Then ambulance and doctor came gave me s shot and heart started beating normal again. After returning home specialist said tachycardia episode probably because of dehydration. Sometimes too much caffeine can cause it too. Another heart specialist wanted to do a proceedure called eblation where they burn some of the elements that stimulates beating. I decided to not do that and just monitor the situation for a fee months. That was 30 years ago. Im ok and never had it again. I hope this note finds you well. Keep in touch and have a good Xmas wherever you are.
Terry Caulfield
Hey Terry – 5 to 6 hours?! Holy crud… that must have been terrible. And it’s never happened again – isn’t that amazing? Yes – I’ve heard dehydration and caffeine and alcohol. None of which were my issue. Gosh – I’m so pleased that you body sorted itself out. I’m not sure yet if I’ll go for the ablation or not…I’ll keep everyone posted. Happy Christmas! Big smiles, Kim
Wow! What a cliff hanger! and your still writing so I guess your heart is beating!
GOOOOOD LUUUCCKK
R
Yep Raymond – yep, I’m still here. Thank you! 🙂
I am so glad you are still around and even gladder you’ll be back soon at 100% fixed and strong as a horse!
Accounting my recent experience, I’d say to you to just seat back and let the medical wizards perform their tricks in full – the good thing about most heart conditions is that almost no mystery remains in fixing this engine, they know what to do in there. So just empty your head of heavy stuff, let Simon take care of all formalities and ride this wave through to the end – you’ll come out safer after the dust settles, it could have hit you much harder if it happened later in life.
Looking forward to listen from you it all finished well!
Michalis! So wonderful to hear from you. I will take your advice. Big love, Kim
Wishing you a speedy recovery. Keep us posted 🙂 A health scare in the Caribbean requiring hospitalization can be an experience. I’ve lived in the Bahamas but had private health insurance so care was top notch. My first child was born there and Doctor’s Hospital in Nassau is very sophisticated. I did bring our beloved housekeeper to the public hospital once because she absolutely REFUSED to let me bring her to the private one. It sounded very much like the hospital in Grenada. Good basic care that gets the job done. We’re Canadian so we’re used to free access to health care. The fees vs what Americans are used to is quite amazing.
Sharing your experience could really help others. Good luck!
Hey Donna! Thank you so much for your comments. Big smiles, Kim
Hi Kim,
I read your article with great apprehension. I suffered a similar ordeal and a Ablation has settled my heart to a close to normal beat. I am not sure if you are going to NY or London for treatment. Anyhoo all the best to you and the crew of Britican.
Take care,
Howard
Hey Howard…I think I might have to have an ablation too. We find out more tomorrow. All the best to you. Smiles, Kim
Hello
Sorry to hear that you underwent such a medical emergency. Hopefully you are feeling and getting better. After reading your post and watching Simon’s video where he stated that it will be awhile before anymore videos are posted and being a subscriber to your YouTube channel I can definitely say that I wouldn’t expect you all to be concerned with anything other than your recovery. Watching your videos is great and inspiring, but ones health should be foremost and when you are able then the videos can continue, if that’s what you all wanna do.
Thank you Naresh – you are right. One’s health is more important than anything else. Big smiles, Kim
Kim, I know I have already posted a comment on your Facebook, but I just finished reading your ordeal above. I think my own heart went into palpitations while reading and I wanted to give you a big hug. I certainly hope your visit to specialists in the UK will get you on the mend soon. It is so troubling when the experts can’t put a finger on why this happened. You’re young, fit, happy, calm. I used to have chest pains for 2 years. They would wake me while I slept (at a time I thought I should be the LEAST stressed). I had to do mindful exercises and special breathing techniques to be able to breathe regular breaths again to go to sleep. But it is scary when, aside from general stress, nothing extraordinary has happened to cause this issue. Is it a build up over time? Hopefully the UK experts can tell you. I am sending my love and healing thoughts to you.
As an aside, I wanted to share with you the enjoyment I get when I read your writing. I almost feel I am reading my own thoughts…your writing style is very similar to my own thought processes: the way you notice the little things (ie. the spiders on ceiling, the woman dragging her feet during the 3am hospital wake up call), the way you evaluate things (should I say something or stay quiet), and how you worry about the important things. I was able to almost feel the same anxiety as you (having been through those past chest pains). Your sense of acceptance and comfort, when you considered it might be the last view you’d have of the bay, was very calming. It is this sort of calm that will give you the healing strength to get through it. Take one step at a time and focus on getting better! Looking forward to your next update. p.s. I remember you saying how Simon was so calm and supportive. Hearing his rendition of the story reinforces what a great life partner he is. He is a real treasure!
Oh Catherine – I’m sending you one big fat huge hug. What a lovely comment. I wish I could wave a magic wand and have a girlie night out…I feel like crying, drinking a glass of wine and feeling grateful for all the amazing people that I’ve crossed paths with. You rock. Big love, Kim
Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Thank you Nancy! Big smiles, Kim
Praying for your health, healing, wholeness, favour, wisdom and wealth.
God Bless all of you!
Thank you John – I’ll accept all of the above and send some your way too 😉 Kim
Thank you so much for sharing this. Sending prayers for a speedy recovery so life can go on for you and your family as before.
Thank you Judy. Big smiles, Kim
Happy it was just a very scary moment and that you will be fine and for a long time among us.
It is so refreshing to read your travel stories as they make us part time sailors remember how much there is to visit, learn and enjoy.
Thank you Gerardo! I hope to stay for a while longer… big smiles, Kim
Love and prayers to you, a very special person. Hope you are back on board with your lovely Family soon. And welcome to the family of those of us who live better through chemicals. Just take your meds and be a good Girl.
Melvin
Hey Melvin – I’m always a good girl 😉 Big smiles, Kim
Hi Kim,,,, sending you healings and all the love in the world to you all ,,,
Thank you so very much Duncan 🙂
Wiw Kim, best of all you need to heal!! Glad you were. Lose to a Hospital!
Sending you good thiughts.
Get better soon!
Thank you Marieke! Big smiles, Kim
12-18-20
Hi All !
Read your St. Georges Grenada post a very heart warming inspirational story that
let’s other sailing cruisers know theres still hope left in our world! Kind of like those historical sailing
adventures centuries ago without the perks! Having sailing buddies aboard, doing the research as
necessary,being prepared ya just never know what may happen or when! I trust the recovery
procedures were successful & your back in the saddle! Keep us all posted! Here’s wishing you well &
all the good luck you deserve! W.W.
Thank you W.W. – we’ll be back on the boat in no time. 🙂
12-18-2018
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas upcoming & a prosperous new year!
Thank you W.W. We’re wishing you a happy Christmas and awesome New Year. Big smiles, Kim
Kim,
Wishing you a speedy recovery and glad to hear you made it! Get back to your family and hope you have a restful holiday. Continuing to watch your journey until we finally break free the lines and follow in your footsteps.
Interestingly, I just bought Auerbach’s Wilderness Medicine Books (Yes – the big 2 volume set) and purchased Adventure Medicine’s 2000 Marine First Aid kit. Be prepared – interested to hear about the first aid classes you took.
Jason
Hey Jason, Thank you for writing. I wrote an article after we took our course about 10 things that stood out from taking our First Aid for Boaters course. You can read that here: https://sailingbritican.com/first-aid-at-sea/ I don’t think I wrote anything about the the Medical Care on Boats course which is a shame. The courses where probably the most valuable out of everything we took. Best wishes with your plans. Big Smiles, Kim
Hello Kim, hope things runs ok and you are well, regards to You and beloved family!!
Give me five Andrew !, well done man. God bless you and your friends :)))
Marry Christmas !!!!!
Thank you Joan. Merry Christmas to you too! Big smiles, Kim