In Time of Need

16 years ago my husband, Howie, had a near fatal motorcycle accident. He was left with a plethora of injuries, but managed to live an active life. He got a motorcycle trike and rode escort for military funerals for 10 years. In May of 2022, he had a coronary event causing him to lose his ability to ride or drive. Still, with help from Dr.John Heidrick, he continued to fight.
When we started with Dr.Heidrick in 2018, he was weak, addicted to tramadol, depressed and ready to give up. He went through at home rehab, got his medications evaluated and corrected and he again began to live a quality life.
The fact that his heart was being damaged because his right leg was totally useless but could not be amputated brought a new set of issues. Again, Dr.Heidrick and the cardiologist he recommended kept him going. He had the best medical care, but everyone involved knew it was only a matter of time until his heart would seize and he would die.
We prepared for the day or night when he would not wake with Dr.Heidrick's assistance.
At 4:05 AM on January 15, 2023, I awoke to silence and fear because I couldn't hear him breathing. He slept in a recliner next to the bed as his ability to breath was very poor and I could always hear. I got up, walked to the end of the bed and found him. He was not breathing, had no pulse and was very cold. I knew he was gone so I called 911, my brother and my nephews. Upon verifying he had died, I called Dr. Heidrick. When he answered his phone I couldn't believe it. He had me give my phone to the fireman and they took over as my relatives comforted me. I can't express my relief as everything needing to be done went into motion.
Since we knew Howie was failing, we had funeral arrangements and the mortuary was at our house in about 30 minutes. I was so overwhelmed with the efficiency and felt having Dr. Heidrick able to direct Howie's care at this point was invaluable.
All through our association with Dr. Heidrick, his willingness to explain the issues, support our decisions and give good advice were beyond excellent. Medical care is changing and I feel I am in the best position to get the best available today. I know he and his wonderful staff will be there in my time of need again in the future.