Billy O’Sullivan works with Heartbeat Killarney, a voluntary cardiac support group for those with heart disease. It is run by heart patients and carers, and is aimed at helping people to return to a normal life afterwards. Billy is encouraging men to monitor their health by attending regular check-ups. Every week in the month of January, we will share articles from Heartbeat Killarney which will provide more information on how to look after yourself. This week, Billy shares his story with us.
Billy first noticed mobility issues in 1999. While walking, he would plan deliberate stops along his route to make it seem normal, he assumed it was down to being overweight. He said: “I blamed the tightness in my chest to tension and stress. An odd time I would have a tightness in my wrists, but I put that down to lifting things too heavy for me. I muddled along this way for a year or so until I started to get severe indigestion after a bout of tension in my chest.”
Billy went to the pharmacy to obtain medication for his indigestion, and she saw his condition first-hand. The pharmacist advised him to go straight to the doctor. Billy described that moment as a wake-up call.
The pharmacist rang his doctor who saw him immediately, and Billy believes that phone call saved his life. He said: “An ECG was done, an anomaly spotted, and an appointment was booked with a Cardiologist who told me I had blockages in my veins and that an angiogram was needed.”
Billy described his experience with the doctor as very positive, saying he did not feel any anxiety waiting for his appointment. He explained: “I had the Angiogram and was referred to a heart surgeon who told me I needed surgery and would get an appointment in three months. In the meantime, I was to follow his instructions on how to keep my heart safe and got an emergency number to call if needed.”
This happened around the end of November; Billy wanted a family Christmas before his stay in hospital. In early December, he got a phone call asking if he would like his operation earlier due to a cancellation. He accepted it! Billy had his triple heart bypass and was home in time for Christmas.
Heartbeat Killarney is planning a special meeting and clinic on Tuesday, January 27. Billy is inviting men from 30 plus to attend on the night and learn more about how to look after their health.