On a regular Sunday afternoon on June 8, 2025, I was playing in a basketball league game with friends. A sudden feeling of chest pain came into play. I thought it was just some sort of acid reflux or heart burn I sometimes have especially knowing I just ate 2 hours before the game. I suddenly started feeling tingling in my hands, my upper traps started to tighten up and I started suddenly feeling light headed. I ignored the signs. I went back into the game playing as if everything subsided and it was just "take a breather moment." I completed the game and then suddenly right after I started to have breathing issues. I kept stretching out my arms, taking sips of water and feel it run down my chest. I started feeling better for a few minutes but then it went back to struggling with my breathing. I asked my girlfriend to drive me to urgent care after the game. It was about a 35 minute drive. During the drive, I was in and out of it. I was hesitant to go at first thinking it'll just go away. But I finally decided it was hurting enough to go. Finally at urgent care, the staff took one look at me and insisted I go to the Emergency room across the hall. About halfway I collapsed, struggling to hold it together, the staff were able to get me up and place me in the back to get an EKG reading. And right there and then they said I was having an active heart attack. I was shook and was panicking like never before. Taking all these tests lying down in a gurney struggling with this sharp pain in my chest, I was still aware of everything around me. I was then transported to Scripps Hospital from Kaiser and got 3 stents placed in my heart. My left side was completely blocked. Within the span of 2-3 hours from my basketball game, I went from just playing my normal Sunday game to thinking this was my last day. I was thinking about my 6 year old daughter who I just saw in the morning letting her know I'll see her the next day at summer camp. And then I was looking at my girlfriend thinking this is our last time we'll have together. I started to breakdown inside talking to myself this might be it. I was doubting myself. And then I thought of my daughter and girlfriend. I told myself I can't leave this world now. I have to make it. I started talking and praying to God telling him I'm going to make it. I showed no signs of a heart attack in my past and had no symptoms. I just ran the Rock N Roll half marathon the week before and had no issues. I go to the gym regularly, I watch what I eat and really took care of myself. I'm very grateful I made it. And looking back, I thank the nurses and Dr's who saved my life. I am more aware and educated about my heart. My life has completely changed. Life is so precious. You never know what the day will bring. You gotta put your best foot forward and enjoy every moment you have. I turn to my daughter and family to keep me going every single day. I am very thankful that I am a walking miracle.
