Heart Attack in the Bush
By DianneN
@DianneN (247186)
United States
February 26, 2019 7:59pm CST
We received such horrible news both last night and today. Our older son’s in-laws have been on safaris the last week or so in Kenya and The Serengeti.
His father-in- law complained to his wife that his left arm was tingling and his chest didn’t feel right. She told him he was having a heart attack, but he told her she was crazy. He’s always been fit and healthy.
Shortly after, he returned to his sleeping quarters and fell asleep. When he awoke, he felt awful and wanted to go to a hospital. The only hospital out there was a hut, but it was confirmed that he indeed had a heart attack and needed to get to a hospital.
After a 4 1/2 Jeep ride, he and his wife made it to a hospital in Nairobi. My son’s wife, in New York City tracked down a heart specialist in Nairobi. The doctor examined her father and determined the damage to his heart was severe. He needed to be stabilized before flying to London or back to New Your City for surgery. The problem with having surgery in London meant that he wouldn’t be able to fly home for three months afterwards.
To make a long story even shorter, poor Bobby had a stroke today. Our son, his wife, and her sister are heading to the airport for Nairobi via London tonight on an 11:00 flight. It doesn’t look good.
54 people like this
53 responses
@LadyDuck (471459)
• Switzerland
27 Feb 19
@DianneN We had a good friend who lived in a big house in the Caribbean and he had a condo in Florida. He had a heart attack while he was in is condo in Florida. He told us all the time "I am sure that if I was in my house in the Caribbean I would not be here to talk with you".
3 people like this
@DianneN (247186)
• United States
27 Feb 19
@LadyDuck Yikes! Well, we do have some of the best doctors and hospitals in the world here. We've traveled to many third world countries and have been lucky. My son's inlaws have, too, many times, but then there is always a first time for everything.
3 people like this
@DianneN (247186)
• United States
27 Feb 19
Thanks, Hanni. We are still waiting to hear from our son. I don't know if he has arrived in Nairobi, yet. We are sitting on pins and needles here. I don't know how long a flight it is or how long of a layover they had in London. I never even thought to ask!
1 person likes this
@arunima25 (87806)
• Bangalore, India
27 Feb 19
That sounds like a terrible thing to happen on a vacation. That too in a place where immediate medical help is a challenge. I hope he recovers soon. Prayers for him and family members. Must be a tough time for them
3 people like this
@DianneN (247186)
• United States
27 Feb 19
Who knew that would happen, let alone on vacation in such a remote area? We are still in shock, and waiting to hear from our son. He probably hasn't gotten to Nairobi, yet. Thank you for your kind words. Everyone is still in shock, and your prayers are much appreciated.
1 person likes this
@DianneN (247186)
• United States
28 Feb 19
@arunima25 Our son texted us twice in the middle of "our" night. Bobby seem to be responsive and is talking and joking around. He still has brain swelling from the stroke and is being monitored. Hopefully, he will be well enough next week to fly home for heart surgery. We are still praying for him.
2 people like this
@arunima25 (87806)
• Bangalore, India
28 Feb 19
@DianneN Life is so unpredictable. Hope you hear something positive soon.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (180849)
• United States
27 Feb 19
Oh how horrible, and they were having such a great time. You never know what tomorrow will bring..
3 people like this
@1hopefulman (45120)
• Canada
27 Feb 19
That is horrible news. I'm so sorry to hear that and I hope that somehow things will work out. Can't they do the operation in Nairobi?
3 people like this
@DianneN (247186)
• United States
27 Feb 19
Thank you. He isn't stable enough for surgery, and no, this hospital, as modern as it is for Nairobi, isn't up to par for the surgery he would need. Even his cardiologist there would have to fly to London with him or leave it up to the doctors in NYC. He suffered a lot of damage to his heart by not being hospitalized immediately.
1 person likes this
@DianneN (247186)
• United States
28 Feb 19
@1hopefulman Thank you. He may be able to fly back to NYC next week once the swelling on his brain goes down. 
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (106397)
• Marion, Ohio
27 Feb 19
Thinking of all of you. That doesnt sound good.
3 people like this
@RasmaSandra (79915)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
27 Feb 19
Such devastating news. All my prayers for him and many blessings. I know God will keep a lookout and I sure hope everything will be alright.
3 people like this
@Courtlynn (67085)
• United States
27 Feb 19
Oh no. That's definitely horrible news. I'm so sorry. Hope he'll somehow be okay
3 people like this
@Happy2BeMe (99380)
• Canada
27 Feb 19
So sorry to hear this. Bobby and his family are in my thoughts.
3 people like this
@toniganzon (72281)
• Philippines
27 Feb 19
I'n so sorry. He should have listened to his wife. Those surely were signs of a heart attack. I hope that he could get the best medical attention and get over it.
2 people like this
@DianneN (247186)
• United States
28 Feb 19
@toniganzon Thank you. I received 2 texts in the middle of the night. He's doing a bit better and talking and joking. Hopefully, the swelling on his brain will go down soon. If so, perhaps he can fly home next week for heart surgery.
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (41447)
• United States
27 Feb 19
So sorry to hear this. I'll say a prayer for them.
3 people like this
@FayeHazel (40243)
• United States
27 Feb 19
Oh that poor family to have such ill health so very far from home. I hope it works out the best
2 people like this
@DianneN (247186)
• United States
3 Mar 19
@FayeHazel It looks like he will be flying in a medical jet home on Wednesday!
1 person likes this
@BloggerDi (3113)
• United States
27 Feb 19
Oh no! I am so very sorry. I truly hope he can recover. My thoughts and prayers with him and all of you.
3 people like this
