Stories

As a paramedic in this community, we witness the daily reality of emergent heart disease cases—often with heartbreaking outcomes.

It’s well known that if you live in the southern half of Vancouver Island, you have quicker, more direct access to a cath lab. But here in Nanaimo, we’re often left waiting—waiting to see if the clot-busting medication has worked. And too often, it hasn’t.

We push the limits of time and safety trying to get patients to a facility that can provide the care they need. All the while, we’re silently hoping they don’t develop complications like a GI bleed, a head bleed, or other risks that come with thrombolysis—risks that could be avoided if we had rapid, local access to a cath lab PCI centre right here in Nanaimo.

The time for change is now. We don’t need any more tragic outcomes. We deserve the same level of care as every other community.

I was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer in the summer of 2019. Before surgery, I began receiving hormone replacement injections every six months—and I’m still on them today. In November 2019, I had surgery to remove my prostate, but unfortunately, not all of the cancer could be removed.

In the summer of 2020, I underwent 34 days of radiation, which successfully brought my PSA levels down to an acceptable range for a couple of years. Later scans, however, showed that the cancer had spread to my lower left ribs and right shoulder. I received 10 additional radiation treatments, which again helped reduce my PSA.

I’ve also been prescribed Xtandi (enzalutamide), taking four capsules daily—something I continue with to this day. The treatment comes with some side effects, including night sweats, fatigue, and increased emotional sensitivity.

Thankfully, my PSA levels are currently stable. I’ll remain on this treatment as long as it’s effective. When that changes, I’ll explore other options.

I’ve also joined the Seawolves Men’s Cancer Group, which has been a huge source of support. It’s incredibly comforting to know I’m not alone in this journey.

I received compassionate care at NRGH during an epileptic seizure, and I’m grateful for the support I experienced. As a volunteer at the hospital’s information desk, I often escort patients and visitors to their appointments. In our conversations, I’ve noticed that very few people are aware of the service shortfalls at NRGH. There’s a real need to raise awareness and support for the hospital.

I want to thank the medical staff at Nanaimo General Hospital for their excellent care. I have visited the emergency department three times in less than a year—twice for heart issues and uncontrollable bleeding. Their quick action saved my life. I especially want to thank the Ambassadors who greet you upon entering the emergency department. They are incredibly kind and ask a few essential questions. Since I was in serious condition, they immediately took me to admitting and even provided notes to the clerks to ensure I was seen quickly. The Ambassadors play a crucial role in the smooth and efficient prioritization of patient needs. Their dedication is truly appreciated.

On November 5, I had a heart attack at work and was taken to the Parksville Emergency Clinic. The staff and diagnostics were excellent, ensuring I received the necessary treatment before being transferred by ambulance to Nanaimo. At NRGH, I saw a cardiologist and was then transferred to Victoria for a stent implant. This is where things took a turn for the worse. The transfer to Victoria felt like riding in a third-world bus. However, once I arrived at the stent clinic, the care was professional and efficient. Unfortunately, the transfer back to NRGH was once again in a rickety, unsafe vehicle. Back at NRGH, I was kept overnight in what seemed like an office, with no ability to turn off the lights. The need for a stent clinic in Nanaimo is urgent and must be addressed immediately.

Last fall I got very sick with ecoli. After the infection ran its course I lost 25 lbs and became very thin, due to the incredibly severe side effects. I was referred to the only gastroenterologist in Nanaimo. I was told I would be trialed and then heard nothing. Tests indicated that I had inflammation in the bowel but my doctor told me that I couldn’t be treated until I had a diagnosis. To get that diagnosis I needed a colonoscopy. I was told I’d have to wait 4 to 6 months and was on the surgeon’s waitlist. As I was feeling so unwell and continued to lose weight we decided to go to the only private clinic in Canada that does colonoscopy that hasn’t been shut down. We flew to Montreal to have the procedure. The surgeon did a biopsy in order to get a diagnosis. The biopsy confirmed that I had microscopic colitis. His office called with the results and he put me on a 12-week course of oral steroids that helped heal my gut. It was an expensive way to get a diagnosis other than parking myself in the ER until someone agreed to help me. It was the only option available to me.

I have been having breathing problems for many years. Tests show my lungs are clear and not the cause of the breathing issues. Last year they discovered it’s a heart problem. I was told that I needed an angiogram and would have to wait 3 – 4 months. It has now been 8 months with no communication about the test. I’ve contacted them but they still don’t have a date.

Because I live in Nanaimo, I’ve learned that once a test is set, I have to spend up to 3 – 5 days in Victoria: one day before the test, the day of the test and one or more days after the test, depending on what they had to do.

I don’t have friends or family in Victoria so that means staying in a hotel (or B&B). Since I can’t drive, and I can’t be alone after the test, my sister has to come down from Courtenay to drive me and stay with me. Neither my sister or I are employed (pensions) so the cost will be difficult to absorb.

I have been without a dedicated health provider since 2020 and have had to travel to the walk-in clinic in Nanaimo or Comox. Although I have been on the Registry, I am just one of thousands who are not provided a nurse practitioner or doctor as I don’t have any of the 4 health problems the powers that be determine are the most essential. But I have problems that I’m sure will lead to one of them!

March 14, 2024 I had coronary artery studies done in the USA (just as a precaution – I had no clinical signs). The very concerned radiologist called me and said I had Coronary Heart Disease with dangerous, “widow maker” soft plaque in the left main artery. I immediately saw a surgeon who wanted to do an angiogram the next day, and likely coronary bypass within the week. I elected to come back to Canada with this information, excited that I had discovered the issue BEFORE having an unexpected attack or sudden death. I live in Parksville. On May 28, I saw my cardiologist – Dr. Shetty – in Victoria. He said I was “semi urgent” and was on a 4 -20 week waiting list. He didn’t seem overly concerned, but gave me nitro in case I suffered crushing chest pain (meaning likely significant heart damage, which I had hoped to prevent). Every day all summer I checked the mail and waited for a phone call from Victoria. Week 17 of waiting (remember, I was “semi urgent…”) I was informed that the wait list in Victoria was growing due to unfinished “construction” and they would get me into Vancouver “right away”. Two weeks later, I have heard nothing from Vancouver. I am happy to help in any way. This has been a frightening, frustrating summer. I cannot believe that “semi urgent” in BC means 6+ months of waiting, not for a bypass, but just the angiogram.

Four years ago I was a patient at CVH with a heart condition. I was told that I would have to find someone to take me to Victoria for treatment. When I said I had no one that could take me the doctor responded “we are not a taxi service”. I actually felt sorry for the doctor. I feel he had been confronted with the same problem so many times , frustrated time and time again and had no acceptable answer. The past and continuing consolidation of medical services south of the Malahat is absolutely unacceptable. The startling statistical data comparing NRGH to the greater Victoria Area would also be comparable to Comox Valley, Campbell River and North. Fair healthcare requires/demands a more equitable distribution of healthcare infrastructure and services throughout the island.