Wildpinto's wife here! We would like to thank everyone for helping out Howard on Saturday night. If it had not been for everyone there and the AED machine Howard would not be here today. Earlier that day Howard was not feeling well and the physicians said that he actually had a small heart attack then but he had mistaken it for heart burn. After Howard got into his buggy and began the race the adreneline was flowing and caused the massive heart attack. The medics, or someone, had already started chest compressions on him prior to removing him from the buggy. The woodsbuggy.com family and the medics were all there and along with Tony's temper got Howard out of the buggy and onto the ground. His heart had already stopped at this point. The medics did chest compressions until the AED machine was hooked up. After having to shock his heart 3 or 4 times he finally became responsive. Jordan, my son, after seeing all of this first hand thinks that everyone can be brought back from the dead and doesn't know why they can't just do this to everyone and no one would have to die. Try explaining that to an 8 year old! Howard was immediatelly send by ambulance to the local Shelbyville, TN hospital in order to stabalize him for life flight. Although it was not easy for the gentlemen in the ambulance after Howard became responsive and realized that there were a bunch of strange men over him. And of course, no help to Tony and his temper. Tony shows his emotions differently that everyone else, I'm sure. He apologizes if he offended anyone during this time but this was a difficult thing for him to have to go through.
He was then flown to Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville, TN where he underwent emergency surgery for the 100% blockage in his right coronary artery. My son said the helicopter looked like it had a halo around it as it took off with Pops in it. By the time Tony made it to the hospital the surgery had been completed. He made it through the surgery with no complications. He was then placed in the CVICU unit. By Sunday Howard was feeling fine except for the pain in his leg. He was able to get out of the bed and walk laps around the hospital unit. And of course the joy of standing up and peeing again. The physicians said we should look for signs of brain damage because of the amount of time he was in v-tack but after seeing him in the hospital room flirting with the cute blonde nurse, I know he is fine. Tony was able to bring him home today and Howard is resting comfortablly at home.
A special thanks to Donald Hogeland (PawPaw) and Donnie Hogeland for letting me acompany them to Tennessee, as they were nice enough to pick up the buggies from the arena where they were left. As well as driving me on to Nashville to be with Tony and Howard. Even though they dropped me off at the wrong hospital and left me and my daughter to walk to Vanderbilt (a couple of blocks) at 3:30am in 30 degree weather. It was appreciated, though. We are fortunate enough to have friends in the sport that are willing to step up when they are needed. Thanks to all of our friends at woodsbuggy and beyond. All of the prayers are appreciated and are greatly needed.
P.S. Pops says he will be ready for Curts hillclimb coming at Thanksgiving. Watch out for him, the doctors say he will be better than he has ever been before. He says his heart feels like he has nitro flowing through it now.
Howard Kiley
609 6th Street Robinwood
Birmingham, Al 35217
Thanks
Tony and Angie Kiley
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Prayer is a wonderful thing !!! Tell Pops I am so very happy to hear he is o.k. and I look foward to seeing him at the creek, Like curt said, this is the best news I have heard in a while. Take care , we will keep praying and we will see ya thanksgiving. Looks like we have alot to be thankful for !!!
