Dorothy had already taken her husband Ken to emergency twice this week due to chest pains and shortness of breath. On Wednesday morning, after doing an electrocardiograph, an xray and routine blood work, they concluded that he had not suffered a heart attack. Nine hours later, he was sent home and told to make a follow-up with his family physician.

The first available appointment Ken could have was over a week away. In the meantime, his breathing difficulty increased and he was beginning to experience lightheadedness and extreme weakness.

Saturday morning Dorothy advised Ken, “shave and get dressed, we are going back to emergency”. While in hospital, he took a gagging spasm due to his inability to breathe. In addition to performing the same tests, they administered oxygen. Seven hours later they concluded, “his potassium is low and we think he has pneumonia”. He was given a single dose of antibiotics and sent home with two prescriptions.

As the evening progressed, Ken got worse and began having frequent breathing spasms. Instinctively, Dorothy knew she had to do something and do it quick.

“I don’t care if they think I’m paranoid Ken, I’m calling an ambulance. Something is definitely wrong”.

That call, plus the astuteness of a residence cardiologist, saved Ken’s life. She order an immediate echocardiogram test. It showed that Ken had a massive amount of fluid around his heart which if not corrected straightaway would kill him.

While some call it instincts, others label it intuition or sixth sense. However, whether we choose to use it or not, we all have been gifted with it.

Although women and especially mothers tend to have an abundance of it, everyone can learn to develop their unexplainable inner knowing. Begin small. Start by daily asking yourself questions. “What do I need to do today to make my life more fulfilling?” “How can I best help my friend?” Then trust your inner self. Listen. The answers will come.

Today Ken is alive and recovering nicely because Dorothy listened and trusted her instincts.

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