In June 1993 I was hospitalized after having chest pain and passing out in a ShopRite grocery store parking lot. The diagnosis was Multiple Pulmonary Emboli...several blood clots covering 60% of my lungs. That was the Good news. The BAD news was that doctors found a massive clot INSIDE MY HEART. At best I was given a 50/50 chance of survival. Over the next two days, I underwent several scans and tests, and I passed out twice more. The hospital chaplain came to my bedside to ensure that I'd made peace with God. She actually came twice...the same day! On the third day, the cardiologist, Dr. Anthony Mercando, (see photo) came rushing to my room holding a video tape. He said, "This video is your echocardiogram and when I saw this in my office, I broke every speed limit to get here. I can't risk moving you, and I can't do surgery. I have only one option, but it's a procedure that isn't common at this time: TPA. It breaks up clots and allows the free flow of blood throughout the body."
As you can imagine, I said "YES" immediately. While the TPA was being administered, I felt a strange sensation and told the doctors, "You're LOSING ME!" I passed out again, and my wife Andrea, who was at the foot of the bed, told me that my eyes rolled over and the doctor called a 'CODE'. I was in The Critical Care Unit, and staff members seemed to appear from nowhere. Someone got a defibrillator to shock me, and my wife was rushed out of the room to wait outside with her best fri
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In June 1993 I was hospitalized after having chest pain and passing out in a ShopRite grocery store parking lot. The diagnosis was Multiple Pulmonary Emboli...several blood clots covering 60% of my lungs. That was the Good news. The BAD news was that doctors found a massive clot INSIDE MY HEART. At best I was given a 50/50 chance of survival. Over the next two days, I underwent several scans and tests, and I passed out twice more. The hospital chaplain came to my bedside to ensure that I'd made peace with God. She actually came twice...the same day! On the third day, the cardiologist, Dr. Anthony Mercando, (see photo) came rushing to my room holding a video tape. He said, "This video is your echocardiogram and when I saw this in my office, I broke every speed limit to get here. I can't risk moving you, and I can't do surgery. I have only one option, but it's a procedure that isn't common at this time: TPA. It breaks up clots and allows the free flow of blood throughout the body."
As you can imagine, I said "YES" immediately. While the TPA was being administered, I felt a strange sensation and told the doctors, "You're LOSING ME!" I passed out again, and my wife Andrea, who was at the foot of the bed, told me that my eyes rolled over and the doctor called a 'CODE'. I was in The Critical Care Unit, and staff members seemed to appear from nowhere. Someone got a defibrillator to shock me, and my wife was rushed out of the room to wait outside with her best friend Rose. Our two children, both under 10, were peacefully watching cartoons on TV, blissfully unaware of the drama playing out a few yards down the hallway.
When I regained consciousness, there was an airway in my throat, but already I could breathe more easily. Over the next several weeks, I recovered and was back at work within 3 months. Prayers had been offered for me in 3 countries, by family, friends, loved ones, and well-wishers. This was faith being exercised in real time.
Several weeks later, I meet with my Primary Care Physician, Dr. Larry Annes. He had cried with my wife when he told her that I was in critical condition in the Critical Care Unit. When I thanked him for what he had done, my Head l Jewish doctor said, "Don't thank me; thank GOD!"
Shortly after that I met Dr. Mercando in his office at lunch time and asked him, "Based on everything you've told me, why am I still alive?" He gave the most amazing medical response..."I don't know. The grace of God?"
TWO experienced, highly qualified medical professionals were quick to give credit to The Lord God Almighty, without seeking personal glory. That procedure was done in June 1993, and every year for the past 25 years, I've either called or visited Dr. Mercando in June, just to thank him for his role in saving my life. He deeply appreciates it, and Andrea and I deeply appreciate him.
My doctors did amazing work, but THEY, my family and I give ALL the glory to God. HE IS MY HEALER!
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Mark Brown
BROTHER Zed! Please support the movement. Although to aren't here in the USA, you can support to mission and encourage men to lift up holy hands, love as men of integrity, embrace godly fatherhood and
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Mark, You continue to amaze me my brethren. You are a remarkable human being and though I don't know you in person, I recognise that you are special individual. What a testimony? I have somethin to s
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