Dear Editor:

No one has been more critical of LBJ Hospital both publicly through "Letters to the Editor" and privately than I have for many years. With LBJ's reputation and growing older my mindset was if I suffer a serious medical problem I hope I can make it to Hawaii in time because if you go to LBJ it's most likely a one way trip!

It finally happened, a heart attack, and while my wife wheels me to the hospital all I could think of is “you've bought the farm, Jim”. Then reality sets in, from the Emergency room to the ICU to the Medical Ward the doctors, nurses, and staff could not have been more professional or caring in doing everything they could to save this old mans life.

Later, when I did arrive at Tripler Hospital and the Cardiology Department I was informed that I had suffered a massive heart attack and owed my life to those who cared for me at LBJ.

So, time to eat humble pie and write a letter thanking all of the hard working doctors and staff who obviously do the best they can with their limited resources. I will be in your debt the rest of my days, Thank you, Thank you.

Jim Brittle

(Editor’s Note: I’ve had near misses at LBJ over the years and have also heard from friends that were mis-diagnosed — all horror stories. In the end, you are correct, with their limited resources they do the best they can, but that can in no way be perceived as the definitive for what ails you.

My take: I’ve found a doctor that I trust (he no longer works at LBJ, he’s with the Health Department) and I go to him for medical followups of diagnoses from specialists I see off-island. The key here is that I am able to afford this off-island care, as are many veterans and government top officials. What about those who can’t? ra)