David Riker

Every Monday at 4:45 am, you’ll find David clocking in for his volunteer shift at West Valley Medical Center. Normally, volunteers don’t start until 8 am, but, as David explains, “I get there early because I want to help as many people as I can. I like to give back to the hospital that saved my life.”

David’s patient experience at WVMC began after having surgery at a different hospital. Just a couple of days after having his gallbladder removed, David showed up at West Valley’s emergency department with nausea and pain. A CT scan showed minor bowel back-up, and David went home with appropriate instructions. The next day he was feeling worse so he returned to West Valley and another CT scan revealed the blockage had worsened and may have perforated the bowl. David was admitted to the ICU. “I have to say that the folks in ICU did everything they could to clear things out…no matter what needed to be done — they were so nice and good to me.”

The bowel blockage, however, was stubborn, and it turned deadly when it perforated the colon. “The doctors and nurses knew immediately what had happened and prepared me for surgery,” explains David. “I have to be honest; I was scared. But when I thought I was dying, the surgeon, Dr. Matthew Macha, calmed me down and promised that I wouldn’t die and that he’d do his best to make sure I didn’t need a colostomy bag.”

David’s surgery took many hours, and 75% of his colon was removed. But Dr. Macha kept his promise; David not only lived but he also doesn’t need a colostomy bag. “There were so many people behind the scenes who helped me when I needed surgery. They knew I was struggling, and they just knew how to care. They’re all really neat people.”

While this would be a great ending to David’s story, it’s not the end. Just 24 hours after surgery, David’s heart began racing, up to 199 beats per minute. Since medications only slowed it for short periods of time, he needed an emergency cardiac ablation.

Though he was scared and in pain, David clearly remembers extraordinary care given by one particular person. “I couldn’t drink anything beforehand, and my mouth was really dry. One of the nurses sat beside me to put a wet sponge in mouth every few minutes. She was there the whole time, and I was so grateful.”

David stayed in the ICU for several days and he says what stands out is the acts of kindness by his ICU team. “I’m pretty sure one nurse came in at least 15 times during his shift just to bring me warm blankets. And I pushed the call button a lot! If I had anxiety, they got my medication right away; if my feet were cold, they brought me more socks. No matter how many times I pushed that button, they were always responsive and kind.”

People often wonder why they have to endure hard things, and David is no exception. But he realizes how much he was blessed. “The beauty is, when I look back, I realize the Lord had me covered. It was the people at West Valley. They did their job and beyond.”

“I would tell anyone, ‘If you’re sick, go to West Valley. If you need help, physical or mental, you’ll get compassionate help there.’”