HOSPITAL RELEASES MAN STRUCK BY BOLT OF LIGHTNING\Loan officer's recovery stuns doctors, family.

Byline: Susan Goldsmith and Mary Schubert Daily News Staff Writers

Struck by lightning just three days earlier, Guy Arnone walked out of the hospital Sunday and into the arms of his family.

"We know a lot of people have been praying for him," said his wife, Kristen Arnone, in a telephone interview.

The 30-year-old Canyon Country man spent much of his homecoming day resting and returning calls from well wishers.

During Thursday's torrential rainstorm, a bolt of lightning hit Arnone while he was in the parking lot of the Calabasas office where he works as a loan agent.

The lightning zapped him in his abdomen, blew his pager off his body and knocked him unconscious. He entered the hospital in critical condition.

And now Arnone's doctors and relatives alike are stunned by his recovery.

"He's a pretty lucky guy," said Joan Schneider, nursing supervisor at Northridge Hospital Medical Center. "He has a good story for his grandchildren."

Arnone's relatives said he has no memory of the lightning strike. Doctors expect he might begin to recall details in the next few days.

Because Arnone's internal organs were not damaged by the jolt, doctors said his recovery was faster than if he had been shocked by an electrical wire, which can cause severe burns.

Arnone was singed on the right side of his head, down his chest and on the left side of his leg.

Although lightning is intensely hot, a strike is usually very brief, which reduces the likelihood of permanent damage, doctors said.

Kristen Arnone said her husband needed rest and didn't expect to return to his work at Funders Mortgage Corp. for a few days. Next to their front door - decorated with glittery paper shamrocks for St. Patrick's Day - was a note taped over the doorbell asking visitors to knock softly instead of ringing the bell.