Hope and Survival

Once women are diagnosed, shock and bewilderment often set in. But there's hope, and with each story, an element of triumph.

“I had a heart attack 2 days before Christmas while at the grocery store. I chewed an aspirin and ignored the awful way I felt. I went home chewed 2 more aspirin and drank 2 glasses of red wine and went to bed praying I would wake up in the morning, while pain radiated down my left arm. Talk about denial! After 16 coronary artery stents and a quadruple bypass, I am still here. The reasons: Strong faith, my will to live, and finding a new pupose in my life -WomenHeart. Without the opportunity of support through WomenHeart, and the purpose of helping other women with heart disease, I honestly believe I would not be here today. Thank you, WomenHeart!” - Cathy, age 55

“I had my heart attack a month before I turned 47. A few days prior to this event I had been brushing snow off of the windshield of my van so I thought I may have just pulled a muscle in my chest. I developed chest tightness and had some difficulty catching my breath initially. Next I became slightly nauseated, lost my appetite, and began sweating profusely as if I was having a major "hot flash" that wasn't going away. Also at this time it felt as though something was causing me to feel extreme pressure on the top of my shoulders. Even though I was experiencing all of these symptoms, I was denying the fact that I was having a "heart attack". I didn't have a family history of heart disease and figured that I was too young to be having a heart attack. When my symptoms weren't going away that is when I knew that I needed to get in to the emergency room for a complete work up. When I was evaluated in the ER, my blood pressure was extremely elevated and my heart rate was also very elevated. I knew then that my heart was in jeopardy. I was admitted to the hospital and after further testing I was found to have had a heart attack. The next morning I had under gone a cardiac catheterization and ended up having 2 of my cardiac arteries stented (with a total of 3 stents) in order to open up the blockages that were discovered. I am a non insulin dependant Diabetic (Type 2). This disease in itself placed me at a high risk for developing heart disease as well as other diseases. I have had to have a couple more Cardiac Stents placed since my first event. Fortunately I haven't had any additional attacks on my heart since then. The message that I would like to get out is that no matter how minor you think your symptoms are or where you think they might be coming from, go to the nearest emergency room to be evaluated. It may save your life. If I would have ignored my symptoms I probably wouldn't be here telling my story today.” - Patti, age 48

“At age 35, I was undergoing numerous tests to determine why I was experiencing shortness of breath & a tightness in my chest. At first it was believed to be asthma or allergies and so I was being treated for such. My doctor performed a stress test on me, it came back as abnormal; from there I went on to do a PET scan and then onto a catherization with a Cardiologist. I was a 35 year old, mother of two teen-agers; no family history, no high blood pressure, no high cholesterol, and no history of smoking and was working on my 15th year in the U.S. Army. I weighed 110 pounds at 5'4". During the cath test (it was on a Thursday in July), my cardiologist asked whether I wanted surgery tomorrow or on Monday - I said neither. He said I had a 50/50 chance of walking out of the hospital and dropping over dead on the side walk. I didn't like those odds, but I knew that nothing in life was guaranteed. On Wednesday, I bicycled for 3 miles and on that Tuesday I ran for 2 1/2 miles. I was in good shape. I had a double by-pass that Friday morning in July with an 80% blockage in my left main artery. 6 weeks after surgery I was back at work (I'm an Active Duty Reservist). 3 years later, I still don't feel like I did before that day in July, but I thank the Lord every day for the extra day he has given me to raise my children and be with my family. I feel that women should not be placed inside of the "box" that categorizes what is typical for heart disease. I am living proof that the "box" was no where near where I was and still to this day stuns anyone that sees me and has knowledge of my heart surgery.” - Kathline, age 38

“I had two heart attacks over a two-day period when I was 24 years old. My family expected me to immediately get back to a normal life, so I did. I dove right into my life again, eyes shut tight and I haven't looked back. My life was normal except I was depressed. I didn't like my job and was afraid to exercise. Plus, I always felt that another heart attack was there, lurking. Before I found WomenHeart, I didn't have any support or even knew where to look for some. I'm so glad I found this community.” - Samantha

“After 14 angioplasties, five stents and two quadruple bypass surgeries, I have gone through the frustrations, depressions and fears of serious heart problems. I even go through periods of denial, but I also meditate, do Tai Chi, and generally have a positive view of life. I am aware that there have been many changes and new directions in my life but I am very happy for each moment, laugh and hug that comes into my life. I am actively involved in living even though how I live has changed.” - Charlotte

“I can't believe I finally found a place [in WomenHeart] where there are other women that have experienced many of the physical and psychological experiences I have! I actually wept with a sad joy knowing that I was not alone and that I am not a hypochondriac or crazy. It confirmed the fact that I am my own health advocate and should trust my instincts about my physical and mental health. It's encouraging to know there are others who have overcome many of the same obstacles presented to me and been able to improve their quality of life.” - Dory

“I do a number of different types of exercise: walking, swimming, using a rowing machine and lifting weights. Every once in a while I need something new to keep me motivated. About a year ago, a friend suggested trying the large exercise ball along with a video (there are many on the market) so I bought a ball and a Kathy Smith video. I found that the ball not only is a good alternative to other types of exercise, but it helps strengthen the back and abdominal muscles. Recently I bought another video that is a combination of yoga and pilates on the ball -- it's like meditation on a roll! Good for us bypass survivors.” - Martha

“I am now 56 years old. At 53, I had a stroke and an angioplasty followed by a quadruple bypass. Since the surgery, I have worked hard at restoring my health: following my doctor's orders, eating nutritional foods, taking supplements and exercising. Despite my efforts, I have not made much progress. I am depressed about my state of affairs and panicked about my future.” - Karin

“I've been a member of WomenHeart since my surgery 18 months ago. I received my copy of Stories from the Heart yesterday and read it in one sitting today. Thank you all for sharing your stories. I feel better emotionally than I have in the past 18 months. Reading how everyone coped and is still coping, gave me hope. Maria's story and her third paragraph (now highlighted for my husband) said it all, so simply and eloquently. This book should be a must read for all family/ friends of heart patients, and heart patients themselves. Maybe the loneliness and fear could be recognized, and perhaps understood a little better. Thank you from the bottom of my damaged heart.” - Dana

“I'm 31 years old and had a heart attack last year. I have a lot of heart muscle damage as a result, partially because I waited so long to go to the hospital and partially because once I got there, it took the ER staff over two hours to realize what was going on. I feel so lost and confused about the whole experience. I am a mother of five children and am not ready to die. So many people say to me, "Everything happens for a reason." I'm just dying to know what my reason is.” - Angela

“After three years of intense pain, I finally had a cardiac catheterization that showed four blockages, an open sore, and an aneurysm all on top of my heart! (No test I had before then had showed any heart condition.) I had a 1% chance of survival after surgery, but I came through and I'm doing great. The depression following the surgery is terrible, but it does go away and all the pain is worth every day I have afterwards. I call my scar my "life line" to a new and wonderful life.” - Carolyn

“During my most recent trip to the doctor, one of the nurses escorted me to an exam room and forgot all about me. I sat in the exam room waiting on the doctor for an hour and 25 minutes, and he never came. Finally, I picked up my purse and walked all the way out to the receptionist area and demanded to know how much longer I was going to have to wait for the doctor. All they said was "Do you want to reschedule?" Again I demanded to know how much longer I'd have to wait and they said, "Uh...he's with another patient and we can't rush the doctor." I grabbed my purse and walked out!” - Peggy

“I had a heart attack with accompanying emergency angioplasty and stent last year but was totally unprepared for the incapacitating depression and anxiety that hit a couple of weeks later. My cardio rehab program was great but provided no emotional support. I don't believe that I am about to have another heart attack or dying, and I am making necessary life style changes, but I don't know how to deal with these overwhelming feelings. I really need a support group - or at least a few women - to talk to.” - Mary

“I was told that I was having a heart attack and that the EKG showed I'd had a previous heart attack. Everyday I am scared that I won't see my daughter's face and she won't see mine. I could not believe so many women had heart attacks. I felt like I was the only one and I was being punished by God.” - Latesha

“I am presently 38 years old. Three years ago I had a heart attack. None of the pain was very intense, the strangest feeling was that I felt like I was moving in slow motion all night. It just seems that there isn't anyone out there that takes your condition seriously and understands that you want to keep it from happening again and you want to be healthier than ever before.” - Sally

“I am 49 years old and disabled in a wheelchair with hypertensive hypertropic cardiomyopathy. I had to quit my job as a nurse and try to survive on Social Security Disability payments and no health insurance. I will qualify for Medicare in July and hope to live long enough to enjoy the benefits.” - Sharon

“After several heart surgeries, the feeling I had of being "almost invincible" will not be an adjective to describe who I am anymore. The lingering worry about my future health status continues to loom over me and in me (it never leaves me). But for some reason the concern of my own mortality doesn't seem to make me "crazy". I just know I am still here for a purpose and will do what I can to make the journey worthwhile. I have also discovered what I do not want to spend my time doing, which feels great. I am still learning not to take life for granted.” - Kathy, age 42

“My heart attack [two years ago] actually saved my life in the proverbial sense. I am much happier, doing things I like and living my life the way I want. I feel less stressed and am enjoying things in a renewed way. Everything happens for a reason. I also got to meet the wonderful women of WomenHeart - it feels like a big family!” - Cindy, age 32

“After my heart attack and bypass surgery, my cardiologist told me I would undoubtedly have another heart attack. When I asked what my symptoms would be, he replied, 'Probably none... you'll probably just go in your sleep.' Hmmm... maybe that's why I've had insomnia ever since the surgery. I haven't been back to him or any other cardiologist since.” - Pat

“I had my first heart attack 13 years ago while undergoing angioplasty, followed by an aneurysm. My cardiologist insisted I attend a PACE (prescribed active cardiac exercise) program three times a week. So for 13 years, that's just what I've done. I've found a wonderful support group and enjoyment from working out with other heart patients. I owe my recovery to this discipline of frequent exercise and heart healthy food” - Mary, age 80

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