Why I GO RED!

In January 2010 I had a heart attack. My son was one at the time, my husband was active duty so not initially with me. I just felt like something was stuck in my chest after battling a cold and my son was on O2 so I was having a hard time lifting him out of the crib. He was one. I did not initially go there but spoke with my husband who was around the Pentagon and he said call 911 or lay down. Laying down just gives you anxiety and I am not wired that way. How could some my age have anything wrong but anxiety? I called 911 and they were less then thrilled to see me and an infant on 02. I looked like a drama queen. My EKG was normal, I don't smoke, not diabetic, not over weight but I did have my genes working against me.  I was not crazy, crying or anything but just new something was not right. Trust in your body and be your own advocate! They took me to the hospital. Initially, they assessed me as a young women with a special needs child who probably needed just a break. The first cardiologist said well we will keep her and maybe she needs a stress test?  Another cardiologist, maybe the attending, said, well she has a very strong family history so lets do a  workup. Blood does not lie.

At this point, Andy arrived at the hospital, They came, suddenly  and said , relax you are having a heart attack, My cardiac enzymes came back and in fact my dismissal of what might be true was happening, I had a major blockage in my LAD, often called the widow maker, and if they would have sent me home, I may not be here today.  My parents died at 54 and 56 but  was 20 years younger. They placed a stent in my LAD.

Because of my vascular disease I have ischemic optic neuropathy. This has also caused child birth issues.

I have spent far to much time in the ICU from my caths and strokes. It has come to some understanding that I have vascular issues. I am blessed for great friends, great love, the AHA, Adventist Healthcare, Mike Chen, MD and my Go Red Family!


I am FOREVER BLESSED!

Here's to your heart~D