January 19, 2013
I had my SCAD one year ago this past August 7th. I was standing in church holding my 4mo. old son when I got the most terrible pain in my chest and both forearms. I handed my son to my husband and told him I wasn’t feeling well. I walked to the back of our church’s sanctuary and collapsed. The next thing I knew we were on our way to the hospital emergency room. The doctor told us after running some tests that all signs indicated I had sustained a heart attack. Due to the fact that I was only 33 yrs. old and in good shape, everyone was confused and a deeper look was needed. I was life flighted to the nearest heart care hospital where doctors found that I had a double dissection and immediate emergency open heart surgery was required. I was told that my episode was due to hormones that were released after pregnancy and it was strongly recommended that I not have any more children. I’m enjoying life to the fullest and being a mother of two healthy children…a daughter who is 5 yrs. old and my son who is now 1 yrs. old. I thank my Heavenly Father for blessing me with a second chance at life and I enjoy spending each day with my children, husband, and family. I’m sorry to know that so many have gone through the same or similar circumstances, but I’m thankful this awareness is growing!