Lynda
10 years since diagnosis
Age at interview: 58
Lynda lives in British Columbia with her husband. When she was 48 Lynda began experiencing chest pain. She went to the ER four times and was told each time that nothing was wrong. On her fifth trip to the ER, she was diagnosed with Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) and had stents implanted to open her blockages. Five years later Lynda was in Mexico and again felt that something was not right. She went to the hospital where more blockages were found, and additional stents were implanted. A few months after returning from Mexico, Lynda’s symptoms reappeared, and she was told that once again more blockages had been found. While having more stents implanted Lynda suffered a massive heart attack and spent several months in hospital. Ultimately Lynda’s heart was so damaged that a transplant was needed. Throughout her heart issues, Lynda became her own advocate and learned as much as she could about her illness. She credits the support of her husband for getting her through this experience and is passionate about helping others who are living with heart failure.
More content
- Mental Health & Emotional Support – LyndaLynda's husband and son experienced significant fears about her health.
- Mental Health & Emotional Support – LyndaLynda describes all the mental health support that she received as part of her care.
- Reflections on Identity, Life and Death – LyndaLynda wanted to spare her loved ones' pain and worry.
- Reflections on Identity, Life and Death – LyndaLynda talks about preparing her family prior to her transplant.
- Reflections on Identity, Life and Death – LyndaLynda describes how she became involved in patient support and advocacy work.
- Care Delivery – LyndaLynda describes pain from tests and procedures.
- Care Delivery – LyndaLynda talks about CardioMEMs – a device that remotely monitors for HF.
- Care Delivery – LyndaLynda advocates for both in person and virtual care.
- Heart Transplant – LyndaLynda waits for 8 months prior to receiving the call.
- Medications – LyndaLynda talks about the hope that new medications bring.