Naomi

2 years since diagnosis

Age at interview: 21

Naomi lives in British Columbia with her parents and siblings. In 2020 when finishing her second year of university, Naomi developed flu like symptoms that would not go away. Naomi thought that these symptoms could be really bad flu or COVID, however she tested negative. As her symptoms grew worse Naomi’s mom took her to a local emergency room where she was diagnosed with pneumonia, given antibiotics and sent home. The medication didn’t help, and Naomi returned to the hospital where she learned that her heart was in trouble. Naomi’s health deteriorated quickly, and she was moved to a larger hospital that specialized in cardiac care. Naomi’s heart stopped several times, and she was put on ECMO. An LVAD was then implanted to allow her heart to rest. Despite these efforts Naomi’s heart was still struggling a transplant was needed. Naomi was devastated by this at first, but after speaking with other transplant recipients she realized that a full and beautiful life after transplant is possible. Naomi will soon celebrate her 1 year heart transplant anniversary, or “heartversary” surrounded by her family and community, and is very thankful for this gift of life.

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More content

• Stigma & Gender Bias – Naomi
  Naomi expresses the need for age-appropriate resources.
• Mental Health & Emotional Support – Naomi
  Naomi describes role changes and difficulties within her family as a result of her illness.
• Mental Health & Emotional Support – Naomi
  Having access to a psychologist on her care team was extremely helpful to Naomi.
• Finding Support – Naomi
  Naomi stresses the importance of online support and meeting other heart failure patients.
• Finding Support – Naomi
  Naomi gives thanks for her friends who continued to treat her as normal despite her illness.
• Access – Naomi
  Naomi feels that poor communication caused delays in her care because she was transferred back and forth between two hospitals.
• Diagnosis – Naomi
  Naomi learned she had heart failure by reading it on a whiteboard.
• Impact on Work, School, Finances – Naomi
  Naomi has decided to switch career paths due to her heart journey.
• Impact on Work, School, Finances – Naomi
  Naomi talks about how she felt not graduating with her class.
• Impact on Work, School, Finances – Naomi
  Naomi shares how her employer created a part time position to meet her needs.