Louise said her biggest downfall was that she didn't ask for help from others.
Written testimony
I think my biggest downfall is that I don’t ask for help from others. Because I want to be Superwoman. Because I always was Superwoman. My biggest hurdle has been a lifelong habit of never complaining. That was not helpful. Until recently, I really didn’t understand the magnitude of my heart events each time I survived. And when I realized the severity, I didn’t know how to convert the medical facts to simple terms for my family. So I never talked about my medical issues to anyone. I knew I had love and support, but I didn’t want anyone to be scared of losing me. I had surgeries and medications, and thought recovery was a given. This kept me in denial until I heard the words heart failure.
Talking about my experiences here is a first step for me. I hope to include my family and friends sooner than later. I need my people to understand the evolution of my health issues, and how I’m actually coping to survive each day. And yes I have to learn to say no. And yes, I have to learn to ask for and accept help. I think I am slowly getting there.
More content
- Advice for Women Experiencing Heart Failure – LouiseLouise said her biggest downfall was that she didn't ask for help from others.
- COVID Challenges – LouiseLouise relocated to a new city and could not see a cardiologist due to COVID.
- Surgery and Devices – LouiseLouise shares her story about being unsure about what device she had implanted.
- Surgery and Devices – LouiseLouise turns to Facebook for help with her ICD.
- Diagnosis – LouiseLouise was well into treatment before she heard the term 'heart failure'.
- Access – LouiseLouise describes the impact of having no cardiologists where she lives.
- Coping Strategies – LouiseUsing a Fitbit allows Louise to set walking goals and monitor her heart rate.