Lois
5 years since diagnosis
Age at interview: 73
Lois is a retired nurse who currently lives in Toronto with her son. Shortly after a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation in 2017, Lois was admitted to the hospital with congestive heart failure. Her heart failure diagnosis has had a big emotional and physical toll on her. She feels very tired often and has had to significantly adjust her activity levels by limiting to doing one thing a day. One of Lois’ sisters is a former cardiac nurse, and she has been there for Lois throughout her heart failure journey, including attending medical appointments with her and helping her take notes of what was discussed during those appointments. Lois has also received great support from a cardiac rehab program where she attended for two years prior to the pandemic. However, she had to advocate for herself to even be referred to this program. Lois’ advice for other women with heart failure is to always advocate for yourselves and to always ask questions. While the COVID-19 pandemic has meant going out less, Lois is looking forward to more social outings including attending the Blue Jays home opener.
More content
- Coping Strategies – LoisLois stressed the importance of knowing your meds and taking them as instructed.
- Finding Information & Cardiac Rehab – LoisLois notices few women in a cardiac rehabilitation program.
- Finding Information & Cardiac Rehab – LoisLois talks about the content of her cardiac rehab program.
- Reflections on Identity, Life and Death – LoisLois worries about who will look after her son with developmental issues.
- Care Delivery – LoisLois feels very involved in her care.
- Care Delivery – LoisLois knows high demand for services in the community means long wait periods.
- Impact on Work, School, Finances – LoisLois had to sell her house to afford retirement.
- Early Symptoms – LoisLois talks about getting sent to the hospital by her family doctor.
- Advice for Women Experiencing Heart Failure – LoisLois talks about having her sister with her at appointments.