Louise

3 years since diagnosis

Age at interview: 68

Louise resides in Alberta, and has lived with chronic health issues for the majority of her adult life. While on long term disability for Lupus, heart drugs were added to the mix of her medications. In 2011 Louise learned that she had suffered a silent heart attack, but no action or changes were made. In Feb 2016, she suffered a major STEMI (Widowmaker) heart attack. With no cardiologist in her area, she was flown 300 kilometers for intervention and a stent. After discharge, Louise felt overwhelmed and experienced difficulty finding follow up care and felt that no one would provide her with any information. In 2017 Louise suffered another STEMI heart attack and was again flown to the bigger city for intervention. While in recovery, Louise unexpectedly received an ICD (pacemaker/defibrillator). After returning home, Louise again had challenges accessing cardiac care. In 2019 she finally relocated to the larger centre to be closer to family and the care she needed. Just months after moving, she learned on the phone that she had Heart Failure. In shock, Louise began to educate herself with continual research on the internet and obtaining her medical records. She began questioning her doctors and getting copies of every medical report. She surprisingly found and joined heart related groups on Facebook. Louise has become an advocate and patient partner, and is involved with a number of heart groups and organizations. In addition to constant learning of cardiac, ICD and other medical issues, she stays active with significant daily walking challenges, which have helped her not only physically but mentally as well.

 

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