Monica W.

At the age of 32 I had a massive heart attack and bypass surgery. I had a 95% blockage in my main left coronary artery. For a month prior, I was having chest pain, jaw pain, left arm pain and because of my age they said it was just acid reflux. Even knowing I had a strong family history of heart disease and the only thing I did wrong was smoke. I was a healthy female worked 12 hours a day, 6 days a week and loved my job. And in one instant it was all taken from me. I am thankful to be alive and more thankful for my loving husband whom never left my side the 8 days I was in the hospital, never let them strap me down as they do after open heart surgery, and has been my rock ever since. In April 2008, I received my ICD (implantable cardioverter-defibrillator) I call trigger to help prevent sudden cardiac death. I am coming up on my anniversary date of 11 years and they only gave me 1 to 2 years to live. I guess I fooled them.............my heart is severely damaged but my spirit and love is so strong and that in all will help me to survive and endure what I do. I take 16 pills a day to live, but I am thankful I have been here to see my kids graduate school, one get married, and even a grandchild who is my heart now.....more info needs to be out there for heart disease in women they need to know that it is the number 1 killer in women...it asked why I think I survived. I don’t question that and I won’t. I just live each day to the fullest and thank god and pray for one more. I have so much to live for and, god willing, I will. Heart disease not only affects the person but the family as a whole. I live with the disease but so do my husband and kids each day of our lives......I have a handicap parking permit and the looks or the “well, you don’t look handicapped” really hurts. I tell them disability is more then meets the eye. I used to go at it about what happened to me but my daughter said mom, no stress. So now if I get a look or a word I just look at them and say you know what God does love stupid people. God bless ya............... so that’s my story there is more as each day is a new day but let’s get the word out and help with heart disease Thank you and God bless.

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