My name is Giselle (33), married & have two miracle children who were both high risk pregnancies due to my illnesses, one of them being Heart Disease at the age of 23.
During one of my intestinal surgeries for Colonic Inertia, I received a diagnosis of Congestive Heart Failure. Initially, I was prescribed medication, but my cardiologist at the time, believing I was young & would recover, discontinued the medication. A year later, my Ejection Fraction plummeted to 25%, prompting my new cardiologist to put me back on medication & refer me to an Electrophysiologist due to the high risk of cardiac arrest. Consequently, I underwent implantation of a defibrillator/pacemaker.
A few months later, I experienced multiple shocks due to cardiomyopathy & underwent two ablations to rectify the arrhythmias.
No doctor could provide explanations for my early onset of CHF & cardiomyopathy. They attributed it to the high-risk pregnancy I had with my son at the age of 20.
I had always wanted a second child, but my doctors advised against it due to my cardiac history, stating it would be impossible & potentially dangerous. Fortunately, I found an exceptional cardiologist & a maternal-fetal medicine team who closely monitored me & gave me the green light to have another child. Remarkably, my EF improved miraculously after my daughter was born.
Fast forward to the present, my ICD had to be removed due to a faulty lead. It was changed to a newer model defibrillator/pacemaker which was implanted under my left arm & is quite large. The recovery from this implant was significantly more challenging compared to the first one. I am still currently recovering months after the surgery that was done on October 2024.
Since the onset of my chronic illness battles, I've been diagnosed with numerous other conditions. These include Trigeminal Neuralgia, Chronic Migraines, Endometriosis, Fibromyalgia, Spinal Stenosis (along with other spinal disorders), POTS, Arthritis in my spine, hip, & knee. I've also undergone two meniscus surgeries & one hip surgery (currently awaiting a second hip surgery).
In total, I've had 16 surgeries for all these conditions combined. I'm also on a lot of medication to help me manage my heart disease, my Trigeminal Neuralgia, Chronic Migraines & mostly, the intense whole body pain that I feel on a daily basis.
I ask that you please join me & walk beside me & thousands of people including heart survivors & their loved ones. This walk holds profound importance for me as a heart disease warrior & it is more than just a walk, it's a powerful symbol of resilience, hope, & the collective strength of our community in the fight against heart disease.
For someone like me, with a history of Congestive Heart Failure, cardiomyopathy, & the challenges of living with an implanted defibrillator/pacemaker, walking isn't just a simple activity; it's a testament to perseverance. Every step helps improve circulation, strengthens the heart, & supports overall wellbeing. It's a way to reclaim control over my health, celebrate progress, & honor the journey.
This walk represents more than physical movement; it's a stride towards awareness, advocacy, & funding vital research. Your participation helps amplify the message that heart disease can affect anyone, & together, we can make a difference. By walking, you're not just supporting a cause, you're walking alongside warriors like me, showing that we are not alone in this fight.
Let's lace up our shoes, take each step with purpose, & walk toward a future filled with hope, healing, & heart health for all!
