Three years ago, I was at Disneyland and found myself leaving early, walking back to our hotel. I was fatigued & was having a hard time breathing. My lungs were full of fluid. Without knowing it, I was experiencing congestive heart failure...unable to enjoy "the happiest place on the earth" with my sweet husband and 5 fun children
Shortly afterwards , I was diagnosed with Rheumatic Heart Disease. My parents and I were unaware that I ever even had Rheumatic Fever as a child. We discovered, by echo, that two of my valves were diseased.
At the age of 43, I underwent open heart surgery to have a mitral mechanical valve placed. Recovery was slow & hard but with the help of family & friends, I started to get my feet back on the ground.
One month after my surgery though, I unexpectedly had a stroke. I found myself in the ICU for 10 days & then in rehab... working hard to gain back what I lost. That was a hard journey. I feel so blessed to have made it through though.
I am so grateful to have been (and to continue to be) in such great hands. I have been cared for by so many fabulous doctors.
First & most importantly my husband and best friend; Landon Dickson, MD
My cardiologists and neurologists at IMC:
Virginia Hebl, MD
Bruce Reid, MD
Brian Whisenant, MD
James Orford, MD
Brian Crandall, MD
Alyssa Lettich, MD
Andrea Aguirre, MD
Elizabeth Sunderman, MD
[My aortic valve function has declined over the last 2 years. And will also require replacement. TBD.
[My grandpa taught me and reminded me to "be a survivor"]
I will strive to survive.
I will walk for heart & stroke!
I will strive to have "a mighty change of heart!!!"
