Debbie's interview
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How did all start?
I had an at home cardiac arrest in January 2017
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
I did not have a diagnosis for another 18 months after cardiac arrest
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
Rhuemotology Cardiology Vascular Surgeon They have all played a part in me being alive
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
Exercise Meditate Reduce Stress Eat a health diet with tumeric and ginger in particular ( I eat a lot of soups now ) Maintain a quiet lifestyle
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Walking distance. I can walk around 50 to 100 metres and then my legs go weak , are painful as if I have run a marathon. If I try to push through this my bowels will give way. Breathing, I get very short of breath ......activities such as making a bed take time and cause a lot of stress on my body. Living in a townhouse with 14 very steep stairs (no downstairs toilet) can be very tricky!
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
My family relationships have changed....my children are my biggest supporters but I fear others tread carefully around me. I do not have much of a social life as it takes a lot of work to get in and out of places.
What things have you stopped doing?
working going out walking long walks studying
What do you think about the future?
I think It is positive
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
They are all the best years of my life....some just in a different way to others
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
I would be working as a nurse, as per the degree I was almost at the end of when this all happened
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
A series of unfortunate events
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
Just stick with it .... some days will be hell , some will be fabulous! It's quite a ride, but hopefully there will be a cure found very soon :-) Take care of yourself & don't be too hard on yourself .
