Stevie's Heart Story

 
French

 

Photo of Stevie and family

"#HerHeartMatters
to me because...
I want people to understand that heart disease does not discriminate. Educate yourself and listen to your body. If I can help just one person to feel confident enough to ask their doctor about their heart health, I have done my job."

In July 2020, at the age of 28 and in the midst of a global pandemic, without warning, I collapsed on the street while getting out of my vehicle in northern Manitoba. The ambulance was called and I was taken to the local emergency where a life flight flew me to Winnipeg ICU. 

En route and at the hospital, I ended up having nine cardiac arrests and went through a number of medical interventions and defibrillations. I knew I had a severe vitamin deficiency and my body had a harder time than most absorbing vitamins, but I had no prior symptoms or no prior diagnosed heart condition.

I do not have any memory from that day or weeks leading up to the event, however; my friends and family said I did not show any signs that were alarming to them. 

A healthy ejection fraction is between​​ 50-65%, and mine was 12% which meant I was still at huge risk of having more ​​​​sudden cardiac arrests. I spent a week in an induced coma in the ICU, and it was unclear if I would be able to fight through. Thankfully, with a dedicated healthcare team, I made it. The following months were spent in and out of hospital, and I underwent surgery to have an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) inserted. 

I was told my life would never be the same. I was told I most likely wouldn’t be able to have children. I was alive, but never felt so lifeless.

Fast forward three years, after a lot (I mean a lot) of follow ups for heart failure, many medication trials and errors, one ​​​​ICD surgery, a positive support team, and a lot of HOPE, I have overcome the odds. My ejection fraction is now at 55%. I am happy, I am healthy, and I am a MOM to my one-year-old son, James. 

Do I live differently? Yes.

Do I miss out on some things due to my heart condition? Also yes.

Do I wish this never happened to me? Sometimes.

Did I learn a lot over the last 3 years? 100% yes.

Do I view life differently now? HECK YES.

I live life in the moment now, I enjoy the little things, and most importantly I am present with my family.

“It’s not about the setback, it’s about the comeback.” 

 

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#HerHeartMatters to me because...