My heart saved my life

I wanted to share my story because Valentines is fast approaching as well as the 3rd anniversary of my heart awakening

On February 15th, 2022, I woke at about 4 am feeling a slight squeeze around my heart. I felt fine; there was just a moment of a squeeze feeling, then nothing. I checked my pulse; it was fine. The rest of me felt fine. I woke Chris to ask what he thought, saying I felt fine, but I noticed a squeeze that felt like it had already passed. Hmmm, maybe heartburn. I took some tums and went back to sleep.

I woke later, about 7 am. I seemed okay, slightly off, like in a fog. My pulse was still okay, and the rest of me seemed okay, but it felt like I had an air bubble moving around in my chest and back. I did not have any of the typical heart attack symptoms at all. I figured I'd be okay; I told Chris I was okay, and he went to work. But something still didn't feel quite right; I called the doctor's Office, and they said they had no openings; shortly after, they phoned back and said you better go to the hospital. I also called a friend with more medical knowledge than me, and she said I am coming to get you, and we are going to the hospital. As I am stubborn, I said no, it's okay. I am already putting my coat on. I felt fine; I could drive myself. When I arrived in the parking lot, I still felt fine. I had to talk to myself to make myself go in. I told myself it's better to find out if you are fine. The thing is, I have a genetic history of heart disease in my family, both sides. That knowledge also prompted me to get checked.

When I walked into emergency, saying I* was feeling something weird in my chest was important. I got in right away. The nurse took my blood pressure and asked me to come down the hall for an ECG test. I knew the technician; we chatted while she was doing the ECG. She left, and the emergency Dr. came in and said, "So there going to be some things happening fast here. She said You are having a heart attack; first, chew this aspirin. My body went into shock; I started uncontrollably trembling; not me, can't be. They wheeled me into another room, hooked me up to some monitors, and gave me an injection and other medication. I was still shaking in shock. They asked me to let them know when the pressure I was feeling left. The pressure was so mild I hardly noticed it; I am tough, pushing my way through my physicality, not listening to my body. I have since learned to listen to my body.

Long story short, I was treated well in the hospital, sent to Victora for further treatment, and treated well there. I Ended up having to have bypass surgery. Then the journey of recovery started. Recovering from bypass surgery took time and patience.

I am so grateful to my heart. It gently got my attention; What some would call a heart attack, I am calling a heart awakening. My heart said, "Hello, wake up, pay attention; something is not quite right here," the warning was gentle. If I hadn't listened, the outcome would have been quite different. I discovered two arteries in my chest were 100% and 90% blocked. Hence the surgery. I can't stress enough how vital a relationship with your body is. Our biology, our nervous system, is designed to let us know what's happening. Many humans have become desensitized, not paying attention to body signals, or are entirely numb.

Again, I want to stress how important it is to listen to your body—your physical, emotional, and spiritual being. Our body is the gift we have been given to navigate this journey called life.

If you do not already practice slowing down and tuning in to listen to your physical, emotional, and spiritual self, reach out. I can give you some suggestions.