I was born with Congenital heart disease, so my story may differ a little or a lot from women who are diagnosed later on in life with heart disease. That being said, after undergoing my second open heart surgery at the age of 27 in 2017 for a Valve replacement and a Valve repair, it became very apparent to me that there was very little support available for adults living with a heart condition regardless of how that condition came about.
The year after my surgery, I had gone from being this happy-go-lucky lover of life to mentally and physically struggling with my self-confidence and acceptance. I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression, which was a concoction for disaster, and all I wanted was my old self back. We’ve all heard the saying ‘Laughter is the best form of medicine’. Your mental and emotional well-being plays such a vital role in your heart health, so it’s no surprise that stress, anxiety, and depression are common risks for heart disease. Regardless of being born with a heart condition or being diagnosed later on in life, your heart health is imperative.
I was very fortunate to meet a beautiful soul during my healing process after my surgery. Her name was Cara; she too had been born with CHD. Having spent 27 years of my life having known no one in the CHD community, she was a breath of fresh air. Cara’s condition was a bit more complex than mine, but we both bonded over talking about our conditions and how much we both wanted to help spread awareness of how people saw heart disease. She was a real advocate for the heart community and someone I really looked up to.
Cara sadly passed away last year a few months after receiving a new heart due to complications, and I felt alone once more. After the loss of Cara, I was struggling with a lot of work stress. I wasn’t exercising, I was eating a lot of junk food, and I wasn’t taking care of myself at all. Then one night, I ended up in the hospital after experiencing a severe panic attack. If you are fortunate enough to have never experienced a panic attack, the symptoms can closely mimic that of a heart attack.
Though my condition is not hereditary, heart disease runs in my family. Both of my grandparents on my dad’s side, as well as my dad and his brother, have all had heart attacks. It was the most terrifying experience I have ever encountered, and it was the catalyst for me to make much-needed changes in my life. I made a promise not only to myself but also to Cara to look after myself inside and out and continue to help spread awareness and offer support to women who might be struggling.
Though heart disease is 80% preventable, life isn’t always plain sailing and unfortunate circumstances can happen, leading to detrimental effects on your emotional and physical well-being. Sometimes all we need is that one person who gets it and we can talk to. There are moments where I still feel like I’m recovering, and I think that’s because I’m still trying to find the right resources. But I do hope to be more involved with the heart community in any way I can be and offer that support to those who may need it. I hope that sharing my story here, it helps you to share yours.
Follow Laura’s journey on Instagram – @laura.achilles