RebeccasHeart's Profile

RebeccasHeart

Become Your Own Best Advocate

My Story

As I exited the Cath Lab, I felt a sense of relief wash over me as I realized the procedure was over. An angiogram with adenosine-stress cardiac magnetic resonance imaging isn’t the most comfortable procedure to endure; especially if you have to ‘use the bathroom’ twice during the procedure.

Wheeled on a gurney into recover, my two doctors, Drs. C. Noel Bairey Merz and Chrisandra Shufelt followed. Once I came to a stop, Dr. Bairey-Merz leaned in and said, “Well, the good news is we know whats wrong with your heart”. That’s all I needed to hear. While the doctors continued to talk, I didn’t hear a word. Ten minutes into it I looked at Dr. Shufelt and asked her to promise me that she would find my husband and son in the waiting room and explain to them what I couldn’t comprehend.

This was the culmination of five years of seaching for a doctor who could find what was wrong with my heart. As a young woman experiencing chest pain, I was told time and again that ‘I was too young’ for heart disease or perhaps I needed to ‘lower the stress’ in my life. In actuality, all I needed was a doctor with the skill set and mind set to listen to me objectively.

That is exactly what I found in Dr. Bairey-Merz and her staff at the Cedars-Sinai Women's Heart Center. These fine doctors have been leading the way in women’s cardiac research for several years now. Under their care, I am now participating in my third Research Study. Each study I’ve participated in has greatly bettered my situation.

As of December 2007, I have had the piece of mind in knowing the name of my condition; formely known as ‘Cardiac Syndrome X’, better known as Ischemic Heart Disease. I can honestly say that, had it not been for these fine doctors and the research they’ve done, I wouldn’t be telling you this story right now.

It is now my focus in life to get the word out about Ischemic Heart Disease and where women in a similar situation can get the care they so desperately need. There are a lot of us out there; they are waiting to be found.

Comments and Support Messages

84 People
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916 more to go!

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RebeccasHeart

Become Your Own Best Advocate

My Story

Comments and Support Messages

PatElliott

Sep 15th 2010, 9:44 pm

Rebecca - Thanks for all you do to keep yourself healthy and for sharing your knowledge with other women. You are living proof that cardiac disease can hit far too early in life, and knowledge and advocacy for one's self are critical for obtaining the right care. Pat

Jo-Ann

Sep 22nd 2010, 1:37 am

Best of luck Rebecca on a very worthy cause. Good Health to you! Jo-Ann

ESTHER

Sep 22nd 2010, 9:30 am

GOOD LUCK REBECCA. aLL OUR HEARRTS ARE WITH YOU.

Christina

Sep 22nd 2010, 10:50 am

Barbara

Sep 22nd 2010, 11:22 am

Dear Rebecca, Congratulations on your advocacy! You are providing a valuable service for many women. I wish you good health and continued success in your endeavors! Barbara

Harvey

Sep 22nd 2010, 12:09 pm

Rebecca: Continued good health and all our best. Your message helps to put this very important personal heath issue in greater perspective and hopefully many others will be helped by your experience . All our best, Harvey Orlov

bmom91

Sep 22nd 2010, 4:40 pm

empowHER is a great site and it sends an important message that everyone needs to hear! If you are a woman or love a women share this site and help save lives.

Jennifer

Sep 22nd 2010, 6:15 pm

You my dear are an inspiration to many! I love you and am so honored to be your sister!! Keep on reaching out, touching, and teaching those around you!!

Sally

Sep 23rd 2010, 3:17 am

WTG Rebecca! I wish you all the best. From a HeartSister, Sally

victoriaprice

Sep 23rd 2010, 7:32 am

Thanks for all that you do sis! You rock! Love, V

Carolyn

Sep 23rd 2010, 9:34 am

Thanks for sharing your story Rebecca. All it takes is to help one other person and that person will help another and now you have started the never ending cycle. Way to go and good luck on your journey.

Robert

Sep 23rd 2010, 10:40 am

Thank you for sharing as it helps those feeling lost and lonely.

Katie

Sep 23rd 2010, 11:42 am

Best wishes to your cause. Thank you for sharing your story. You and your family will be in my prayers.

Barbara

Sep 23rd 2010, 12:19 pm

PLease,keep up the good work and stay healthy!

Malika

Sep 23rd 2010, 3:17 pm

This story shocked me about how the doctors refused to accept something was wrong with your heart. "You were too young" is such bull because cancer for instant can develop at birth. All the support and luck!

Gerard

Sep 23rd 2010, 4:09 pm

God Bless You Rebecca...

LACHIEL

Sep 23rd 2010, 6:00 pm

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

Pauline

Sep 23rd 2010, 6:18 pm

Well done for persisting until you found someone who truoy listened and could help. It's way too easy to give up when you meet that blank wall of so-called expertese. Go girl!

Jill

Sep 23rd 2010, 7:01 pm

Thank you for helping so many women to get the answers that they need to help themselves. Doctors are wonderful but we have to be advocates for our own care.

Laurel

Sep 23rd 2010, 10:14 pm

Lovely. important story, beautifully told.

Donna

Sep 24th 2010, 1:39 am

As a Heart of yucca Valley I understand the statistics of women and heart disease- we need to inform our sisters

David

Sep 24th 2010, 3:13 am

I'm so glad they were able to help you, and I hope you have great success in helping others.

Catherine

Sep 24th 2010, 8:31 am

You are and inspiration to me and to so many others in trying to reach out to those with heart issues that have been misdiagnosed! Forever indebted to you

Catherine

Sep 24th 2010, 8:32 am

This is the least I can do ... I'll do it a 1000 times! Stay healthy x

Bebe

Sep 24th 2010, 12:34 pm