I work out almost every day. I eat healthy. I try to manage my stress. By “try”, I’m just being honest. As a mom of three grown and almost-flown children with aging parents, the “sandwich generation” struggle is real. But, I truly live my life through a lens of health and fitness and have done so for years. Truthfully, this has been my focus since I became a mom of daughters. I made a vow to myself to model health and I think I’ve honored that intention.
Both of my parents have had heart attacks; so genetics is not truly on my side. Hence, the hyper focus on health. I’ve run three marathons, many half marathons and countless 10K and 5K races. My heart is strong. It’s the body part of which I am most proud.
Earlier this year, I had bronchitis that would not relent. I want to urgent care desperate for my cough to ease and left with a hint of something bigger to worry about. The doctor listened to my heart and said “do you know you have a heart murmur?”. Yes. Every doctor, nurse, and medical professional who has listened to my heart has made that comment and the conversation always ends there. Until this urgent care doctor.
“Have you ever had it checked?” he asked. No, no one ever mentioned that and my heart is strong, my heart is healthy, I run marathons. “You really should and soon” he replied with a look in his eyes I will never forget. My post-visit summary instructed to get an echocardiogram in the next three days. Very specific and very soon.
I found a cardiologist and waited 6 weeks for that echocardiogram. The technician didn’t say anything, but part of the test involves sound and I hear it myself. Instead of thump thump thump, I hear a tsunami. I knew something wasn’t right.
My appointment was at 4pm on a Friday. At 5:30, while walking our dogs, I get a call. It’s the doctor’s number. A call that soon, on a Friday night, from a doctor, is never good news. And, it wasn’t. I don’t remember all the words but something about severe prolapse, severe regurgitation, enlarged heart, fluid around my heart etc. He did not hedge, surgery was in my very, very near future. I cried.
But, I’m healthy. I’m strong. My heart is my favorite part.
Heart Warrior Fitness 