Heart Disease Is Too Scary, Even For A Cardiac Nurse

I have a sad but very true wake up call for all who think that heart disease is “just another hospital stay”. Now, I know that most of you understand the importance and seriousness of cardiac issues, but after thinking about this all day yesterday and most of last night, I feel the need to share it with you.

I had a female patients who at 51 years old has had 2 bypass’, 5 way each, surgeries, 16 stents placed, 18 catherizations in all, 5 MI’s, and an EF, ejection fraction, of 25%. So…. she might be able to squeeze in 1 more bypass, but with the heart muscle being compromised that is chancy.

She did indeed have a negative stress test on this admission, which is good, but how darn scary! I sat with her a bit yesterday afternoon and we spoke about diet, exercise and lifestyles, as well as the familial presence behind heart disease.

I asked her if she has put herself on the transplant list. Her answer was a very profound no. What? “I have had so many procedures, take so many medicines, have to live in such a way that if they can do another bypass, that’s great, and if not, I guess I will be in the hands of God”.

Wow! I was at a loss for words for a second, which NEVER happens. I guess when you have had enough, you have had enough. Even at the very young age of 51. Heart disease is no joke!

What would you do if this was you? Would you want a transplant or would you leave it up to a higher power?

Nursing certainly keeps it all in perspective for me, that’s for sure!