Wednesday, February 18th of this year I was shopping in Costco. I started to get a pain in my upper back, into my shoulders, and down my arms. I couldn't feel my hands. I had no sensation on my arms. I felt nauseated. I have neurological problems and will occasionally get numbness and tingling in my arms and legs. It was the pain that was new. But I kept shopping. I've got a coffeeshop to run, and we needed groceries. Then I started to have a little chest pain and shortness of breath. I thought it was a panic attack. So I sat down. I had some water. I regulated my breathing. I did my physical therapy stretches from my neuropathy. And after about 35 minutes, I felt okay. Still a little light-headed, a little nauseous, but no pain, and I started to feel my hands and arms again. Since it went away, I took a note and decided to call my neurologist if it happened again, but I had a followup scheduled for a month out.
One week later, Wednesday, February 25th, I was at a networking breakfast. A friend of mine was giving a presentation and I started to have a hard time concentrating. The pain in my back and arms returned, but worse. My hands and arms were numb. I had chest pains. I stayed for the presentation and rest of the meeting. I was doubled over in pain walking to my car. I had friends approach me and ask if I was okay. I responded truthfully, "no." But I had to go to work. After crying for about 15 minutes in my car, I left. When I got to work, one of my staff members saw me in pain. Another friend was there having a coffee and they both insisted I go to the hospital. I still tried to walk it off. Water. Deep Breaths. Stretches. But all of it hurt. So I called my neurologist. I still think it's a nerve issue. They told me to go to the ER.
My friend drove me. My partners met me there. After the intake tests and EKGs, the ER transported me to the main hospital with the Cardiovascular Center for a cath-angiogram, echocardiogram, & CTs just to put my neurological theory to bed.
They told me about SCAD. They told me there was a tear in my heart. (cue Backstreet Boys song) I was so mad. I was too busy for this. I didn't have time. I had a business convention to get to that weekend. I had a presentation to give. I had a business to run. I had a daughter to take care of.
I was in the hospital for 4 days. I was put on bed rest. I was off work for another week. I missed the convention. My partners stepped in to handle the convention and the kiddo. My staff stepped up to handle the business.
It wasn't until my primary care follow-up appointment that anyone actually ever said the words "heart attack." That's when it hit me. 3.5 weeks after the first pains. 2.5 weeks after my hospital admission. Someone finally said it was a heart attack. I am 36 years old, and I have had a heart attack.
The doctors don't know how to treat it. My cardiologist admitted he isn't very familiar with SCAD and they "don't know how to treat it." So they put me on beta blockers and blood thinners and asprin... everything they would do for a traditional heart attack survivor, and hoping it helps. Throwing things at the wall and seeing what sticks. I was told to do "light cardio" and "avoid stress" but they were not very specific as to how that's possible.
So I started doing yoga. And walking. And delegating work. And taking a little more time for myself, and my family. But I don't know if that tear in my heart is still there. I don't have a follow-up with them until August.
There needs to be more research being done for SCAD. So please, help me raise funds to support SCAD research!
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I am participating in the 13th annual SCADaddle 5K Walk & Run to support research on SCAD (Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection). SCAD is a little known and poorly understood type of heart attack. SCAD is the #1 cause of heart attacks in women under age 50, pregnant women & new moms. Most patients are younger healthy women who do not have the typical risk factors of heart disease. Although less common, it can affect men too. Research is needed to identify the cause(s) and the best treatment options.
