This is a guest post, written by Crystal Lindal (47), Ontario, Canada. I first saw her Facebook post on October 22, 2019, and she agreed to allow me to share her story. 

 

It’s been exactly one month today.

Not a lot of people know I had a heart attack on September 22, 2019, in the early morning. And I wasn’t going to say anything on Facebook, but … BUT … if it helps just one person, then I’m okay with posting this.

Women have different heart attacks than men! Most women experience symptoms, they pass after a bit, and they go on with their day. They think, “It’s probably just my stomach … my arthritis … I haven’t eaten much today … I’m just too busy” … you get the idea!

I had slept over at my mom’s who lives next door. I woke up about 6:30 a.m., made coffee, and was sitting quietly on the computer – just scrolling Facebook and checking emails when the symptoms started at 7:15 a.m.

My heart attack symptoms:
> Both arms got extremely heavy and achy (the ache was very painful)
> Then I got nauseous
> Then my lower jaw hurt – felt like I had been sucker-punched!

I got up, walked around. I tried to shake my arms, thinking maybe I slept wrong or pinched my elbows somehow. I started pacing and went into the kitchen. While laying my arms and head across the kitchen island and concentrating on my breathing (because I thought it was some sort of anxiety attack) I looked over at the kitchen sink and there in all its glory was a bottle of low-dose Aspirin! I still have no idea what made me walk over and take one – but I’m pretty sure it saved my life!

My mom called the ambulance around 7:40 a.m. and it arrived shortly after. If she hadn’t done that, I most likely would have just got on with my day as I felt completely fine by then. I felt silly going to the hospital in an ambulance – I actually felt embarrassed!!

“Don’t doubt yourself! Don’t negate the signs and symptoms of a heart attack!”

– Crystal Lindal, Heart Attack Survivor

I did get flown to Thunder Bay – and the doctor said I’m one of the lucky ones as my blockage is only at 50%. They only usually stent at 75%+ so no stent for me. But I now know I can do things in my life to reverse the blockage or at least stall it!

So, there ya go! My hope is that this may help someone out there to listen to their bodies. When something’s not right, it’s not right.

And I do suggest a bottle of low-dose Aspirin in every household!

– Crystal Lindal

 

For further information:

• Know the signs of a heart attack.
• Women’s unique risk factors.

If you would like to reach Crystal, please use the Contact Form and your message will be forwarded to her.

Edited by Angela G. Gentile, MSW, RSW