I had my first heart attack at age 45, with no clear diagnosis. I felt
overwhelmed thinking about my future that included heart disease.
My Dad had a heart attack in his 40's, and my sister with like symptoms
around the same time as mine, which would lead my cardiologist to look
deeper for a diagnosis for my symptoms. During this time with more
surgeries I had 3 stints and chronic angina pain that was relentless and
I was telling my doctor that something wasn't right. Nu- merous ER
trips and 10 angioplasty surgeries left with with 11 stints.
Finally a diagnosis: Familia Hypercholesterolemia!
August 2019 my mom passed away and my body shut down! I had another
stroke and learned how much more serious and invasive the diagnosis had
become. Huge processing time for me.
January 2020 my heart CAD plus hypercholestrolemia was at its worst.
Extensive damage was done to my heart that lead to a quadruple bypass,
the biggest challenge at that time for me. During Covid and the shut
down I felt I was abandoned in the cracks of the medical world. An
isolated time that I'm sure everyone will understand! I also contracted
Covid and Covid Pneumonia while in the hospital. They did allow me to
call the Chaplain several times a day, who was so comforting and
encouraging, giving me peace and hope.
With so many challenges; strokes, falls, and having necrotizing
autoimmune myopa- thy and gastroparesis, have left me with chronic pain.
I rely on daily injections for pain, IV hydration, nausea injections,
and Palliative Hospice Care.
September 2023, the day before my 31st wedding anniversary trip, I fell
while walk- ing my dogs, shattering my knee cap and breaking my arm.
All these issues caused me to ask GOD why - again? I knew I needed to
have faith and trust HIM. I felt HIM holding me this morning. GOD is my
rock!!!
I AM A SURVIVOR and, as I've been told, a WONDER WOMAN!!!
My hope is that my story can inspire and encourage you to not give up.
My scar is a reminder of a battle, but it doesn't define me, it only
makes me stronger.
Leanne Kretz, age 53
Familia Hypercholesterolemia CAD CHF
