Friday, February 2, is Wear Red Day. Heart disease is the number one killer of women.
Terri Knight has provided service to our clients at Vaughn Insurance since May of 1979. This is her story.
September 2015 I found out that I had a heart murmur and was referred to a cardiologist. I thought this was going to be a waste of my time. After several tests I found out I had Mitral Valve Prolapse, which is where the flap on the mitral valve does not close smoothly or evenly. This causes the blood to leak backward through the valve. This leak, in my case, was very large. As a runner, my cardiologist was very concerned about me running with this condition. I did checkups every 6 months, but in September 2016 things changed. I was aware this condition could cause a stroke or heart failure but I did not educate myself about the symptoms of heart failure. I finally went to the hospital after I could hardly breathe, walk from room to room, or pretty much do anything. I found out I was in respiratory failure, heart failure and A-Fib.
Luckily I had a great heart surgeon who was able to repair the mitral valve. I went through Cardio Rehabilitation and after 2.5 months I went back to work. I was told by my doctors I could run again. I knew I was going to have to start over from the beginning with walking. Little did I realize how hard starting over would be. I wanted instant results but it has taken much longer than I anticipated. I am just happy to still be here and doing the things I love to do.
Don’t ever think that “this is not going to happen to me”. Heart disease has so many different symptoms. Read the Go Red for Women website and inform yourself. Don’t be embarrassed to go to the doctor or hospital if you feel something is just not right. Even if you think you are in good health, it is a good idea to get your heart checked out by a doctor. It may save your life.
Good health is like good insurance. Let me help you with yours.
-Terri Knight