August 21, 2017
Hiya, I am older than most SCAD people. I am 57, and was reasonably fit and healthy. I was on no medications for anything. One day I took a walk up in the hills, about an hour or so. It is a regular walk I take, a bit steep in places, but not too tough. When I came home I felt unwell so I decided to read a book until I felt better. While I was looking for my book I was suddenly struck by serious chest pain, down my arms, into my hands, and across my shoulders and back of the neck. I knew I was in trouble so I went to my neighbour, who is a nurse. Luckily she acted decisively and quickly, getting me to a clinic, where they called an ambulance after doing an ECG.
I am curious as to why this has happened to me. Many family members have auto-immune diseases – some of which are associated with SCAD. I wonder if I have a low grade auto-immune disease that hasn’t been diagnosed.
I am making changes to my work/life balance now, as I want to avoid stress and have more time to enjoy life.
I really feel for younger people who have SCAD. One of my sons became seriously ill at age eleven, and has not recovered, although he is living a full life in his twenties now with on-going medications and care for his autoimmune disease. It changes young people when they experience something like this.
I really hope the Mayo research team can find some answers to help prevent young people having to suffer SCAD. Hang in there. In New Zealand we say “Kia Kaha” – stand strong.