Happy Anniversary, Little Heart Attack

Four years ago yesterday I had a heart attack at the age of not-quite 41. I didn't fall over clutching my chest; I didn't really feel that much pain at all, I just didn't feel right. But the next two years nearly destroyed my life while the doctors tried to figure out what was happening. In the end, it appears the entire thing--the heart attack, the two years of ambulances and ER visits--was caused by doctors and my own naivete.

We paid off the last of the medical bills just last Friday--and we had insurance. My family is just now coming out from under the shadow of my possible death; my children aren't worried any more that I'm going to die suddenly, and my husband is making plans once again for the future.

Long rant short: Know what medicines you're taking. Know what happens when you take it, and what happens if you DON'T take it (me, I bought a PDR). Be an aggressive, unapologetic advocate for your health no matter how much you trust your doctor. Know the symptoms of heart attack; they're not what you see on TV, especially if you are female. Trust your instincts. I wish I had.