Real Stories
The following personal stories aim to raise awareness of the importance of maintaining a healthy heart and lowering the risk of heart disease in women.
Dezma McGregor
Three years ago, Dezma McGregor was a self-confessed couch potato. At 35 years of age and tipping the scales at 120kg, Dezma was depressed, disappointed and almost diabetic. But in 2005 Dezma made a life changing decision. She began training for her first Ironman - and shed a whopping 50kg in the process. Today, Dezma is throwing her weight behind the Heart Foundation in the hope of lowering obesity rates in Maori and Pacific Islanders. Having just completed the gruelling Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon, Dezma now plans to raise $50,000 for the Heart Foundation through a series of challenging endurance events that will take her to all corners of the globe. This is her story.
"In March 2005 I watched my younger sister Lyndell complete her first Ironman. I was completely inspired and motivated by her achievement, and as she crossed the finishing line all I could think of was wow!!! That evening the decision to embark on my own Ironman journey was made - I was 120kg's at the time, almost diabetic and the thought of taking on an event of this magnitude completely scared the hell out of me.
Nearly two years later, 50kg's lighter, fit and healthy and with more energy than a child on Coca Cola I completed my first Ironman in March 2007 in a time of 16 hours and 31 minutes.
My Ironman finish was truly the most exhilarating experience of my life. The crowds, the applause, the sea of smiling faces were all there to greet my daughter and I as we walked hand in hand towards the finish line. I was simply beaming with pride and for a moment I looked down at my 7 year old daughter to see if she was okay - I found her simply gazing up at me in absolute awe. She had suddenly realised what her mother had achieved that day and I guess she was just simply amazed by my efforts - of course the look she gave me turned me into a blubbering mess - not a great look to have for your Finisher's photo!
It is amazing what one can do when you have your health and fitness - life becomes one big lollie shop from which you can pick and choose your activity of choice. I have learnt never to take my health for granted and to treasure and live each day as if it were my last..... a cliche I know.
As a previously obese person I know that had I continued with my unhealthy lifestyle I would eventually be destined to become one of the four New Zealand women that die each day as a result of heart disease - particularly given the fact that heart disease is prevalent in my family.
I have decided to embark on a project of raising $50,000 in support of the Heart Foundation. Through my efforts I hope to help this fantastic organisation continue its vital work in research, cardiac rehabilitation, education programmes and resources.
The Heart Foundation needs not just mine but your support as well so, help me as I join the race to beat heart disease.
I've signed up as a Heart Racer. Here's the link. www.heartracer.org.nz/dezmamcgregor "
Sue Cremer
Like so many of us, Sue Cremer's story is one all too common. She has a strong history of heart disease in her family but never saw herself in the firing line. A year after her elder brother underwent heart surgery, she was finally prompted to undergo a series of heart health checks. The results were alarming. Even with her vibrancy, healthy lifestyle and zest for life, the tests showed significant blockages in her arteries and her cholesterol level was too high. Despite being fit and active - Sue is very close to needing bypass surgery. She tells us her story.
"Both of my parents had a history of heart disease. My mum's brother died at 41 and my father died from hardening of the arteries at 61 ... his brother similarly. My brother started having heart problems at 60. He initially had heart bypass surgery and a valve transplant. Last year, at age 73, they replaced his aorta as it was enlarged and close to bursting point. I went to Australia to look after him and the day he came out of hospital the surgeon told me to have a check-up.
I laughed and said there was nothing wrong with me, left it for a year and had still done nothing about it. In June this year I went to my GP for a flu injection and decided to have my heart health checked. I had some tests the next day and passed with flying colours. My doctor said that for a woman of 64 I was fine. My blood pressure was also fine.
But because of my family history he suggested further tests - which I had. That was the Friday. He phoned on the Monday requesting to see me. I had significant blockages in my coronary arteries and I would have to have bypass surgery if they got much worse.
I got such a shock - I thought I was invincible. It wasn't as if I was given the death sentence because I had a choice. But if I had not taken heed of what my doctor said, a death sentence may have been looming up on me.
So gone from my diet are high fat dairy products, white wine, and fat and skin off meats and poultry. More fruit and vegetables, more exercise and far more attention to general health are on the menu these days.
Now all my friends are rushing off and going to their doctor and I'd encourage any woman to do likewise. I'm like a little evangelist! I'm spreading the word and it has really got my friends thinking about their health, so they're going off to see their doctors.
Even my daughter is off to have her heart health checked. She says she wants to be around in 40 years. I want to be around for a long time too.
You know, it's still hard to comprehend. I've always led a busy life. Always been on the go rushing here and there - whether in business or running around after family.
I was one of those people that had no idea anything was wrong but I've been given another chance and I'm loving life."
Veronica Atherton
Veronica Atherton is living, walking proof that women living with heart disease needn't be beaten by it. This much loved mum and grandmum is an active and enthusiastic walker who has been known to clock up over 85km in a single week. In October 2003, however, tragedy struck when Veronica suffered a heart attack while walking the Auckland Half Marathon. Medical staff believed it was only her excellent levels of fitness and general health that prevented a worse outcome. This is Veronica's story.
"Unfortunately, my family history shows a genetic predisposition to heart disease, which, along with ethnicity and age, is one of the risk factors that you can't change. After my heart attack I completed a full cardiac rehabilitation programme, and soon returned to my daily exercise routine. I'm pleased to say that I have walked several half marathon events since, including the adidas Auckland Marathon twice, as Heart Foundation Heart Racer.
Almost four years on from that fateful day, rather than feeling defeated, I work hard to stay healthy. I exercise regularly, I eat heart-healthy food, I don't smoke and I take prescribed medications. But the best thing about the whole episode was inspiring others to get out there and get walking - I take every opportunity to encourage people to look after their health. Heart disease affects so many men and women in New Zealand and sadly also their loved ones. But the good news is that you can do something about it, and it starts with taking steps towards reducing your risk."
Irma McDermott
Irma McDermott is a vivacious 60 year old real-estate agent who suffered a heart attack five years ago. The experience left her feeling vulnerable, tired and uncertain about the future. Although Irma was left perfectly able to live, the heart attack undermined her confidence and she soon found it a struggle to complete simple daily tasks. After putting it off for years, Irma decided to act. She enrolled in a rehabilitation programme at the Auckland University Cardiac Rehab Clinic and has never looked back. This is her story.
"I have always been active, busy and lively. I love to renovate houses, to entertain and prepare meals for friends and my husband's business associates. Cooking 'big', I have often catered at home for 30 or 40 people at a time! In addition to all this activity and on a spiritual level, for more than 15 years I was part of a children's ministry which demanded a lot of preparation and energetic output. With family in Australia and the USA, I also travelled overseas every year to see someone.
Five years ago however, I suffered a heart attack which left me devoid of energy and fairly depressed. Tiredness and lack of vigour overwhelmed me easily and the daily routine went out the window. There had been no symptoms except that, for a few months before, I had shortness of breath and felt a bit tired. However, I dismissed these signs not thinking they were anything to worry about. It was just after Christmas and I had been so busy.... I thought I needed a holiday.
I never thought that I would suffer a heart attack. I have always been strong, positive and reasonably healthy. I did not consider that I would be at risk of heart disease, because although I was a smoker, for many years I ''only'' smoked 2-3 cigarettes a day! I lied to myself thinking that such a small amount of tar was not likely to be a problem. In fact I knew little about the horrific effects tar has on the circulatory system, because all I had studied and read focused on the effects of nicotine addiction, and not on the clumping of lipids in the bloodstream. I am pleased to say I am now 100% smoke free!
Suffering a heart attack changed everything. At first I could not hold up a tea cup without holding on to something! In the next few years I cycled between self condemnation and pity parties....but after procrastinating for five years, I learnt about the benefits of cardiac rehabilitation and decide to act.
After consulting with my doctor and undergoing an assessment, I got a referral. I started a programme at the Auckland University Cardiac Rehabilitation Clinic which has brought a real change. Since there is constant monitoring of heart rate, effort and blood pressure, I have little fear of overdoing it. The members of staff with whom I interact help me to review my fitness goals on a visit-by-visit basis. The atmosphere is pleasant and even though I don't love exercising and sweating-off the weight, it is encouraging to be achieving measurable increased levels of fitness helped by such support in every visit.
After so many years of neglecting my fitness and feeling poorly, the horror of the heart attack is a fading memory! I know that through fitness rehab, weight loss, good eating and commitment to consistent follow-through, there is light at the end of my tunnel."
Hayley Bergin
Hayley Bergin was born with a very complex heart condition: Tetrology of Fallot, Transposition of the Greater Arteries, Double Outlet of the Left Ventricle and Dextracardia. Only four days into life she underwent her first operation, a BT shunt, and at just three years, had her first major open heart surgery. Today, at 24 years old, Hayley leads a pretty normal life. She admits it has not been easy living with a congenital heart condition, but credits her remarkable survival story to the support she has received from family, friends and the medical professionals who have cared for her. This is her story.
"My first major open heart surgery was when I was three years old. I was so psychologically scarred from my previous hospital experiences that my dad had to carry me into the operating theatre when I was sleeping! That day I underwent a 10 hour operation to repair my heart.
After the operation I was like any other heart kid - a little different - and not as fast as the other children. It wasn't until I was 13 that I had my next operation to replace a valve in my heart. This was a seven hour operation - and while I do not remember every aspect - I do have some recollection of the recovery process. And of course the scar on my chest that remains to this day.
From then until I was 15, I was keeping up with my peers and leading a relatively normal life. February 2000 I was walking out of class for lunch and collapsed. One of my friends (a surf life saver) noticed I had stopped breathing and started CPR. Another 2 girls (one knew CPR from Girl Guides and the other was a St John ambulance cadet) happened to be walking by and came into help my friend. The girls continued CPR until the ambulance arrived. I was still unconscious one week later. There is no doubt in anyone's mind that if it hadn't been for those girls, I would not be here today.
I had no brain damage and the only problem I had post my week long coma, was a bit of short term memory loss. I was diagnosed with another condition known as prolonged QT syndrome and before I was discharged, I had an implanted cardiac defibrillator - a product of Heart Foundation-supported research which delivers a shock to my heart if it goes out of rhythm.
I decided that year that I wanted to help others the way the three girls helped me, so Idecided to become a nurse. It's amazing to think that this ICD will shock my heart when I need it to - and it has needed to a few times already! Having a shock is not the most pleasant experience - but it is amazing that after everything I have been through - the life I now lead is pretty normal.
My family must take a lot of credit for this, as well as the doctors, the three girls that did CPR and the amazing heart research that continues to defy the odds. I am a nurse in the cardiac ward at Starship and it amazes me how strong cardiac kids are. It is not easy to grow up being a cardiac child but the support from family and other elements makes it that much easier."
Catherine Jay
Fit, active, mighty competitive and always up for socialising, Catherine Jay really enjoyed life. Nudging 40, she was as fit as ever competing in cycling events, kayaking, skiing and walking. But on a four day cycle tour of Northland earlier this year, that all changed. Catherine felt incredibly lethargic and was contending with what seemed like indigestion and shortness of breath during the day, followed by chest and arm pain in the early hours of the morning. Finally she admitted herself to hospital and after a lengthy series of checks was found to have an extremely rare heart condition - spontaneous coronary artery dissection. A one in 10 million condition they say. When Catherine was told she'd suffered a heart attack. She was in disbelief and in many respects still is. Catherine now lives in the knowledge that 20% of her heart muscle has died and cannot be revived. Initially on a hefty course of medication, and told to adopt a 'no-exercise' routine she even had to hand over most of the house keeping duties to husband Philip. Four months on, making a bed and pruning roses or a 20 minute walk can be extremely strenuous some days.
"The irony is, they say it was my fitness that got me through. Initially they thought I had myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) caused by an infection, but lots of tests revealed that wasn't the case. I thought I'd be out of hospital within a matter of hours but then I was transferred to Auckland for all sorts of tests and scans.
You go through all sorts of emotions. I have had some really difficult times. Mentally I'm holding it together but it can be hard and I got to the stage, around the six week point, where I could not function properly. Maybe it was depression. But I had them lessen my medication and within about two days I was back to myself.
It's hard enough not being able to function physically, let alone mentally.
The hardest aspect is being told I can't do the things I've always done. I love the outdoors and I love being out there with Philip and the kids. Something like this effects the whole family, even the dog.
There is a history of heart disease in my family. Three of my grandparents have died of heart attacks and one of a stroke.
The specialists have told me I'm lucky to be alive and I'm only just starting to agree with that.
It's funny because I feel like I'm completely having to change from the person I see myself as being. But that's pretty pathetic because life is still pretty good for me. I will just have to find new interests."
Violet Lawrence
Life was a breeze for Violet Lawrence until age 39. She was cruising through life and with her artist husband James, had just moved to Auckland. But one morning while making a cup of tea she experienced sharp pain ... an irritating pain in the side of her head. She sat down and, as her body involuntarily leaned to the left, Violet began frothing at the mouth. It was to be the first of five strokes she would suffer over the next 10 years. But Violet refuses to let the struggles beat her. Just weeks away from her third New York Marathon, Violet shares her remarkable story.
"I'm a country girl. I grew up in a humble upbringing in Mohaka. There were eight of us and I was the fifth eldest. I knew in my heart I would travel one day and see all those exciting countries I used to read about in the library at Raupunga and over time that's what I've done.
I had met James in 1984 and we'd lived in America for eight years - his home turf - before moving back to New Zealand. Auckland was going to be our new home.
When my first stroke happened I remember trying to tell James everything was alright but nothing came out. After the ambulance had administered some oxygen I managed to speak, but incoherently. However, my symptoms resolved and I was discharged from North Shore hospital later that day with the news I'd experienced a mini stroke (Transient Ischaemic Attack [TIA]).
Within hours I was back in hospital and soon moved to Ward 6 at Auckland, the Neurology Ward. I had incredibly painful migraines for five days. To be critically ill was a horrific time for me and everyone around me. I was in a ward with five others ladies, most of them had suffered strokes and I was the oldest. Through the headache period the noise and light was unbearable.
I underwent many tests, including a CAT scan of the brain, ultrasound for possible heart problems, and a lumbar puncture to check for the presence of meningitis. We did not know at the time that this was to be the beginning of a long journey.
From there I had strokes in 1995, '97, '99 and 2002, three have been mini strokes (TIAs) and one stroke (cerebral vascular accident [CVA]). I have been in and out of hospitals, with long periods of rehabilitation.
The CVA on December 20, 2002, was the most severe. A CVA has the potential to do more damage. I was eating a biscuit and it became very hard to put my mouth on the biscuit. The pain came up again in my head. My sister ushered me into the back seat of her car and drove me around the corner to Lower Hutt Hospital.
They found my left leg and arm was limp but I didn't notice this until I was in Christchurch a few days later. I tried to tell myself there was nothing wrong. I was in a daze. My movements and actions were oh so much slower. I was slower to respond. It has a lot to do with the fact it affects your brain. It affects your behaviour and your attitudes. In my situation it seemed like I was in a daze for three months.
I have a permanent limp in my left leg and I had a frozen shoulder but with the help of a physio knew I had to do something about it. I have learnt to adapt to pain. I joined the gym at the Glenfield Leisure Centre because I had the 'poor me' scenario i felt I had to get off the couch. I had to get active and stay alive. The gym has been one of the best solutions of all for boosting my stamina.
It was then I met a young lady doing her PhD on stroke survivors and after 30 minutes with this lady I felt like I had run a marathon. She suggested contacting Peter Loft from the Achilles Track Club who has been helping athletes with disabilities participate in long distance events since 1983.
That led to me completing my first New York Marathon in 2006 in a time of 7:12.45. I WOG (a combination of a walk and a jog....kind of like a shuffle). My 2007 time was 7:54.04 and on November 2, I'll do it again.
I was once a smoker and a drinker but giving up in the 1990s was one of the smartest moves I ever made. By walking on a daily basis, it has taught me to free myself. To enjoy what I'm doing and take a lot of pleasure from that. My family used to laugh at me walking 80-85km a week but it is so rewarding to know that, because of all the sacrifices, I have reaped the rewards. And they're my biggest supporters.
I see my doctor and a neurologist every three months and I will keep being active because I'm not going to let this beat me. It is use it or lose it for me. Living life to the fullest is my medicine.
But I tell you. People talk about the poor stroke sufferers. But the focus should be on the carers. They are the ones who suffer. They are amazing. They hold the fort through that period while the stroke sufferers play Jekyll and Hyde - without even knowing how they are acting. My whole personality was different. My husband tells me I came back to being the person I once was after I had a hysterectomy. He says my attitude to life was so much better and I can see what he means.
Research has helped me be aware. It has educated James and me.
I don't want any more strokes. I've had my share."
