Mighty Member since June 2019
My heart journey began in November 2015. I almost died from heart failure from an unknown cause: severe idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. I soon learned I had an EF of 8% and spent 14 days in the hospital, most of it in ICU, as doctors tried to save my life. All of this despite having no risk factors, no family history, low blood pressure, low cholesterol levels, and a recent medical evaluation declaring that I had less than 3% chance of ever developing heart disease. I was emergency flighted to Cleveland Clinic and became their most critical patient for 16 months. During that time I wore a Life Vest external defibrillator, carefully titrated my meds to maximum dosages, and virtually eliminated sodium from my diet. I was eventually implanted with a Biventricular CRT-D, a combination pacemaker/internal defibrillator. Against all medical odds, my EF was restored on March 27, 2017. I have had setbacks since, physically, and even spiritually. But this disease has given me the opportunity to write and encourage others on the divine detours of life. If you, too, are on a path you didn't choose, I'd love for you to join me in the journey. Read more at https://loriannwood.com.