Sheena Fannin: A mom of 2 shares her emotions about arrhythmia

At the age of 38, Sheena experienced ventricular tachycardia while with her two children. She shares her physical and emotional journey.

Last year, at the age of 38, my heart unexpectedly went into ventricular tachycardia. I passed out on my kitchen floor while my 2 children were asleep in their rooms, and my husband was out of town. After numerous tests and a hospital stay, my team of doctors decided I needed a defibrillator placed inside my body and I would be on medication for the rest of my life. I was told I was lucky I woke up that night. I told my doctors to do whatever they needed to protect my heart, and ensure I would live. I was too young, active, and healthy to die….and my family needed me. I was terrified. What I didn’t realize, is that the mental healing after a procedure and diagnosis like this is harder than the physical healing. I was never going to be the same person as before my diagnosis. My body had gone through too much to ever feel the same again. I felt like my heart had failed me, and I went through all the emotions.

Anger.

Frustration.

Grief.

Fear.

I allowed myself to feel all of them because I knew that was the only way to heal. This then allowed me to accept I was going to have a new normal. I needed to find inner strength and the motivation to live life to the fullest, and not in fear.  Do I fear the device shocking me? Yes. Does it cross my mind that I am alive because of the daily medication? Yes. Do I allow myself to be consumed with these thoughts day after day? No.

I surround myself with other positive people and heart warriors that are on the same journey as me. I learned to change my mindset going into appointments because my heart journey is not over. I have more procedures and surgeries in my future. I tell myself to look at these appointments as coming up with a plan. Will it be plan A or plan B vs. will this be positive or negative news?

I allowed my body to take its time to get used to my new medication, but I also made sure to push myself (within limits) to gain back control of my body. I always make sure I am well hydrated, eat well balanced meals, and exercise regularly. A positive attitude is key to getting to a place where you accept what’s been given to you and you are hopeful for the future.

I now celebrate all my accomplishments whether they are big or small. After your body and heart go through the stress and trauma mine went through, your achievements need to be recognized and celebrated. Things like cardio workouts, or strength training, especially with my left arm, started out as extremely difficult, but are steadily becoming easier. I started with small, attainable goals, and went from there. I share my successes with those closest to me and who are cheering me on along the way. I remind myself that I was not given a death

sentence -- I was given a second chance.

For more information about how pregnancy can affect cardiovascular disease, please visit our Pregnancy and Maternal Health website and our Mom Life website to get tips and tools for moms of all ages.