Name: Olivia Mitchell
Age: 32
This is Olivia, and at the age of 29, I was diagnosed with a rare heart disease called Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, also known as broken heart syndrome. It all began with a devastating emotional event that left me with severe chest pain and difficulty breathing. Little did I know, my heart was being profoundly affected.
Because of this condition, my heart becomes weak temporarily, and it can’t pump blood properly. This causes symptoms like severe chest pain and trouble breathing, which can be similar to a heart attack. One of the hardest things is dealing with the unpredictability of it all. Even when I’m feeling fine, I’m always worried and cautious that it could happen again. It’s a constant worry in the back of my mind, which made it hard to enjoy any life things fully. I have to be careful not to push myself too hard physically or emotionally, which can be frustrating at times.
Besides living with this rare heart disease, explaining the emotional labor to others had been unexplainably difficult. However, I found solace and understanding within the Mended Hearts Central Ohio community, where I connected with others who have experienced the unique challenges of broken heart syndrome.
The community has become my lifeline, providing the emotional support I desperately needed. Through their support groups and online forums, I’ve connected with individuals who truly understand the complexities of my condition. We share our stories, exchange tips to manage our issues, and offer comfort during difficult times. Knowing I’m not alone in this battle has made a world of difference.
They also helped me address the medical stages of my condition. They’ve connected me with specialists who have deep knowledge of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Since this is a rare disease I’ve always struggled in finding the right help, which I no more have to stress about.