Odette Nelson’s fight against ischaemic heart disease
ON VALENTINE’S Day, the day that was designed to celebrate love, Odette Nelson came face-toface with tragic circumstances. She describes the details of that devastating day that later led to her diagnosis of ischaemic heart disease.
“I was at home laying down, when a sudden pain hit me across the left side of my chest. I thought it was normal chest pain, but I got up and got ready to go to the hospital. When I reached the front door, I felt a massive chest pain that was so unbearable, I fell to the ground clinging for dear life,” she told Lifestyle.
She and her husband rushed to t he Lionel Town Hospital in Clarendon where an electrocardiogram( ECG) was done. What she experienced was a massive heart attack, but there was a bigger issue at play.
While hospitalised for six days, Nelson was suffering through multiple heart attacks. The test results showed that she had ischaemic heart disease.
“I felt all hope was lost for me. I cried because I wasn’t aware of what ischaemic heart disease is. It was pretty stressful because I am an independent woman who loves to work and all that would be an end for me,” she shared.
Ischaemic heart disease, according to Nelson, is the term given to a heart problem caused by narrowed coronary arteries, “It is a blockage of the artery that prevents enough oxygen and blood from reaching the heart.”
Some of the symptoms she experienced include chest pain, pain in the shoulder and neck, nausea and fatigue. She also had a massive weight loss.
“It has been frustrating, stressful and depressing since I was diagnosed. I’m unable to work. I am unable to do anything around the house and this is very strenuous on me. It’s a hard reality to accept,” Nelson revealed.
Referred to the dietetic clinic, this has been a costly process since eating healthier is expensive. “But I have to eat healthier now.”
“My current treatment is fairly good. I am on medications, namely Carvedilol and Sildentafil.”
Citing her husband and children as her greatest supporters, she tries to stay positive, noting that the Lord is her healer. “His words reassure me that He will never leave me or forsake me. My family never allows me to feel sad or think ill of the illness. I am happy and overwhelmed by the great support system of families, friends, church families and well-wishers, even strangers,” she enthused.
Since being hospitalised four more times, her long-term goal is to address this illness with surgery. But this costs 1.8 million Jamaican dollars. She is appealing to the public for any assistance they can offer.
“I would like persons to know that ischaemic disease is a lifechanging illness but with proper dieting, exercising, control of one’s weight and surgery, one can go back to living a full and productive life. Others can help by continuing to offer encouragement and kind and positive words,”Nelson added.
‘I would like persons to know that ischaemic disease is a life-changing illness but with proper dieting, exercising, control of one’s weight and surgery, one can go back to living a full and productive life.’