Stronger Than My Diagnosis - Amy Bies
Stronger Than My Diagnosis
By Amy Bies
I’ve had two heart attacks… and now I live with congestive heart failure and CKM syndrome.
Honestly, it was scary. The first time, I didn’t fully understand what was happening—I just knew something was wrong after a car accident tore an artery. The second time… that’s when it hit me...a widow maker heart attack at the age of 42. This was my life now.
After that, everything changed in everyday ways. My ejection fraction was at 15% and things I used to do without thinking—walking too fast, carrying groceries, even just getting through a normal day—started to feel harder. Some days I’m just exhausted. Some days I get out of breath doing simple things, and it’s frustrating.
And then there’s all the medical care. I’ve got regular doctor visits, cardiology appointments, labs to check my kidneys and everything else. I’m on medications every day, watching my diet, keeping track of my weight, my symptoms… just trying to
stay ahead of it. It’s a lot to manage, and it never really stops.
The mental side is just as real. You start thinking about your health all the time. Every little feeling makes you wonder if something’s wrong again. That fear sticks with you.
I’ve had to learn how to deal with all of it—physically and mentally. To slow down, to listen to my body, and to take things one day at a time.
It’s not easy. I still have hard days. But I’m here. I made it through two heart attacks. I’m still living my life—just differently now.
The memories I get to make with loved ones and meeting my grandchildren make this life worth fighting for.