After traumatic heart surgery, Sue joined the exercise and lifestyle program at the North Shore Cardiovascular Education Centre.

 

‘I attended the Centre for quite some time, and the staff were just fantastic with their care and support.' This service is supported by the North Shore Heart Research Foundation.

 

Active lifestyle

Sue had been for her usual one-kilometre swim, as she did regularly during the week. She had always thought of herself as pretty healthy, and led a physical life – Himalayan trekking, competitive ‘A' grade tennis, running in the City to Surf. She ate well on low-fat food and enjoyed a glass of wine on the weekends – never anything too excessive.

 

Symptoms

Looking back, Sue says the only warning sign she was aware of was that her blood pressure had fluctuated over the years, even though she was on medication for it. ‘This was an event that happened to me for no clear reason.'

 

One wintry morning, she had just opened the door to let in some tradesmen when suddenly a rippling pain came on heavily across her chest, down her back and down her legs.

 

‘I had never felt anything like this before. It was so powerful, overwhelming. My legs were wobbly and I knew straight away something was very wrong.'

 

It was a struggle to get to the kitchen. Sue had to hang on to the walls, but she knew she had to call an ambulance. The tradesmen noticed her behaviour and became very concerned.

 

The ambulance arrived within 10 minutes. ‘I remember looking out the window back at my house, wondering if I would ever come home.  I didn't want to die. I kept telling myself to remain calm and not to panic ... to have faith.'

 

Sue was admitted to the emergency ward at Royal North Shore Hospital. The doctors began a series of tests, finally including a CAT scan the next day – a decision that saved her life.

 

Emergency surgery

After that, everything became a blur. A team of doctors rushed in to tell her the condition was life-threatening and that she would need immediate surgery.

 

At 2.15 pm, 13 hours of life-saving surgery began. While she was connected to a heart-lung machine, her aorta ruptured. There was horrific bleeding and the surgeons struggled to control it. Sue's family were told there was a possibility of permanent brain damage or paralysis.

 

‘As I regained consciousness, the days dissolved into each other. I do remember the wonderful care, given with such professionalism and kindness in intensive care. I remember the joy of gaining a heightened sense of awareness. I saw people in a new light. I was so glad to be alive. My daughter brought her dear little boy every day – a magic moment.'