Ever wonder how someone can maintain a healthy lifestyle yet still face severe heart issues? Join me as I unpack Mary McDonald’s gripping journey through hereditary heart disease, starting with her struggles with high blood pressure. Despite her best efforts to stay healthy, Mary’s initial disregard for medical advice led to severe complications, including a wake-up call from foot surgery. This episode underscores the crucial lesson of heeding medical guidance when hereditary caardiac conditions are in play.

Through a rollercoaster of diagnoses and treatments, Mary’s story takes us deep into the labyrinth of heart disease diagnostics. After facing conflicting advice and even a suggestion to consult a psychiatrist, Mary’s persistence led her to explore treatments at Stanford. Her tale of moderate heart valve regurgitation and a myocardial bridge reveals the challenges of being misunderstood by the medical community and the importance of self-advocacy and finding a supportive medical team.

Then, travel with Mary to Greece, where she underwent “unroofing” heart surgery and received exemplary care from Dr. Kofidis and Dr. Patakos at Hygia Hospital. Her detailed account compares the medical care in Greece to that in the U.S., offering insights into her recovery journey, including overcoming severe back pain and managing osteoporosis. Ending on a high note, Mary’s resilience shines through as she shares her marathon ambitions and renewed passion for flying. This episode is a testament to the power of perseverance, optimism, and self-advocacy in the face of the uncertainty of cardiac health challenges.

You can find Hygia Health Care in this link: https://www.hygeia.gr/

To learn more about Myocardial Bridges, visit: https://www.myimperfectheart.com/

CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Myocardial Bridge Discovery and Treatment

(09:35) Diagnostic Journey of Heart Conditions

(23:22) Medical Care in Greece

(26:57) Post-Heart Surgery Pain Management Plan

(40:09) Recovery From Heart Surgery and Flying

(48:42) Overcoming Situational Depression and Heart Surgery

(55:10) Recovery and Positivity in Heart Surgery

CHAPTER SUMMARIES:

(00:00) Myocardial Bridge Discovery and TreatmentMary McDonald’s journey with hereditary heart disease highlights the importance of adhering to medical advice and challenges of managing the condition.

(09:35) Diagnostic Journey of Heart ConditionsA patient shares her emotional and physical journey navigating heart disease, including conflicting diagnoses, extensive research, and seeking the right care.

(23:22) Medical Care in GreecePersonal account of heart surgery in Greece, guided by international coordinator and skilled medical team, with exemplary care and facilities.

(26:57) Post-Heart Surgery Pain Management PlanPersonal account of heart surgery, challenges with osteoporosis, exceptional ICU care, and pain management differences.

(40:09) Recovery From Heart Surgery and FlyingResilience, determination, and a positive attitude help overcome challenges, including early discharge, jogging post-operation, and a harrowing pilot experience.

(48:42) Overcoming Situational Depression and Heart SurgeryIndividual overcomes situational depression through determination, positive thinking, and support from podcasts and online communities.

(55:10) Recovery and Positivity in Heart SurgeryMary’s inspiring journey of recovery after wrist surgery, her passion for flying and running, and her unwavering optimism and determination.