“It’s a 10 out of 10 pain!”
Surviving a Cardiac Arrest at 41: A Year of Chest Pain Fell Through the Cracks
Living the Unthinkable: When Your Worst Fear Becomes Reality
Warning: I outline explicit details surrounding the events before, during, and after my cardiac arrest, which may be triggering for certain individuals. Viewer discretion is advised.
“Monica, the pain is a 10 out of 10!”
I have no recollection of anything from earlier in the day, Feb 4, 2020, until my memory resumes on Feb 10.
The story I’m about to tell you is a culmination of details I accrued weeks, months, and even years after that fateful night. Even now, I still discover new things that help me fill in the missing pieces of my story.
A Brief History
Before delving into my cardiac experience, it’s crucial to acknowledge the events leading up to that significant night.
Throughout my adult life, I have struggled with clinical depression and various anxiety disorders, some of which have led to panic attacks.
Chances are, some of you have experienced a panic attack before. Those who’ve endured severe ones like mine have likely found themselves catastrophizing…