Person with Lived Living Experience
PWLLE
Catherine Goodenough -
I am a Person with Lived Living Experience. I am a Retired Registered Nurse.
My cardiac issue started in May 2017. I went to the E.R. where initial testing showed “nothing wrong.”
BUT my ECG showed ischemia with 2 mm ST depression
I kept ADVOCATING for myself. Upon further testing and I saw four different
cardiologist. I was misdiagnosed with G.I. issues and told, “No idea what is wrong with you.”
In Feb. 2019, I was diagnosed with “Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction.”
(Provocative Challenge Angiogram), – I had a
diagnosis – it was not in my head. (NITRO is my best friend)
. I am still a UNIQUE PATIENT
I have discovered WORLD WIDE groups of women on social media who have become
my PEER SUPPORT group. I also attend webinars, conferences, summits, and meetings (in
person or virtual). “KNOWLEDGE is POWER.”
I am a member of the Canadian Women’s Heart Health Alliance (CWHHA)
– Advocacy group. I volunteer on several projects. I am involved in research groups as a woman /
person with lived experience and as a patient partner. I joined Global Heart Hub and
attended the 1st “Patient Impact” meeting in Milan, Italy in Dec. 2022. I joined Heartlife,
Canadian Heart Function Alliance, Transform HF and I attended the 1st “Masterclass”
for patient partners engaging in cardiovascular research at the Vascular 2023 conference
Please include family in your journey (they are a part of the story!!).
IT IS YOUR BODY – YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE who knows if something does not feel right (document it).
KEEP ADVOCATING FOR YOURSELF. Ask questions, keep learning, and also reach out for PEER SUPPORT.
#HERHEARTMATTERS – We are “Heart Sisters” – ADVOCACY and PEER SUPPORT MATTER.
Every day is a new day. “EMBRACE IT.” Life is a journey
Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose
Sunday, October 27, 2024
9:15 AM – 10:15 AM PT