Patient Education

My First Action Plan to Deal with My Heart Condition

August 11, 2017

12 min read

Somaneh Bouba

When I was first diagnosed with my chronic illness in 2012, I planned to deal with my condition. This 5-point plan would come to change and evolve over the years. Working through the set goals made me feel somewhat in control and gave me more confidence with time.

A. Collaborate with the Care Team

Dealing with chronic illness involves developing a sound relationship with your care team. We never know when we would be in the right hands, but we are fortunate enough to find the best match on many occasions. Building trust and commitment with your team throughout engagement and involvement are necessary.

Through working with the care team, one can develop ways to best optimize their care and advocate for necessary changes and timely actions. Some of the notes I made to myself were:

• Follow doctors and nurses' prescriptions and instructions to the T.
• Ask questions, take notes of every symptom and observation (temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, food, liquid intakes, etc.), and regularly provide feedback to the care team.
• Learn, make notes, and document. Data and information would be my best friends.

B. Seek and Take Advantage of Calm Moments

Prayers, meditation, and much introspection have helped me develop the right mindset and work on my attitude and perceptions. I needed to change my attitude from "fighting" to "embracing" my condition. I understood that my journey would be long, probably lasting for the rest of my life, and that I'd rather go along this road as a happy person who smiles at the end.

C. Simplify

Finding out about a potentially deadly heart condition at a young age is one of the most humbling experiences. In one short moment, I would come to be reminded that time on earth may be shorter than one originally imagines. At one point, the patient has to decide how to proceed amidst the condition and circumstances.

I used that period to:

• Review life goals, plans, and ambitions regarding personal, professional, family, and social lives
• Clean up relationships with family, friends, and others
• Check habits and behaviors
• Revisit and set new limits and boundaries

Essentially, I used that period to redefine myself as a person and what happiness means to me. Going forward, I decided to live by what I would call "balanced efficiency."

D. Diet & Nutrition

For a heart patient, healthy living is crucial. Diet and activity levels directly affect the body and the mind. I approached a dietician for advice. The registered dietitian's advice came in two parts: living with cardiomyopathy and dealing with chronic fatigue.

Living with Cardiomyopathy:

• Limit salt, cut back gradually, limit to 1 teaspoon per day
• Learn to read food labels and choose low-salt options
• Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables
• Limit foods high in hidden salt: processed meats, cheese, snacks, canned goods

Managing Fatigue:

• Drink 6–8 glasses of liquid per day (later reduced to 4–6)
• Eat frequent, varied meals; choose low GI foods
• Increase intake of beans, peas, legumes, and whole grains
• Eat at least 2 fruits and 4 vegetables per day
• Limit caffeine, coffee, energy drinks, and chocolate put pressure on the heart

E. Remain Active

Staying physically active and gradually building strength were very important to me. Being active helps the body (metabolism, blood circulation) and mind (dealing with stress, focus, spirit).

Soon after my 6-week follow-up, where symptoms had started to improve, I decided to resume exercising. My exercise programme covered aerobic exercise, muscular strengthening, and flexibility exercises. I regularly exercised at least twice a week, played basketball, and football at least once a week.

"Of course, even with the best of plans, there would be good days and bad ones. On the days nothing works or when I am simply not able to go on, I wouldn't mope, I would simply try again the next day and keep on improving."

Share: