A New Lease of Life: Living with Heart Failure

(Originally A New Lease of Life: 10k by my birthday! - 6 weeks)

A Poem I Wrote

Life Before All of This

New: Diagnosed with heart failure and a hole in my heart.

Please read updates for more information.

Hi,

Chrissie here. I hope this message finds you well.

Monday the 28th October, I experienced breathing difficulties for 3 days in a row which resulted in an ambulance taking me to hospital. My life REALLY flashed before my eyes. I thought that was it for me.

The fear of not making it has led me here, to tell you my story...

For most of my life, I have suffered in silence with several health issues as my focus was on finding solutions, "managing" my many conditions, and trying not to complain. However, for the past year, I have spent the majority of my time in bed in chronic pain, as conditions worsened and more were added to the list. For more context, SOME of my confirmed diagnoses and their impacts are:

Endometriosis - A long-term condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in other places.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome - Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition that affects women of reproductive age and is a leading cause of infertility. This causes me debilitating periods.

1.5 Diabetes - A form of diabetes that exhibits clinical features similar to both type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes.

I was diagnosed and treated as a Type 2 diabetic up until a few days ago so the medication hasn’t worked all this time. I can get too hot or too cold and be sick or my blood sugars get really high or really low quickly, causing me to feel faint. I have damage to my eyes (retinopathy) and feet often get numb. I sometimes don’t realise I have wounds and they get infected or take long to heal as I don’t feel them (could be as small as a paper cut).

Restless Legs - Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder that causes an uncomfortable feeling in the legs and an irresistible urge to move them. Symptoms include: Aching, tingling, or crawling sensations. Difficulty sitting for long periods. Symptoms are worse in the evening and at night where I sometimes get leg spasms alongside painful pins and needles and cramping.

Iron Deficiency Anaemia - This is where your body does not produce enough red blood cells because the level of iron in your blood is too low. I have to get iron through a drip at the hospital for this which takes hours and is uncomfortable.

Ongoing Hypertensive Crisis - Severely elevated blood pressure (equal to or greater than 180 mmHg systolic or 120 mmHg diastolic) is referred to as a hypertensive crisis, due to the high risk of complications. People with blood pressures in this range may have no symptoms, but are more likely to report headaches and dizziness. Other symptoms accompanying a hypertensive crisis may include visual deterioration due to retinopathy and breathlessness.

Kidney damage - A side effect caused by long time use of pain medication.

I take 13 tablets daily and a weekly injection (It used to be 35 tablets daily, a tri-monthly injection and a weekly injection) and still feel a lot of pain every single day.

I frequently wake up suddenly out of my sleep feeling like I’m being choked and can’t catch my breath.

I am monitored by a virtual team from the hospital 24/7 to check all of my vitals, bloods, oxygen, blood pressure etc. I now use an asthma pump to help with my breathing.

I've had PIP rejected twice despite all of the evidence, receive a low rate of universal credit, as well as a lack of support from healthcare professionals, resulting in mental despair on top of all the physical pain. I’m not a person that would ordinarily do this but I’ve exhausted all options.

For years I’ve missed out on weddings, baby showers, birthdays and just spending time with friends and family because of chronic illness. The physical impact is one thing but this has deeply affected me mentally, emotionally, spiritually and socially. Chronic illness is lonely and isolating.

On Thursday 19th December 2024, I turned 34 and spent my birthday, Christmas and New Year in hospital. I would love to have a new chance at life in 2025 so that I can get back to working, helping others, spending time with loved ones and most importantly, being me.

I would like to raise £4000 to get equipment which could ease my symptoms and improve my quality of life.

If you can, I would appreciate any donation towards this. “Every little helps”.

If you are unable to donate please pray for me or send good vibes.

If you’ve made it this far, thank you for coming to my Ted Talk.

Kind Regards,

Chrissie

Costs:

£1800 - Mobility Scooter and accessories.

£200 - Medical Equipment and Resources

£1500 - Travel and living costs.

£500 - Transferral and Service Fees

Total: £4000