I'm Shema Meghoo-Peddie, a recent GSU grad and thankful to be alive after a near fatal heart attack on 10/20/2020 caused by a large blood clot in my heart. Shortly after my younger brother and I arrived at my big brother's home in New Orleans (following our cross country road trip) I began having serious chest pains that radiated all over, extreme nausea, back pain and couldn't breathe. My younger brother rushed me to Touro Health Centre where they told me I was having a heart attack. The cardiologist told my mom he had to defribrillate me 6 times. I only remember being taken for a catheter to be inserted for them to "remove the clot mechanically". I spent 3 days in ICU in NOLA and tests have not revealed the cause.

I returned home to Atl on 10/23 and had to go to Emory Hospital where I was kept for observation till the 10/25. More EKGs, an echocardiogram, and various tests were done and nothing conclusive was found.

Doctors have referred me to specialists for follow up, evaluation, diagnosis and treatment;  a very specific diet; and have prescribed over 1/2 dozen meds...blood thinners, heart meds, and more...all precautionary; and a battery of labs and more tests expected.

Appointments are now scheduled with:
1. Hematologist- Mystery blood clotting
2. Cardiologist- Tachycardia and heart evaluation
3. Primary Care - Follow ups and overall health care.

I'm committed to finding out what's wrong and working with doctors on the road to recovery. I am concerned about the host of meds such as Eliquis, Metoprolol and Atorvastatin etc as all have serious side effects, but know I need to stay on them for now to "prevent further clotting and another heart attack." 

I need to raise 15K within the next 30 days to cover: 

a. Physician's consultations, visits for the doctors listed above;
b. Labs and specialized testing;
c. Special dietary needs;
d. Prescription Meds;
e. Nutritional Supplements;
f. Naturopathic Care;
g. Transport to and from exams and labs (I don't have a vehicle);
h.  Basic living expenses (rent, etc.) as all my sick time and leave has been exhausted, so any time taken off for doctor visits or sick days when I'm ill will be unpaid.

I am thankful for all the support,  prayers and love already pouring in and giving me strength.