Support Debbie Niemi and her family after heart surgery

Sunday, May 18, 2025, I was at a hockey game when I started having very painful chest pain, which felt abnormal. I asked a friend to call someone. The ambulance came and they checked me out. They asked me if the game was stressful (no), did I eat, has this ever happened before (all no). The pain was so bad it went up to my throat and teeth. The ambulance did an EKG but didn’t see anything unusual. They gave me 3 options: go to the emergency room in the ambulance, have someone drive me to the emergency room, or go home and see how I felt. Trust your instincts!! If you don’t feel right, go to the emergency room.

I got checked in very quickly at Methodist, which was the closest. I believe it was a code 99 or something. After an X-ray, CT scan of my head, and then a final CT of my heart, it provided the information needed! Ascending Aortic dissection and I needed immediate open-heart surgery to repair. The doctor said it was bad and I was extremely lucky as another couple of hours it might have been a different story.

Dr. Stark was one of my surgeons (thank you!!!). The surgeons kept my daughters updated and my friends who helped out. I stayed in the hospital until the following Saturday. It’s very humbling to be on the side of being a patient. Some good nurses and some not so good. Patients are dependent on their care to help with the 24-hour pain from laying in uncomfortable hospital beds and chairs.

I got a second chance and thought about that a lot. The day before, I was at the gym and taking a sauna and cold plunge with my friend. It’s crazy how things can change with no warning. They don’t know exactly why but most likely prolonged hypertension from stress that wasn’t detected.

As a single mom, it isn’t easy asking for help. I won’t be able to work for a while, so I need some help with medical expenses not covered by insurance, bills, etc. I can’t pull, push or lift over 10 lbs for 3 months.

I’m thankful to be home now recovering. Each day improves a little more ❤️ Thankful to all my friends and family who have reached out and supported us. Listen to your body and don’t take chances.

Sincerely,

Niemi/Ringat family