Ten Tips for Thriving

My Ten Tips for Thriving After Surviving

 A few weeks after my SCAD and open heart surgery, this bleeding heart plant bloomed into a vibrant bush in my front garden. It had been a small,  scraggly thing the year before. 

 

1.  Become Executive Director of Your Health
Read about SCAD -- slowly at first because it's a lot to take in. Read scholarly articles, primary medical literature and high-quality secondary literature. Learn the medical terminology and learn how to read an abstract. Get a copy of your medical records. Become crystal clear on your heart's unique situation. Rally around yourself the best local medical team you can and consult with SCAD experts. Ask questions. Make sure all doctors connect with your cardiologist prior to prescribing new medication or a procedure. 

2.  Go to Cardiac Rehab. Just go. Do it.
It was the only way I could get past the fear of raising my heart rate during exercise and not freaking out over every little body sensation. 

3. Buy a Medical Bracelet or Pendent 
I got mine at RoadID.com. I wear it all the time.  

4.  Write out an Emergency Plan
The question lingers, "What if it happens again?" I could not shut it up in my mind even though I know it is unlikely. So I typed out a plan and said "There! This is what happens."  My plan is titled: What to Do if Kim's Heart Does Something Weird Again. It includes a step-by-step guide, along with doctor numbers, a list of my medications, and my insurance information. I printed multiple copies and put them in envelopes with hearts on them. I keep one in my car, gave one to my husband and children, and keep an extra for my suitcase when I travel. 

5. Find a Spiritual Practice
Finding something larger than yourself that brings you peace, and centering yourself on that daily is vital. It doesn't matter what it is. Some people have a specific religion that speaks to them; others draw spiritual practices from a combination of traditions or religions. Many find a connection in the beauty of nature.

This is the center window at my church. Unity of Greater Portland

I love the original teachings of Christ and also Buddhism (to me they are similar). I have been a member of Unity Church since 1996. 


6. Make a Holy Space in Your House 
The idea of a holy space is that it is a place you go to or even just look at to remind yourself that you are whole. Some people put plants, special objects, small water fountains, candles -- whatever has meaning for them. My inside holy space is next to my bed where I have my grandparents' wedding picture, a picture of my children laughing together, and a praying angel statue. My outside holy place is a shade garden that I planted around my favorite tree where I placed some small statues. I set up these two spaces specifically as part of my healing from SCAD.

7. Buy a Stethoscope and Listen to Your Heartbeat
I relax and meditate on my bed as I listen to my heartbeat. I imagine the inside of my heart, the chambers, the arteries, all functioning well, healthy and at peace. I even thank my grafted mammary artery for stepping in and filling a new duty! (I also became fascinated by listening to heartbeats and am able to identify my dog's heart murmur.)  I bought mine on Amazon for $13.39 and it works great. Click here for more info: Omron Stethoscope

8. Allow Your Pets to Give Back to You.
Dogs especially seem to want to give this energy.  Hold them or just sit with them and really pay attention to how much love they send out to you. If you don't have a pet, consider adopting one.

Elmer. 4:40 am

9. Mind Your Monkeys
Don't get overly involved in the drama, emotions, and dysfunctions of others. Follow that old adage: "Not my circus; not my monkeys." Listen to your heart's desire. Avoid what does not feel right to you. You do not need to explain yourself. My minister frequently says, "Remember, 'No' is a complete sentence."


That being said,...here comes Tip #10. It is not for everyone and some people think it is weird. But it is something I did about a month after my SCAD that reduced my anxiety. If it is not for you please ignore.


10. Write an Advance Directive for Your Loved Ones
A tremendous worry for me after my SCAD was the stress my family would have gone through had I left the earth. (I am the planner and organizer in the family). So I wrote a  medical directive that included my spiritual wishes and also organized a notebook with my financial accounts. I used the document The Five Wishes. I love life and plan on living it to the fullest! But writing my Five Wishes somehow helped me calm my fears. 

Here's a link to the Five Wishes website for lots more information: Five Wishes

If you decide to write an advance directive, make sure to get it witnessed and/or notarized (depending on the laws of your state) and give a copy to a designated family member or friend.