“Don’t let me die, I have three kids and an amazing husband” are the words I whispered while rushing in an ambulance to the hospital. It was so hard to breathe, I was experiencing third degree heart block, my heart was beating 20 beats per minute and I was on my way out. My brain whispered, “I might die today”. I left my children and husband wondering if it was the last time I would see them. This trauma has been the biggest reality check of my life and I’m sharing it to heal myself and to remind you to live fully every day.
Day 3 Post ICD Surgery Personal Message
Am I going to Die?
“Keep breathing” is what the ambulance attendant repeated. All I could do was focus on her positive words as my heart rate dropped to 20 beats per minute on our way to the hospital. Third degree heart block is very serious, I felt so close to death.
All I could think of was will I make it, please keep me alive, and it’s getting harder to breathe and talk.
Everything I was experiencing was so scary, yet I felt peace like someone “had my back”.
I was Close to Death
Admitting that is so hard but it’s true. I was scared, confusion was setting in, I was feeling pressure on my chest, it was hard to breathe, it became difficult to answer simple questions that the attendant asked. “Focus Trina, breathe”, but it felt easier to close my eyes and just let go.
I refocused, “keep breathing, keep fighting, stay alert, listen to her words, answer her questions!” This is what I was YELLING inside my brain.
We couldn’t get to the hospital fast enough
Breathe to Stay Alive
“Keep breathing”, she said, it sounds simple but it was so difficult. The gift of breath is given to us daily yet we take it for granted.
Let’s rewind a moment, I woke up to a beautiful morning, Coached an Online HIIT Camp class on Zoom. Leading the class in movement I was barely participating. While step touching side to side, my heart rate spiked to 150 beats per minute, I felt super dizzy, and then it passed.
Monitoring Heart Symptoms
After class, I spent several hours on the couch with my family monitoring my blood pressure and heart rate. I wasn’t “feeling myself and felt exhausted” but there was no immediate cause for an ambulance or hospital visit, especially with COVID-19 being at its highest ever in Hamilton, Ontario.
Deep down, I somehow knew this day was going to change my life. At the time, I didn’t tell my husband or kids but I knew an ambulance was taking me to the hospital even though my symptoms weren’t “overly alarming”.
After several hours, I told my very concerned husband and kids “maybe fresh air and a change of scenery will do me some good”.
Chest Pain, is this a Heart Attack?
I was slowly walking back and forth trying to get my mind off things and monitoring my heart rate on my Apple watch. Everything was normal and then it wasn’t.
My heart rate spiked high, I had chest pain, the feeling of a brick on my chest, difficulty breathing, dizziness, then my heart rate dropped significantly, I thought I was going to faint and hit the ground. My heart rate dropped very low and I barely got out “call 911.”
Coaching myself to “stay calm Trina, if this is the last time I see my kids and husband, they need to remember me calm and not freaking out like I really was.”
Tears rolled down. I tried to comfort everyone, “it’s ok, everything is going to be ok” is what I whispered before I left. I barely got the words out.
Ambulance Please Hurry
My 3 kids and husband were so emotional and it caused such trauma. The ambulance arrived quickly (oh so lucky) and my heart rate was dropping way too low. I am so in tune with my body that I was able to tell the ambulance attendants what I was feeling and when the “episodes” were coming on. “Hold on” is what they kept saying.
EKG’s and all of the exams in the ambulance were confirming what I was experiencing. We raced to the hospital. “What the heck is happening to me” is all I thought. “Keep breathing” was my main focus.
My husband followed us even though he knew he wasn’t allowed in the hospital because of COVID-19. I focused only on staying alive.
My heart rate dropped to 20 beats per minute
When you are at 20 beats per minutes in complete heart block it’s the most deadly of all, leading to cardiac arrest and ultimately death. You know when people tell you they “saw the light?” Well, it’s true, you do. Fighting to stay alive is what I did.
That is some scary stuff and so dangerous. I was having episodes of a very low heart rate (complete heart block – bradycardia) and high ventricular tachycardia. So much arrhythmia (the electric system of my heart was completely messed up).
The atria and ventricles weren’t speaking to each other. It’s like two sisters having a fight and it’s the worst kind of fight with a deadly ending. Get along already!
Admitted to the Hospital
Landing in the emergency room, lots of people attended to me quickly. “This is a super fit and healthy woman, this should not be happening” is what I heard over and over again. Adding to the stress was the huge outbreak and cases of COVID-19, it was awful. Yet, I knew I couldn’t go home because I could die.
I wasn’t allowed to get up to go to the bathroom because my heart was so unstable, so walking was not an option. They hooked me up to tons of wires, IV, defibrillator pads, X-rays, blood work, tons of medical nurses and doctors trying to figure out what was wrong with me. Everyone was poking and prodding me in a big hurry.
This was my toilet
Serious Heart Block and Arrhythmia
“It doesn’t look like you’ve had a heart attack” is what they said first. “This is very serious and more investigations are required” so I was admitted to the hospital.
In the ER, I went in and out of complete heart block (dangerously low heart rate) and spiked high often. It’s exhausting, you feel like you’ve just crushed the hardest workout or marathon, yet you’ve done nothing. All I wanted to do was sleep. That is not me, I’m a wound up energetic person who moves constantly.
ICD Surgery to Save Your Life
The next morning, my incredible Cardiologist came to visit and said “thank god you called 911 Trina because if you hadn’t”… (well you fill in the blanks). We need a Cardiac Pet Scan to further investigate but we need approval from Ottawa first (it takes time)”. They wanted the scan before surgery but it didn’t happen. My body had other plans.
“You need an ICD which is a pacemaker and internal defibrillator in one device to save your life. We are pretty certain it’s a rare heart disease but let’s process one thing at a time.” I cried a lot. What was going to happen to me?
After many discussions with the Cardiologists and Cardiac Care Unit Team, I was put on the list for the ICD surgery so it could save my life when my heart beats too low or high.
Repeating what the doctors told me, “I would die without the ICD surgery” was awful. This was only step one of this new journey and scary is the understatement of the year. Emotions were all over the place.
My arrhythmia specialist asked “do you want to see the ICD sample
we implant?” Yes please. Holy that is big!
4 Days Hardly Moving
I laid in a hospital bed for 4 days, hardly moving because my heart rate was so unstable. I wasn’t allowed to leave my room. The Cardiac Care Unit at the Hamilton General Hospital is no joke. The nurses and doctors are amazing there.
Due to COVID-19 and because I’m high risk, I have not left the house much since March 2020. This was my biggest outing and not a fun one. Hamilton had the highest number of COVID-19 cases and there was an outbreak at the Hamilton General Hospital.
Thank you front like workers for caring for me
Nurses and doctors were incredible, I couldn’t thank them enough. They are abused verbally and physically by patients constantly, I witnessed this first hand. A few times, I was scared for my life with violent and aggressive patients in my room. I’m talking multiple security guards at the end of my bed, needing to restrain and move patients.
All I wanted was to hug my kids and husband. I’m so lucky and grateful to have survived so I kept reminding myself to replace the fear.
Surgery Attempt #1
Day 3, I fasted for the ICD surgery and deeply tried to convince myself that this was a great thing but I was scared and unsettled. This would significantly change my life and has risks like we could puncture your heart or lungs trying to screw wires in, you need the battery replaced a lot in your lifetime. Yikes!
Trying hard to be brave
Almost no food or water for three days, I made it the entire day with lots of tears and fears but my surgery was cancelled as it was too late in the day. The patient before me had a complication (that added to my stress thinking that could happen to me). Feeling relieved and upset, I reminded myself “things happen when they are supposed to” but even for me, this felt impossible to keep top of mind.
Surgery Attempt #2: The Sign I needed to get the ICD Surgery
Day 4, a nurse woke me early morning and said “you are having ICD Surgery today, nothing to eat or drink”.
My nurse was so sweet and comforting. I asked her name, “Nicola” she said. That was the name of my dear friend who passed. Now I’m ready for surgery, Nicola was the sign I needed. Scared and reluctant, I couldn’t live without the ICD surgery.
This is my friend Nicola, one of my angels
ICD Surgery and Pacemaker
Attempt number two for surgery arrived. Lots of doctors explained what I was up against and how the surgery would work. “Because you are a small person, the device is going to stick out a lot, you will really notice and feel it.”
Thankfully my husband was able to come to the Hospital and calm my worries. We cried a lot. He comforted and helped me find the strength to remind myself that everything would go well with no complications.
Before Surgery saying “see you soon, not good-bye”
You got this Champ!
My sweet husband wrote this message to me
Surgery Details
I had ICD surgery (implantable cardioverter defibrillator) with a pacemaker, two in one. The surgery went well and I don’t remember any of it even though you are supposed to be awake during surgery (I guess they gave me some pretty good sedatives, thanks Angela my Angel). My husband told me funny stories of me chatting post-op while sedated (I remember nothing).
They did a chest X-ray in my room to ensure the wires were placed correctly. We were informed “you got the BMW of devices, it was the best option and will give you some comfort” (although it comes with lots of limitations and rules).
Before the scar and ICD Surgery Implant, one last photo
Post ICD Surgery
Wires in my Heart – What?
“They usually connect to the inside of the heart with a small screw screwed directly into the muscle of the heart wall. The body forms scar tissue around the lead, which anchors it even more firmly to the heart. The design of the leads allows them to stay attached to the heart permanently.” – John Hopkins Medicine
This surgery is most common in older patients but disease doesn’t discriminate. Surgery reminded me how grateful I was to have dedicated so many years to fitness, health, wellness and nutrition. Let the healing begin.
Wires are attached to my heart, I’m Bionic Woman!
Post surgery, there was tons of chaos as they were moving myself and the 3 other patients in my room to another floor to make room for COVID-19 overflow patients coming from Toronto. Thankfully I was discharged. It felt awful hearing more people were so sick.
How did this Happen?
Let’s back it up. I’ve been followed closely by a Cardiologist since receiving my diagnosis from my Brain Biopsy April 2019, read more here. The disease I have can seriously affect and damage your heart, so tons of cardiology tests and appointments were scheduled to rule out heart disease.
Glowing reports on every test and there was a lot! I was told “you are just below olympic athlete level on your exercise stress tests.” Um thanks for that. I’ve done tons of training to strengthen my heart.
In fact, 11 days before I landed in the ambulance, I had a treadmill stress test, echocardiogram and everything looked excellent. They were able to rule out a rare heart disorder they suspected I might have. I was sporting a 14 day holter test to check things out.
All of the evidence suggested no heart disease and I was looking strong. Great news is what I kept hearing.
All of that changed, this is post ICD Surgery
Incident #1: My Heart Rate was over 200 Beats Per Minute
March 24, 2021, everything changed. I finished a workout as I always do (I had no restrictions with workouts at this point). My workout went amazing, I was on Zoom with my friend feeling strong, keeping my form and everything was under control.
“We finished the workout and seconds
later my body was crashing.”
These were my cardiac symptoms:
- Heart rate spiked over 200+ beats per minute (not good), it kept going up
- Shaking so much I couldn’t monitor my heart rate
- Completely dizzy
- Weak legs I couldn’t stand
- Coughing so much, it wouldn’t stop
- Pale
- Hard to breathe
- Sweating so much (I wasn’t even sweating during the workout, my head was now soaked)
- Felt like I was going to faint, vomit and needing to go to the washroom
- Complete exhaustion
- Fainted eventually
Hair soaked within minutes
My Instinct “Get to the Ground”
Kneeling to the floor to protect my body in case of fainting, trying everything to get control of my body and breathe, but I couldn’t. My body was shutting down and there was nothing I could do. Repeating to my friend “I don’t feel well”.
I Finally Fainted
I crawled up a few steps on my hands and knees to get to the bathroom because I felt so sick. The next thing I remember is waking and I didn’t know where I was. Never have I fainted. Realizing later, I hit my head and hurt my arm when I fell (thank goodness I didn’t have far to fall because I was already on my hands and knees.)
In the meantime, my friend had called my husband who was working from home. All I wanted to do was sleep, I was exhausted and couldn’t stop sweating.
Hospital Emergency Room Trip
I went to the emergency room, had ton of tests. “What happened is really bad. Something is definitely wrong, this should not have happened to someone of your fitness level and your EKG test is abnormal”, the doctor said. After several hours and tests, the doctor came by “we normally admit you but, I spoke to your Cardiologist and she agreed to see you tomorrow morning. Go home and do nothing”. You bet doc, I’m scared out of my mind, I won’t move!
Trip #1 to the Emergency Room
So the mystery heart disease began. My Cardiologist ordered lots of tests including an echocardiogram, MRI of the heart with gadolinium, treadmill heart stress test, blood tests and I had to wear a 14 day Holter monitor.
Fear and More “Heart” Episodes
Going from crushing workouts and feeling strong to feeling scared, weak, tired and “not myself” was scary. I practice meditation and positive thinking, but as great as I think I am at this, medical issues and disease stress really wears you down.
Originally thinking it was triggered by exercise but in the end, it wasn’t. Two other scary heart episodes occurred before the final one that landed me in the hospital.
Brushing your teeth and feeling your heart rate spike to 159 beats per minute is scary and not normal. It should be under 100 BPM when you are relaxed. Perspective, your heart rate could be 159 beats per minute while training in our Online Live fitness classes, not brushing your teeth.
Post ICD Surgery Recovery
Now I rely on a permanent ICD defibrillator with a pacemaker and lead wires into my heart to help save my life (I am officially bionic woman).
With strict orders not to do anything, I remind myself “this is temporary.” More than the pain and limitations, not knowing is the worst. The ICD doesn’t fix the problem or make it stop, but it will help save my life. My medical team is working to figure out the next steps – what it is, how to treat it, more tests and a long journey ahead.
What life is like right now:
- Lots of hugs with my family, I never know if this is my last moment with them
- Do not raise left arm above head for a minimum 6 weeks (you can tear the lead wires out and need another surgery, no thanks)
- No ponytails, I can’t put my hair up
- Hard dressing, I can’t wear a tank top or sports bra, only loose baggy shirts that stretch over my head without raising my arm
- Exhaustion
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Constant cough since they rolled me out of surgery (more tests to figure it out)
- Can hardly climb one level of stairs without sitting and heart rate spiking (I am so fit what the heck?)
- No workouts
- Even slow walking spikes my heart rate high
- So many emotions to process
- Serious high and low heart rates daily (up to 181 beats per minute doing nothing and my ICD goes off at 185 BPM!)
- Lots of therapy and rehab to work through trauma
- Heart rate spikes that make me feel awful, and dropping so low that the pacemaker kicks in (that’s a workout in itself)
I am finally home and healing. When you go through this, you must grieve your “old life and the loss you feel.” It’s an awful but necessary process.
ICD is sore, heavy and pulling but I’m alive
Life as a Fitness and Health Professional
I have heavily dedicated my personal and work life to health, wellness and fitness since 1998. When you are fighting for your life, none of that seems to matter. You feel slapped down even though you’ve done everything right. Constant reminders “what would have happened if I wasn’t so healthy?”
“Will people miss me or notice that I’m gone?”
“Have I made enough of an impact and legacy in my world?”
You process a lot having experienced a very heavy trauma like this. Perspective rolls in hard.
The fact that my heart was so strong from years of training, healthy food and lifestyle choices was a life saver.
Days before my Heart almost stopped
Healing with my Family
My life is quite different post ICD surgery. Reducing stress, spending as much time with my 3 kids and husband with love and messages from people who love me. My friends and family have been so supportive, they listen, let me vent and bring me out of the “dark hole” when I’m there. My current job is tons of doctors appointments and tests.
May this give you the kick in the booty that you need to prioritize health and enjoy life as much as possible.
Diagnosis and What’s Ahead
We do not yet have a diagnosis. They tell me “figuring it out is not easy, you’re an anomaly and have a complicated case”. My disease is very stubborn and aggressive but it could also be something completely different or another disease.
My family and I feel entirely helpless because it’s beyond our control. Lots of anger, fear, tears and reminders of how precious life is.
We are working through the unknown as best as we can
Questions that came up for me:
- If I die today have I done everything I want to?
- Have I said what I need to, taught and loved everyone fully?
- Did I raise my kids with enough love and attention?
- My answers were “yes”, I have lived a life with no regrets.
- Keep me alive please, I have lots more to do!
Keep Putting One Foot in Front of the Other
My plan is focus on the positive. Life has changed, I feel angry, scared, grateful and every day I’m at risk to be defibrillated or worse. Once I’m cleared, I will continue modified workouts, eat right, sleep enough and try to think mostly positive thoughts (acknowledge the negative but don’t stay stuck).
My recovery and medical situation would have been much worse if my body wasn’t as “healthy and strong as it was and is.” Your heart is a muscle, train it regularly. The electrical system of my atria and ventricles isn’t working properly. I’m counting on the ICD /pacemaker to save me when needed.
Make Health a Top Priority
If I can give you any advice, it’s live life fully, take care of your beautiful body and make small changes daily to improve your life and happiness. Reduce your stress and how you react to it and be kind to people.
I appreciate you reading this and caring for me. We may or may not know each other but I believe in you and your ability to change.
Once cleared to workout, you will find me at my Fit4Females Studio building muscle and strengthening my heart. For now, I will heal, walk, rest, cry, eat good food and do everything in my power to get stronger and battle this nasty and incurable disease. Staring down my challenge and living hour by hour is my daily goal.
Do everything NOW
Choose Healthy Most of the Time
My life consists of daily exercise, I don’t drink alcohol or smoke, I eat healthy, I am a positive person, get plenty of sleep, yet this feels hard to believe. The reason I live this way is because I enjoy it, not because I have to or because I want to “look a certain way”. Be motivated by health.
Disease doesn’t discriminate, healthy people get sick too. If you want to help those around you who are struggling, I’ve suggested a few things to help and avoid. These situations are hard and we can be lost with what to say or not to say.
What not to do with “Sick or Stressed” loved ones
It’s hard to know what to say and many of us avoid it all together. I’ve been on both ends. Watching friends and family die of serious disease and feeling helpless. Now I am the patient and all of my support circle feels exactly as I did, helpless and not sure what to say. Here are a few things to avoid:
- Avoid saying “good news it’s not (whatever illness or disease), cancer, heart attack, etc. This makes the person feel worse.
- Was this caused by stress? Exercising too much? Is it genetic?
- Forget making assumptions and a diagnosis because it makes everything worse.
- Are you going back to work?
- How are you going to handle this?
- Do not expect a response to your messages or texts. The person is going through so much emotionally, be patient and know that your words and messages mean so much (even if they are not responded to).
- Just listen, the person is “grieving” what they lost, they are scared and very emotional.
- Do not take anything personal, their life feels upside down.
Post ICD Surgery Flowers brighten my Day
What to Do:
- Check in with the person even if you don’t get a response, do not avoid them because you think you are “bothering them”.
- Message as often as you can.
- Just listen, don’t try to fix the problems or emotions.
- Send food, a small care package or a handwritten note (everything is appreciated).
- Hear them out, they need an outlet.
- Don’t try and fix anything.
- Tell the person how they’ve impacted your life, send a love note reminding them.
How can you Support Me:
If you want to help, this is how:
- Read and please SHARE this story.
- Leave a comment below xo.
- Send me a message on social media or email with your love and kind words.
- Comment on any blog or post that I’ve written and post in the future.
- Share anything I have written or posted that inspires you #Fit4Females
- If you need help, every purchase allows me to keep my team on board and our business open, 10 Day Lean and Clean, Fitness Classes, Express Fit and more.
Your words and messages help so much, leave a comment below. xo
ICD Surgery Conclusion
No worries, Fit4Females is still running and classes are Live with my incredible team.
Trina Medves xo
Stay Connected with me here. I will update you in my Fit4Females Fit Insider
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We love you. If anyone has this…it’s you 😘
Jodi thank you so much xoxoxo It means a lot.
Sending you lots of love, positive vibes and healing strength my friend!
Mary
Xo
Thanks Mary! I appreciate the love and kind words. xo
Wow you are on such an incredible journey. I’m sending you positive healing thoughts.
Brittny thank you ox much. I am on quite the journey :). Thanks for the love and healing thoughts.
Trina, you are a strong and smart woman . You are educating so many including Drs and nurses.
You are teaching not only health and wellness, but also love and kindness. And the power of faith. No doubts about it Trina , you are a gigantic contributor to the people in your life.
You are in my prayers . Big hugs to you honey .
Love
Dawn Pushie( Janine’s mom)
Thanks Dawn! You raised an incredible daughter, I just love her so much. Thanks for your very inspiring words. I so appreciate your take on it. Thanks for the love. I really appreciate you taking the time, it means so much xoxoxoxoxo You are an incredible Mom!
Wow, I just can’t imagine what this was really like for you and your family (even though you articulated everything so well). My heart was racing while reading it. Thank you for sharing your personal struggles with the world. I definitely will be more mindful of how precious every day is. I’m sending positive wishes and vibes to you and your family. You are definitely one very tough cookie.
Sincerely, Honor (Janine’s friend from NS)
Wow, thanks Honor! I love posts from people I don’t know and I bet you are AMAZEBALLS because you are a friend of Janine and she is epic. Thanks for the love.
Trina, you are so strong and inspiring. You’ve got a big group of women standing beside you with fit4females and surrounding community. You’ve helped others through so much and now it’s time to take the love from all of us to use for yourself. I am honored to call you my friend and am sending lots of love and positivity with this message. Please let me know if there’s anything you need or that I can do to help.
Thanks Denise, what an incredible thing to read. We’ve been together a long time you and I and I truly appreciate you and all of your support.
Trina…Oh my God! What an incredibly traumatic experience for you, your husband, and your children. Please know that I am thinking of you and sending positive healing vibes. Although this trauma impacted your physical health…it most likely impacted your mental health as well. Keep that family close to you, talk about and share your story. It will help you heal.
Thanks so much Exactly why I wrote it. So traumatic and I appreciate the kind words.
I am thinking of you and your family. ❤️ I have good memories of stroller fit with you… especially Halloween!
You will crush this!
That is so good to hear, so many great memories of Stroller Fitness. Thank you Laura, how are you by the way?
Hi Trina
You Know me as Beckie Poirier
WOW WOW WOW all I want to do is hug You right now . PLEASE KNOW i am Hugging You . YOU ARE TRULY ONE BAD ASS WOMAN to be making through all of that and to share Your story. THANK YOU FOR BEING YOU AMD SUCH AN INSPIRATION XO
Can you imagine the days we can get back to hugs? Can’t wait and I will take it. Thanks for the incredible words xo!
Hi Trina
I am so sorry for all that you have been through in the last few years. I am glad that you are home with your loving family. Take care of yourself. You are one strong woman and I know you have a few loving angels watching over you from above. Sending love and healing hugs
Debra Contestabie <3
Thanks for the love, it is so appreciated!
Sending Love Trina!
Thanks Sandee!
Trina
You, have got this.
You are an Amazing Beautiful Strong Lady
Sending you a Huge Virtual Hug
Thanks Brenda! Now drop and give me 20 burpees and step touch grapevine! LOL. Thanks for the love and kinds words.
How are workouts after the recovery period? Are there still restrictions to specific movements? Is yoga allowed?
Hi K!
Thanks for the comment and questions. It’s very hard for the doctors to know. They tell you not to do a lot of things. I don’t do any down dogs and I do different versions of yoga. A lot of it is repetitive in the clavicle with the lead wires. I have done my own program for what feels good for my body. Nothing for 6 weeks above the shoulder and then I went very slow and easy. I lifted heavy before the ICD / pacemaker surgery. Post surgery I went light with bands, then light weight and slowly increasing as it feels good. There are restrictions for sure. You have to find what works ( I don’t do pushups or pull ups anymore). Two years post I am able to kettle bell swing with lighter weight and not straining my arms out. There is a lot you have to figure out.
Hope that helps.
Are you having surgery?
Trina. What an inspiration you are. I read this post and cried. This is an emotional week for me. I lost my sister to a brain tumour one year ago June 18 and have been thinking of her a lot. What you have been through is mind blowing. You are a strong woman both physically and mentally. I am here for you. You have an awesome support system and I will pray for you and your doctors that they figure out a diagnosis and treatment. Xoxo.
Elizabeth! I’m so sorry about your sister, I can’t even imagine. Sending you so much love and healing in your grief journey. Thanks for the love. Life is short, you know that so take advantage of every minute. Here’s to hoping for a diagnosis xo
Sending you so much love Trina. You are amazing. xoxoxoxoxo
I feel the same about you Charleigh! Thanks for the love.
Oh my Trina! What a journey this thing called life has taken you on. My thoughts are with you and your family. What strength to share your story like this. Sending you love, hope and peace.
No kidding eh? Life is a crazy roller coaster that I want to pause or get off the ride. I’m here for it thought. It’s love like this that helps me get through. Thanks for the kind words.
Positive thoughts and prayers to you for a speedy recovery. 💕
Thank you Kristal, it is SOOO appreciated!
Thinking of you Trina and sending you healing thoughts. You are an incredibly strong lady with the most positive mindset. You got this girl! Take care of yourself xoxo
Elisa thank you so much. I appreciate you reading my story and writing beautiful words, it’s so helpful in my recovery to hear from you 🙂
Trina, thank you for sharing your terrifying personal
Journey. You’re an inspiration! I feel so fortunate to have crossed paths and been coached by you to witness your passion for health, fitness & women celebrating together to lift women up! I am sending big hugs, love and strength to you, your husband and your children. I am one of the many women you’ve lifted up & I’m in your corner cheering you on. Thankful for all the doctors, nurses and medical staff on your incredible medical team! Thinking of you ❤️ Paula
Thanks Paula, what amazing words to read. I’m glad to have lifted you up, you are an incredible woman. I too was so thankful for my medical team, they really helped me. We are lucky in Canada. Can’t wait to see you again 🙂
Trina, I’m struggling for words. You are one of the strongest, most beautiful and inspiring people I know. Sending you and your family lots of love always- but especially during this difficult time. You always share so openly and courageously and you inspire everyone with your wisdom and strength. The world needs you!
Amy, thank you so much, those words make me feel so strong emotionally.
Nicola was with me, I can’t even tell you how much comfort I got. Can you believe my nurse was Nicola? Nobody has that name. Thanks for the love. I so appreciate you so much and glad we met and connected.
Wow, what an article. I read every word, First off, thank goodness you got the ambulance, I am so happy to hear that you are mending and that your family has you to love and to be loved by you, All the best Trina,
It was a long one so thank you Kim!!!! So thankful for the ambulance, yo are right. Thanks for the love, comments and reading. I so appreciate it xo
Hey Trina. Sending you and the family big hugs. You and the kids would bring so much joy into the office every morning that you had a class. Remembering Gemma and I sneaking them treats when you were not looking. Healthy treats of course. Stay strong my friend and I know you will because that’s just you. Love Dennis
Dennis!!!
Ha, ha, ha! I just thought about how much fun and how amazing it was to have the entire Dofasco crew for so many years. You were like family to us. You gave me an opportunity to change so many lives at your facility. I still remember our first call.
As for snacks, it’s the first time my kids ever had “Dad’s cookies”. They would come in and say “I’m hungy” because they couldn’t pronounce their R’s. Even though I fed them.
They knew the Dofasco family would give them treats. Thanks for the love. You made a difference for myself, my family and so many.
Hi Trina. Thinking of you and your family. All my love and thoughts your way. We will see each other soon in zoom classes…you are so strong. Take care, stefania 💜
Thanks so much for the love Stefania! I so appreciate the sweet message xo. Cannot wait to see you in class, it will happen my friend!
Trina, I am so embarrassed to have not Googled you sooner..I know we have sent messages back and forth before but I wasn’t sure what had happened to you and if you were doing okay… Sitting around with my family reminiscing about our childhood friendship and our awesome adventures the other day made me wonder if I should try and reach out again or if you had too much going… (that is the embarrassed part).. Reading this post full of heart-felt tears impacted me more than you may realize. . You have been on my mind constantly and I’ve been hoping the very best for you…The idea that you have to tell me what is acceptable to do/say is not something I’m proud of, BUT 100% absolutely greatful for!!… The simple fact is that I didn’t know what to do or what to say….So thank you!!.. Plssss Just know I LOVE ya TEE LEE and I am right here any time you need me!!! Forever N’ Always…
… Love Cee Lee/Chrissy/Christine…
#1 fan since 1989… xoxoxxo..
Christine, what an incredible message to receive. Thank you so much for taking the time to write these kind words. You have a huge space in my heart girl xo
Hi Trina,
You can do it girl!
Thank you for sharing this and I truly hope that everything goes well 🙂
Thanks so much for the love, it is so appreciated 🙂
Hi Trina,
I am a 49 yo female athlete who just had an ICD implanted last week. It helped so much to read this article you wrote.
I hope you are doing well.
Sincerely,
Karla
I am so glad to hear it helped! That’s EXACTLY why I published my story. Thanks for reading. How are you feeling after your ICD implant?
Trina
Your personal journey has proved both comforting and inspiring for me.
A few months ago, I found that I couldn’t walk a considerable distance without stopping to catch my breath. Shortly thereafter, I couldn’t climb a flight of stairs without having to pause and catch my breath. Then I couldn’t walk from one side of the house to the other without having to sit down and catch my breath.
I had two abnormal EKGs and couldn’t complete a stress test. My blood pressure ran to 200/100, yet my pulse was 40.
My husband took me to the emergency room of our hospital, where I was admitted to the cardiac unit and had a pacemaker implanted the next day.
Since then, I have experienced the same thoughts, fears and emotions as you.
The pacemaker has been of great benefit to me, though it is not the ultimate solution to my symptoms. I still have “episodes”, and further tests are needed to find the source of my issues.
I wholeheartedly agree that life is short. Make peace in your mind and in your heart. Live, laugh and laugh every day. Life is precious.
Hi Susan,
I’m so glad this was helpful. It’s exactly why I wrote the blog. Thank you for your comment. I hear you loud and clear on the device. It’s a big change. I find it’s incredibly uncomfortable still after a year. Life is precious. Take care of yourself. I appreciate your story. Thanks 🙂
My father just got a pacemaker implanted last week after a faint episode and a trip to hospital. We were all emotional and I have never seen him cry before when he got diagnosed with Mobitz Type 2 at age 60. He had always been healthy and active, doesn’t drink or smoke. Thank you for sharing your story. We are still in shock at the sudden shock and trauma our father received and feel very helpless.
How often does your heart beats go low ? Have you felt yhe pacemaker working? What did you feel when it did?
Hi Rania,
So sorry to hear this. It’s definitely a process and quite emotional. My heart did go very low before the pacemaker. Now it’s set to bump me up if it goes lower than 50. It’s an adjustment. I do feel it sometimes but I am very in tune with my body and on the smaller side so that’s most likely why. I feel your story. I am super active, I don’t drink or smoke. The pacemaker is working great. It’s a process that you learn to live with. Tell him to take his time.
Hope that helps,
Trina Medves
Hello
I just read your article and it was very helpful. I am a 62 active female and I am getting an ICD implanted tomorrow. Yikes!!! I thought I was super healthy until I was struggling to breathe out on the tennis court, experiencing dizziness and rapid heartbeat. After multiple test, I was diagnosed with sarcoidosis in my heart and lungs… Cause unknown. I have Multiple medicines and will get the ICD tomorrow. Thank you for posting your story.
Hi Susan,
It’s so nice to meet you virtually. Sorry to hear about your sarcoidosis. It’s great that you have an ICD. I have the dual chamber ICD and pacemaker. It give me reassurance that If anything happens I have some insurance.
You are so welcome! I wrote my story to help others and give hope because it feels so terrible with a diagnosis. You’ve got this!! Thank goodness for devices. I wish you all the recovery with your device. It’s a bumpy road. Have lots of loose clothing because you can’t raise that arm. If you need anything please reach out 🙂
Trina Medves
Hi Susan,
We wold love to know how you are doing with your ICD implant. It is such a big change but we are lucky this device is available to us. I too was so shocked when my heart almost stopped. I live a very healthy and active lifestyle. I look forward to hearing from you. You are so welcome for the story. I wrote it to get the word out for incredible people like you.