It was a normal school day for me when I began to have chest pains. I didn’t think much of it, as I’d often experienced heartburn before, so I took some antacids and tried to carry on as usual. However, the chest pains continued and followed me throughout the day.
That night, I went to the doctor and received my diagnosis: prolapsed mitral valve. Apparently, my mitral valve wasn’t working properly and therefore, I needed to have surgery to repair it.
I was scared and worried that the surgery would go wrong, but I knew I had no other option. I underwent the surgery and thankfully, it was successful. I was told I had to rest and take things slow. I followed my doctor’s orders and ate a balanced diet including plenty of fruits and vegetables and stopped smoking.
The recovery process was long and difficult, but I persevered. Throughout my recovery, I kept my loved ones close and relied on them for support. I thought about how fortunate I was to have such amazing people around me who were always there with encouraging words and hugs. I was also grateful to my doctors and nurses who helped me on my journey.
It’s been a year since my surgery, and I’m feeling healthier than ever. I’m excited to look to the future, and I’m so thankful for everyone who helped me get well. I’m also grateful for my second chance at life and am committed to doing things that make me happy.
Life is a precious gift, and I’m so glad I’m able to live it.