July 5, 2010 was just like any normal work day for Judy Eldridge, HR Generalist at Knology. She got up early, took a shower and prepared to go to work at her usual 7:00 a.m. time. With only minutes warning, she felt ill. Judy doesn’t miss days of work, so she laid down thinking it would pass and would soon be on her way. Within minutes she had pain in front of her chest that radiated to her back, but no other usual heart attack symptoms of pain in her jaw, shoulders, or arms. The pain increased and 911 was summoned to help. By the end of the day, Judy had a stent in her main artery and had beaten the odds of the “Widow Maker.”
Looking at Judy, she would be a poster child for the most unlikely candidate to have a heart attack. She doesn’t drink, doesn’t smoke and certainly doesn’t carry around any extra body fat. That’s why National Go Red day is important to her. She urges all women to be informed and take charge of their health because heart disease can happen to anyone, at any time, without warning.
Judy credits her survival to the quick action of the EMTs and cardiology specialists at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. “Not only did they save my life, but the LMH cardio rehabilitation specialists helped me gain strength after returning to work within two weeks,” Judy said, “I consider myself extremely lucky and urge all women to research the symptoms of heart disease, the number one killer in women over 50.”
Judy by knologykansas
Comments
kbritt (Karrey Britt) says…
Thanks so much for sharing your story Judy ... so many women will benefit from reading it!
mommatocharlie (anonymous) says…
My 59-year old brother survived the widowmaker in October of 2010. He ended up having quintuple bypass surgery a week or so later. He is now 61, and is heart healthy. Many thanks to the super staff and doctors and nurses at St Vincent's East in Birmingham Alabama.
AllHeart (Michelle Derusseau) says…
Wonderful picture! Thank you for telling your story Judy, glad you are still with us!
kansasplains1 (Lawrence Morgan) says…
Judy, you're very fortunate. And many thanks also to the great people at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.