Seven years ago, Lorraine, a single mother of four great kids, was diagnosed with Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy.
Ten months before this diagnosis she completed an Ironman race and was in the best shape in her life. However, in October of 2012, she developed shortness of breath, rapid irregular heart beats and severe exhaustion. She assumed she was overly tired or was coming down with a cold. Unfortunately this was not the case. After a 24 hour shift in the special care nursery, she could barely walk down the hall without having to stop because of shortness of breath. Luckily, co-workers convinced her to be seen in the emergency department. It was there she was informed by her first ever cardiologist, that her heart was failing. Her heart was so weak it could only pump 17% verses a normal 55-60% of blood to her body. Once diagnosed, she was rapidly transferred to the cardiac unit where she spent a week. Prior to being discharged, one of the nurses informed her of the grim statistic that 50% of the people diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, her diagnosis, are dead within 5 years.
It is nearly 7 years later. She is very much alive, but her life has changed dramatically. Instead of long runs and bike rides for stress relief and entertainment, she reads novels and watches movies. Instead of sleeping 6-8 hours a night, now she requires 12-14 hours of sleep in a day. She has had to stop working as a neonatal nurse practitioner. The dramatic pay cut being on disability instead of her normal salary has been a financial strain on her and her family.
Updates (1)
August 23, 2019
On August 8, 2019 Lorraine received a strong and wonderful heart. She spent 12 day's in the Cardiac Thoracic and cardiac ICU. Since she did so well, she was discharged directly home from ICU. Lorraine say's the fast progress and healing was from all the family and friend support as well as excellent medical, nursings and other hospital staff. University of Colorado Health Center is an excellent place for getting a new heart!
Photo Galleries (1)
Guestbook
December 27, 2019
You're awesome! Love you!
Heidi Beachley
December 24, 2019
Merry Christmas from Elizabeth and me. Love you.
KIMBERLY BONDE
September 6, 2019
Good luck in your recovery
Judy Gray
