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Heart attack survivor speaks at Hatch Public Library
Fourteen years ago, at the age of 40, Butler experienced a heart attack. After the ordeal, she chose to trade in her teaching career, and has been working with Wisconsin WomenHeart to promote heart disease awareness and prevention in women. In February, Mile Bluff Medical Center and the Women’s Health Initiative of Juneau County invited Butler to present ‘My Story.’ Ladies gathered at Mauston’s Hatch Public Library for a light-hearted evening of laughter, tears, great conversation and life-saving information about heart health. Butler provided statistics about heart disease in women, highlighted a list of risk factors and prevention methods, and discussed her specific symptoms of the disease, stating, “Women’s symptoms are not always the same as that of a man.” She explained that leading up to her heart attack, she experienced unusual fatigue for weeks, had pain in her jaw and heaviness in her chest. One day after work she began to have chest pain that continued off and on throughout the night. After being convinced by loved ones to go to the hospital, she went in and had some tests performed. Butler admitted that she initially thought to herself, “I don’t want to make a big deal over nothing; that would be silly.” She continued, “Like me, too many women don’t want to inconvenience anyone by saying they don’t feel well because they are too busy taking care of others. I had to learn the hard way that in order for Mom [in this case, Butler] to take care of others, she has to take care of herself!” She went on to list other common signs and symptoms of heart disease in women, including back pain, sweatiness, dizziness/nausea, arm pain, anxiety and weakness. In continuing with her story, Butler explained that although she knew something wasn’t right, she did not know enough about heart disease to recognize that the symptoms she was experiencing were anything serious. “It wasn’t like you see on the TV dramas.” After overlooking all the signs, she had a heart attack and eventually underwent double bypass surgery. Her recovery was long and painful, and she lived in constant fear of having another episode. As she began to regain her strength and confidence, she set goals for herself. She started out small by saying that she wanted to at least live long enough to see her son graduate from eighth grade. Once she reached that goal, she then set her sights on attending her son’s high school graduation. Then she says, “I got a little cocky after that, and set a goal for myself to be around to dance at his wedding. I’ve done that, and am now looking forward to meeting my grandchildren some day.” Although she can’t take back the choices she has already made, Butler has since learned the importance of having a healthy lifestyle, being educated and sharing her experience with others. She has made tremendous changes since her heart attack - to both her diet and exercise routines - and the positive impact has flowed over to her family as well. After a few adjustments to her meal plan, Butler’s teenage daughter was able to stop taking the medication she had been prescribed for high cholesterol. When speaking of her family during her presentation, Butler became choked up as she explained the negative effect that her health had on them. “It brings so much trouble and worry to your family. You feel helpless as you’re seeing your health issues tearing them up.” She continued with tears in her eyes, “You’d give up your life for your children, and to see them in so much pain over you - over something you could have helped prevent - is heart-breaking. It’s not just the physical and financial struggles that have a negative impact; seeing the devastation it creates for those you love is dreadful.” Throughout the evening, Butler stressed how important it is for everyone to have a healthcare provider that they trust, and that knows them. “Don’t look for someone who will tell you what you want to hear.” She continued, “Women work hard to find the right pair of shoes for an outfit…we should work at least that hard to find the right doctor.” She encouraged everyone to go to the doctor’s office with questions and to ask for clarifications when they do not understand things. “Be an advocate for your health. It’s your job; it’s your responsibility!” She concluded by saying, “If you leave with one thing, I want you to know that you need to take ownership in your health. It was my fault for not being educated. The information is out there, you have to know to ask. You need to be aware that heart disease is the number one killer of women in America. You must ask your family members about their health history. You need to know what signs and symptoms to look for. You have to be active on a consistent basis and choose heart-healthy foods to eat.” She continued, “We are sure to get the recommended tests done to test for breast cancer and cervical cancer, but we don’t always think to get tested for our hearts. Ask questions. Know your blood pressure and cholesterol numbers. It could save your life!” Butler shares her story to educate others in hopes of helping decrease the prevalence of heart disease and the number of deaths that occur from it. It is never too late to learn, it is never too late to make lifestyle improvements, and there is hope for a healthy life after a heart attack - Butler is proud to be living proof of that! If you are uncertain of your heart health or have not yet established a relationship with a healthcare provider, Mile Bluff can help get you on track. Call 608-847-6161 today. Ladies, if you missed the ‘My Story’ presentation, and want to be sure to take advantage of the next event offered by the Juneau County Women’s Health Initiative, save the date for the third annual Women’s Night Out. It will be held Tuesday, October 5 at Mauston High School - please note that this date is different than the one given out at last year’s event. Watch www.milebluff.com for further information, and call 608-847-1496 to learn about sponsorship and donation opportunities. |
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Mile Bluff Medical Center/ 1050 Division St./ Mauston, WI 53948 / 608 847 6161 Mile Bluff Medical Center, 1050 Division Street, Mauston, WI 53948 608 847 6161 or Toll free in WI at 800 252 4377 © 2008 Mile Bluff Medical Center |
“Heart
disease is very expensive. I pay $1,100 a month for prescriptions…with
insurance” exclaimed Kathleen Butler.