Miss Diagnosed
Meet Debora
After living for two decades with an MVP diagnosis, Debora continued experiencing severe heart symptoms, medication complications, and out-of-control blood pressure. A cardiologist eventually identified an electrical heart problem and recommended a pacemaker, which changed her life and inspired her to advocate for patients who feel unheard.
Patient Story Misdiagnosed
The Beginning of Debora’s Heart Journey
Greetings,
I’m Debora Grandison.
My heart journey began at the age of 27, when I went into pre-term labor during pregnancy. While being treated, the doctors gave me a medication that tripled my heart rate, and I was placed in the ICU.
Once my heart was stabilized, I was given two different diagnoses. The first was AFib and the second was Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP).
I lived with the MVP diagnosis for the next two decades and was treated with MVP medications and protocols.
Over time, I began to experience more pronounced symptoms like extreme palpitations, shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, and left arm pain. All of this kept me in the doctor’s office to be placed on more medications and undergo more treatments and procedures.
At one point, I was on 13 different medications to treat a variety of symptoms, and they all interacted differently. This kept me from functioning normally, forcing me to give up a very promising start to my real estate career.
The road to answers made being a mom to two young children challenging, especially with a husband whose job kept him on the road weekly.
I struggled to find doctors who seemed to understand the fear and anxiety that developed from feeling misunderstood and unheard.
Finding Answers
As I worked to find answers and advocate for myself, I found my passion and purpose in advocating for others. I discovered that my story had the power to make an impact.
It was in 2008 that I was introduced to a cardiologist who seemed to hear my concerns and made me feel that my concerns mattered.
It was discovered that my heart issues were stemming from an electrical problem and that I would need a pacemaker installed to resolve the issue.
I had a pacemaker installed in 2009, and it changed everything. I began to feel normal again!
A Pacemaker Changed Everything
By 2013, I was diagnosed with AFib, which was discovered during a pacemaker transmission. The device has played a huge role in my healing, and it has extended my life.
Before receiving the pacemaker, there were a number of instances where I was told that the experiences I had placed my life in jeopardy.
During the timeframe when the doctor had placed me on 13 different medications, a nurse who was seeing me advised me to seek medical care elsewhere because my blood pressure was so out of control that she felt I would die if I didn’t.
Another doctor investigated the types and number of medications I was taking and told me that the combination of medications I was on and the palpitations I was experiencing could result in my death.
I had recently lost my father, my uncle, and a younger brother to diabetes-related heart issues.
I’m sharing my story to educate others on the importance of advocating for yourself, being persistent and consistent in asking questions, and seeking a medical care team that acknowledges your needs and concerns and communicates with you in order to build a trusting relationship—so that you know that you matter.
Debora’s Call to Action
I’m Debora Grandison, a 37-year heart disease and diabetes survivor, also diagnosed with Graves’ Disease.
My call to action is:
There’s power in our stories! Be willing to share yours in order to make a positive impact. Our stories build relationships, aid in research and change policies, and most importantly…our stories save lives!!