Miss Diagnosed
Meet Suzette
After being misdiagnosed with “just a virus” three times, Suzette Marais Nel experienced a terrifying collapse in which her heart flatlined. Her story highlights the importance of listening to patients, recognizing serious symptoms, and understanding the lifesaving value of CPR.
Patient Story Misdiagnosed
Ongoing feelings of illness that made her feel she was dying.
Then an event where she was:
- Nauseous
- Turning grey
- Profusely sweating
- Disorientated
Virus—just needs fluids and oxygen
OR
Warning signs of an impending sudden cardiac arrest?
Repeated Misdiagnoses
I am Suzette Marais Nel from South Africa.
I was misdiagnosed three times, ending up in three different hospitals over a period of two and a half years.
Every time, the doctors in the ER room did some tests—all the normal types of ER tests—and then said each time, “It’s only a virus.”
I felt so extremely ill and said each time, “I feel I am dying.”
They just gave me oxygen and, after four to six hours with a fluid intravenous drip, sent me off home.
The Loop Recorder
Then in 2022, I saw a brilliant physician who suggested placing a loop recorder into my chest to record my heart rhythm.
I went to theater, and nine days later, I felt once again as if death was knocking on my door.
At midnight I woke up nauseous, anxious, and wet from sweat.
I went to the bathroom and thought I had to just wet my face with cold water because I felt so sweaty and disorientated.
I began to have this fear of dying, and my heart rate started to rise.
I saw this black cloud hanging in my room.
When My Heart Stopped
I rushed to my bed, but I felt so weak.
I called out for help to my husband and collapsed.
He saw that I was grey and full of sweat.
He shook me and performed his method of CPR on me. He had traveled with presidents in the past, so he knew how to revive people fast and effectively.
Back in an ER room, they said it was a virus and they wouldn’t be able to read the loop record.
It was a weekend, and my cardiologist was away in Istanbul.
The next day, I was so weak and slept for 24 hours.
On the Monday, the cardiologist’s offices phoned me and informed me I had to come in immediately.
The cardiologist decided to place a dual pacemaker into my chest.
My heart flatlined.
Listening to My Body
I have realized that it is extremely important to listen to my body, and I was a high-risk patient.
I am creating awareness regarding health, wellness, well-being, and CPR!