by Carolyn Thomas ♥ @HeartSisters
February is Heart Month, so here’s a Heart Month bonus for you! You can now read the full transcript of Chapter 1 of “A Woman’s Guide to Living with Heart Disease“ (Johns Hopkins University Press). I’m thrilled to say that my book is already in its second printing of both hardcover and paperback editions. Thank you, darling readers! Here’s Chapter 1, and here’s how to buy your own copy to read the other nine chapters – and, of course, the gorgeous foreword written by cardiologist Dr. Martha Gulati. ♥
See also:
A Woman’s Guide to Living With Heart Disease: my blog-turned-book project!
When an illness narrative isn’t just about illness: the preface to my book
A Woman’s Guide to Living with Heart Disease: Interview with Carolyn Thomas, Patient Empowerment Network, by Marie Ennis-O’Connor, Ireland
Happy, Healthy Heart Month with Carolyn Thomas (a review written by somebody who knows every word of this book just as well as I do – my own book editor, Deborah Bors, who wrote this essay for the Johns Hopkins University Press blog! Thank you, Debby! ♥
“Very different from other heart books”: my Q&A with Johns Hopkins University Press
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Q: Have you read Chapter 7 yet?
Heart Sisters 
Just finished reading your book. Thank you so very much, it is a must read for all women, if you had a heart attack or not.
I too was misdiagnosed 12 years ago, dismissed for having a problem for which I should see a psychiatrist. I was lucky, the second attack brought me to a hospital where I was stented. I am doing great for my 87 years now, on no meds, but a strict diet, exercise and following your rules of living in the moment with no bucket list.
Stay well, and keep writing for us,
Beatrice Nordberg
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Thanks, Beatrice! I’m glad that you are doing so well now, 12 years post-heart attack. Back then, you likely had two big strikes against you: you were a woman, and you were a woman in your mid-70s. No wonder those first docs figured you needed psychiatric help… Yoiks.
I’m really happy that you enjoyed reading my book. Thanks for letting me know!
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This was so well-written & great to read – though quite alarming to learn of the variety of ways in which a heart attack can present.
Due to my chronic illnesses and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, I have all the symptoms attributed to heart attack on a regular basis! Meaning it must be hard for those who are already sick to distinguish between a regular episode versus an actual heart attack. I assume severity & persistence of the symptoms can sometimes be a factor and it is something I will be mindful of, going forward.
I’m also struck by how dangerous, and sometimes deadly, the dismissiveness of doctors can be. It’s infuriating to me that this seems to be a common experience for (most usually female) patients. I’m glad you went into the ER when you did and persisted, and that you are still here with us, sharing your wisdom & talent!
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Thanks for your kind words. And YES you are so right – when you already live with a serious diagnosis, it can be hard to parse out if symptoms are due to the ‘same old, same old’ – or something NEW! I usually recommend that we pay extra close attention to any symptoms that just do not feel ‘right’ to us.
If you ever want to be really infuriated, read the new 2018 Heart Report by The Heart and Stroke Foundation that focuses completely on women….
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I ordered my copy last week here in the UK and am awaiting it arriving. Bravo, Carolyn…thank you for your writing and for your presence. I have also included info on your book and your blog link in the packet of information I distribute to other women here in the UK and mention your work in my courses.
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Hello Isabella – enjoy reading Chapter 1 while you’re waiting for the whole book to arrive! And thanks for the mention during your menopause work.
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I have read your book twice so far and have used some of the information in my leading of a stroke support group (through my role as a speech language pathologist).
I wish your book was required reading for cardiologists, and ED providers in particular. I’m happy to hear that sales are going well. Great work!
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Thanks Karen – I too wish that my book were required reading for docs! Reviews from cardiologists so far have been truly lovely, but the group I’m especially keen on reaching (besides women with heart disease – really, the ones I most care about!) are those working in Emergency medicine. I’ve often said that it doesn’t matter how world-class your cardiology floor is upstairs if women patients are not getting past the ER gatekeepers downstairs. Thank you for including my book in your support group!
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