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Max’s Story: Myocarditis, Silently Fatal
18 September 2016 was a Sunday that changed our family forever.
Our son Max, who was eleven days short of his 21st birthday, collapsed during his usual soccer game. Two of his teammates performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) while waiting for the ambulance. The hospital’s emergency team and the ambulance paramedics did all they could to revive his heart, but sadly it was not meant to be. After four months, we received an official letter from the Coroner’s office, indicating Max’s final cause of death – acute myocarditis.
From my own research and in layman’s terms, myocarditis is the inflammation and damage of the heart muscle (read more on P3). Many causes contribute to myocarditis and it is difficult to diagnose this condition. As we all know, the heart’s function is to pump blood. Hence, when the heart is enlarging, the pumping function is compromised. Some common symptoms are breathlessness, feeling unwell or getting tired easily. In certain cases, the heart may suddenly stop, resulting in a cardiac arrest and possible death.
The frightening part is that the heart may stop, even when the person is not doing any strenuous exercise. Hence, as long as you are down with any flu-like symptoms, please refrain from any physical activity. Getting to a heart specialist will enhance the chances of survival. Many young and fit people who die from a sudden heart seizure are usually diagnosed with myocarditis. The pathologist who did the post-mortem on Max confirmed that his heart was enlarged due to viral infections but was unable to pinpoint the type of virus.
Max had no history of any heart conditions or illness, except for childhood asthma. He underwent a thorough medical checkup before enlisting for National Service (NS) in May 2014. Two weeks before his death, Max consulted the University’s doctor for some diarrhoea medication and some cream for his sprained ankle. There were no other symptoms at all. We had dinner together on that Friday night and the next day, he spent time with his girlfriend and friends. On Sunday morning, we ate breakfast together and that was the last time we saw him alive. He seemed fine and displayed no symptoms of tiredness or whatsoever.
We received the phone call at around noon with regards to his collapse and immediately rushed down to the hospital, but never got the chance to say goodbye to our Max. No amount of words can describe the pain, emptiness and sadness. It is not natural that a child should go before his parents. Dealing with guilt and regrets are the real emotions that affect us most. Time seems to pass rather slowly, and the heart and mind become very heavy.
However, we take comfort and strength in knowing that Max strived very hard to achieve his fullest potential. He received the Star award (NS) for January 2016 plus an outstanding conduct testimonial from his Commanding Officer for his NS time spent at the Military Medicine Institute. Max was well-liked by his superiors, NS colleagues and friends. His Commanding Officer considered him an asset to any organisation, and many remember his infectious smile and willingness to help. Upon finishing his NS, Max worked four different jobs, just so that he could make his own money to pay for his university fees.
The reason why we are sharing our story is in the hopes of raising awareness on myocarditis. To all the grieving parents, siblings and loved ones that have faced similar situations, we hope that our story can give you the strength to face each new day. Please know that you are not alone.
To our beloved Max Lim, we love you always and you will remain forever 21 in our hearts.
With love always,
Lionel (Father), Sara (Mother) & Isabel (Sister)
Article contributed by Mr Lionel Lim & Family
