How My Holiday Became A Cardiac Nightmare

Article contributed by Mrs Doreen Cheang, a client at the Singapore Heart Foundation’s Heart Wellness Centre.

Myocarditis was something I would not have associated myself with before August 2018. My health records were always on the good side, with no signs of “三高” (a Chinese saying for High Cholesterol, High Blood Pressure and High Blood Sugar).

However, things took a turnaround after my 16-days holiday in Victoria, Australia, where my friends, my husband and I stopped by Mount Buller for 3 nights to enjoy the winter up in the mountain.

Back in Singapore, thinking that I might have caught a chill when we had to walk back to our lodge in Australia after a late-night movie in the cold wind and snowy ground, I ignored the constant itch in my lungs and shiver from my heart. I chose to self-medicate with cough syrup and durian – a belief I heard which was good for curing cough.

However, the cough persisted for more than a month, and worsen when I went for my holiday to Hong Kong. In the day, I would often feel weak and did not have any appetite, while at night, I was unable to lie flat and often felt breathless. My condition got so bad that after the flight back to Singapore, my husband had to “trolley” me out of custom.

I was then brought to the hospital on the same day, where the medical staff expedited my case upon hearing my symptoms. After looking at my ECG and blood test result, I was admitted for further investigations.

By the second afternoon, I was diagnosed with heart failure due to a viral infection. I was devastated when I was told that the only way to maintain my condition is through lifelong medication and rehabilitation.

Putting life back on track

To ensure that I did not have to install a pacemaker or face sudden death, I constantly watch my diet, take my medication regularly and kept up to medical appointments and cardiac rehabilitation at the hospital.

By the end of December 2018, I was “promoted” to the Singapore Heart Foundation’s Heart Wellness Centre for my Phase 3 and 4 cardiac rehabilitation, where I would be guided through different exercises and diet changes.

By June 2020, I am glad to share that my heart function has improved from its initial 20% to 57%. I would like to thank Dr Wong Siong Sung, a private practising Senior Consultant Cardiologist whom I got my second opinion from; Dr Chan Poh Fun, the Senior Cardiologist of Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, who is currently monitoring my condition; the team at the Singapore Heart Foundation, like physiotherapist Joanna, who coaches and monitors my exercise progress; and of course, my husband for his tender loving care in preparing my meals, driving me around and ensuring that I do my exercise daily.

From my experience, I learnt that we should not take any cough too lightly and should consult a doctor if the ailment persists for more than a week. May God bless you with good health and stay safe!