A few weeks ago, my heart decided to throw a tantrum. Tantrum? Maybe the phrase Electrical Storm is a better choice. I’m talking full-on Torsades de pointes, the type of electrical storm that often ends in sudden death. But mine didn’t….obvs.
Not only did I survive, but my heart self-regulated. Multiple times.
Every time I slid into chaos, it snapped itself back. In the ER when I went into a full episode, they slapped the SHOCK pads on me and I could hear the nurse clearing everyone away “3-2- WAIT!” Thankfully my heart self regulated. I was unconscious for all the other events, but that one I was fully awake with my body shaking like I’ve never shook before. Experiencing it awake was quite an thing, but almost being shocked was terrifying – and there was nothing I could do. Do Not Recommend!
If you look up Torsades de Pointe, you will see the words “sudden death” listed. It comes out of nowhere, and if you don’t have help, and if your body cannot self correct, your chances of survival are slim.
Why did I survive? There are a few reasons other than God had me in the right place at the right time. I was close to proper emergency care.
But also it is
- because of how I’ve spent my life the last several years after I got well from chronic migraines
- because I had muscle in the bank
- because my body, despite the fluke of a genetic glitch, wasn’t weighed down by insulin resistance or inflammation
- because I had trained for resiliency without knowing the test was coming
When they implanted my defibrillator/pacemaker combo, I was grateful. But I was also shaken. I still am a bit. I feel different. My body is just different now, and it is taking me time to get used to it.
During a routine test of the device, the nurse practitioner casually said, “most of our patients don’t feel the monitor run its diagnostic.” Me? I felt everything. Nausea. Panic. Chest pressure. My heart literally felt hijacked. I couldn’t even finish a sentence.
But again—that’s not weakness. That’s awareness. She added “only our fit patients feel that.”
That’s a sign that my heart is still deeply responsive and vital. I do not have heart disease and my heart muscle survived all of this without damage. Praise God.
Let’s replay that one more time. She said that most of her patients do not feel her run the diagnostic. They do not notice all of that derangement because many of them are already metabolically disconnected.
What is Resiliency, Really?
Resiliency isn’t just bouncing back. It’s about your body’s ability to adapt under pressure and recover efficiently.
- It’s having enough muscle to keep blood sugar steady during trauma as it protects your brain, your heart and your nervous system under extreme stress. It is more than just looking fit. It is your safety net.
- It produces myokine which reduce inflammation and boost your immune system.
- It’s having strong mitochondria so your heart, brain, and lungs don’t panic when things go sideways.
- It’s not being the typical patient. And I’m doing everything I can to NOT be her typical patient, and I’m more motivated now than before. You want to thrive, not just survive.
Resiliency is earned long before the storm hits, and when it does, it can make the difference between life and death.
So here’s the real question we all have to ask ourselves: What’s in your “reserves” right now? Serious question. Are you building or draining? I know this even gave me a wake up call to not skate through my workouts, because sometimes I was just checking a box. Now, I’m showing up. They matter, and I’m blessed to still be here. I know that.
You don’t need to lift heavy or run marathons to start. I sure didn’t. I did squat holds on my vibe plate in front of my red light panel until I was strong enough to walk with my dog Jack. But it all starts with a decision that your body is worth fortifying and that you want to never be a victim to poor health due to lifestyle choices.
I’m rebuilding now slowly. Very slowly as I’m still recovering. It takes a full 6 weeks for the implant to be “received” and the wires rooted well in my heart, so I’m limited. BUT with naps, isometrics, and a whole lot of protein, I’m getting myself ready to be cleared to get busy being ME again. I’m not a victim. And I’m not lying down for long even though 6 weeks of rest feels like an eternity.
Think about it, one day someone else may need you to show up strong for them. Are you able to pull your spouse out of your burning home or car? Are you able to sprint for help if you needed to? What if your grandchild sprained an ankle while on a walk – could you carry a 5 year old back to the car?
Two people showed up for me in a way I’ll never forget. Melissa Hazen and Dr. Stephanie Rimka showed up for me, held me, made sure I was safe, got me to the Emergency Room, took care of many details for my care, flights, family. . .so many things. They showed up. Thank you, ladies.
If there is ever a crisis, just know I’ll be ready just like they were.
Want help building your resiliency through food, training, or mindset?
Let’s start with one step: reply and tell me what “resilient” means to you right now. I’d love to know.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. I am not a doctor. I’m simply sharing personal experiences and observations. Always consult a qualified professional before making changes to your diet or health routine.
