Sharon Hughes Magil
My Story
Hi I am Sharon Hughes-Magill, I am the Secretary for Heart Failure Warriors N.I.
I was diagnosed with heart failure reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF)of 40% in September 2022, I had covid the Christmas 2021 and wasn’t recovering, I developed bilateral pulmonary embolisms and even though they had dissolved I was still very symptomatic.
My symptoms were very like asthma and at first it was thought my asthma was out of control. That’s when they discovered the clots in my lungs, I was commenced on blood thinning medication which was successful. However i was still experiencing chest pain, breathlessness and light headedness. I was referred for testing but ended up in hospital, it was then that I was informed of my diagnosis of heart failure.
Hearing them words was very frightening and I was worried about my family. I felt very alone and isolated, I even felt like I was being a moan.
It was only when I met my peers with the same diagnosis that I realised all the things I was feeling was normal.
When I was asked if I was interested in meeting other patients to see about putting together a group, I jumped at the chance.
This is an opportunity to help people like me, to make a community that provides support and advice.
I had researched services for heart failure in Northern Ireland and could find none. I believe this will bring hope to those facing a diagnosis of heart failure and their families.