This is the last thing I ever imagined having to do.
On March 28th 2025 My husband went to the ER after work with some chest pain and shortness of breath and we found out he was having a heart attack. He was scheduled for a heart cath the next morning, but something had changed in the middle of the night and they had done it earlier than expected. That’s when they discovered he had a 100% blockage in the LAD artery, also know as “the widow maker.”
He had a stent placed and we were hopeful that would be the end of it. But we quickly learned his heart had suffered permanent damage, with the ejection fraction (EF) at just 30-35%. He was sent home in a LifeVest, and we’ve spent the last few months clinging to hope that things would improve.
Thankfully, he’s been feeling great and hasn’t shown the typical signs of heart failure. However, nearly 3 month later, his heart function hasn’t improved much. His doctor now says he’ll need a permanent defibrillator (ICD). His consult is July 7th, and until then, everything (his recovery, work status, our future) is in limbo.
He’s a coal miner and we have no idea how long he’ll be off work now or when he’ll be cleared to return. Right now we are recieving Short-Term Disability but it’s only about 20% or less too his usual paycheck, and it only last for 26 weeks. We didn’t have any extra supplemental coverage because honestly, this was never supposed to happen. He was healthy, working everyday, no pre-existing conditions, and excellent labs just a few months prior.
We have had to use almost all of our savings just to get by these last few months. We’ll make it through June..but after that we’re not sure.
I’ve been a stay-at-home mom for years, and I’m doing everything I can but it’s nearly impossible to find work until after his ICD consult, when we know what kind of care and recovery he’ll need.
He worked hard every day trying to build a life for our family and now we’re just staying afloat. The last thing I want is for him to stress about over money. He is an amazing father, a hard worker, and the kind of man that would give the shirt off his back for anyone else.
We are very grateful he went to the ER when he did or he might not be here today if not.
Even if you can’t donate, sharing this, sending prayers, good vibes, or just kind words means the world to us. We’re incredibly thankful for any help during this time.
