--- title: Becoming a Heart Health Advocate date: 2022-11-10T22:16:35-05:00 author: OBOS Admin canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-becoming-a-heart-health-advocate" section: "Stories & Conversations" --- [Donate](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/donate) [Stories & Conversations](/stories-conversations)# Becoming a Heart Health Advocate TC discusses why she became an advocate for heart health as she shares her own experience of being diagnosed with congestive heart failure. ## Transcript **TC:** Yes, I am a heart advocate, I am also a congestive heart patient and I have dilated and systolic congestive heart failure, and I just want to be here as a voice for the ladies they don't know how to speak for themselves, because I was once one of those ladies that suffered in silence and didn't know that we needed someone to speak on our behalf. **OBOS Today:** You know when, in your life, did you first start having issues with your heart? **TC:** Would you like for me to share my heart story? **OBOS Today:** I would. **TC:** Okay let's do that. Six years ago, I thought I was having upper respiratory problems, so I went to an urgent care thinking, okay they're going to give me some antibiotics and I’ll be on my way. Went to the urgent care, got there, the doctor did an X-Ray. Asked me what my symptoms was, and I told him the night before I was having problems, every time that I laid down, I was basically strangling. And I could not breathe, and so he said, “Okay well let's do a couple of X-rays and see if we can figure out what's going on,” he did do the X-rays. After doing the X-rays, he asked me did I drive myself to the urgent care? And I said, “No, I didn't, I came with my,” it was my boyfriend, at the time who's now my husband. I said, “Why are you asking?” He said, “Well, I’d like to bring him in, and share some things with him.” No problem. We brought him in. After bringing him in, he told him, “I think we need to send her to a hospital,” but I live in a suburb of Houston, the Pearland area, and he said, “But not one of the boutique hospitals here, you need to take her to a hospital in the medical center.” So, at this point I’m kind of asking them what's going on, I have upper respiratory infection, you know. And he said, “No that's not what I’m seeing, but I really don't want to get into what I’m see.” He gave me that information on a jump drive and told me to go to a medical center, pick any hospital that I like in the medical center. And he was very specific about in the medical center. So, I did just that. We went to the medical center, got there, gave them my jump drive, and said, “Hey I came from urgent care, they told me to give you guys this and you know what to do with it." I did that gave that. Gave them jump drive, and they looked at me and asked me, “Did you walk in here on your own?” and I was like, “Yeah, I did,” “Can you breathe” “Yes, I can.” And five days later, I was diagnosed with familial congestive heart thing. And basically, what that is, it's hereditary, my dad actually died from a massive heart attack at 45 and we probably, we believe, now that it was probably congestive heart failure untreated. **OBOS Today:** Wow. How old you are? I think I missed that when this was, when you had this experience. **TC**: I’m 60 now. Yeah, so it was six years ago. **OBOS Today:** Six years ago. ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics - [ heart health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/heart-health) - [ chronic conditions](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/chronic-conditions) - [ diverse experiences of chronic health conditions](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/diverse-experiences-of-chronic-health-conditions) - [ advocating for our heart health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/advocating-for-your-heart-health) - [heart disease](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/heart-disease) - [BIPOC (black, indigenous, and people of color)](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/bipoc-black-indigenous-and-people-of-color) - [Black / African American](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/black-african-american) - [stories & conversations](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/stories-conversations) ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** - We rigorously evaluate all content - We embrace a reproductive justice framework - We don’t accept ads or sell products - We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry - We counter misinformation and disinformation - We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality [read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us) Share [](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();) ##### More to Explore [ResourcesRead ## Ten Things Every LGBT Older Adult Should Know about Heart Disease This factsheet provides tips for maintaining heart health, with a particular focus on LGBT older adults. ![pexels-centre-for-ageing-better-11674389](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAEeElEQVRIiXVWzbK1NgyTDV/f/7266bpv0UXbQ2xJXTjh3v4xGYbDAclSROL49ZefAdiWJEuiJIkWLcIKK6CEE85AAgGEDUCS5Kaq+bSe6k/xU/0pPsVFtZQAbBj/e/g/fhjz2vfbPjcNnJONez82t7wHfFjtgM9bQMB2YD8zGPO39zVka+7Ktm+9xF/D57Uj7eDZiC8OW7ZgQbJtybItax+WdPtb7fLfLiC8imw75mrr3Yj/GBQlSqRaaurma5k2rgwfnaFDsA0Y7C1nEGfw+2g12a2WbupYpP3OET5FOuycK8CwgJjYGZJFv6Bsdaub3aw5858EkGDaMmTIYcPS/AcDzp0ZWJZMbWi+0MVqVnF1F3U3sQvyLtzCRCGkkMLK8QvWDujOD+VvtbNLXexiVdeq1Szpbg0+LMA2bQlnhJQTFAtwnEzDlvGaPrhdXdWreq16qp/qEu/izuk2ndsccJc/ro1FYRuIyYK2gm6ewk/tq9eqp2tRd9M7eXqt10aXYtYMcyxKbxGT/WPRtqVX1+qNvtZT/ZB3tY9H3s5QkIJKMUSbEHfIgDjfuWTS/SpYU37XqvWsZ61P1UPei2dx+OZ7kEFKTNFqjAI7RsEppqlD0H3Qa9UajqqHfVfr1Rx/Jxh0q3ck7cAhGKk0yW726l7d1VVVq2qttdaz1ucQ7JJCghhikEmmOtWX2uJl2Q7jJaBAma35rrq6q3r1K6HWWl0vwYEWgwwx2clB78u0dFmHIGxQIN1D0P3GaE/FWrU+1XVXcwhCPOX3oKfaqqOAttMIxztfvRWMTbNQlKpUi/2oH9W6qwk7LJihDnZoCCpZVnlcsi5bnoUovOfL2gSlGSxxmct83B/zubt6W2QOehz0S+XhMPO7AoQV8kyyRJpttlRWQQWt0JP6pD53dwOAx58hqF3+VlB2X6LhNBKBiatiVlOJB7qhgiu80s+Fz40/huCd5A7Wa5G4pCUtq20lfBlCBBIOOTjpnTS74QpUojLqjnXHnz/F718EocbMASu5kpVa5rIX1DYv2Ig8BHs3ki3BBTTQgU7UHXXn+nF94N9ufinoUIF1LFqpMh+7oJqN7gKMDGQgZwvd+zwaqIzO6My+su5cP11/BJ5bXWcOGodAw6FlLWvBZQthIByZSCCB1O48NLVHdEZf2ffVP65l/x6Bm/xSADZUsTnWxQUt6AEKUMCIMNJxRVzYImwoghHMYGZf2Xf2j7uMCuE2+2xWDRbYIyJYfhWgAoyxJy7gSlzANd81wkBHdERn8rp4qW+XgRRuHQVWg211qMEKlVnQgp9wRTDgQEZcyBtQhICcZmwrSF6pK3VflNtABG6L00NBbRFsc+I0n0yFi14RnQEqI+94W73JFIxghCKUyWtoLv6bQLvhFaEO7WmXK7BkKpHI3fMFpvZpYgY9UiFnOtOXaQOB29qrqf22RJx9WOpQy51oR8twXAISaUTMBCAAjGMBRyjCmUo7DRj36WBP62B5usbdfMngDOytL316ysCmCBjhCEfgPWfAwF8/+dlDkZzctgAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==) This factsheet provides tips for maintaining heart health, with a particular focus on LGBT older adults.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/10-things-lgbt-heart-disease) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Dealing with Difficult Menstrual Cycles CB shares her story of experiencing difficult menstrual cycles as a teenager. ![Menstruation](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAADdElEQVRIiW2WUZarSAxDJYfFzf9s7S23S3c+bAOdN2maUwFiWbaswn/+/QfNBxACgCAgJH0WIacXCiQCgZA6AJYsS7JkSbJRab5I7OLvj/9e+OvCHdbvJ6zrHRT9epxn5cY3+w+2+yf/g/7k6utO/wuBrwQbpqO/7jSyxX3Jr4Wkq5gsYM7hea7jeVavuC5N9XnuMTDeLB6ATpk7N55Gzc1Xzd9AEpM+krGW4GJcxUbXaEIov9Ppk/frduMpq4WQxSaHtznfAOkow4BfPVgR+qmaXlJgckKmc+ABkBQB8wPuEo2eJ7rdXPrqE3oBJLAx1srs+mwP9DSDEuhNwja2sLtYs75ZwQMANsIaBnmCR1jUqHtHdAvTcVWv9UOm20sDNJ5swVV0ZVQvJhYy9tMGy1OcOS+VUS2mxZr35Fq6nB4WWjk2Vh/a84ZdVdlWeZpiSRjbnX4JnNwYl/O2KgTq9JHqnot70rYDg3P3/jXJbOFA9jfAHEbGkapl1zP04m4PhXtWsJUb4baHSwvw65hBuCUkM5b3q1p9q4frjrs+2XEvnaxcoEMPwNqDpXSO0/65P6FtjxeN1dyW01ZBeKLrEZqKnTLbntkIHi5+eY7vIerM9zuCK0lLE94yRvRutBVqZbZUutQ1ad+GD3KLfp0HuJgSgdhdMDJ4H+3ROlOpYfBIwN1MhFvsnWoG6jovBrPfiji4WbYEa5pxvKLE1TK6HWZKoOy2TpfotIyIgESJwMEQ6XNvPFOrPluy6jbFMcgBCMwhuE5O30aE0AAK/UYwU8HdDMu+LNmgyu7+XfJ+9+i3kq5Rrp8OKNHRyZAUFNTox10gLcan61Tjc8tg3niGBJDrnDME9FBDkaCkkijz8ej+mHaidt70ZcZj8q5Pc7l+chZ/C5cjpfdAl5TPzqdL7QfHSB+3y7VhjG76rWyiB0ZFOwY5SsQRp7VIuRXbkSZ32SoRValmI0ZPil2lEMR1bgaJcpQjjhITGZc9ZMqyVFZJZaJPO6/HS5VR4htmGUhEiRLn6Bw3jOSygrBUdtmRY2delzrveVfZDn8DECHPkB2f+BzlR4mFyjPMLvljxxU7UlPTbg899LlH7JbqlTaFkf7ALAlUJWyX6+OKijmMspa8DPZv+91W0RM9exnsIIczHKVSoc+MhzuVguAZwcfb3rbZw/sfXqjyomaotUQAAAAASUVORK5CYII=) CB shares her story of experiencing difficult menstrual cycles as a teenager.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/your-story-menstruation-cb) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## It Was Like Somebody Turned on a Faucet CB discusses the process of finding a treatment for her painful periods and heavy bleeding, until discovering that they were caused by fibroids and cysts. ![Period Blood](data:image/png;base64,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) CB discusses the process of finding a treatment for her painful periods and heavy bleeding, until discovering that they were caused by fibroids and cysts.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/living-with-irregular-menstrual-cycles) [ResourcesRead ## A Report on American Indian and Alaska Native LGBT Adults in the US A report on American Indian and Alaska Native LGBT adults in the United States, with information on how aging and care impact those populations and communities. ![48382470241_7c511908e5_c](data:image/png;base64,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) A report on American Indian and Alaska Native LGBT adults in the United States, with information on how aging and care impact those populations and communities.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-report-on-american-indian-and-alaska-native-lgbtqia-adults-in-the-us) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Dealing with Contraception Side Effects MT shares her experience using birth control to treat heavy, painful periods. She addresses problems with the first birth control pill that she tried. ![My Story- Dealing With Contraception Side Effects](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAFP0lEQVRIiWVWwY5ktw2sovS6Zwzkmv+/5JirfyhGHMSLjbPe7XmSyKoc9Hp2NiYIQWi8riIpiSz+/Pe/RbAf7eV+e3m9/fR6f329v77e7/fjdhytRZC2q2qtNc55vp2Px9vj8Xh8ezwej/N8jHlmDiMZiu7e47hF79F6RGPHZfywufaG8dH8w94AYBvPHeD9q/3hswD5I/r19f7nXj6a/rRu+wi7ebf1HTJ34OYOyE8O2zJtyP7u2qukvUqy4dAm4jMuGOwEdxLe4ZtPaMigQNqy5JKrpFJJVU+XajNAgChafi8AjA4EQSA2h325LgKTkFzlKpeUpayqqr2+GyDAIehDzexniQDCcZXIkLYbIGFduMq81pWVWStzb6oKrAazRRMlWLZgohOB7xmETe3whSrYBq3yDnyV1oWba313KUkBiIIqLvRnBpvgiS5akFACZQGwJa3USq1Va+VcNVduX2uttaSMEMAIVJPKapZAPgm867OrL5QQMsohG6660GfWhT5zzDXnmnOtuewVYYDRoIoqt7LDuq6piX28V+xs5QoDFiGrSis3eo6VY+aY6/Ixcy17tWagRbC3pi6VFSbd/Y7+vfougbXfpW1l1Vo1V81Zc+aca8wcY53nHGPWGnC2DkKtMbN6qpojDLh/DP+9+lEGd4qWlam5as6cK8fMc64x5jnmGHOcM9ck8igQR2uRvWWqNUWYcLdpkKJMCSqoXGHDETYsVV6lr6s4I8+xzjHfzjHPUWsQqYMkeovee/WqpgjB7DKIHbsllLzDb5BEQ6V9ea6z3cd7jnWe8zzneBtaZ7BcEURvcfSevVoUGTD6fg6EKZTMcoRBGQHKcFWtrLlqzZozd/XHuc5znW9jPM5aZ2P53oLorR396D1btItAuhofywornCEDYYOwVarn9c8riZG7+udjnI+hdTamqzfi6H0eq/ejtU6mjV5lEgCKYpCxe59kgtcVylVr1Zq1Zl63aKzxNs+3+fbt1Hj0SNTRg/3ox3HMvlprBCX0KpG0CZIUyD0nIgBCrk2Qq3LlWk+OkeNc52Ocf5x1Pnos1K03Hkcfx6333qIB7PJHgu99r8EKgpaqqjIzV2VW7jY0c42c5xrf5vnft/zja28n6947j+M4jltvPaIBVKlXisR+FcA132zGkyB3a87MVbWqVuWsnLnONb/N8e9zffnc8OA6em/H7XYct9Z7RBio6j2zSES47QHBPfHoAGhdKVTtdpoXR82qs9aXNb48Bh4NiN/Wcf/tdv+RoNc7gYwAGmkgmuMi8PsoKOXVtZ2lVTWy/pMTj/NZ2v7L2/HT7/1+b0dnUHY/es9MkhG8JjwbYFhu3I1IVcryNSflklNY8pC+ZOLrCRggcAC3f306Xl/a0UjI6nm8ZxCACZMm2u5O5JOgSlUovbtLmDKqsE5gALszH1/QP/8SR983sB+3K4MWAgIMspEmAg0kbLnq6iHPQQqJJSwDMjCAP4AJHMAB9H8gXv6JsJz9duuVRcLBfQBBRLjg60ZZrh/Qd09ngbn1CSYAYACfnxzx60T7Rf5rv788M2gkzWgtUOGgDWJLAL2jG9pjD7Qjvc82nxrrK/CyCb6Cn0r+tb+89KoiCZNEBCrQwqIJxn7UEizYtLYEox0GhYAJ6IOi/ATc95j8BBH9L+d+yQAiCgq48QIkHaD9FAibw5dG25rsg+h8t8/ADQjAv+FY6JKCNCVBl6rgVk5blm75wUvY4uKAw5cm/D97A74BB0BAv6NbVoAbSx/FLHbDvmTmR7n9TvYn9G0P4Ken7P0fIrpelaWC+2gAAAAASUVORK5CYII=) MT shares her experience using birth control to treat heavy, painful periods. She addresses problems with the first birth control pill that she tried.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-dealing-with-contraception-side-effects) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Coping With Heavy Periods as a Child MT describes how she coped with the heavy and painful periods she experienced growing up before being able to take birth control. ![My Story- Coping With Heavy Periods as a Child](data:image/png;base64,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) MT describes how she coped with the heavy and painful periods she experienced growing up before being able to take birth control.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-coping-with-heavy-periods-as-a-child) [ResourcesRead ## A Toolbox for Coping with Anxiety amid Heart Failure Our Bodies Ourselves content expert Maggie Teliska offers tools to cope with anxiety, from the perspective of a heart failure patient. ![lenin-estrada-GCpyNh39kOc-1024x683](data:image/png;base64,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) Our Bodies Ourselves content expert Maggie Teliska offers tools to cope with anxiety, from the perspective of a heart failure patient.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-toolbox-for-coping-with-anxiety-amid-heart-failure) [ResourcesRead ## The Social Determinants of Health in Breast Cancer Care A survey of community-based, organizational, and clinical barriers to care demonstrates that life stressors impact treatment and health outcomes, something holistic practitioners have known for a very long time. ![African American mother covering face while sitting by unpaid bills, children playing behind her at home.](data:image/png;base64,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) A survey of community-based, organizational, and clinical barriers to care demonstrates that life stressors impact treatment and health outcomes, something holistic practitioners have known for a very long time.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/social-determinants-breast-cancer-care)